Council Highlights – May 12, 2025

Community Futures Presentation

Community Futures Yellowhead East presented their annual report, showcasing their achievements across the region, program successes, and future plans.

STAFF REPORTS

Community Services

The Community Services team continues to provide essential programs to residents. Council recognized their efforts in hosting The Power Within—a celebration of resilience, mental health, and community support—which was fully funded by the Red Cross Grant. Council expressed appreciation for the staff’s dedication to securing funding and organizing the successful event.

Recreation

  • Multiplex facility attendance was lower due to a shorter ice season, which previously supported the Oilers Clinic in 2024.
  • Fitness center usage saw a major increase—up 18% (201 more users) compared to 2024.
  • RV Campground bookings increased by 80% (59 additional camping nights) compared to the previous year.
  • Smoke and Iosegun Lake Campgrounds are now open, and docks have been installed.
  • Flower baskets are expected to arrive next week, with crews preparing for their placement.

Operations

The Town welcomed Jaden Marshall as the new Director of Operations on April 28, 2025.

Recent department updates include:

  • Sidewalk assessment is underway, with a report expected to guide future capital projects and repairs.
  • Street sweeping has begun, with multiple passes planned to ensure thorough cleaning.
  • Dust control measures include additional gravel and road grading in industrial areas, with calcium chloride application scheduled for May 14–16.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Report

Key updates from the CAO:

  • Alberta Motor Truck Association Conference – Discussions focused on accommodation for large trucks, improved signage, and the potential development of a truck stop within the community.
  • Grant Funding – A $56,025 grant was secured through the Small Communities Opportunity Fund for a Retail Gap Analysis and Economic Diversification Study.
  • Water Treatment Plant Upgrades – Designs finalized and going out for tender soon.
  • Municipal Election Preparation – A comprehensive candidate package and a dedicated election webpage have been created.
  • Emergency Preparedness BBQ – The well-attended event provided valuable information to the community, BBQ sponsored by Pembina.

BUSINESS

Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation – Ken Sargent House Initiative

Council invited the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation to apply for the 2026 Grants to Groups program for funding support.

LiveBarn – Fox Creek Greenview Multiplex

The Fox Creek Greenview Multiplex will soon offer an enhanced experience for hockey players, families, and fans with the installation of a Live Barn System in the Pembina Arena.

LiveBarn is a fully automated, AI-driven live-streaming solution designed for youth and amateur sports, allowing spectators to watch games remotely while also generating revenue to support the facility.

Following discussion, Council directed Administration to proceed with the installation, ensuring that hockey enthusiasts will have an additional streaming option for the upcoming winter season.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting addition!

 

Golf Course Road Closure & Paramount Bridge

Following notification from Paramount Resources Inc. regarding the closure of the bridge on Golf Course Road, Council directed Administration to follow up with a letter expressing concerns about the impact of this decision.

Key concerns included:

Emergency response access – The bridge provides an important route for first responders.

Evacuation route – An alternative exit for the community in case of emergency.

Access to Iosegun Lake Campground – A popular local recreation area.

Access to Fox Creek Landfill – Used by residents and businesses.

Commuter routes – Frequently traveled by community members heading to work.

After extensive discussion, Council reiterated that the Town is not in a financial position to repair the bridge, as it remains under Paramount’s control. However, Administration has been directed to engage with industry and provincial partners to explore potential solutions for keeping the roadway and bridge open.

At this time, Paramount has officially closed access to the roadway and bridge. Updates will be shared as discussions progress.

 

Fleet Truck Purchase

As part of the 2025 Capital Budget discussions, Council approved the purchase of two new fleet trucks to ensure reliable and efficient municipal operations.

Council directed Administration to explore available options and determine the most effective fleet solution. After thorough evaluation, Administration recommended moving forward with the purchase, totaling $120,000.

Current Fleet Overview:

  • The Town operates 21 vehicles, including medium-duty trucks.
  • The fleet’s average age is 12.6 years, with 16 vehicles exceeding 10 years in service.
  • The Town’s average fleet holding period is 21 years.

To enhance performance and reliability, two older vehicles will be retired as part of the transition. This strategic investment ensures that municipal services continue operating efficiently while maintaining a modernized fleet.

 

Lift Station 3 Upgrades

The Town experienced a significant failure at Lift Station 3, which had the potential to cause sewage backup across a large portion of the downtown core. Thanks to the quick response and expertise of the Utility Department, the issue was mitigated through temporary fixes, allowing the station to be restored to operation before major impacts occurred.

This incident highlighted the urgent need for substantial repairs to ensure the long-term reliability of the facility. To prevent further failures, immediate work was identified to address concerns and maintain the station’s effectiveness.

Due to the time-sensitive nature of the repairs and the risks associated with delays, Administration informed Council that immediate action was necessary. To facilitate this, funding was sourced from the Wastewater Reserve, a designated fund for emergent infrastructure costs.

Steps Taken:

  • Trusted contractors were consulted, ensuring repairs were carried out efficiently and to high standards.
  • Final cost of upgrades: $170,000, funded through the Wastewater Reserve.
  • Council formally approved funding, prioritizing long-term stability and operational safety.

These upgrades will ensure continued service reliability, preventing future disruptions and safeguarding critical wastewater infrastructure for the community.

 

Website Overhaul

During the 2025 Capital Budget discussions, Council acknowledged the need for a Website Overhaul and approved $15,000 for the project. This investment is designed to:

Enhance communication with the public

Streamline workflow for staff

Reinforce transparency in Council operations

Administration is moving forward with the upgrades, ensuring a user-friendly experience that will improve accessibility and efficiency.

Exciting Addition: A New Town App! As part of the website overhaul, a dedicated app will be developed to further strengthen communication and provide easy access to key municipal information and services.

Stay tuned for more updates as this project progresses!

 

BYLAWS & POLICIES

Bylaw 884-2025 – Property Tax Bylaw Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw 884-2025, maintaining the current Mill Rate with no increase for 2025.

Despite a drop in revenue from assessments, Council directed budget cuts to ensure continued delivery of expected service levels while reducing costs. These adjustments were achieved through operational budget reductions and additional grant funding, allowing many services to remain funded without increasing the tax burden.

The 2025 budget prioritizes the acceleration of long-term debt repayment and the development of Operating Reserves, ensuring financial stability for the community.

Council and Administration take pride in presenting a balanced budget that maintains current tax rates while addressing financial challenges.

Bylaw 885-2025 – Tax Penalty Bylaw Council approved the final reading, keeping tax penalty rates unchanged.

 

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mayor Gilmour, Councillor Hailes, Councillor Doran, and Councillor Norman, alongside CAO Milne, attended an in-person meeting with the Minister of Transportation to discuss key community priorities.

  • Intersection Improvements at Kaybob Drive & Highway 43 – Council emphasized the need for upgrades to enhance safety and traffic flow.
  • Speed Limit Reduction on Highway 43 – A request was made to lower the speed limit adjacent to Town boundaries to improve road safety.
  • Highway Maintenance Concerns – Council raised concerns about winter maintenance levels, seeking improvements for future seasons.

This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to advocate for critical infrastructure needs and ensure Town priorities remain at the forefront of regional planning.

 

Next Meeting: May 26, 2025

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on Monday, May 26, 2025. Council meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate—your voice matters in shaping the future of Fox Creek.