Council Highlights

Regular Meeting of Council – November 24, 2025

 

Council Highlights – November 24, 2025

Regular Meeting of Council

STAFF REPORTS

Motion Action Item List

At the recent Regular Meeting of Council, staff presented a Motion Action Item List. This list includes all actionable motions from the past two years, along with the current progress of each item.

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with a clear overview of the status of motions and ensure they remain aligned with the direction previously given to administration.

 

BUSINESS

Council Meeting Schedule

Because not all Council members were present at the October 27, 2025 Organizational Meeting, the decision on meeting schedules was brought forward to the November 24, 2025 Regular Meeting for approval.

Council approved Option 2, keeping Regular Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings at 6:30 pm every third Monday, with adjustments for holidays and conferences. July and August will have one Regular Meeting and no Committee of the Whole.

View the full Council calendar on the Town of Fox Creek website.

 

Fox Creek Renews Membership with Northern Alberta Elected Leaders (NAEL)

At the November 24, 2025 Regular Meeting, Council voted to renew the Town of Fox Creek’s membership with Northern Alberta Elected Leaders (NAEL) for 2026. The annual fee for Fox Creek, based on our population of 1,639, is $600.

What is NAEL?

NAEL is a coalition of elected representatives from 40 municipalities across northwest Alberta, working together on issues that matter to our region—such as economic development, transportation infrastructure, education, and homelessness. The group meets three times a year to share updates, explore opportunities, and strengthen collaboration across communities.

Why stay involved?
Council recognizes the value NAEL provides through:

  • Networking with other municipalities and industry partners
  • Learning about common challenges and best practices
  • Working together as the North to advocate for regional priorities

 

Council Supports Affordable Housing Initiatives

At the November 24, 2025 Regular Meeting, Council directed Administration to provide a Letter of Support to Heart River Housing for the construction of Red Willow Lodge and the development of affordable housing in the region.

Background:
Heart River Housing requested a formal reaffirmation of municipal commitment to the 2021 strategic direction previously endorsed. This includes support for the next major project—an addition to Red Willow Lodge—outlined in the strategic plan.

By approving this letter, Council reinforces its commitment to addressing housing needs and supporting sustainable, affordable housing solutions for residents across the region.

 

Council Advocates for Fairview Campus

At the November 24, 2025 Regular Meeting, Council directed Administration to send a formal Letter of Support to the Minister of Advanced Education and other key stakeholders requesting a moratorium on the decision to close Northwestern Polytechnic’s Fairview Campus.

Background:
Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) announced plans to close the Fairview Campus in summer 2026, citing financial challenges, deferred maintenance exceeding $100 million, low enrollment, and high delivery costs. This closure would significantly impact northern Alberta communities by reducing access to education, limiting skilled workforce development, and affecting regional economic stability.

Fox Creek has long benefited from NWP programs that support trades and technical training. Many local residents attended Fairview for trades education because of its proximity and family housing options, making it practical and affordable. Losing this campus would limit opportunities for students and industries that rely on skilled labour.

Regional Response:
Municipalities across northern Alberta are calling for:

  • A full review of the closure decision
  • Stakeholder consultation
  • A third-party financial audit
  • A review of rural program delivery best practices

By joining this advocacy effort, Fox Creek supports continued access to education in rural Alberta and the long-term sustainability of skilled trades training.

 

Council Approves Temporary Closure of Fox Creek Airport Runway

At the November 24, 2025 Regular Meeting, Council directed Administration to close the Fox Creek Airport runway to fixed-wing operations for the remainder of the 2025–2026 winter season, while keeping the helipad open and cleared for STARS and other emergency helicopter use.

Why the change?

  • Very low runway use: About one fixed-wing aircraft movement every two months
  • Safety concerns: Only 50% of runway edge lights are operational, creating risk for night or low-visibility landings
  • High maintenance costs: Snow clearing and inspections require significant staff and equipment, competing with priority snow removal in town
  • No revenue: The Town does not collect landing fees or have an on-site operator

The helipad will remain fully operational for emergency medical flights and industry use, requiring far less maintenance and providing consistent value to the community.

 

BYLAWS AND POLICIES

Council Approves Updated Snow Removal Policy

At the November 24, 2025 Regular Meeting, Council approved P089-2025 Snow Removal Policy, replacing the previous version from 2016.

Why was it updated?
The old policy no longer reflected current operations. Since 2016, the Town has seen changes in equipment capabilities, staffing levels, and service expectations. Administration completed a full review to ensure the policy aligns with today’s needs and best practices.

What’s new?

  • Updated priorities for the airport and several road segments based on current usage and critical infrastructure
  • Descriptive approach: Instead of rigid rules, the policy now sets clear priorities and service expectations while giving Administration flexibility to respond to changing winter conditions
  • Improved clarity: An updated map highlights priority routes and operational boundaries

This modernized policy ensures efficient snow removal, better resource allocation, and safer winter conditions for residents.

The new policy and the approved priority map are available on the Town of Fox Creek website.

 

The next regular meeting of Council will be held December 15, 2025. We look forward to seeing you there!