Committee of the Whole Highlights May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025  

Regional Policing Quarterly Report – County Regional Enforcement Services were joined by representatives from the Grande Prairie Rural and Beaverlodge RCMP Detachments to present first quarter 2025 reports to the Committee. 

Regional Enforcement Services – County Regional Enforcement Services reported the following highlights from January to March 2025: 

• • 408 total occurrences, down from 411 during the same period in 2024 

• • 847 tickets issued, down from 1,113 during the same period in 2024 

• • $232,135 in fines issued, down from $315,919 during the same period in 2024; $97,649.59 in fines paid, up from $92,547.47 during the same period in 2024 

• • 2,182 calls logged, up from 1,935 during the same period in 2024 

• • 1,667 vehicles checked (969 passenger, 206 commercial, 492 greenspace) 

• • 187 animals admitted to the Regional Animal Pound, down from 189 during the same period in 2024 

Notable enforcement actions included a $4,100 fine for an overloaded commercial vehicle and a 159 km/h speeding violation in an 80 km/h zone. 

First Quarter Economic Development Report — The Committee received an information report from Administration outlining the Economic Development activities undertaken including securing $1.9 million in grants for economic development activities offering direct local business support and business retention and expansion initiatives. The report also highlighted key projects planned for the remainder of the year. 

Economic Development Business Retention and Expansion Survey — Administration presented to the Committee the Economic Development Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) survey, which provided a detailed analysis of the County’s efforts in business retention and expansion, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and historical trends. 

First Quarter Financial Report — Administration presented the County’s 2025 first quarter financial report, including year-to-date revenues expenditures, and capital spending compared to the approved budget. 

Seniors and Accessibility Transportation Policy Updated — The Committee directed Administration to amend Policy G14 – Seniors and Accessible Transportation Operating Assistance Grant as presented, and to bring the amended policy to a future Council meeting for consideration. The updates clarify funding eligibility, highlight expectations for service promotion, and emphasize the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) process as the appropriate mechanism for municipal transportation funding requests. 

Clairmont and Bear Lake Aeration — The Committee received an update from Administration on the feasibility of improving water quality at Clairmont and Bear Lakes. A specialist advised that extensive year-round studies and sampling would be required. No further action was taken at this time.  

Bear Lake Weir Instalment Update — The Committee received an update from Administration on the potential to build a new weir (a barrier used to control water levels) on Bear Lake. The original weir, installed in 1946, was removed in 2009 after it stopped functioning. The Committee took no action on the weir instalment for Bear Lake. 

Red Willow Falls Road Access Agreement Update — The Committee directed Administration to continue negotiating a long-term road access agreement with Cenovus Energy Inc. at Red Willow Falls, to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Forestry and Parks. 

Golden Years Club of Bezanson Grant Update — The Committee received an update from Administration on the Golden Years Club of Bezanson’s plans to pursue energy efficiency grants. efforts to explore energy efficiency grants and solar panels project. The group is not seeking Capital grant funding in 2025 for the solar panels project, as they are developing a broader project and may apply in 2026 if needed. 

Community Standards Bylaw Updated — The Committee directed Administration to amend Bylaw #3098 – Community Standards to add an offence related to grass length, along with a schedule identifying urbanized areas where the offence applies and associated fines. Originally approved in 2019 to promote neighbourhood livability and safety, the bylaw addresses concerns such as noise, waste, nuisance behaviour, and property upkeep. The proposed bylaw amendments will be brought to a future Council meeting for consideration.  

Canadian Sport Tourism Membership Opportunity — The Committee recommended that Council approve a $1,000 annual membership to Sport Canada Tourism for 2025 and include it as a recurring expense. The recommendation also includes adding the use of STEAM (Sport Tourism Economic Impact Assessment Model) reports to support community events and provide access to tools and training that will help the Recreation and Culture Department measure and plan for the economic impact of local sporting events. 

Development Permit Public Notification Process — The Committee received a report from Administration on the County’s current public notification practices under Bylaw 2680 – Land Use Bylaw. The Committee directed Administration to explore improvements to referral distances and notification methods for rezoning, subdivision, and development permit applications.