Whitecourt Town Council Update June 24, 2025

Whitecourt has launched the AGENT Program designed to enhance community safety while supporting local businesses.  The Authorized General Enforcement for Nuisances and Trespassing (AGENT) Program enables RCMP and Whitecourt Municipal Enforcement Services to act as agents for participating local businesses.  Trespassing is a common issue faced by property owners, which can result in property damage and other unlawful activities.  This program allows officers and peace officers to act on behalf of participating businesses under Alberta legislation, and leverage the Trespass to Premises Act and the Petty Trespass Act to lawfully remove individuals.  Information on how to apply to the AGENT Program is available on our website.  https://www.whitecourt.ca/live/public-safety/rcmp-crime-prevention-programs

The Economic Development Committee presented a semi-annual report to Council on current initiatives and updates on projects undertaken in 2025.  The report is available to view on https://www.whitecourt.ca/business.

Whitecourt Manual Osteopathy Ltd. has been awarded $10,000 through the Whitecourt Launch Grant Program to expand its services and supports with the addition of a cryotherapy machine.  Whitecourt Launch provides additional financial support for business development projects that stimulate business retention, growth and expansion.  Thank you to all the businesses that applied and shared their ideas!

Kaon Infrastructure Ltd. has been awarded the contract to complete the 47 Street Sewer Line Replacement Project at a contract price of $378,862.10, plus GST.  The project involves replacing 160 metres of aging sewer pipe to restore proper gravity flow and improve the overall performance of the sewer collection system.

Whitecourt is purchasing a new tandem truck, per the fleet replacement plan, from Commercial Truck and Velocity Co. at a cost of $312,829 plus GST.

Whitecourt is purchasing a new Zamboni from Industrial Machine for $171,925, plus GST.

The annual review of Off-Site Levies is complete and, based on the study, rates will be changing as of January 1, 2026.  Off-Site Levies are a cost recovery tool that to help pay for infrastructure projects that allow the community to grow, including roads, and water and sewage treatment.

Council has adopted a new Power Franchise Fee Five-Year Plan.  Franchise fees are paid in exchange for giving FortisAlberta and ATCO Gas Pipelines Ltd. exclusive right to supply power and gas distribution and Whitecourt, and compensates the municipality for the companies’ use of municipal right of ways.  In an effort to better align the rates, Council has adopted a 5% five-year plan for the power franchise fee.

The 2025 20-Year Capital and Major Maintenance Plan has been adopted.  The Plan, which includes 150 projects, provides a vision for the long-term development of Whitecourt’s infrastructure; land development; parks and trails; and, building and recreational/cultural facilities to meet the needs of our growing community.  The Plan incorporates projects and timelines identified through engineering studies, planning sessions, workshops, budget deliberations, and public engagement activities.  The Plan is available to view at https://www.whitecourt.ca/your-town

Records Retention and Destruction Bylaw 1492 has been amended to include legislative updates.

Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw 1551 has been updated to include updated rates for Off-Site Levies, arena bookings, and cat trap rentals.

Town Council has adopted a new Electronic Signature Policy; and, approved edits to the Audit Services policy to match industry standards.