Whitecourt Town Council Update - September 23, 2025

Whitecourt will be applying to the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta for funding for two projects:

• Development of a Wildfire Resilience Toolkit – This will be targeted to developers, builders and homeowners to promote FireSmart principles during permitting and construction phases. The Toolkit will include educational materials, and facilitated sessions.
• Vegetation Management Program – Funding will be allocated to hire the 2026 FireSmart Summer Crew to promote FireSmart principles and complete vegetation management projects in the Centennial Park and Southlands Park area.

A delegation from the Whitecourt/Yubetsu Cultural Exchange presented Council with highlights of their recent trip to Japan.  The Whitecourt/Yubetsu Twinning Exchange Program provides residents of both communities the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture. 

Since 2005, the Government of Alberta has funded the Whitecourt Family Violence Stakeholders group to provide the Family Violence Initiative.  It uses best and promising practices to deliver services and supports to prevent and reduce family violence/sexual violence and promote safe, healthy, equitable relationships. The supports the Initiative provides, including a court coordination program for domestic violence cases and the New Hope program, are unique in Alberta in the way the programs work to provide not only support and rehabilitation to the victim, but also to the perpetrator to help end the cycle of family violence.  The Town was recently notified that a recent grant request to extend funding for the program was unsuccessful, and that the current funding will expire this month.  Whitecourt Town Council has allocated funds from a reserve to continue the program to the end of 2025, and will be advocating to the Province for funding so that the program can continue into 2026.

Whitecourt is applying to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for funding a portion of the specialized theatre equipment for the Culture & Events Centre.  The equipment will enhance the physical, technological, and safety of the Culture & Events, and create the first fully equipped performance space of its kind in the region.

Council received a letter from a local youth who is learning to drive about painted road markings throughout the community.   A letter of response will be sent to the resident regarding current practices and standards.

The Whitecourt Land Use Bylaw has been amended to be compliant with recent legislative changes to the Election Act.

Council has approved a one-year exemption to Sagitawah RV Park’s operating season, allowing the Park to operate throughout this winter season (from October 16, 2025 to May 14, 2026).  This approval is subject to a number of conditions as part of the Development Permit approval process.

A Special Meeting of Council to discuss the 2026 Budget has been rescheduled to Tuesday, October 7 at 4pm.

Council has adopted a new personnel policy manual.

Whitecourt Town Council is currently recruiting for members on the following Council Committees:

• Communities in Bloom;
• Community Services Advisory Board;
• Economic Development Committee;
• Health Professionals Attraction and Retention Committee;
• Municipal Planning Commission;
• Town of Whitecourt Library Board;
• Youth Advisory Board (deadline to apply to this Board is October 9, 2025).

For details and a copy of the application form visit our website.  The deadline to apply is October 20, 2025. 

Council has adopted a new Procedure Bylaw that aligns Town meeting processes with recent changes to the Municipal Government Act.

Council has scheduled a workshop for September 29 to discuss the impact recent changes to the Municipal Government Act will have on Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks.

Council has approved street closures for the Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade on November 15 and the Christmas Is For Kids event on November 29.  Details on road closures will be posted closer to the event dates.

Council has approved a request from the Whitecourt Mountain Bike Association to utilize the $150,000 matching contribution for the road access and parking, and any remaining funds be used for the skills park and trail development on a 50/50 matching basis.