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Elected every four years, Lesser Slave River’s Reeve and Council members represent each community within Lesser Slave River. Council meets every second and fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss and resolve a wide range of municipal matters. Lesser Slave River's Council has a vision to sustain the municipality as a place where prosperity is the norm and where people are equipped to care for themselves, the land, and one another.

Selected by residents to represent the views, visions, and values for the future, your Council works to ensure decisions mirror community needs and interests. Council functions as a board of directors for the community, setting the strategic direction and then designing policies and strategies to achieve that direction.

Have your say: Council represents the interests of everyone in the community, so it’s important for councils to work together with their ratepayers to decide what is needed. Contact your local Councillor to see how you can help influence the growth and prosperity of your community.

Council Meeting Highlights by Download or Request

As soon as highlights from a Lesser Slave River Council meeting are approved, they are made available for the public to view and download via this section of the website. Please contact me if you wish to access any Council meeting highlights prior to 2015."

Lana Spencer
Executive Assistant

Life, Work and Leisure in Lesser Slave River

Downloadable Council minutes (PDF).

Council meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month and are open to the public. Meeting minutes are posted once they are approved by Council. Please note that the electronic versions of the minutes within this section are provided for information purposes only and are not the official versions. As such, the MD of Lesser Slave River is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of these documents, and they should not be used in place of certified copies. Certified copies may be obtained at the Main Administration Building.

Have your say: Council represents the interests of everyone in the community, so it’s important for councils to work with ratepayers to decide what is needed. Contact your Councillor today and help foster the growth and prosperity of your community.

Council Meeting Minutes by Download or Request

As soon as minutes from a Lesser Slave River Council meeting are approved, they are made available for the public to view and download via this section of the website. Please contact me if you wish to access any minutes prior to 2014."

Lana Spencer
Executive Assistant

Life, Work and Leisure in Lesser Slave River

Providing valuable guidance and expertise.

Lesser Slave River’s boards, committees, foundations, and commissions provide an invaluable service to the municipality by providing high-level guidance and expertise on specific policy areas or topics. In addition, one of the duties of a Councillor is to participate in various committees established by Council and meetings of other external boards and commissions to which the municipality is a member. Appointments of elected members are made annually at the organizational meeting of Council held in October or the meeting following the organizational meeting.

Council remains committed to representation on all MD boards and committees reflective of – and responsive to – our region’s residents and business owners. Public participation also contributes to the work of municipal government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns and viewpoints, are presented.

Board & Committee Appointments

• Click here to view the 2016-17 Board Committee Appointments
  • Click here to view the 2015-16 Board Committee Appointments
    • Click here to view the 2014-15 Board Committee Appointments

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    Relevant Forms

    • Committee Application Form [interactive]
      • Delegation Form [Interactive]

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      General Boards and Committees

      Agricultural Service

      
      Agricultural Service Board

      The purpose of this board is to promote agriculture for the MD and to assist with new projects. The board also sets goals and objectives, prepares a yearly budget, plans projects with the Agriculture Fieldman for the year, and assists with different workshops as well as completing the performance of the Agricultural Fieldman annually.

      

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      Veterinary Services Incorporated
      

      This is a program for veterinary service on domestic cattle, hogs, sheep and goats raised or grown for the production of food. The municipality (combined with grant funding) subsidizes eligible veterinary costs to producers resided within the MD.

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      Weed Control Act Appeal Panel & Agriculture Pest Act Appeal Committee
      

      An appeal process can be initiated by a person who has been given an inspector’s notice, local authority’s notice or debt recovery notice. An appeal will be heard and determined by an independent appeal panel. Local authorities are delegated to administer, direct and enforce within their jurisdiction.

      Waste Management

      
      Lesser Slave Regional Waste Management Services Commission

      The commission is made up of Town of Slave Lake and MD of Lesser Councillors to oversee the management of the landfill, formulate policy, and authorizes expenditures and budget.

      

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      Athabasca Regional Waste Management Services Commission
      

      The ARWMSC was established by a Provincial Government order in Council in 1999. The Waste Commission is a corporation under the MGA section 15.1 The commission is made up of members from Athabasca County, MD 124, Town of Athabasca and the Village of Boyle.

      

      Community Futures

      
      Community Futures – Slave Lake Region

      Community Futures are non-profit organizations guided by a volunteer board of directors and staffed with business professionals who together are actively engaged in helping to develop and implement community-based economic development strategies.

      

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      Community Futures – Tawatinaw
      

      Tawatinaw Community Futures is a not for profit government funded corporation and provides small business counseling, assistance with business plans, business loans, entrepreneurial training and community economic development assistance to community partners.

      

      Inter-Municipal Committees

      
      Inter-Municipal Committee

      This committee consists of members from both the M.D. and the Town of Slave Lake, where issues of mutual concern are discussed. The Committee strives to maintain a good working relationship between the two municipalities.

            

      Watersheds

      
      Lesser Slave Lake Watershed Council

      The Lesser Slave Lake Watershed Council is a non-profit group of volunteers who work with the provincial government to maintain the health of the Lesser Slave Watershed. Members of the council are representatives from towns, municipalities, first nation communities, industries, cottage owners, non-profit organizations as well as recreation and tourism groups who have an interest in how the waters of Lesser Slave Lake and its tributaries are managed. The Integrated Watershed Management Plan can be viewed Here.

      

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      Athabasca Watershed Council
      

      The AWC-WPAC is a designated Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) working in partnership with the Government of Alberta towards achieving the goals of the Water for Life strategy:

      • Safe, secure drinking water
      • Healthy aquatic ecosystems
      • Reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy

      

      Library Boards

      
      Peace Library System

      Peace Library System works cooperatively with municipalities and public libraries to stay on top of the trends and changes in the library world to assist libraries in offering the best possible services to their patrons.

      As a member of the Board, that member acts in a position of trust for the community, and is responsible for the effective governance of the Peace Library System. The Board consists of one appointee from each of the member participating municipalities and one representative of the Resource Library (Grande Prairie Public Library).

      

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      Slave Lake Regional Library Board
      

      The board consists of eight members. Their role is to formulate policy, oversee running of the Slave Lake and area libraries (including Smith and Flatbush libraries).

      

      Airport

      
      Slave Lake Airport Services Commission

      The purpose of the committee is to ensure that the Slave Lake airport remains open and remains at the standard and level of service the area requires. The committee consists of three members from the Town of Slave Lake and three members from the M.D. The Town of Slave Lake is responsible for the day to day operations.

      

      Planning & Development

      
      Subdivision & Development Appeal Board

      This board meets only when a Development Permit has been refused or the permit holder is unsatisfied with the conditions placed upon the development. When these hearings are held, any person affected by the development has the right to present.

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      Municipal Planning Commission
      

      The Commission acts as the Subdivision Authority for the Municipal District pursuant to the provisions of the Land Use Bylaw. Bylaw 2011-02 was created to establish a Municipal Planning Commission.

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      Upper Athabasca Steering Committee
      

      The Province of Alberta has been divided into regional land use planning regions. Each region will have a Regional Advisory Council (RAC), which will advise the Province on the creation of a regional land use plan. The RAC’s are made up of a variety of stakeholder representatives, including municipal representatives.

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      Lakeshore Management Committee
      

      The Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124 and the Municipal District of Big Lakes formed the Lakeshore Management Committee in an effort to get in front of the regional planning process as it affects the Lesser Slave Lake area. Some items discussed so far include the possible economic and tourism development among the lakeshore and the possibility of new hamlets in the M.D. of Big Lakes.

      Taxation & Assessment

      
      Local & Composite Assessment Review Board

      The Local Assessment Review Board is composed of trained local members that are appointed by Council. This board will hear complaints about non-assessment matters (e.g. local improvement tax); and assessments of residential properties with three or less dwelling units and farm land.

      The Composite Assessment Review Board is composed of two trained local members and one provincially approved member who will be the presiding officer. This board will hear complaints about assessments for all property in the municipality, excluding residential properties with three or less dwelling units and farm land (unless subject to the jurisdiction of the Municipal Government Board).

      Seniors & Housing

      
      Lesser Slave Lake Regional Housing Authority

      The authority strives to provide decent, low cost, subsidized housing programs to qualified applicants in the Lesser Slave Lake area.

      The authority is governed by a seven member board with representation from Councils of the MD of Opportunity, Town of Slave Lake, MD 124 as well citizens at large from the MD and TOSL, appointees of the B.E.S. Legion of Slave Lake and local representative of the Metis Nation of Alberta.

      

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      Homeland Housing
      

      Westlock Foundation is now merged with Sturgeon Foundation forming Homeland Housing. Homeland Housing manages seniors housing facilities and offers four different living options: Independent Living (Self-Contained apartments), Supportive Living (Lodge units), Supportive Housing (high-rise apartment and walk up apartment in Westlock), and Affordable Housing (apartments). It is our responsibility to ensure all residents receive the best possible care, with the utmost skill and efficiency, and with the greatest of personal consideration and tenderness. Homeland Housing is an amalgamation of Sturgeon Foundation and Westlock Foundation, which took effect on January 1, 2017. The Homeland Housing region includes: City of St. Albert, Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124, Sturgeon County, Town of Bon Accord, Town of Gibbons, Town of Legal, Town of Morinville, Town of Redwater, Town of Westlock, Village of Clyde and Westlock County.

      Economic Development

      
      Slave Lake Chamber of Commerce

      Slave Lake Chamber of Commerce is a self-sufficient, community focused organization providing leadership through innovative ideas, growing opportunities and supporting local commerce.

      

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      Northern Alberta Development Council/Northern Alberta Elected Leaders
      

      The Northern Alberta Development Council advances the promise of Alberta's North. NADC’s mandate is to help the region’s 150 communities and 350,000 people realize their rich potential and strengthen their diverse economies. The Council is made up of a dedicated group of provincial and local leaders and staff tasked with producing quality regional development information, supporting education and skills enhancement programs and building strategic partnerships.

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      Community Economic Development Initiative
      

      The purpose of CEDI is to build strong relationships between First Nations and their neighbouring municipalities, as well as encompass a joint economic development program to ensure economic sustainability into the future. By participating in the CEDI program, the MD of Lesser Slave River will be able to have economic development long-term strategic planning with the Sawridge First Nation and the Town of Slave Lake, as well as engage in peer mentoring, become a community of practice, and be eligible for community capacity-building grants. The outcomes of the program include a toolkit for other municipalities and First Nations in Canada to use to practice joint-economic development planning, and solution sheets to common challenges faced by such joint planning activities.

      Tri-Council Subcommittees

      
      Health Committee

      The Health  Committee will advocate for solutions to health related issues and concerns, to other levels of government, health care service deliverers, agencies and advisory bodies.

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      Regional Wellness Advisory Committee
      

      The Committee was formed to act in an advisory capacity to the Lesser Slave Lake Region by making recommendations pertaining to the community wellness matters. The Committee will provide advice and direction to the Regional Wellness Coordinator.

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      Economic Development Committee
      

      The EDC was formed to act in an advisory capacity to the Slave Lake Regional Tri-Council by making recommendations pertaining to economic development matters and to provide advice and direction to the Economic Development Officer in the development and implementation of an on economic development strategy and annual operational plan with the desire to generate balanced growth in a socially and environmentally responsible manner to the benefit of the Tri-Council member communities.

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      Lesser Slave Lake Region FireSmart Committee
      

      The FireSmart Committee is to take a holistic approach to the implementation of the philosophy, culture and practice of FireSmart to the Lesser Slave Lake Region. It will work towards reducing the risk to human life, communities, resources and infrastructure from the threat of wildfire; promote FireSmart principles and concepts within stakeholder organizations; educate the public and stakeholders on FireSmart; and, work cooperatively to plan and prepare for effective response to future wildfire situations.

      The Committee will include the following nine voting members; two public, one oilfield, one forestry, one ESRD, one electric utilities, one SFN, one elected official from the TOSL and MD.

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      Wildfire Legacy Corporation
      

      In May 2011, wildfires tore through the Slave Lake Region devastating our communities through the loss of homes, businesses and community facilities. In the wake of these wildfires, twelve petroleum companies came together with a $6.4 million donation and consulted with the Town of Slave Lake, Municipal District Lesser Slave River, Sawridge First Nation and local stakeholders on ideas for a lasting legacy project. This led to plans for a new multi-purpose family oriented space, currently called the Legacy Centre. The Government of Alberta further supported this project with funding. Fundraising is currently underway by the Legacy Centre Fundraising Committee and the Corporation. Construction started in September 2014 and the facility is expected to open early in 2016.

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      Life, Work and Leisure in Lesser Slave River

      Lesser Slave River is “Iyaghchi Eennu Sepe “ in Cree, meaning "River of the Strange People." The river itself is a major tributary of the Athabasca River. Visit the Municipal History section to learn more about our region's rich heritage.
      Legendary Lesser Slave River

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

A place of rugged beauty and real adventure.

Commonly referred to as “Lesser Slave River” or simply “The MD,” the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124 is a governing body in north-central Alberta, Canada. Its main administrative office is situated just outside the Town of Slave Lake, about three hours north of Edmonton. The MD takes its namesake from Lesser Slave River, which drains Lesser Slave Lake into the Athabasca River. These waterways were the main links to the Peace River district until the Northern Alberta Railway appeared in the early 20th century.

On May 15, 2011, historic wildfires struck the area. Elements conspired to destroy large parts of the Town and surrounding communities. The actions of the MD and its residents stand as a living testament to the region’s “Rugged & Real” motto.

Identity Statement

We are the MD of Lesser Slave River No. 124. Our land is big, beautiful and clean with green pastures, clear waters, sandy beaches and boreal forests, nourished by the Lesser Slave, Pembina and Athabasca rivers. We are rugged and real!

Mission Statement

We manage and develop the infrastructure of our MD to protect the inherent beauty of our landscape. We provide stability and opportunities for growth, for businesses, and for the individuals who live here.

Our Vision

In the coming years, we will:

• Capitalize on our geographic location to realize our potential as a major route to the North and the Pacific.
• Leverage our renewable resources to provide sustainable infrastructure with responsible taxation.
• Pursue opportunities for concentrated processing of our resources at Mitsue Industrial Park and elsewhere where infrastructure, environment, and lifestyle warrant.
• Plan our communities with consideration for environmental impact, design integrity, segregation of use, the nature of neighbourhoods, the placement and type of local improvements, and the sense of privacy and space in rural settings.
• Support initiatives for community halls, common green spaces and places for recreation and socializing.
• Provide opportunities for youth and stability for seniors. We will sustain the municipality as a place where prosperity is the norm, and where people are equipped to care for themselves, for the land, and for one another.

Our Values

• We serve our municipality with respect for the environment and the people who have placed their trust in us.
• We are called to be good stewards and faithful guardians of the land for future generations.
• We see the traditional farm family as the building block of agriculture in our region.
• We believe that fellowship, generosity, and compassion are foundations for strong, sustainable communities.
• We cherish the crown lands and provincial parks within our bounds.
• We welcome visitors who are mindful of the land and the communities that we love.
• We foster a sense of history, of pride in our surroundings, and of gratitude for the people and places that enrich our lives.

Life, Work and Leisure in Lesser Slave River

Finding strength in unity.

Since 2011, the Municipal District has participated with the Sawridge First Nation and the Town of Slave Lake in what is called the Tri-Council. The Tri-Council is a body made up of all the elected officials from the First Nation, Town, and MD. Following the wildfires of 2011, it was important to ensure that recovery efforts evolved in a positive and coordinated fashion.

With the assistance of Alberta Municipal Affairs, the MD and First Nation, the Town adopted the Tri-Council and CAO Secretariat Governance Protocol. This protocol’s purpose is to provide guidance for how the Tri-Council and CAO Secretariat conduct business, and in so doing, ensure consistency, predictability, transparency, and accountability.

The CAO Secretariat is made up of the Chief Administrative Officers of the Town and the Municipal District, and the Executive Director of the First Nation, to act as the administration to the Tri-Council. Novel to the protocol is its use of consensus-based decision making, where consensus is achieved when the elected officials of the Tri-Council (in attendance at a meeting) can “live with” the decision taken or endorsed. As a result of Tri-Council governance, the strategies and projects of the Lesser Slave Lake Regional Wildfire Recovery Plan have been implemented.

Tri-Council is now focused on strategic regional cooperation that serves to capitalize on the Slave Lake vicinity as a regional centre in north central Alberta. The focus is critical to ensure that health, school, government, and key business entities choose to come, stay, and grow in our region. Another evolving purpose is to deal with topical matters that extend beyond municipal/First Nation corporate boundaries, such as emergency management, economic development, and regional wellness activities.

It is important to understand that Tri-Council’s existence does not supplant any of the partner’s autonomy and statutory powers to act as a Municipal District, Town or First Nation. By working together, the region will become a stronger and better place to live and work.

• View the Slave Lake Regional Tri-Council Economic Development Strategic Plan: 2012-2015

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Words from the Tri-Council Architects

The Tri-Council is determined to build on its four-pillar foundation of People, Reconstruction, Environment and Economy. Our vision is to not only return the region to the way it was before disaster struck, but to ensure we are safer, stronger and better positioned for future growth. This unique congress has turned disparate political entities into strategic partners, close allies and fast friends."

Reeve Murray Kerik
MD of Lesser Slave River

"Through the Tri-Council we have learned that our overarching stewardship of the collective good of the region must trump the specific mandates of the Town, the MD and the Sawridge First Nation. This is not always easy, but it is essential. There's a benefit for all of us."

Mayor Tyler Warman
Town of Slave Lake

Muster your courage; take that leap of faith. Neighbouring municipalities and other levels of government needn't actually work in silos or at cross-purposes — they are resources of knowledge, strength and capital. They can become your best allies."

Chief Roland Twinn
Sawridge First Nation


 

Life, Work and Leisure in Lesser Slave River

How local government works.

Generally considered the most accessible level of government, local government in Lesser Slave River consists of local citizens who are elected by the community to serve on the Council and/or various boards. Citizens may also participate in local government by volunteering on committees or commissions. All Council and Board meetings are open to the general public – all of whom can speak directly to the Council or Board;

Selected by residents to represent their views, visions, and values for the future, a Reeve and six Councillors work to ensure decisions mirror community needs and interests. Council functions as a board of directors for the community at large; setting a strategic direction, and then designing policies to achieve that direction.

Council Highlights

More

Council Minutes

More

Boards

More

Agendas

More

Community Participation

Local government provides a number of different opportunities for you to participate in the planning, management and growth of your own community. As a resident of the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River, you are able to:

• Run for Reeve or Councillor
• Vote at general elections or public approval opportunities
• Participate in public consultations and public hearings
• Attend Council, Committee or Board meetings
• Volunteer for a committee or commission

As a resident of the MD of Lesser Slave River, you may at any time make your views known. It’s usually best to begin this dialogue by contacting the appropriate municipal department or staff member. However, residents may also present their views to Council in writing or in person at a Council meeting.

If you wish to make a presentation to Council or let Council know how you feel about an issue, please contact Lesser Slave River Administrative Assistant Lana Spencer.

Life, Work and Leisure in Lesser Slave River

Council, Tri-Council and Public Hearing agendas.

Municipal District of Lesser Slave River Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public and a complete Council agenda package is available on the Friday morning preceding the scheduled Council meeting. Please note that the MD of Lesser Slave River is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of these documents, and they should not be used in place of certified copies. Certified copies may be obtained at the Main Administration Building. Council and its committees have the right to change the order of the Agenda, therefore, the items will not necessarily be considered in the same order as they appear on the agendas provided.

All residents are welcome to attend Council meetings and take part in the MD's democratic process. Contact your Councillor today and help foster the growth and prosperity of your community.

Your Voice can be Heard

Council represents the interests of everyone in the community, so it’s important for councils to work with ratepayers to decide what is needed. If you want to speak to an item, please contact me and I'll help you complete a delegate form and schedule a date for your presentation."

Lana Spencer
Executive Assistant

Life, Work and Leisure in Lesser Slave River