The following are highlights from the Special Council Meeting held in Council Chambers on December 18, 2025. This summary provides a snapshot of the key decisions and discussions of this meeting.

For official records, please refer to the approved meeting minutes.

Community Safety & Wellness

RCMP Quarterly Reports

Sgt. Bruyns (Slave Lake) and Sgt. Shen (Westlock) presented their first-quarter reports to Council. These updates provided essential data on local crime statistics, current initiatives, and staffing levels. These reports ensure Council remains informed on law enforcement efforts across both the north and south ends of the municipality.

Workplace Policy Enhancements

Council has approved a new Human Resources Management Policy and an updated Health & Safety Policy. These enhancements reflect the MD’s commitment to fostering a modern, supportive, and safe work environment for all municipal employees.

Growth & Land Development

Revitalization of Wagner: "The Village"

Exciting changes are coming to the former RCMP lots in the Wagner subdivision. Council has approved a lease agreement with Travelling Timbers for a new development called "The Village." This project is expected to bring new energy, growth, and potential amenities to the Wagner area.

Land Rezoning for Economic Growth

To encourage industrial investment, Council is moving forward with rezoning property near Highway 2 from Commercial to Light Industrial. This change will be integrated into the Inter-municipal Development Plan (IDP) with the Town of Slave Lake and the MD’s Land Use Bylaw to attract new business opportunities.

MDP & Land Use Bylaw Engagement

Following a recent open house in Widewater, Council discussed the ongoing Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) review. Council is exploring ways to further improve public engagement to ensure community voices are heard during these long-term planning processes.

Infrastructure & Transportation

Roadside Brushing & Safety

To improve road visibility and safety, Council awarded contracts for roadside brushing and clearing on both the north and south sides of the MD. Residents can expect to see crews working along municipal right-of-ways throughout the season.

Mitsue Road & East Mitsue Projects

• Mitsue Road Upgrades: Council authorized Administration to apply for the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) grant. If successful, these funds will support critical repairs and upgrades to Mitsue Road.
• East Mitsue Repaving: While initial bids for the East Mitsue repaving project exceeded the current budget, Council has opted to re-tender the project for 2025. This ensures the MD receives competitive pricing while remaining committed to completing this vital roadwork next year.

Recreation & Community Support

10-Year Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan

Council has officially approved a comprehensive 10-Year Master Plan for the MD’s parks, trails, and open spaces. This roadmap focuses on sustainable maintenance and strategic enhancements, ensuring our outdoor recreational assets remain vibrant for the next decade.

Supporting Local Organizations

Council is pleased to provide formal support for the following community initiatives:

• Gentle Ben Care Society: A letter of support was issued for their seniors' program grant application.
• Athabasca Recreational Trails Association: Council provided backing for their funding requests to maintain and repair the Peace River Trail.