The following are highlights from the December 12, 2025 Special Council Meeting and the December 18, 2025 Regular Council Meeting. This summary provides a snapshot of the key decisions and discussions of these meetings.

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

Infrastructure & Utilities

Smith Bridge Funding Advocacy

Council will request a meeting in January 2026 with the Ministers of Municipal Affairs and Transportation & Economic Corridors. The objective is to discuss the Smith Bridge funding request and ensure its inclusion in the Provincial 2026 Budget Priorities.

Water Treatment Plant Upgrades

Significant progress was made regarding regional water infrastructure:

• Smith WTP: Council authorized Administration to proceed with pre-treatment upgrades. This includes the immediate procurement of long-lead equipment and tendering for construction in early 2026. The project is estimated at $6.29 million and is contingent on the outcome of grant funding applications. To date, the MD has received $3.2 million in funding—and has requested an additional $ 1.5 million supplement—from the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP).
• Canyon Creek WTP: The MD is proceeding with upgrades to the conventional side of the plant, including filter upgrades, air scour blower, sodium hydroxide system relocation, new ultraviolet disinfection system, and new chloramine system. Funding sources will be determined once the outcome of the MD's AMWWP grant application is known.
• Mitsue Water Plant: Administration has been directed to research plant process upgrades and estimated costs, including the water intake system.

Planning & Land Development

Land Use Bylaw Amendment: Poplar Lane

Council gave First Reading to Bylaw 2025-13. The amendment proposes to redesignate a portion of parcel 1125738:1:1 from Residential Un-serviced (RUS) to Commercial (C). A Public Hearing will be scheduled before the second reading.

Smith Subdivision Concept Plan

Administration has been authorized to proceed with the Smith Subdivision Concept Plan. This plan outlines the long-term vision for lot layouts and development in the Smith area.

Land Sales & Disposals

• Smith Property Sale: Council accepted an offer of $10,000 for the municipal property at Plan 4867NY, Block 10, Lot 5.
• Residential Land Disposal: Council approved the disposal of a 0.5-acre portion of SE-23-71-1 W5M in Smith to a resident for $1. This process includes a professional survey and a License to Occupy through June 2026. The sale will be advertised publicly in January as per Bylaw 2020-06.

Community & Safety

STARS Air Ambulance Update

Glenda Farnden provided an operational update on STARS services. Council is currently reviewing a request for the MD to commit to a fixed annual contribution of $5,750 through 2029.

Regional Tourism & Recreation

• Tourism Advocacy: Council approved a $400 contribution for Slave Lake Region Tourism to attend the 2026 Tourism Advocacy Summit.
• Canyon Creek Recreation: Agreements regarding the Canyon Creek Recreation Association will be reviewed at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.

Finance & Governance

Property Tax & Account Write-Offs

Council approved several financial adjustments to clean up inactive and uncollectable accounts:

• Oil & Gas Properties: A write-off of $33,797.65 in 2025 property taxes. The MD will apply for $5,725.00 through provincial relief programs (PERC/DIRC) to offset a portion of this.
• Inactive Accounts: Council approved the write-off of $9,631.02 in inactive tax accounts, $14,636.67 in inactive utility accounts, and $17,912.86 in uncollectable accounts receivable.