High Level, AB

Regular Open Meeting of Council

The Town of High Level Council is meeting to consider several bylaws, including a new Solid Waste Bylaw, a Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw, the 2026 Fees Bylaw, and a Council and Committees Procedural Bylaw. Council will also decide on a change order for a water treatment plant study and a nanofiltration pilot study, and hear a presentation on a regional raw water system feasibility study.

• Solid Waste Bylaw No. 1062-26 - first, second, and third reading
• Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw No. 1061-26 - first, second, and third reading
• 2026 Fees Bylaw No. 1077-26 - first, second, and third reading
• Council and Committees Procedural Bylaw No. 1060-26 - first, second, and third reading
• WSP change order for $161,292.00 and up to $100,000 for nanofiltration pilot study

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Committee of the Whole

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Organizational Meeting

Committee of the Whole

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Committee of the Whole

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several draft bylaws, including updates to the 2026 Fees Bylaw, a new Solid Waste Bylaw, a Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw, a Maternity and Parental Leave Bylaw for elected officials, and a Council and Committee Procedural Bylaw. They will also hear a presentation on the Northern Sky Corridor Strategy and receive a briefing on hydrovac waste dumping fees. The meeting includes a closed session to discuss AAIP and contract matters.

• Presentation on Northern Sky Corridor Strategy by Shelley Grollmuss, Explore Edmonton
• Draft 2026 Fees Bylaw No. 1077-26 updates
• Draft Solid Waste Bylaw No. 1062-26
• Draft Maternity and Parental Leave Bylaw No. 1066-26 with remuneration options (50%, 75%, 100%)
• Hydrovac Waste Dumping briefing

Special Council Meeting

Council will decide whether to award the High Level Sports Complex Arena Foundation Repair tender to Derksen Construction Ltd. for $528,000 (excluding GST). The project addresses concrete foundation deterioration identified in engineering assessments. Council will also recess into a closed session to discuss a contract matter.

• Tender award to Derksen Construction Ltd. for $528,000, excluding GST
• Closed session under s. 29 (Advice from Officials) to discuss contract matter
• CPO Vehicle Tender Award - documents to be provided when available
• Project funded through 2026 Capital Budget ($540,500) and LGFF funding

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Public Hearing

The Council is holding a public hearing to consider Bylaw 1074-26, which would rezone Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 3510KS from R-3 (High Density Residential) to R-2 (Medium Density Residential) to allow a porch addition to an existing single detached dwelling. The hearing is on July 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. Administration recommends second and third readings if no testimony is presented.

• Rezoning of Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 3510KS from R-3 to R-2
• Purpose: to facilitate a porch addition to an existing single detached dwelling built circa 1960
• Recommendation to waive the land use bylaw amendment fee
• Adjacent landowners and agencies notified with no objections
• Administration recommends proceeding to second and third readings if no public testimony

Special Council Meeting

Council is considering the 2nd and 3rd readings of Bylaw 1074-26 to change the zoning of Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 3510KS from High Density Residential (R-3) to Medium Density Residential (R-2). This change would allow for the addition of a porch to an existing single detached dwelling. Council will also decide whether to waive the land use bylaw amendment fee for the landowner.

• Proposed Bylaw 1074-26 to redistrict Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 3510KS from R-3 to R-2
• Request to waive the LUB amendment fee for the property owner
• Scheduling of a Committee of the Whole meeting for August 17, 2026
• Delegation from RCMP Staff Sergeant Devron Dittmer

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Council will receive and decide on a technical memorandum for water treatment plant optimization to remove dissolved organic matter, potentially directing further seasonal sampling over one year. Other decisions include approving a $59,918.48 patrol unit purchase, setting a $313,000 reserve bid for a tax sale property, and advancing a land use bylaw amendment for a zoning change. Council will also direct staff to draft restrictions on new alcohol retail stores near community use areas and initiate public engagement on cannabis and liquor retail setbacks.

• Purchase of Protective Services Patrol Unit for $59,918.48 from Stony Plain Chrysler, plus $15,000 for upfitting
• 2026 property tax recovery auction for 10804-106 Street with reserve bid at $313,000 (assessed value)
• Land Use Bylaw amendment 1074-26 to redistrict Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 3510KS from High Density (R-3) to Medium Density Residential (R-2)
• Direction to amend LUB to restrict new alcohol retail sales within 100m of Community Use or Parks Districts
• Acceptance of WSP Technical Memorandum on water treatment optimization and direction for one-year seasonal sampling

Committee of the Whole

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Council will give three readings to the 2026 Property Tax Rate Bylaw, finalizing tax rates based on the approved operating budget. Also up for discussion: a potential moratorium on new cannabis and liquor stores within 150 metres of existing ones, a renewed fire service sharing agreement with Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement, and adoption of a privacy management program.

• 2026 Property Tax Rate Bylaw (Bylaw 1072-26)
• Public engagement on restricting new cannabis/liquor stores within 150m of existing ones
• Renewal of Fire Service Sharing Agreement with Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement
• ATIA/POPA Bylaw (Bylaw 1073-26)
• Award of $2,000 Town of High Level Bursary

Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will recommend a $2,000 bursary recipient to Council and decide not to pursue an official name change for Lysol Creek. Members will also discuss an emergency vehicle replacement policy and receive a report on fee adjustments.

• Recommend $2,000 bursary recipient to Council for June 23 graduation ceremony
• Reject informal name 'Lysol Creek' and direct no further action on geographical renaming
• Discuss Emergency Vehicle Life Cycle Replacement Policy
• Receive administrative report on Recreation, Facility Sponsorship and Program Fees

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Council will consider approving the 2026 Operating Budget, which includes $19.4M in revenues, $17.4M in expenditures, a 3.8% tax dollar reduction, and no utility or fee increases. They will also give readings to an operating expenditures borrowing bylaw, adopt a new debt management policy, and decide on closing the wastewater lagoon septage receiving station to third-party users. Additionally, they will consider restricting cannabis retail store locations through a land use bylaw amendment.

• Approve 2026 Operating Budget: $19.4M revenue, $17.4M expenditures, $2.08M reserve contributions, 3.8% tax reduction
• First to third reading of Operating Expenditures Borrowing Bylaw No. 1071-26
• Rescind and adopt new Debt Management Policy 291-26
• Closure of Wastewater Lagoon Septage Receiving Station for third-party users
• Direct preparation of Land Use Bylaw amendment to further restrict cannabis retail store locations

Open Special Council Meeting

Council is considering approving the 2026 operating and capital budgets. The budget includes a 3.8% reduction in property taxes, a $17.4 million expenditure budget, and $2.08 million in reserve contributions. Council will also direct administration to prepare a 2026 tax rate bylaw and develop a long-term financial plan.

• Approve 2026 operating budget ($17.4M)
• Approve 2026 capital budget
• 3.8% tax dollar reduction (average $212/year on $500K home)
• 0% utility increase and 0% fee increase
• $1.09M in organizational savings

Open Special Council Meeting

This special council meeting is primarily procedural, with the main substantive action being a vote to recess into a closed (in-camera) session under the Access to Information Act. No public agenda items for decision or discussion are listed.

• Resolution to enter closed session under s. 34(1)(c) of the Access to Information Act

Open Special Council Meeting

This special council meeting focuses on discussing and adopting the Town of High Level's 2026 operating budget and the 2026-2030 capital plan. The proposed operating budget totals $19.4 million in revenue and $17.4 million in expenditures, a 5.9% decrease from 2025, partly driven by consultant savings of $1.1 million. The budget includes property tax reductions for residential and commercial properties, increased reserve contributions, and directs administration to develop a long-term financial plan.

• Proposed 2026 operating budget: $17.4M expenditures, $19.4M revenue, 5.9% spending cut
• Property tax decreases: Residential -8.2% to $2.87M, Commercial -3.3% to $2.48M
• Capital plan 2026-2030 adoption to be added as late item
• Reserve contribution of $2.08M, funded by assessment growth
• Savings of $1.1M from consultant/professional services (-55.8%)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review proposed updates to recreation, facility sponsorship, and program fees, including new arena glass signage and facility naming rights. Administration seeks feedback before incorporating fees into stand-alone facility bylaws.

• Arena naming rights proposed at $20,000 per year
• New glass panel signage at $250/year
• Pool family drop-in $15, family annual pass $1,170
• Interpretive Centre rentals $30/hour or $300/day
• Youth drop-in fee for instructed programs $2, adult $5

Regular Open Meeting of Council

The High Level Council meeting will adopt the agenda and approve minutes from previous meetings. It will receive the Mayor's and Committee reports and consider several administration items, including funding for landfill groundwater monitoring, a budget model for Boreal Housing requisitions, a $20,000 Vitalization Grant request, amendments to the Respectful Workplace Policy, and an appointment to the Intermunicipal Development Plan Joint Steering Committee.

• Approve $46,800 for annual landfill groundwater monitoring and new wells (Utilities Reserve)
• Approve budget model authorizing Boreal Housing Foundation to issue requisitions for 2026 Tax Levy Bylaw calculations
• Consider $20,000 Vitalization Grant application for Lot 6&7, Block 3, Plan 972 3584
• Amend Respectful Workplace Policy (Section 10) and rescind Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy 251-17
• Appointment to the Intermunicipal Development Plan Joint Steering Committee (position unspecified)

Open Special Council Meeting

The High Level Council will discuss the capital budget, reviewing carry‑forward and current‑year capital projects and setting priorities for funding. A presentation from Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. will be accepted for information. The meeting includes a closed in‑camera session for advice from officials before reconvening to continue discussion.

• Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. presentation on property assessment (accepted for information)
• Capital Budget Discussion to review and prioritize carry‑forward and 2026 capital projects
• Closed in‑camera session for advice from officials under the Access to Information Act
• BLOOM Centre for Municipal Education to assist with capital planning and funding analysis
• Specific project funding amounts: $381,607 for R.E. Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre HVAC upgrades, $126,400 for Aquatic Centre amenity upgrades, $2,700,000 for Community Park Upgrade

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Council will consider approving a building condition assessment for the R.E. Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre and authorize HVAC upgrades using grant funding. The meeting also includes the approval of new human resources policies and the scheduling of a 2026 municipal by-election.

• R.E. Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre assessment and HVAC upgrades
• High Level Sports Complex condition assessment ($7,250)
• New Attendance and Leave Policy
• New Hours of Work Policy
• New Respectful Workplace Policy

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole adopted its agenda and approved minutes from prior meetings. It recommended Council approve three new policies – Attendance & Leave, Hours of Work, and Respectful Workplace – and rescind the corresponding older policies. The Committee also recommended approval of the refurbishment of the Town’s 2007 Sterling sewer cleaning machine, authorizing up to $60,000. Finally, the Committee discussed and provided direction for the development of the 2026 Capital Plan covering multiple infrastructure projects.

• Approve Attendance & Leave Policy and rescind eight previous attendance-related policies
• Approve Hours of Work Policy and rescind five previous work‑time policies
• Approve Respectful Workplace Policy and rescind the Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy 251-17
• Recommend refurbishment of the 2007 Sterling sewer cleaning machine, up to $60,000
• Discuss and give direction on the 2026 Capital Plan for infrastructure projects

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Council will consider adopting the Sanitary Sewer System and Storm Water master plans. The body is also deciding on a by-election date and the disbursement schedule for municipal library funds.

• Adoption of Sanitary Sewer System Master Plan and $17,864.75 in additional project fees
• Adoption of Storm Water Master Plan
• Setting May 4, 2026, as the by-election day
• Return to a quarterly payment schedule for High Level Municipal Library operating funds
• Delegation from Mahesh Iyer of Lightstreet Hospitality regarding immigration and labor shortages

Regular Open Meeting of Council

The council will rescind two prior motions on the Dene Tha’ First Nation fire services agreement and direct administration to continue negotiations for a new agreement. It will review the North Peace Regional Raw Water feasibility study to determine the next steps. It will formally adopt the Roadway Data Collection & Pavement Management Plan. It will consider the Carry Forward and 2026 Capital Projects list and the outline of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program – Rural Renewal Stream communications plan.

• Rescind motion 054-23 and motion 302-24 on the Dene Tha’ First Nation fire services agreement
• Review and decide direction for the North Peace Regional Raw Water feasibility study
• Formally adopt the Roadway Data Collection & Pavement Management Plan
• Review and provide direction on the Carry Forward Project List and 2026 Capital Budget List
• Consider approving the communications plan and endorsement process for the AAIP‑RRS program (up to six endorsements)

Public Hearing

At the February 9, 2026 meeting, the Town of High Level held a public hearing on Bylaw No. 1067‑26. The bylaw proposes to redistrict Lot 4, Block 1, Plan 082‑6934 from the Industrial district to the Highway Commercial district to permit a fuel station, convenience store and motel. The planner’s report recommends that, if no testimony is presented, council move the bylaw to second and third readings. Agencies were notified and no objections were received.

• Bylaw 1067‑26: redistrict Lot 4, Block 1, Plan 082‑6934 from Industrial to Highway Commercial
• Proposed development includes a fuel station, retail‑convenience and a hotel
• Planner recommends proceeding to second and third readings if no testimony is given
• Public notice posted Jan 15‑28 2026; referral letters sent to multiple agencies with no objections

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Council will consider adopting a new Trails and Active Transportation Plan and approving the 2024 Audited Financial Statements. The meeting includes a public hearing and votes on land use and manufactured home bylaws.

• Adoption of Trails and Active Transportation Plan and $1,300 for stakeholder presentation
• Bylaw No. 1067-26 to redistrict Lot 4, Block 1, Plan 082-6934 from Industrial to Highway Commercial
• Approval of $9,900 Change Order #1 for Roadway Data Collection and Pavement Management Plan
• Approval of 2024 Audited Financial Statements
• Consideration of Bylaw No. 1059-25 regarding Manufactured Homes

Open Special Council Meeting

The Town of High Level Council will hold a closed meeting to discuss the Draft 2024 Audited Financial Statements before reconvening for public business.

• Closed session to discuss Draft 2024 Audited Financial Statements
• Motion to reconvene the Special Meeting of Council

Regular Open Meeting of Council

The High Level Council will adopt the meeting agenda and minutes, receive the mayor’s and committee reports, and consider several items for action. It will approve the refurbishment of the 2007 Sterling sewer cleaning machine within a $60,000 limit. The council will direct an amendment to Manufactured Homes Bylaw No. 1059‑25, approve a license for the High Level Curling Club (Oct 1 2026 – Mar 31 2029), and give second, third and final readings to Alcohol and Cannabis Bylaw No. 1065‑25.

• Approve refurbishment of the 2007 Sterling sewer cleaning machine, up to $60,000
• Direct amendment of Manufactured Homes Bylaw No. 1059‑25
• Approve license for High Level Curling Club, term Oct 1 2026 – Mar 31 2029
• Second, third and final reading of Alcohol and Cannabis Bylaw No. 1065‑25
• Adopt the meeting agenda and minutes from the Jan 12, 2026 meeting

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss administrative reports and potential equipment spending. Key items include a proposal to refurbish a 2007 Sterling sewer cleaning machine and briefings on health and safety certification and immigration programs.

• Proposed refurbishment of 2007 Sterling sewer cleaning machine up to $60,000
• Briefing on COR Certification and Audit results (2025 score of 94%)
• Briefing on Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) - Rural Renewal Stream
• Closed session to discuss Labour Relations

Regular Open Meeting of Council

The council will approve a $134,984.31 write‑off of unfunded property tax value from the Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT) program. It will consider the first reading of a Land Use Bylaw amendment to rezone Lot 4, Block 1 (Plan 082-6934) from Industrial to Highway Commercial for a truck stop, gas station, convenience store and motel. The council will also review amendments to Bylaw 1059-25 affecting manufactured homes, including a $10,000 performance bond requirement, and will rescind a prior sole‑source agreement for HVAC work at the R.E. Walter Aquatic Centre while directing a $30,000 facility assessment.

• Approve $134,984.31 write‑off of unfunded property tax value from GIPOT program
• First reading of Land Use Bylaw amendment to rezone Lot 4, Block 1 (Plan 082-6934) to Highway Commercial for truck stop, gas station, convenience store and motel
• Amend Bylaw 1059-25 to change age limits for manufactured homes and require a $10,000 refundable performance bond
• Rescind sole‑source agreement with Lexus Engineering for R.E. Walter Aquatic Centre HVAC and Boiler Replacement project
• Direct a Facility Conditional Assessment of the R.E. Walter Aquatic Centre with a budget not to exceed $30,000