High Level public meetings in 2025
26 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Public Hearing
The Town of High Level is conducting a public hearing to discuss a specific amendment to the local land use regulations. The body will consider Bylaw 1059-25, which proposes changes to Land Use Bylaw 1051-25.
- Bylaw 1059-25: Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1051-25
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Council will receive several administration reports, including the interim 2026‑2028 core operating budgets and an interim Five‑Year Capital Plan for 2026‑2030. It will consider authorizing a contract of up to $350,000 with Urban Systems Inc. for the Northwest Area Structure Plan update and functional planning study, funded by the NRED Grant. The Council will also review a Library Memorandum of Understanding renewal and a proposal to buy out the leased 2022 Chevrolet Silverado.
- Award contract to Urban Systems Inc. for Northwest Area Structure Plan Update & Functional Planning Study, not to exceed $350,000 (funded by NRED Grant)
- Adopt interim 2026‑2028 Core Operating Budgets
- Consider adopting interim Five‑Year Capital Plan for 2026‑2030
- Approve renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding with the High Level Library Board
- Consider negotiating early buy‑out of the leased 2022 Chevrolet Silverado
Committee of the Whole
The Committee is reviewing draft core operating budgets for 2026 through 2028. This discussion aims to gather feedback for an interim budget to be approved by Council on December 8, 2025. The body will also enter a closed session to discuss labour relations.
- Proposed property tax increases of 3% in 2026 and 4.39% in 2027
- Draft 2026–2028 Core Operating Budgets report
- In-camera session regarding Labour Relations
- Report on statutory financial reporting delays to the Province since 2021
Regular Open Meeting of Council
Council will discuss a funding application for road work and a new alcohol and cannabis regulation bylaw. The body is also reviewing a water and wastewater improvement program and a land use bylaw amendment.
- STIP funding application for 100 Ave Road Rehabilitation with a project budget of $4,800,000
- First reading of Bylaw No. 1065-25, the Alcohol and Cannabis Regulation Bylaw
- Approval of Water & Wastewater Improvement Program including lagoon desludging and lift station upgrades
- 2nd and 3rd readings of Bylaw 1058-25, an amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1051-25
- Discussion of the draft 2026-2029 Core Operating Budget
Public Hearing
The Town of High Level will hold a public hearing on Bylaw 1058-25, an amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1051-25. The amendment would add solar collectors as permitted uses in residential (R‑1 to R‑4), commercial (C‑1, C‑3) and industrial districts. It also defines “solar farm” as an installation larger than 162.5 m² (1,750 ft²). The council will vote on whether to close the public hearing and adopt the amendment.
- Bylaw 1058-25 amendment to add “Solar Collectors” as permitted uses in R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4 districts
- Addition of “Solar Collectors” as permitted uses in C‑1 (downtown commercial) and C‑3 (highway commercial) districts
- Addition of “Solar Collectors” as a permitted use in the IND (industrial) district
- New definition of “Solar Farm” for installations over 162.5 m² (1,750 ft²)
- Recommendation to adjourn the public hearing and close Bylaw 1058-25
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review and provide feedback on the draft Policy 283-25 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy, which establishes a governance framework for AI in municipal operations. Members may recommend the policy to Council for approval or suggest amendments. The meeting also includes general budget discussions for the 2026‑2028 core operating budgets, and an in‑camera session for confidential Human Resources updates. No binding decisions are made at this meeting.
- Review of draft Policy 283-25 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy
- Recommendation options to Council for approving or amending the AI policy
- General Budget Discussions – draft 2026‑2028 Core Operating Budgets
- In‑camera session on Human Resources updates (confidential)
- Adoption of agenda and approval of previous meeting minutes
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Council will discuss a capital budget of $800,000 for arena and curling club lifespan improvements, including foundation repairs and heating upgrades. It will also consider rescinding the existing flag lowering policy and adopting a new flag raising policy, along with a request to raise the Métis flag during Métis Week. Additional items include a sole‑source contract for the R.E. Walter Aquatic Centre HVAC and boiler replacement (up to $279,450) and participation in the provincial recycling program.
- Consider directing $800,000 in the 2026 capital budget for arena/curling club foundation repairs, heating system improvements, and engineering review (Agenda item 10.4).
- Consider rescinding Flag Lowering Policy No. 264-21 and approving Flag Raising and Lowering Policy No. 282-25, plus raising the Métis flag at Town Hall (Agenda item 10.3).
- Consider authorizing a sole‑source agreement with Lexus Engineering for the R.E. Walter Aquatic Centre HVAC and Boiler Replacement Project, not to exceed $279,450 (Agenda item 10.5).
- Consider formally approving participation in the provincial Extended Producer Responsibility recycling program (Agenda item 10.6).
- Receive the 2026‑2028 Preliminary Budget Discussion for information (Agenda item 10.2).
Organizational Meeting
The Town of High Level is conducting an organizational meeting to swear in elected officials and establish administrative roles. Council will decide on a Deputy Mayor appointment and a rotational schedule for Acting Mayor. The body is also appointing representatives to various municipal boards and committees.
- Administration of Oaths of Office and Confidentiality for Mayor-Elect Josh Lambert and six Councillors
- Establishment of a rotational Acting Mayor schedule from October 2025 to October 2029
- Appointment of members to the Municipal Library Board, including a recommendation for Bill Schnarr
- Appointments to the Assessment Review Board, Subdivision & Development Appeal Board, and Emergency Advisory Committee
- Establishment of the Community Services and Recreation Committee and the Economic Development and Tourism Committee
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The Town of High Level Council will consider first reading of a Land Use Bylaw amendment to prohibit the placement of manufactured homes older than 20 years. The meeting will also include the adoption of minutes from August and September, a report on the Air Access Task Force, and the adoption of a new vehicle lifecycle management policy.
- Prohibit manufactured homes older than 20 years
- Adopt new Vehicle and Equipment Lifecycle Management Policy
- Minutes of August 11, 2025, and September 22, 2025, for adoption
- Consider first reading of solar collector Land Use Bylaw amendment
- Air Access Task Force meeting deemed informational only
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The council will adopt the agenda and minutes from the September 8 meeting and receive the mayor’s, committee and CAO reports for information. It will then recess to an in-camera session under the Access to Information Act, closing the public portion of the meeting.
- Adopt agenda for September 22, 2025
- Adopt minutes from September 8, 2025 meeting
- Receive Mayor McAteer’s report (Sept 9‑22) for information
- Receive council committee reports (Sept 9‑22) for information
- Recess to in-camera meeting under Access to Information Act
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Council will adopt the agenda and minutes, receive reports from the mayor, committees, and CAO, and consider two Vitalization Grant applications—one for $20,000 and another for $15,150 as a tax incentive over three years. The draft 2026‑2029 Core Budget presentation is postponed to a Committee of the Whole meeting on September 15, 2025. The council will also receive various correspondence before moving to an in‑camera session.
- Consider approval of Vitalization Grant application MPS-25-099 for $20,000
- Consider approval of Vitalization Grant application MPS-25-107 for $15,150 tax incentive over three years
- Postpone Draft 2026‑2029 Core Budget Presentation to Committee of the Whole on Sep 15, 2025
- Receive sponsorship letter for Bushe River Mud Bog 2025
- Receive correspondence on franchise fee revenues and library resignation
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Town Council will review the 2023 Audited Financial Statements and a proposed residential development incentive grant. Council will also consider a new election procedure bylaw and the maintenance of a utility franchise fee.
- Approval of 2023 Audited Financial Statements
- Proposed Residential Development Incentive Grant of $50,000.00
- First, second, and third readings of Election Procedure Bylaw No. 1057-25
- Maintenance of 30% Apex Utilities Inc. franchise rate generating $880,556.00 annually
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The Town of High Level Council will approve the 2023 audited financial statements and consider a $17,500 contribution to a climate adaptation grant. The meeting agenda includes late items and the adoption of previous council minutes.
- Approval of 2023 Audited Financial Statements
- Grant application for Climate-Ready Planning ($17,500 contribution)
- Residential Development Incentive Grant application ($50,000)
- Natural Gas Distribution System Franchise Agreement renewal
- Council to receive Q2 Operating Variance Report
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Town Council will meet to discuss a borrowing bylaw for water treatment and the terms of reference for a medical air access task force. Council is also deciding on the sale of a 2010 Freightliner fire truck.
- MIEX Water Treatment Borrowing Bylaw No. 1055, 2025
- Terms of Reference for Reliable Air Access for Specialist Medical Services Task Force
- Sale of Tender 1 (2010 Freightliner) via sealed bid with a $100,000.00 reserve
- Letter of support for CFEP Large Stream Application for the Ken Sargent House
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Council adopted the meeting agenda and minutes from the June 9 and June 16 meetings. It approved the Attraction, Selection and Promotion Policy and rescinded five existing policies (3.6, 3.7, 3.10, 4.2, 4.3). The council also approved the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) and APEX Supplementary Pension Plan Policy. Additional reports and correspondence were received for information.
- Approval of Attraction, Selection and Promotion Policy
- Rescission of policies 3.6, 3.7, 3.10, 4.2, and 4.3
- Approval of Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) & APEX Supplementary Pension Plan Policy
- Adoption of meeting agenda
- Adoption of minutes from June 9 and June 16 council meetings
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Council will adopt the meeting agenda, approve minutes from May 26, and receive reports from the Mayor, committees, and CAO. It will rescind Debbie McCann's appointment and name Keir Gervais as Returning Officer for the 2025 election, approve a budget amendment of up to $75,000 for fire‑hydrant repair, and renew the franchise agreement with Apex Utilities Inc. The council will also consider options for a Residential Development Incentive Policy and a Wayfinding Strategy & Implementation Plan.
- Rescind Debbie McCann and appoint Keir Gervais as Returning Officer for the 2025 municipal election
- Approve a budget amendment of up to $75,000 for fire hydrant repair and relocation
- Renew the franchise agreement with Apex Utilities Inc., which expires on September 30, 2025
- Consider one of the Residential Development Incentive Policy options (report by Logan Bartholow)
- Consider one of the Wayfinding Strategy & Implementation Plan options (report by Logan Bartholow)
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The council will consider awarding a $54,000 contract to AGS Mechanical Contractors Ltd. for MIEX water‑treatment pre‑construction services, funded by the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership. It will also give a first reading to the MIEX Water Treatment Borrowing Bylaw No. 1055, 2025, and approve funding to replace the town’s community bulletin board. Additional items include second and third readings of bylaws establishing a Direct Control District, updating the land‑use bylaw to ease housing construction, and amending the Municipal Development Plan.
- Award contract to AGS Mechanical Contractors Ltd. for MIEX Water Treatment pre‑construction services ($54,000, excl. GST)
- First reading of MIEX Water Treatment Borrowing Bylaw No. 1055, 2025
- Approve funding for replacement of the town’s community bulletin board (Council Initiatives Budget)
- Second and third reading of Bylaw 1053‑25 to establish a Direct Control District
- Second and third reading of Bylaw 1051‑25 to replace and repeal the Land Use Bylaw “Making Housing Easier to Build”
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Town Council will adopt the meeting agenda and the minutes from the April 28, 2025 meeting. It will receive the Mayor's report and the Council Committee reports for the period April 29–May 12, 2025. The council will also designate and approve council members to attend the Alberta Forest Products Association 2025 AGM & Conference and set the registration packages for each attendee.
- Adopt meeting agenda for May 12, 2025
- Adopt minutes from the April 28, 2025 council meeting
- Receive Mayor McAteer’s report (April 29–May 12, 2025)
- Receive Council Committee reports (April 29–May 12, 2025)
- Approve council member attendance and registration packages for the Alberta Forest Products Association 2025 AGM & Conference
Regular Open Meeting of Council
Council will discuss the 2025 Property Tax Rate Bylaw and the adoption of a new town logo. The meeting includes several first readings of bylaws related to land use and municipal development, with public hearings scheduled for May 26, 2025.
- Town of High Level 2025 Property Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1054, 2025
- Adoption of a new Town of High Level logo to launch August 1, 2025
- Bylaw 1053-25 to establish a Direct Control District
- Bylaw 1051-25 and Bylaw 1052-25 regarding Land Use and Municipal Development Plan amendments
- Agreement with Mackenzie County to update the Intermunicipal Development Plan
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The Town of High Level Council will meet to discuss updates to the Subdivision and Development Authority Bylaw and review branding options. The body is also tasked with appointing a substitute returning officer for the upcoming municipal election.
- Proposed Town of High Level Subdivision and Development Bylaw No. 1050-25
- Appointment of Jena-Raye Clarke as Substitute Returning Officer for the October 20, 2025 election
- Review of Town of High Level Branding Options – Update 2
- Renewal of Natural Gas Distribution System Franchise Agreement with 2025 Apex Utilities
- Review of RCMP High Level Detachment March 2025 Statistics
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The council will adopt the meeting agenda and the minutes from the March 10 meeting, receive several administrative and committee reports, consider branding options for the town, and direct the Returning Officer to draft a proposed Elections Procedure Bylaw for the April 28 meeting.
- Adopt the regular open council meeting agenda for March 24, 2025
- Adopt minutes of the regular open council meeting held March 10, 2025
- Receive the report "Making Housing Easier to Build – ToHL Land Use Bylaw Project"
- Consider one of the proposed Town of High Level branding options
- Direct the Returning Officer to draft a proposed Elections Procedure Bylaw for the April 28, 2025 meeting
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Town Council will adopt the 2025 Operating Budget and receive the 2025‑2027 Operating Budget for information. Council will appoint Debbie McCann as Returning Officer for the 2025 municipal election and designate Doyle and Company Chartered Professional Accountants as the financial reviewer for the Municipal Library Board for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Two new members, Lydia Watters and Taryn McAskile, will be appointed to the Library Board for a term ending December 10, 2026.
- Adoption of the 2025 Operating Budget
- Appointment of Debbie McCann as Returning Officer for the 2025 municipal election
- Appointment of Doyle and Company Chartered Professional Accountants as financial reviewer for the Library Board (fiscal years 2024‑2025)
- Appointment of Lydia Watters and Taryn McAskile to the Library Board (term expires Dec 10, 2026)
- Reception of the 2025‑2027 Operating Budget for information
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The Town of High Level Council will meet to decide on the 2025 Operating Budget and review branding options. The meeting includes delegations from the RCMP and the Forest Products Association, as well as appointments to the Municipal Library Board.
- Adoption of the 2025 Operating Budget
- Consideration of Town of High Level branding options
- Appointment of Jane Robichaud to the Municipal Library Board
- Extension of library board terms for Lydia Watters and Taryn McAskile
- Request for letter of support for Mackenzie Regional Waste Management Commission
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Council will adopt the meeting agenda and minutes, receive reports from the Mayor, committees, and CAO, and direct Administration to enroll the town in the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) and the APEX Supplementary pension plan. The Council will also receive several items of correspondence for action and information, and will recess to an in‑camera session before reconvening.
- Adopt agenda for February 10, 2025 regular open council meeting
- Adopt minutes from the January 27, 2025 regular open council meeting
- Direct Administration to enroll the Town in the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP)
- Direct Administration to enroll the Town in the APEX Supplementary pension plan
- Recess to in‑camera meeting under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Council will adopt the meeting agenda and adopt minutes from previous meetings. Council members will receive the mayor's report, committee reports, and the CAO report for information. The council will conduct a public hearing and consider second and third readings of Bylaw 1048-24, which amends Land Use Bylaw 1018-21. Additional correspondence will be received for action and information.
- Public hearing on Bylaw 1048-24 amending Land Use Bylaw 1018-21
- Second and third readings of Bylaw 1048-24
- Adoption of minutes from the November 25, 2024 meeting
- Adoption of minutes from the January 13, 2025 meeting
- Mayor McAteer’s report covering Jan 14‑27 2025
Regular Open Meeting of Council
The High Level Town Council is meeting to discuss infrastructure funding and local bylaws. Key decisions include the approval of a water treatment project and the adoption of development fees for 2025.
- Proposed Bylaw 1049-25 regarding 2025 Development Fees
- Approval of Water Treatment Plant Pre-Treatment Upgrading Project
- Proposed 10-year Debenture to fund unbudgeted water project costs
- Echo-Pioneer 2-year Advertising and Readership Agreement