Northern Sunrise County, AB

Council

Economic & Tourism Development Committee

Council

Council

Council

Council

Economic & Tourism Development Committee

Council

Council

Council

Northern Sunrise County Council meets August 18, 2026, to decide on several items: a bridge culvert replacement agreement with Alberta Transportation, a subdivision request, a business park proposal, and a donation request. They will also review development permits, variance reports, and updates from various departments.

• Memorandum of Agreement with Alberta Transportation for Strategic Infrastructure Program Local Road Bridge Program, BF 81341 Culvert Replacement
• Subdivision Request for SE.16.84.20.W5M
• Sunrise Gateway Business Park Transportation and Industrial Service Hub proposal
• Donation request from Falher Friendship Corner Association for outstanding mortgage payment
• 2026 Second Quarter Variance Reports

Council

Northern Sunrise County Council will discuss updates to eight different agricultural service policies and review the 2026 first quarter variance reports. The meeting includes a federal update from MP Arnold Viersen and requests for various community sponsorships and letters of support.

• Review of 2026 First Quarter Variance Reports
• Updates to agricultural policies including Weed Control, Pest Control, and Clubroot of Canola
• Sponsorship request for ScotDance Canada Championship Series 2027
• Request to install Rural Crime Stopper signs by Mighty Peace Crime Prevention Association
• Review of 2026 Development Permits List including a solar array and waste management expansion

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will review a development permit for a personal solar power plant and a subdivision application for a farmstead separation. The meeting also includes a presentation regarding the Mihtha Askiy Data Center.

• Development permit 26-19: Solar array at SE.27.82.22.W5M
• Subdivision application 26MK019: 18.83-acre farmstead separation at SW.10.82.20.W5M
• Mihtha Askiy Data Center presentation

Youth Council Advisory Committee

The Youth Council Advisory Committee will adopt minutes from April and discuss updates on summer events including a Youth Boat Tour, trip to Grande Prairie, and Welding Trades Camp. New business focuses on planning the Fall Youth Dance, including date, budget, and attendance caps.

• Youth Boat Tour on July 18 (10:30am-4:30pm)
• Trip to Grande Prairie on July 24
• Welding Trades Camp in High Prairie July 21-22
• Fall Youth Dance planning: possible dates, DJ cost $500, attendance caps for ages 13-17
• 57 teens attended the spring 'Buds and Boots' dance

Council

Council will discuss implementation of Bill 28, including new councillor accountability rules, mandatory disclosure of policing costs on tax notices, and changes to off-site levy bylaws. They will also consider a seniors housing demand assessment and playground criteria for Cecil Thompson Park. Additional items include a bylaw on access to information and a letter of intent for the Peace Regional Energy Alliance.

• Review of Bill 28 fact sheets on councillor accountability, growth and housing, and municipal transparency
• Seniors housing demand assessment presented by Economic Development Officer
• Playground criteria report for Cecil Thompson Park
• Bylaw B486/26 on Access to Information and Protection of Privacy
• Ratification of letter of intent for Peace Regional Energy Alliance expression of interest

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will decide on several development permits, including a recreational cabin, two moved-in trailers, and an industrial work camp by Islander Oil & Gas. They will also consider a farmstead separation subdivision and a separate subdivision request. A presentation on the proposed Mihtha Askyi Data Center will be received.

• 26-13: Doug McCullough recreational cabin (640 sq ft) at Heart River Golf Course
• 26-14: Tina Paluck moved-in trailer (over 25 years old) on NE.22.82.19.W5M
• 26-15: Islander Oil & Gas industrial work camp on SE.6.82.12.W5M
• 26-18: Northern Cross Oilfield moved-in trailer on SE.16.84.20.W5M
• 26MK013: Limoges Seed Farms 14.68-acre farmstead separation subdivision

Agricultural Service Board

The Agricultural Service Board will review proposed 2026 edits to several crop and livestock health policies, including controls for clubroot, blackleg, grasshoppers, weeds, and general pests. Members will also discuss a proposed update to the right-of-way vegetation management agreement and ratify a new code of ethics for board members. Additional discussions cover quarterly industry updates, weather station coordination, and correspondence on federal funding cuts and animal protection regulations.

• Proposed 2026 edits to policies on clubroot, blackleg, grasshoppers, weeds, and pest control
• Discussion of updated right-of-way vegetation management agreement
• Ratification of Board Committee Member Code of Ethics & Guiding Principles (Policy 1.18)
• Quarterly update from Peace Country Beef & Forage Association on 2025 projects and 2026 plans
• Review of federal funding cut correspondence and Bill 22 animal protection act updates

Governance & Priorities Committee

The committee will decide on the location of a proposed pump track (budgeted at $300,000) after previous relocations. They will also give direction on the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) with the Town of Peace River, which involves an expired $1.7 million cost-sharing agreement. Other discussions include updates to the Strategic Priorities Chart regarding a Regional Strategic Forum and service level review, a policy on donations and sponsorship, and a briefing on Alberta's Bill 28 (Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2026).

• Direct administration on pump track location (budget $300,000) after moving from Cecil Thompson Park to St. Isidore and back
• Provide direction on Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework with Town of Peace River – expired agreement worth $1.7 million annually
• Discuss Regional Strategic Forum and whether to mark as complete or continue
• Review service levels for potential cuts or efficiencies – first since 2020
• Receive briefing on Bill 28, which affects municipal affairs and public libraries

Economic & Tourism Development Committee

The Economic & Tourism Development Committee will review the Value Added Agriculture and Tourism Grant program, which has seen low uptake, and discuss potential alternatives such as business revitalization, property improvement, expansion, or tourism experience grants. They will also review progress on the 2026 Strategic Plan and hear a closed-session presentation on a data center. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and routine reports.

• Review of Value Added Agriculture and Tourism Grant program ($20,000 annually) due to low uptake
• Discussion of alternative grant models: Business Revitalization, Commercial Property Improvement, Business Expansion, Tourism Experience Development
• Closed meeting: presentation by Darin Watson on data center opportunities
• Strategic Plan 2026 progress review covering youth retention, Sunrise Gateway Business Park development, and tourism
• Youth retention initiatives: $16,500 in bursaries, trades camps, youth council activities

FCSS Committee

The FCSS Committee will review upcoming program calendars for Nampa, St. Isidore, and CDC, along with a Community Van schedule update. The meeting also includes a presentation by FutureWorks and a discussion on the 2025 Annual FCSS Financial Report.

• Review of June, July, and August program calendars
• Community Van schedule and statistics update
• Presentation by FutureWorks
• 2025 Annual FCSS Financial Report
• FCSS Program Handbook discussion

Council

Council will consider approving a development permit for four tiny homes as part of a phased master plan. They will also discuss a letter to the province requesting clarification on allocation of new police personnel under the funding model. Other items include a presentation from ATCO Energy, updates to the generative AI policy, and a temporary road closure for Canada Day.

• Development Permit 26-11 for four tiny homes on SE.23.83.21.W5M
• Letter to province requesting clarification on allocation of 285 new police members
• ATCO Energy Systems presentation on 'Partnering for Prosperity'
• Updates to Policy 1.38 on Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Canada Day temporary road closure of a portion of Sunrise Road

Council

Council will discuss and potentially approve a new Access to Information and Protection of Privacy policy (Draft Policy 1.42). They will also review the 2026 Development Permits List update and the Charitable Donations Tally, with $56,260 spent so far. Other items include a donation request for a batting cage from Peace River Minor Ball Club and a request for a letter of support for the 2027 Northern Alberta Tourism Summit.

• Draft Policy 1.42 Access to Information and Protection of Privacy for discussion
• 2026 Development Permits List update including 10 permits (e.g., Canadian Natural borrow pit, solar array)
• Charitable Donations Tally: $56,260 spent of $135,000 budget
• Donation request from Peace River Minor Ball Club for a batting cage (10:00 a.m. presentation)
• Closed meeting for intergovernmental relations and business interests (ATIA Sections 26 and 19)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will decide whether to approve a 14.06-acre farmstead separation for Ben and Marlene Kunstleben. Staff recommend approval with conditions including fixing a septic system, registering an access easement, and addressing a garage that encroaches on setbacks. The parcel exceeds the Country Residential District's 10-acre maximum, but the Subdivision Authority may allow it due to site conditions.

• Subdivision application 26MK009 for 14.06-acre lot from SW.7.85.19.W5M
• Conditions: pay taxes, upgrade access road, register 15m access easement, pay offsite levy, provide reserve
• Septic repairs required: temporary discharge to be abandoned, existing system repaired per provincial standards
• Garage partially encroaches on front yard setback – may remain as non-conforming building
• Parcel exceeds maximum 10-acre size in Country Residential District, but discretionary approval recommended

Economic & Tourism Development Committee

The committee is discussing innovative housing solutions like factory-built modular homes and secondary suites, as well as federal funding through Build Canada Homes. They will also review the 2025 municipal census showing a population of 1,753 with an aging demographic, and consider a senior housing needs assessment.

• Discussion of factory-built modular homes ('Akin to Lego') as a housing solution
• Granny/secondary suites for rental income or family care
• Build Canada Homes federal funding program for affordable housing
• Senior housing needs assessment contracted to Prajaxile
• 2025 Census: population 1,753, largest age group 55-64 (226 residents)

FCSS Committee

The FCSS Committee will discuss updates on the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (51 returns filed), approve program and van calendars, and plan upcoming events including a Volunteer Appreciation BBQ, Canada Day celebration, and Farmers Day. They will also review the 2025 FCSS Impact Resource and discuss improving awareness of community resources.

• Community Volunteer Income Tax Program: 51 returns filed in 2025
• Volunteer Appreciation BBQ on May 26 at Cecil Thompson Park
• Canada Day Celebration on June 24
• Seniors' Week 2026 listing
• Farmers Day volunteer sign-up in Nampa

Watershed Advisory Committee

The Northern Sunrise County Watershed Advisory Committee will review and decide on renewals of four ALUS projects (NSC-01286G-C1618, etc.) and four new project proposals (NSC-03227L-C4465, etc.) involving wetland restoration, reforestation, and livestock watering systems, with total costs ranging from $12,775 to $28,050. The committee will also receive updates on NAIT research opportunities and discuss the 2026 Dave Reid Award nomination deadline.

• Renewal of ALUS project NSC-01286G-C1618 (restoration, $700/year for 5 years)
• Renewal of ALUS project NSC-01293L-C1619 (forest conservation, $6,250 total)
• New proposal NSC-03227L-C4465 (wetland restoration, $17,500 total)
• New proposal NSC-02439L-C4468 (livestock watering system, $2,500)
• Dave Reid Award ($10,000) nomination deadline May 15, 2026

Council

The council will consider a public hearing on Bylaw B482/26, which proposes amendments to the existing Land Use Bylaw B458/24. It will also review a request for clarification on the Police Funding Model’s new personnel allocations and discuss intermunicipal collaboration with the Town of Peace River. Additional items include a charitable donations tally, a weed‑inspector appointment, and various invitation notices.

• Public hearing at 10:00 a.m. for Bylaw B482/26 to amend Land Use Bylaw B458/24
• Review of Police Funding Model clarification request on new RCMP personnel locations
• Discussion of Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) regional negotiation with Town of Peace River
• Charitable donations tally for 2026 presented
• Appointment of a Weed and Pest Inspector

Council

The council will give third reading to Bylaw B481/26 Tax Rate Bylaw, which establishes the 2026 property tax rates and projects $26,755,324 in municipal tax revenue and $7,368,628 in requisitions. The meeting also includes an update to the 2026 Development Permits List, a tally of charitable donations, and the appointment of Weed and Pest Inspectors. Several community groups will present donation requests for upcoming events and programs.

• Bylaw B481/26 Tax Rate Bylaw – third reading to set 2026 tax rates ($26,755,324 revenue, $7,368,628 requisitions)
• 2026 Development Permits List update (item 6.1)
• Charitable Donations Tally presentation (item 7.1)
• Appointment of Weed and Pest Inspectors (item 10.1)
• Donation requests from local groups (items 11.2‑11.8) for festivals, sports, and community programs

Youth Council Advisory Committee

The Youth Council Advisory Committee will discuss a presentation to Energy Alberta on engaging local youth. They will also adopt minutes and set future meeting dates.

• Youth Committee presentation to Energy Alberta on youth engagement
• Discussion of meeting schedule change from Thursday May 7 to Wednesday May 6
• Future meetings set for July 9 and September 3

FCSS Committee

The FCSS Committee will receive updates on the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and Youth Resource Fair, review program calendars for April and May, and discuss upcoming training on unconscious bias and the Volunteer Appreciation BBQ. They will also consider correspondence and a round table question on attracting new program participants.

• Community Volunteer Income Tax Program update with 2025 tax year statistics
• Youth Resource Fair update
• Imagine Institute training on unconscious bias (May 19-21)
• Volunteer Appreciation BBQ on May 26
• Round table question on attracting new participants

Council

At the April 14, 2026 meeting, Council will consider the third reading of Bylaw B483/26, which updates the county’s prohibited and noxious species regulations. The agenda also includes adoption of the agenda and minutes, updates on other weed‑related bylaws (B484/26 and B485/26), and presentations on finance, development permits, and community events.

• Third reading of Bylaw B483/26 Prohibited and Noxious Species
• Bylaw B484/26 Elevation of Weed to Noxious Designation
• Bylaw B485/26 Intermunicipal Weed and Pest Appeal Board appointment
• 2026 Operations and Capital Budgets presentation
• Bylaw B481/26 Tax Rate Bylaw

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider three applications to subdivide parcels for farmstead separations. All are recommended for approval with conditions including tax payments, access standards, and developer agreements. One application (26MK005) requires a variance for a storage shed, and another (26MK006) exceeds the maximum parcel size but is justified by existing development.

• 26MK005: 10.01-acre farmstead separation at NW.8.81.22.W5M, requires variance or removal of storage shed
• 26MK006: 20.36-acre farmstead separation at SE.8.82.19.W5M, exceeds 10-acre max due to septic system
• 26MK008: 20.01-acre farmstead separation at SW.10.82.22.W5M
• All applications subject to conditions: taxes, access standards, offsite levy, developer agreement
• Recommendations for approval from Development Officer

Youth Council Advisory Committee

The Youth Council Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss job shadowing programs and the organization of a teen dance. The committee will also schedule future meetings, including a session with Energy Alberta.

• Discussion of job shadowing programs with Ginette Paradis of Careers Next Generation
• Planning for 'Buds and Boots' Teen Dance on April 11, 2026, at PR AG Hall
• Teen Dance budget items including $500 for DJ and $250 for candy
• Review of 2026 activities including a boat tour, shooting range, and trip to Grande Prairie
• Scheduling of future meetings for April, May, July, and September 2026

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider two development applications: a ground‑mounted solar power plant (Application 26‑04) submitted by Empower Energy Corp. on 84318 Hwy 688 with a reported construction cost of $5,326,333, and a farmstead subdivision (Application 26MK002) submitted by Antje Spinder covering 19.99 acres. The commission will also receive a notification that no further assessment is required for the Mihta Askiy Data Centre Project. Decisions on these items will be recorded in the meeting minutes.

• Application 26‑04 – Empower Energy Corp. solar array, 36.67 m², construction cost $5,326,333, located at 84318 Hwy 688
• Application 26MK002 – Antje Spinder farmstead separation, 19.99‑acre subdivision
• Mihta Askiy Data Centre Project – notification of no further assessment
• Chairman’s report (standard agenda item)
• Development Officer’s report (standard agenda item)

Council

The council will review Traffic Control Bylaw B402/22, which was previously confirmed to need no changes. It will also consider how to engage the public on a proposed amendment to the Road Use Agreement that would allow regular vehicles (one tonne or less) on Township Road 830 and Range Road 192, which are currently marked local or agricultural only. Additional agenda items include presentations on regenerative agriculture, the Agricultural Service Board strategic plan, and a tally of charitable donations.

• Review of Traffic Control Bylaw B402/22 (no changes required)
• Proposed amendment to Road Use Agreement for Township Rd 830 and Range Rd 192
• Regenerative Agriculture presentation by Nicole Baldwin, MSc.
• 2026 Agricultural Service Board Strategic Business Plan discussion
• Charitable Donations tally for 2026

Watershed Advisory Committee

The Watershed Advisory Committee will adopt Policy 1.18, a Code of Ethics and Guiding Principles for board and committee members. It will also review ALUS program updates, including proposed edits to payment rates and decision tools. The meeting includes a summary of the 2025 water sampling program and opens nominations for the 2026 Dave Reid Award ($10,000). A grant update from the NAIT Centre for Boreal Research on wetland restoration is presented.

• Adopt Policy 1.18 Board and Committee Member Code of Ethics & Guiding Principles
• Discuss ALUS Project Decision Tools and proposed edits to Policy 2.19 payment rates
• Present 2025 Water Sampling Program summary letter
• Open nominations for the 2026 Dave Reid Award (prize $10,000)
• Provide NAIT Centre for Boreal Research grant update on wetland restoration

Economic & Tourism Development Committee

The Economic & Tourism Development Committee will review a Destination Canada investment opportunity for a Peace River Adventure Base Camp and discuss regional housing needs. The meeting also includes a report on a social media campaign and a delegation from the Peace River Ag Society.

• Destination Canada investment opportunity for Peace River Adventure Base Camp
• Discussion on regional housing needs and innovative ideas
• Yolomad social media campaign report ($300 investment, 84 leads)
• Delegation from Peace River Ag Society
• Rotaract delegation presentation

Council

The council will consider moving $135,000 from the 2027 operations budget into the 2026 operations budget to complete the St. Isidore Playground this year. Other agenda items include a reserve‑fund allocation for 2025 capital projects, a charitable donations tally, a community services quarterly report, and an update to the 2026 development permits list. Several presentations and donation requests from local organizations will also be discussed.

• Reallocation of $135,000 for St. Isidore Playground to 2026 operations budget
• Allocation of reserve funds required for 2025 capital projects
• Charitable donations tally for March 3, 2026
• Community Services Quarterly Report
• 2026 Development Permits List Update (March 4, 2026)

FCSS Committee

The Northern Sunrise County Family and Community Support Services Committee will adopt the agenda and minutes, receive a Caregivers Alberta presentation, and review updates on community vans, volunteer income tax program statistics, and program calendars for March and April. The committee will also discuss updates to the Home Support Program handbook, the Board Committee Member Code of Ethics, and strategic planning progress. No formal decisions or approvals beyond informational updates are indicated.

• Caregivers Alberta presentation
• Community Volunteer Income Tax Program update and 2025 tax year statistics
• March and April program calendars for Nampa, St. Isidore, and Director locations
• Home Support Program Handbook updates
• Community Van schedule updates for March, April, and May 2026

Agricultural Service Board

The Board is meeting to discuss updates to weed control regulations, soil conservation inspection programs, and right-of-way management. Members will also review the 2026 Strategic Business Plan and the Intermunicipal Weed & Pest Appeal Board member list.

• Proposed edits to Bylaw B384.21 Prohibited and Noxious Species and Policy 2.7 Weed Control
• Discussion on the Soil Conservation Inspection Program and draft inspection matrix
• Review of 2026 edits to Bylaw B335.18 Intermunicipal Weed and Pest Appeal Board
• Discussion on Right of Way Management and edits to Policy 2.8 Public Area Maintenance
• Review of the draft 2026 ASB Strategic Business Plan