Big Lakes County, AB

Regular Meeting of Council

The provided document contains only technical metadata and software interface information. No specific business, proposals, or decisions are listed for the Big Lakes County Council meeting.

Regular Meeting of Council

The provided document contains only procedural software interface text and does not list any specific business items for the Big Lakes County Council meeting on September 9, 2026.

Regular Meeting of Council

The agenda for the Big Lakes County Council Regular Meeting on September 23, 2026, contains only procedural boilerplate with no substantive items, decisions, or discussions listed.

Regular Meeting of Council

The provided agenda for the Big Lakes County, AB Regular Council Meeting on 2026-10-14 contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items, decisions, or discussions.

Regular Meeting of Council

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and software interface text. There are no specific motions, discussions, or decisions listed for this meeting.

Regular Meeting of Council

This agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items for discussion or decision.

Municipal Planning Commission

The Big Lakes County Municipal Planning Commission will consider four development permit items. These include a new application (DVP 26-D0033) and requests for extensions, revisions, and a revised site plan for permits DVP 25-D0051 and DVP 25-D0059. The commission will vote on these items during the July 22 meeting.

• DVP 26-D0033 – New development permit application
• DVP 25-D0051 – Request for extension and approval of revised site plan
• DVP 25-D0059 – Request for extension
• DVP 25-D0059 – Request for revision

Regular Meeting of Council

This agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no concrete items for discussion or decision.

• No actionable items found

Council gave third reading to the Kochia Bylaw and extended the Business Enhancement Grant Program deadline to September 30, 2026. Two land use bylaw amendments received first reading with public hearings scheduled for August 12. Council also approved a letter of support for the LIFT Legacy program.

• Approved extension of Business Enhancement Grant Program deadline to September 30, 2026
• Directed Administration to continue analysis and site exploration for electric vehicle charging stations
• Approved letter of support for Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region LIFT program
• Tabled approval of Policy ADMIN-83, Letter of Support Policy
• Passed first reading of Land Use Bylaw Amendment 17-2026 and set public hearing for August 12, 2026
• Passed first reading of Land Use Bylaw Amendment 18-2026 and set public hearing for August 12, 2026
• Passed third reading of Bylaw No. 16-2026 Kochia Bylaw

Regular Meeting of Council

The Council will review several new administrative policies, including AI and privacy management. They are also deciding on a development agreement for a subdivision and a capital budget amendment for road rehabilitation.

• Approval of Development Agreement for Subdivision File 26-06
• Capital Budget Amendment for 2026 Road Rehabilitation, Contract 2
• Bylaw 14-2026 for Use of Environmental Reserve Land
• Bylaw 15-2026 regarding the Access To Information Act
• Kochia Bylaw 16-2026

Council approved several administrative policies, including an AI policy and an AED program policy. They also passed first and second readings for an Access to Information bylaw and a Kochia bylaw. Additionally, the council approved a $952,829.73 capital budget amendment for a road rehabilitation project.

• Rescinded Admin-20 Internet and Email Usage Policy
• Approved Admin-79 Privacy Management Policy
• Approved Admin-81 Artificial Intelligence Policy
• Approved Admin-82 IT Acceptable Use Policy
• Passed first and second readings for Bylaw 15-2026 Access to Information
• Passed third and final reading for Bylaw 15-2026 Access to Information
• Approved letter of support for East Prairie Métis Settlement
• Approved $1,500 sponsorship for Pioneer Thresherman Association

Regular Meeting of Council

The Big Lakes County Council will discuss administrative updates to the county's reserve policy and a budget amendment for digital signage. The meeting also includes a request for a subdivision exemption for Shadow Creek and a presentation from 211 Alberta.

• Subdivision File 24-11: Request for Exemption (Shadow Creek)
• Reserve Policy amendment
• Digital Sign budget amendment
• Letter of support for Salt Prairie Community Club New Horizons Grant
• 2026 Wall of Fame nominees

Council approved a $116,927.80 budget amendment for the Digital Sign Phase 2 Project and denied an exemption request for Shadow Creek Resort. Additionally, Council authorized a letter to the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation regarding watershed funding.

• Approved Salt Prairie Community Club letter of support (Carried)
• Approved amendments to ADMIN-59 Reserves Policy (Carried)
• Denied Shadow Creek Resort subdivision exemption request (Carried)
• Approved $116,927.80 Digital Sign budget amendment (Carried)
• Awarded 2026 Wall of Fame volunteers (Carried)
• Cancelled June 24, 2026, Municipal Planning Commission meeting (Carried)
• Authorized letter to Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation regarding WRRP funding (Carried)
• Directed investigation into Snipe Lake Licenses of Occupation costs (Carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

Council will hear delegations from Kinuso Hotel and KinMerc Oil & Gas, then hold a public hearing for second reading of Land Use Bylaw Amendment 12-2026 regarding intensive agriculture. They will also consider land sales, funding requests for community upgrades and a drone purchase, and review the 2025 audit management letter.

• Public hearing: Land Use Bylaw Amendment 12-2026 (intensive agriculture) second reading
• Land sale: Plan 936AJ, Block 3, Lot 3 in Grouard
• Land sale: Plan HEARTRI, Lot 59
• Funding request from Faust Community League for community upgrade program
• Purchase of drone for departmental use

Council gave second and third reading to Bylaw 12-2026 regulating intensive agriculture, following a public hearing with no submissions. A $33,900 resident satisfaction survey was defeated, but administration was directed to obtain alternative pricing. Grants, land sales, and equipment purchases were also approved.

• Approved Land Use Bylaw Amendment 12-2026 (intensive agriculture) - 2nd & 3rd reading carried
• Defeated resident satisfaction survey proposal ($33,900 from Leger)
• Directed administration to get pricing for alternative survey (carried)
• Approved $1,000 for Faust Communities in Bloom
• Approved $134,500 capital grant for Faust skating rink building
• Approved land sale in Grouard ($1,500 plus GST)
• Approved land sale in Heart River ($8,000 plus GST)
• Approved $12,800 for AED units and replacement batteries/pads

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will review a new subdivision application and process routine development permit approvals. The agenda also covers adoption of previous meeting minutes, public delegations, and informational updates on recently approved projects. Most items follow standard administrative procedures without detailed descriptions in the posted text.

• SUB 26-06 subdivision application
• Routine development permits requiring decision
• Informational list of recently approved subdivisions and permits
• Adoption of April 22, 2026 meeting minutes

Regular Meeting of Council

Council will hold public hearings for second readings of Land Use Bylaw Amendments 09-2026 and 10-2026. They will also review a municipal investment proposal with the Alberta government, discuss the Provincial Northern Alberta Living Allowance (NALA), and consider letters of support for local societies. Staff reports on Q1 finances and public works are scheduled.

• Second reading and public hearing for Land Use Bylaw Amendment 10-2026 at 1:00 p.m.
• Second reading and public hearing for Land Use Bylaw Amendment 09-2026 at 1:15 p.m.
• Municipal Investment Proposal with Alberta Government
• Provincial Northern Alberta Living Allowance (NALA) advocacy and participation
• Policy PW 04 on licensing and disposition of undeveloped right-of-ways

Council gave second reading to Bylaw 10-2026, adding 'Data Processing Facility' as a defined use and discretionary use in Agriculture, Crown Land, and Rural Industrial districts after a public hearing where several speakers opposed. Second reading was also given to Bylaw 09-2026 to rezone 10.58 acres near Snipe Lake from Agriculture to Country Residential. Other actions included forwarding a municipal investment proposal to the province, endorsing the Northern Alberta Living Allowance advocacy, and approving letters of support for community grant applications.

• Approved second reading of Bylaw 10-2026 (Data Processing Facility) after public hearing (carried)
• Approved second reading of Bylaw 09-2026 (rezoning 10.58 acres near Snipe Lake) after public hearing (carried)
• Forwarded municipal investment proposal to Alberta's Minister of Finance (carried)
• Endorsed Northern Alberta Living Allowance advocacy initiative (carried)
• Approved letter of support for Emerald Community and Recreation Society CFEP grant (carried)
• Approved letter of support for High Prairie Elks bucking chutes grant (carried)
• Approved letter of support for Joussard Homesteaders Society ATCO grant (carried)
• Tabled PW-04 policy on licensing undeveloped right-of-ways (carried)

Special Meeting of Council

This is a procedural meeting of the Big Lakes County Council. The agenda contains only boilerplate content and no specific items for discussion or decision.

Council directed Administration to proceed with creating openings in the dike and removing debris on the West Prairie and East Prairie Rivers to lower water levels. The motion was carried. Water levels had dropped 6–8 feet but council decided to proceed with the breaches as soon as possible.

• Approved breaching berm of northwest side of West Prairie River and north side of East Prairie River (carried)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider two subdivision applications (SUB 26-03 and SUB 26-04). A delegation by Gerald Teerling will address SUB 26-04. The commission will also adopt previous minutes and receive reports on recently approved development permits and subdivisions.

• Decision on subdivision application SUB 26-03
• Decision on subdivision application SUB 26-04
• Delegation by Gerald Teerling – SUB 26-04
• Report on approved development permits
• Report on approved subdivisions

Regular Meeting of Council

Council will discuss and potentially adopt Bylaw 12-2026 amending the Land Use Bylaw for intensive agriculture operations. Also on the agenda: a Schedule of Fees bylaw amendment (Bylaw 13-2026), the 2025 audited financial statements, a Business Enhancement Grant deadline extension, and a Junior Firefighter Scholarship Policy. A delegation from Metrix Group LLP is scheduled.

• Land Use Bylaw amendment re intensive agriculture (Bylaw 12-2026)
• Schedule of Fees Bylaw amendment (Bylaw 13-2026)
• 2025 Audited Financial Statements (draft)
• Business Enhancement Grant Program deadline extension
• Junior Firefighter Scholarship Policy

Council directed administration to immediately send a letter to provincial ministers requesting emergency support for critical flooding on the East and West Prairie Rivers, including authorization for potential dike breaching. Council also gave three readings to Bylaw 13-2026 amending the Schedule of Fees, extended the Business Enhancement Grant deadline to June 30, and adopted a Junior Firefighter Scholarship Policy. First reading was given to Bylaw 12-2026 regarding intensive agriculture operations, with a public hearing set for May 27.

• Requested provincial emergency flood support and dike breaching authorization (carried)
• Approved Bylaw 13-2026 Schedule of Fees amendment (unanimous)
• Extended Business Enhancement Grant application deadline to June 30, 2026
• Adopted Junior Firefighter Scholarship Policy
• Approved partnership with Spruce Point Park for FCC AgriSpirit Fund application
• Set 2026 County BBQ for June 25
• Gave first reading to Bylaw 12-2026 (intensive agriculture) and set public hearing May 27
• Directed administration to draft a Road Use Agreement Policy

Special Meeting of Council

At this special meeting, Big Lakes County Council will consider the 2026 Final Operating and Capital Budget and the 2026 Mill Rate Bylaw. These items set the county's spending plan and property tax rates for the year.

• 2026 Final Operating and Capital Budget
• 2026 Mill Rate Bylaw

Council approved the 2026 final operating budget of $37.3M in expenses and $14.7M capital budget, maintaining a 0% municipal tax increase. The mill rate bylaw was passed unanimously through all three readings. The budget includes over $9M in road projects, notably $6.5M for Kinuso Centre Street rehabilitation.

• Approved 2026 final operating budget (carried)
• Approved 2026 final capital budget $14.7M (carried)
• Passed Mill Rate Bylaw 11-2026 through all three readings (carried unanimously)

Regular Meeting of Council

Big Lakes County Council will hold first readings on two land use bylaw amendments, consider several budget amendments for road rehabilitation and equipment, and discuss policy changes for community upgrades and digital signs. Delegations from the National Police Federation and Peace Library System are scheduled. Other items include a support request from Swan River First Nation and appointments to the library board.

• First Reading - Land Use Bylaw Amendment 09-2026
• First Reading - Land Use Bylaw Amendment 10-2026
• 2026 Road Rehabilitation, Contract 2 - Budget Amendment (Kinuso Road)
• Backhoe Loader Budget Amendment
• BF 86014 Culvert Replacement Project Budget Amendment

Regular Meeting of Council

Council will decide on third reading of the Designated Officer - Assessor Bylaw, consider sponsorship requests for the EMC2 Conference and Spruce Point Park Wildrose Rodeo, and set a date for the 2026 Q1 Financial Report presentation. A delegation from the Peace Library System will discuss library services.

• Third reading of Designated Officer - Assessor Bylaw (Bylaw 11-2015 amendments)
• Growth Alberta Partnership - EMC2 Conference Sponsorship Request
• Spruce Point Park Wildrose Rodeo Sponsorship Request
• Setting presentation date for 2026 Q1 Financial Report
• Delegation from Peace Library System (Louisa Robison)

Big Lakes County Council approved sponsorship funding for the EMC2 Conference and the Wildrose Rodeo. The council also scheduled a special meeting for April 20, 2026, to adopt the final 2026 operating and capital budgets.

• Approved $1,000 sponsorship for EMC2 Conference (Carried)
• Approved attendance of two councillors at the EMC2 Conference (Carried)
• Approved $1,000 sponsorship for Spruce Point Park Wildrose Rodeo (Carried)
• Provided third reading for Bylaw 06-2026 Designated Officer – Assessor Bylaw (Carried)
• Delayed Q1 financial report presentation until May 13, 2026 (Carried)
• Scheduled special council meeting for April 20, 2026, to adopt final budgets (Carried)
• Directed administration to engage with Town of High Prairie regarding Community Peace Officer coverage (Carried)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Big Lakes County Municipal Planning Commission will consider and decide on one development permit application (DVP 26-D0002) at its March 25, 2026 meeting. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes, information on recently approved permits and subdivisions, and scheduling the next meeting.

• DVP 26-D0002 – Development permit application requiring a decision (attachments: application, review, map, redacted application, photo)

The Big Lakes County Municipal Planning Commission approved development permit application DVP 26-D0002 on March 25, 2026. The approval includes specific conditions regarding property setbacks, municipal service connections, and a requirement to begin construction within one year. The commission also received an informational list of other permits previously approved by the Development Officer.

• Approved development permit DVP 26-D0002 with conditions (setbacks, service connections, construction timeline)
• Adopted agenda and January meeting minutes as presented
• Received informational list of permits approved by the Development Officer

Regular Meeting of Council

The council will adopt the agenda and previous minutes, hear staff reports, and review several policy and bylaw items. A notice of motion from Councillor Nelson concerning the Triangle Waterline will be presented. Additional items include a repeal of the Livestock Bylaw and various administrative requests.

• Notice of Motion – Triangle Waterline (Councillor Nelson)
• Repeal of Livestock Bylaw
• Admin Building Office Equipment Capital Request
• Admin-69 Roadside and Hamlet Cleanup Policy Revisions
• High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo – Sponsorship Request

The council approved the repeal of the 2013 Livestock Bylaw, completing its first, second and third readings. It also approved the repeal of the Wild Boar Bylaw, adopted revised farm‑family and veterinary incentive policies, and created a permanent full‑time Records & Information Coordinator position. Additional actions included a $1,000 sponsorship for the High Prairie Elks Pro‑Rodeo, a $71,500 office equipment purchase, and directives to host upcoming Water North and RMA District meetings.

• Approved repeal of Livestock Bylaw 08-2013 (carried)
• Approved repeal of Wild Boar Bylaw 07-2026 (carried)
• Approved creation of permanent full-time Records & Information Coordinator position (carried)
• Approved $1,000 sponsorship for High Prairie Elks Pro‑Rodeo (carried)
• Approved $71,500 office equipment purchase from Building Reserve (carried)
• Directed Administration to host May 13 Water North Coalition Meeting (carried)
• Directed Administration to host Aug 14 RMA District 4 Zone Meeting (carried)
• Approved letter of support for High Prairie Elks RBC Barrier Buster Grant (carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

Council is discussing several reports and decisions, including a report on enabling housing choice north to promote diverse housing development, a proposal to sell county-owned lots in the Hamlet of Grouard, and a review of 4-way stop signs at Centre Street and Swan Ave in Kinuso. Other items include road closures, gravel truck hiring policy updates, and a transfer of waste management services to the HP District Regional Waste Management Commission.

• Enabling Housing Choice North Project Recommendations Report – housing development policy
• Sale of County-owned Lots – Hamlet of Grouard
• Kinuso Review of 4-Way Stop Signs at Centre Street and Swan Ave
• Road Plan 251AG Closure
• Transfer of BLC Waste Management Services to HP District Regional Waste Management Commission

The council approved moving all Big Lakes County waste transfer stations and related services to the High Prairie and District Waste Management Commission. It also appointed Captain James Doyle as a Fire Guardian for the 2026 fire season and approved several land divestitures and road‑plan budget amendments. A recommendation for the Enabling Housing Choice North Project was tabled, and one lot‑consolidation option in Grouard was defeated.

• Approved transfer of waste management services to High Prairie Waste Management Commission (carried)
• Approved appointment of Captain James Doyle as Fire Guardian (carried)
• Approved divestiture of Lot 20 in Hamlet of Grouard (carried)
• Approved land acquisition $12,000 for Road Plan 251AG realignment (carried)
• Approved budget amendment $21,560 for Survey of Road Plan 251AG (carried)
• Defeated Option 1 of Grouard lot consolidation plan (defeated)
• Carried Option 2 of Grouard lot consolidation plan with amendment (carried)
• Tabled Enabling Housing Choice North Project recommendations (tabled)

Regular Meeting of Council

Council will discuss and potentially adopt a new General Traffic Bylaw (No. 13-2025), review the 2026 road rehabilitation plan, and consider several sponsorship requests. Delegations include updates from Maskwa Medical Center and RCMP detachments. Council will also consider a policy amendment for financial control and procurement, and a capital funding allocation request from the Town of High Prairie. A closed session is scheduled regarding matters harmful to business interests.

• General Traffic Bylaw No. 13-2025 (decision)
• 2026 Road Rehabilitation plan
• Financial Control and Procurement Policy amendment
• Sale or subdivision of Plan 2438NY Lot 13 in Hamlet of Kinuso
• Town of High Prairie 2026 Capital Funding Allocation

The council approved three road‑repair projects as part of the 2026 Road Rehabilitation program, including Township Road 740, Grouard's 3rd Avenue, and Kinuso Center Street. It directed the remaining $7,091.64 from the charity golf tournament to three local charities and rescinded the Admin‑40 Capital Project Grants policy. The council also amended the financial control policy to raise the procurement threshold to $75,000 and approved several community sponsorships.

• Approved Township Road 740 repairs (1.6 km overlay) for 2026 Road Rehabilitation (CARRIED)
• Approved Hamlet of Grouard 3rd Avenue reconstruction (460 m) for 2026 Road Rehabilitation (CARRIED)
• Approved Hamlet of Kinuso Center Street reconstruction and related works for 2026 Road Rehabilitation (CARRIED)
• Directed remaining $7,091.64 charity tournament funds to three local charities (CARRIED)
• Rescinded Admin‑40 Capital Project Grants to Organizations policy (CARRIED)
• Amended Financial Control and Procurement Policy to raise purchase threshold to $75,000 (CARRIED)
• Sponsored Make a Wish Gala with $2,000 contribution (CARRIED)
• Sponsored High Prairie Traditional Pow Wow with $500 contribution (CARRIED)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider a development permit application identified as DVP 25-D0108. It will also discuss the 2026 CPAA Conference and Education Session and review approved development permits. The commission will set the next meeting date for February 25, 2026.

• Decision on Development Permit DVP 25-D0108
• 2026 CPAA Conference and Education Session
• Review of Approved Development Permits
• Subdivisions requiring decision (details not provided)
• Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Regular Meeting of Council

The Big Lakes County Council will adopt the agenda and previous minutes, hear several delegation presentations, and discuss a range of items including a funding request from the Big Lakes Child Care Society, a vertical farm project for the High Prairie School Division, and a budget amendment for Public Works engineering. The council will also review livestock bylaw amendment proposals and a sponsorship request from the Ukrainian Cultural Society of High Prairie.

• Livestock Bylaw Amendments (Community Services & Planning)
• 2026 Budget Amendment – Public Works Administration‑Engineering
• Big Lakes Child Care Society – 2026 Funding Request
• High Prairie School Division Vertical Farm Project
• Ukrainian Cultural Society of High Prairie sponsorship request for Malanka and seniors performance

The council decided to discontinue the Big Lakes Charity Golf Tournament. Administration was directed to compile a list of charities for allocating the remaining tournament funds. Several grant requests were approved, including a $2,525 operating grant for the Big Lakes Child Care Society, $2,000 for a senior high entrepreneurship course, and $500 for a Ukrainian Cultural Society event. A $5,000 contribution to a vertical garden project was approved while a $10,000 request for the same project was defeated.

• Discontinue Big Lakes Charity Golf Tournament (CARRIED)
• Direct administration to provide list of charities for remaining tournament funds (CARRIED)
• Approve $2,525 operating grant for Big Lakes Child Care Society (CARRIED)
• Approve $2,000 support for Kinuso senior high entrepreneurship course (CARRIED)
• Approve $500 sponsorship for Ukrainian Cultural Society event (CARRIED)
• Approve $5,000 financial assistance for High Prairie School Division vertical garden project (CARRIED)
• Defeat $10,000 financial assistance for High Prairie School Division vertical garden project (DEFEATED)
• Repeal Livestock Bylaw 08-2013 (CARRIED)

Committee of the Whole

This agenda for the Big Lakes County Committee of the Whole meeting on January 14, 2026, contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed decisions, discussions, or specific items for consideration.

Regular Meeting of Council

The council will decide on adoption of voting procedures, audio/video livestreaming, the agenda and previous minutes. The primary public business is a series of second‑reading hearings on five land‑use related amendments, including four land‑use bylaws and one municipal development plan amendment. Staff reports from corporate services, community services & planning, and public works will also be presented. The meeting runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Big Lakes County Council Chambers.

• Second Reading – Land Use Bylaw Amendment 15-2025
• Second Reading – Land Use Bylaw Amendment 16-2025
• Second Reading – Municipal Development Plan Amendment 17-2025
• Second Reading – Grouard Area Structure Plan Amendment 18-2025
• Second Reading – Land Use Bylaw Amendment 19-2025