Big Lakes County public meetings in 2025

Municipal Planning Commission

The Big Lakes County Municipal Planning Commission will consider one development permit application (DP 25-D0107) and one subdivision application (SUB 25-08). The commission will also receive information on approved development permits and set the next meeting date.

• Decision on Development Permit DP 25-D0107
• Decision on Subdivision SUB 25-08
• Information on previously approved development permits
• Next meeting scheduled for January 28, 2026

Regular Meeting of Council

Big Lakes County Council will meet to adopt minutes, review action items, and hear from a delegation. The agenda includes staff reports on capital projects and budgets, as well as proposed changes to wastewater fees, livestock regulations, and development agreements.

• Bylaw 14-2025 to amend Schedule of Fees
• Amendments to Livestock Bylaw
• First Reading of LUB Amendment 15-2025
• First Reading of Statutory Plan Amendments (Bylaws 17-19-2025)
• Approval of Development Agreement for Permit 25-D0051

The council adopted a show‑of‑hands voting procedure and prohibited audio/video recording for the November 26 meeting. It appointed Councillor Mifflin to the Community Futures board and Councillor Porter to the Northern Lakes College committee. The council approved the 2026 interim operating and capital budgets, adopted the Wastewater Charge Forgiveness Policy, and defeated a request to clear a municipal reserve lot for lake access.

• Adopted show‑of‑hands voting procedure (carried)
• Prohibited audio/video recording and livestreaming (carried)
• Appointed Councillor Mifflin to Community Futures Lesser Slave Lakes Regional board (carried)
• Appointed Councillor Porter to Northern Lakes College Community Education Committee (carried)
• Approved 2026 interim operating budget (carried)
• Approved 2026 interim capital budget (carried)
• Approved Wastewater Charge Forgiveness Policy (carried)
• Defeated request to clear municipal reserve lot for lake access (defeated)

Committee of the Whole

The agenda for the Big Lakes County Committee of the Whole meeting on December 10, 2025, shows only the eSCRIBE software interface without any listed agenda items. This appears to be a placeholder or a procedural notice only. No decisions, discussions, or proposals are indicated in the provided text.

• No specific items listed in the agenda

Special Meeting of Council

The agenda for the November 28, 2025 special meeting is currently unavailable. The document contains only procedural metadata and no specific agenda items.

• Meeting type: Special Meeting
• Meeting date: 2025-11-28
• Status: No items listed

The council adopted show‑of‑hands voting and barred audio/video recording for the meeting. It removed the High Prairie and District Museum from the grant list, then provided a one‑time $22,000 funding to the museum. The Cost‑of‑Living Allowance for 2026 was set at a 1.7% increase. Several capital projects were approved, including a $2,564,218 road rehabilitation and a $250,000 airport weather‑observing system upgrade, and the Community Hamlet Upgrade policy budget was raised to $1.8 million.

• Adopted show‑of‑hands voting procedure (CARRIED)
• Barred audio/video recording and livestreaming (CARRIED)
• Struck High Prairie and District Museum from approved organizations (CARRIED)
• Approved one‑time $22,000 funding for High Prairie and District Museum (CARRIED)
• Approved Cost‑of‑Living Allowance increase to 1.7% for 2026 (CARRIED)
• Approved Road Rehabilitation project for $2,564,218 (CARRIED)
• Approved High Prairie Airport AWOS tower replacement for $250,000 (CARRIED)
• Amended Community Hamlet Upgrade policy budget to $1.8 million (CARRIED)

Regular Meeting of Council

Big Lakes County Council will meet to adopt voting procedures, review minutes, and consider a first reading for a land use bylaw amendment. The agenda includes requests for funding and letters of support from local organizations.

• First Reading - Land Use Bylaw Amendment 16-2025
• Schedule A Inclusion and Operational Grant Funding Request - Grouard-Peace River Trail Net Society
• Schedule A Inclusion and Operational Grant Funding Request - High Prairie Gymnastics Association
• Wastewater forgiveness request - AIK Kinuso Ltd
• Ukrainian Cultural Society of High Prairie Event Sponsorship Request

The council approved a one‑time $11,000 operational grant for the Grouard‑Peace River Trail Net Society. It also approved $11,000 operational funding for the High Prairie Gymnastics Association and $500 sponsorships for the Ukrainian Cultural Society event and the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre banquet. Letters of support were adopted for the Heart River Housing strategic plan and for High Prairie’s drought and flood protection program grant. All motions were carried.

• Approved $11,000 one‑time operational grant to Grouard‑Peace River Trail Net Society (CARRIED)
• Directed administration to support and explore alternative funding for the Trail Net Society (CARRIED)
• Approved addition of High Prairie Gymnastics Association to Schedule A (CARRIED)
• Approved $11,000 operational funding for High Prairie Gymnastics Association (CARRIED)
• Approved $500 sponsorship for Ukrainian Cultural Society event (CARRIED)
• Approved $500 sponsorship for High Prairie Native Friendship Centre banquet (CARRIED)
• Approved letter of support for Heart River Housing 2021 Strategic Plan (CARRIED)
• Approved letter of support for High Prairie Drought and Flood Protection Program grant (CARRIED)

Special Meeting of Council

The agenda for this special meeting consists only of procedural boilerplate with no listed resolutions, ordinances, or discussions. The meeting appears to be a formality with no decisions or public hearings scheduled.

The council adopted a show‑of‑hands voting method, prohibited audio/video recording and livestreaming, and adopted the agenda as presented. It then approved a series of 2026 community organization operating and capital grants, covering community halls, recreation facilities, museums, seniors groups and specific capital projects.

• Adopted show‑of‑hands voting procedure for the meeting (Carried)
• Prohibited audio/video recording and livestreaming during the meeting (Carried)
• Adopted the agenda as presented (Carried)
• Approved $11,000 per group operating grant for Community Hall & Organizations stream to 21 groups (Carried)
• Approved $55,000 per group operating grant for Recreation Facilities stream to 5 groups (Carried)
• Approved $22,000 per group operating grant for Museum stream to 3 groups (Carried)
• Approved $5,500 per group operating grant for Seniors Organizations stream to 6 groups (Carried)
• Approved $4,425 capital grant to Banana Belt Recreation Association for LED Lighting Upgrade (Carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole agenda for November 6, 2025 contains no listed items. No decisions or discussions are detailed in the provided document. The meeting appears to be procedural with no substantive agenda items.

Regular Meeting of Council

The Big Lakes County Council will consider several financial and administrative items, including the 2025 Q3 financial report, an affordable housing tax exemption, and the sale of tax-recovery lands by public auction. Delegations are scheduled from the Town of High Prairie CAO and EGIS regarding a water report. No public hearings are listed. The meeting also includes a closed session under sections 16 and 30 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

• 2025 Tax Recovery – Sale of Land and Properties by Public Auction
• Affordable Housing Tax Exemption request
• Forgiveness of Wastewater Charges
• Admin-58 Return of Service Bursary Amendments
• High Prairie Hawks Minor Hockey Association Sponsorship Request

The council approved a public auction of land under tax arrears for December 11, 2025 and established reserve bids for the properties. It also adopted an affordable‑housing tax exemption and approved several strategic working groups. Additional actions included a bursary policy amendment, a letter of support for a tourism grant, and a $500 sponsorship for a local minor‑hockey association.

• Approved public auction of tax‑arrears land for Dec 11, 2025 (CARRIED)
• Set reserve bid of $8,580 for Hamlet Residential property (Roll #465488) (CARRIED)
• Approved affordable housing tax exemption for eligible properties (CARRIED)
• Approved Admin‑58 Return of Service Bursary policy amendments (CARRIED)
• Directed administration to draft letter to Electoral Boundaries Commission regarding Lesser Slave Lake riding (CARRIED)
• Established Reserves Strategic Working Group (1‑year term, advisory) (CARRIED)
• Established Level of Service Strategic Working Group (1‑year term, advisory) (CARRIED)
• Approved $500 sponsorship for High Prairie Hawks Minor Hockey Association (CARRIED)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Big Lakes County Municipal Planning Commission will meet on November 5, 2025, to decide on two development permit applications (DVP 25-D0100 and DVP 25-D0102). The agenda also includes nomination of a chairman and vice-chairman, adoption of previous minutes, and review of approved development permits. No public hearings or subdivisions requiring decision are listed.

• DVP 25-D0100 - development permit application requiring decision
• DVP 25-D0102 - development permit application requiring decision
• Nomination of chairman and vice-chairman
• Adoption of previous minutes from October 8, 2025
• Information on approved development permits (DVPs) for review

The Municipal Planning Commission approved development permit 25‑D0100 with a set of conditions and a variance. It also approved development permit 25‑D0102, requiring a 30‑metre setback from the Lesser Slave Lake shoreline. The commission cancelled the November 26 meeting and rescheduled it for December 17, 2025.

• Nominations for Chairman ceased (CARRIED)
• Nominations for Vice‑Chairman ceased (CARRIED)
• Adopted agenda for November 5, 2025 (CARRIED)
• Adopted October 1, 2025 minutes (CARRIED)
• Approved development permit 25‑D0100 with conditions (CARRIED)
• Approved development permit 25‑D0102 with conditions, including 30 m shoreline setback (CARRIED)
• Cancelled November 26, 2025 meeting; rescheduled to December 17, 2025 at 9:00 am (CARRIED)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:15 am (CARRIED)

Organizational Meeting of Council

At this special organizational meeting, the newly-elected council will elect a Reeve and Deputy Reeve, review several internal policies (honorarium, staff recognition, county apparel, procedural bylaw), and make appointments to numerous boards and committees including the Agricultural Service Board, ALUS PAC, Economic Development Committee, and others.

• Election of Reeve and Deputy Reeve
• Review of Procedural Bylaw 11-2025
• Appointments to the Agricultural Service Board (3 council members, 4 at-large members)
• Appointments to the Municipal Planning Commission (all council members, 2 at-large members)
• Appointments to the Big Lakes County Economic Development Committee (3 council members)

Council held its organizational meeting on Nov 3, 2025 and elected Tyler Airth as Reeve and Roberta Hunt as Deputy Reeve by secret ballot. The council approved a $100 increase to the monthly honorarium, setting new rates of $1,850 for the Reeve, $1,550 for the Deputy Reeve and $1,450 for councillors, and also adopted the Christmas Staff Recognition Policy, County Apparel Policy, and Procedural Bylaw No. 11‑2025. Numerous internal and external committee appointments were confirmed, and the Inter‑Government Relations Committee was dissolved.

• Elected Tyler Airth as Reeve (carried)
• Elected Roberta Hunt as Deputy Reeve (carried)
• Approved $100 honorarium increase, new rates: Reeve $1,850, Deputy Reeve $1,550, Councillors $1,450 (carried)
• Approved Christmas Staff Recognition Policy (carried)
• Approved County Apparel Policy (carried)
• Approved Procedural Bylaw No. 11‑2025 (carried)
• Appointed members to Agricultural Services Board for 2025‑2029 and 2025‑2027 terms (carried)
• Dissolved Inter‑Government Relations Committee (carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

Big Lakes County Council will convene on October 8, 2025, to discuss the sale of hamlet land, a procedural bylaw, and area structure plans. The meeting includes a delegation from the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre and a public time session.

• Sale of Hamlet of Grouard land
• Procedural Bylaw 11-2025
• Sale of Plan 2438NY, Lot 13 (Hamlet of Kinuso)
• Swan Hills Energy Corridor Area Structure Plan
• LUB Amendment 12-2025

The council allocated $26,000 to the Rural Transportation Bus Operations budget and passed all three readings of Procedural Bylaw 11‑2025. It approved the transition of the Animal Control/Health & Safety Coordinator to a full‑time Animal Control Officer and created a new Health and Safety Advisor position. The council also approved $178,725 for the Swan Hills Energy Corridor plan, added the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre and the Children’s Resource Council to Schedule A, and defeated a $2,500 sponsorship for the Northern Alberta Tourism Summit while accepting a $500 sponsorship.

• Allocated $26,000 from High Prairie to Rural Transportation Bus Operations budget (Carried)
• Passed first, second, and third readings of Procedural Bylaw 11‑2025 (Carried)
• Approved transition of Animal Control/Health & Safety Coordinator to full‑time Animal Control Officer (Carried)
• Approved addition of Health and Safety Advisor position effective immediately (Carried)
• Approved $178,725 withdrawal for Swan Hills Energy Corridor Area Structure Plan (Carried)
• Added High Prairie Native Friendship Centre to Schedule A under Community Halls and Seniors Programming (Carried)
• Added Children’s Resource Council to Schedule A under Community Halls and Organizations (Carried)
• Defeated $2,500 sponsorship for Northern Alberta Tourism Summit; approved $500 Free Spirit Package sponsorship (Defeated/Carried)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will adopt the agenda and review a development permit application. The body will also consider correspondence regarding an NRCB application.

• Adoption of agenda and minutes
• Review of Development Permit 25-D0090
• Information on approved permits and subdivisions
• NRCB Application FA25005 correspondence

The Municipal Planning Commission approved development permit application 25‑D0090 and attached a series of conditions covering required ancillary permits, a 12‑month construction start deadline, financial responsibility for damages, setback requirements, on‑site parking, wastewater servicing, and a roadside permit from Alberta Transportation. The motion was moved by Vice Chairperson Hunt and carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 am.

• Approved Development Permit 25‑D0090 with conditions (motion carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

The council will adopt the agenda and previous meeting minutes before discussing several staff reports and administrative items. A key item is the approval of dates for a special council meeting to deliberate the 2026 operating and capital budget (interim budget). Additional items include updates to the healthcare provider attraction terms of reference, the ecosystem services grant program, and revisions to equipment sanitation and road maintenance policies.

• Special Council Meeting - 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Deliberation Dates - Interim Budget
• Ecosystem Services Grant Program
• Healthcare Provider Attraction and Retention - Terms of Reference Update
• ASB-12 Equipment Sanitation Policy
• PW-08 Road Maintenance Policy Amendment

The council adopted changes to the Healthcare Attraction and Retention Committee, including new voting members and a $5,000 annual funding commitment. A $5,000 budget increase was approved for the committee's 2025 activities. Special council meetings were scheduled for November 24 and 28, 2025 to adopt the 2026 operating and capital budget. Several policies were adopted or amended, including the ASB-12 Equipment Sanitation Policy and the PW-08 Road Maintenance Policy.

• Approved changes to Healthcare Attraction and Retention Committee membership (First Nation and Métis representatives become voting members) – CARRIED
• Approved $5,000 annual funding for Healthcare Attraction and Retention Committee – CARRIED
• Approved $5,000 budget increase for 2025 healthcare committee activities – CARRIED
• Approved inclusion of a temporary Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board member on the agenda for Sept 25 – CARRIED
• Approved appointment of Roxanne Perron as interim representative on the Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board – CARRIED
• Approved special council meetings on Nov 24 and Nov 28, 2025 to adopt the 2026 operating and capital budget – CARRIED
• Adopted revised ASB-12 Equipment Sanitation Policy – CARRIED
• Amended PW-08 Road Maintenance Policy Section 8.0 to add public hearings, stop lines, and signage; directed comprehensive review – CARRIED

Committee of the Whole

The agenda contains no listed items; only standard meeting framework is present.

Regular Meeting of Council

The Big Lakes County Council meets to hear a delegation from Heart River Housing and a tentative presentation from Deloitte, review the Council Code of Conduct, and consider a Fuel Management Plan Application. Staff reports from corporate services, community services, and public works are also scheduled. The agenda includes public time at 11:45 a.m. and routine adoption of minutes and action lists.

• Fuel Management Plan Application (item 11a)
• Council Code of Conduct review (item 9a)
• Delegation from Heart River Housing at 10:30 a.m. (item 5a)
• Tentative delegation from Deloitte at 11:00 a.m. (item 5b)
• August 2025 peace officer and patrol log reports (item 8b)

The council adopted the amended agenda and the previous meeting minutes. It rescinded the Council Code of Conduct bylaw, approved a $55,716 withdrawal from the Tourism and Economic Development Reserve, and approved a $3,150 emergency grant for the Joussard Homesteaders Society. The council also directed administration to explore senior bus services and to work with Alberta Transportation on dust control for detour routes.

• Adopted the agenda as amended (CARRIED)
• Adopted the August 27, 2025 minutes (CARRIED)
• Rescinded Council Code of Conduct Bylaw 07-2019 (CARRIED)
• Approved withdrawal of $55,716 from the Tourism and Economic Development Reserve (CARRIED)
• Approved $3,150 Emergency Capital Grant for Joussard Homesteaders Society (CARRIED)
• Directed administration to explore bus service options for Pleasantview Seniors Lodge (CARRIED)
• Directed administration to collaborate with Alberta Transportation on dust control for detour routes (CARRIED)
• Supported FRIAA grant applications for Joussard structure protection and Grouard vegetation management (CARRIED)

Regular Meeting of Council

The council is discussing a land use bylaw amendment to regulate intensive agriculture, along with a proposed public sale of county-owned land in Grouard and a funding request for a hydroponic farm at High Prairie School Division. Other items include setting an advanced voting date for the municipal election and updating the fire services level of service policy. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Land Use Bylaw Amendment for Intensive Agriculture
• Public Sale of County-Owned Land in Grouard (Plans 5688MC, 936AJ)
• High Prairie School Division Hydroponic Farm Funding Request
• Municipal Election Advanced Vote Date
• Fire Services Level of Service Policy Fire-04 update

The council adopted the agenda and previous minutes, set the municipal election advanced voting date for October 15, 2025, and accepted a library board resignation. It approved a $12,250 budget increase to remove unhealthy trees in Jaycee Park and approved several policy and land‑use actions, including releasing Crown land for agriculture. All motions were carried.

• Advanced voting for the municipal election set for Oct 15, 2025 (10 am‑5 pm) – carried
• Accepted Margaret Willier’s resignation from the Library Board and directed advertisement for a new member – carried
• Approved $12,250 budget increase to remove unhealthy trees in Jaycee Park – carried
• Tabled public sale of county‑owned land in Grouard pending additional information – carried
• Received High Prairie School Division hydroponic farm request for information – carried
• Sent Land Use Bylaw amendment back to the Agricultural Service Board for further information – carried
• Approved Fire Services Level of Service Policy Fire‑04 as amended – carried
• Approved identification of land for release from Crown land designation for agricultural purposes – carried

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider a development permit application (DVP 25‑D0079) and a subdivision application (SUB 25‑05). Both items are listed under agenda items requiring a decision. The commission will also address routine matters such as adoption of the agenda, minutes, and scheduling of future meetings.

• Development Permit DVP 25‑D0079 – application for permit (attachments provided)
• Subdivision SUB 25‑05 – application for subdivision (attachments provided)
• Adoption of the agenda
• Adoption of previous minutes
• Information & correspondence – approved development permits

The Municipal Planning Commission adopted the agenda and previous minutes. It approved development permit 25-D0079 and subdivision application 25-05, each with specific conditions. The commission also cancelled the September 24 meeting (rescheduled to October 1) and the October 22 meeting (rescheduled to November 5). The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 am.

• Agenda adoption carried
• Previous minutes adoption carried
• Approved development permit 25-D0079 with conditions (carried)
• Approved subdivision application 25-05 with conditions (carried)
• Received list of development permits for information (carried)
• Cancelled September 24, 2025 meeting; rescheduled to October 1, 2025 (carried)
• Cancelled October 22, 2025 meeting; rescheduled to November 5, 2025 (carried)
• Meeting adjourned at 9:28 am (carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

The Big Lakes County Council will adopt the agenda and previous minutes, hear staff reports, and discuss several policy and financial items. Key items include a declaration of a municipal agricultural disaster, the first reading of LUB Amendment 12-2025, a tax‑recovery sale of land and properties, an update to the corporate credit‑card policy, and an ANI addition for the Big Lakes Child Care Society.

• Declaration of Municipal Agricultural Disaster
• First Reading LUB Amendment 12-2025 (bylaw)
• Tax Recovery – Sale of Land and Properties by Public Auction
• Corporate Credit Card Policy Update
• ANI Addition – Big Lakes Child Care Society

Council declared a Municipal Agricultural Disaster for the county. The council denied adding the Big Lakes Child Care Society as an Additionally Named Insured to the county insurance policy and approved the revised corporate credit card policy and safety policy. A salary increment for the Chief Administrative Officer was also approved.

• Declared Municipal Agricultural Disaster (carried)
• Denied addition of Big Lakes Child Care Society as Additionally Named Insured (carried)
• Approved revisions to ADMIN-52 Corporate Credit Card Policy (carried)
• Approved revised Safety Policy ADMIN-07 (carried)
• Transferred authority to amend Safety Policy ADMIN-07 to the CAO (carried)
• Approved salary increment for CAO David Reynolds to Step 4 (carried)
• Set date for tax‑arrears land auction to October 14, 2025 (carried)
• Directed review of sign policy PW-09 for Kinuso 4‑way stop sign (carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

The Big Lakes County Council will hold a public hearing for second reading of Land Use Bylaw Amendment 09-2025. The council also hears updates from Maskwa Medical Center, Alberta Transportation, and the Natural Resources Conservation Board. Several funding requests are on the agenda, including from High Prairie School Division and Joussard Community Association. A notice of motion from Councillor Mifflin is scheduled.

• Public hearing for Land Use Bylaw Amendment 09-2025 at 1:00 p.m.
• Update from Maskwa Medical Center on project progress
• High Prairie School Division request for funding
• Joussard Community Association emergency capital grant request
• Notice of motion from Councillor Mifflin

Council gave second and third readings to Land Use Bylaw Amendment 09‑2025 and approved the amendments. The changes limit livestock on parcels under one acre to one animal unit, recommend premise identification registration, and tie animal units to acres for parcels larger than six acres. No public submissions were received and the amendment was carried.

• Second reading of Land Use Bylaw Amendment 09‑2025 – carried (motion 2025‑14‑335)
• Third reading of Land Use Bylaw Amendment 09‑2025 – carried (motion 2025‑14‑336)
• Amendments to the bylaw: <1 acre parcels one animal unit; PID registration recommendation; animal‑unit‑to‑acre matching for >6 acre parcels – carried (motion 2025‑14‑334)
• Emergency capital grant of $1,135 to Joussard Community Association for sewer line – carried (motion 2025‑14‑337)
• Community BBQ in Kinuso approved – carried (motion 2025‑14‑328)
• Operating budget increase of $10,000 for the BBQ approved – carried (motion 2025‑14‑329)
• Council Photography Policy Counc‑05 approved – carried (motion 2025‑14‑330)
• ASB‑16 Agricultural Grants to Organizations Policy approved – carried (motion 2025‑14‑348)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will hear a delegation from IPECC Solutions regarding DVP 25-D0059 and then decide on four development permit applications: DVP 25-D0059, DVP 25-D0051, DVP 25-D0064, and DVP 25-D0073. The meeting will also include adoption of previous minutes and scheduling the next meeting.

• Delegation from IPECC Solutions on DVP 25-D0059
• Development permit DVP 25-D0059 requiring decision
• Development permit DVP 25-D0051 requiring decision
• Development permit DVP 25-D0064 requiring decision
• Development permit DVP 25-D0073 requiring decision

The Municipal Planning Commission approved development permit applications DVP 25-D0059, DVP 25-D0051, DVP 25-D0064 and DVP 25-D0073, each with detailed conditions. All four approvals were carried. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved development permit DVP 25-D0059 (CARRIED)
• Approved development permit DVP 25-D0051 (CARRIED)
• Approved development permit DVP 25-D0064 (CARRIED)
• Approved development permit DVP 25-D0073 (CARRIED)

Regular Meeting of Council

The Big Lakes County Council meeting will adopt the agenda and previous minutes, then conduct a public hearing for the second reading of Land Use Bylaw Amendment 08‑2025. Other items include a grade line adjustment for Range Road 172 with funding requests, a budget amendment for the Animal Care Facility, and reviews of IT hardware evergreening and IT asset disposal policies. The meeting also features staff reports, road tour updates, and closed‑session discussions.

• Public hearing – Land Use Bylaw Amendment 08‑2025 – Second Reading
• RR 172 Grade Line Adjustment – funding requests from West Fraser, HP, and CN Rail
• Animal Care Facility – Budget Amendment
• Admin 66 – IT Hardware Evergreening Policy Review
• Disposal of IT Assets, Data and Media Policy

Council approved the creation of the Regional Economic Development Committee and appointed Councillors Chalifoux, Nygaard and Mifflin as members. It approved a $1,500 sponsorship for the Pioneer Threshermans Association Fall Harvest Festival and a $1,000 sponsorship for the High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo, while a $4,000 sponsorship request for the same festival was defeated. The council also rejected a $31,499 budget amendment for the Animal Care Facility ventilation project but approved a $31,499 reallocation to fund that project, and adopted several public‑works policies.

• Created Regional Economic Development Committee and appointed Councillors Chalifoux, Nygaard, Mifflin (2025-13-294) – Carried
• Approved Terms of Reference for Regional Economic Development Committee (2025-13-295) – Carried
• Approved $1,500 sponsorship grant for Pioneer Threshermans Association Fall Harvest Festival (2025-13-300) – Carried
• Defeated $4,000 sponsorship grant for Pioneer Threshermans Association Fall Harvest Festival (2025-13-299) – Defeated
• Approved $1,000 sponsorship for High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo (2025-13-301) – Carried
• Defeated $31,499 budget amendment for Animal Care Facility Mechanical Ventilation project (2025-13-303) – Defeated
• Approved $31,499 reallocation from Cat Shelter Addition to Animal Care Facility ventilation project (2025-13-304) – Carried
• Approved PW-03, PW-09, PW-10, PW-16, PW-19 public‑works policies as presented (2025-13-311 to 2025-13-315) – Carried

Committee of the Whole

The agenda for this Big Lakes County Committee of the Whole meeting consists only of procedural boilerplate and contains no substantive items for decision or discussion. No resolutions, reports, or public hearings are listed.

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will review and vote on four development permit applications (DVP 25-D0047, DVP 25-D0048, DVP 25-D0055, DVP 25-D0061). A subdivision application (SUB 25-01) will also be considered for approval. The meeting includes routine agenda adoption and information on approved permits.

• Decision on DVP 25-D0047 – Application
• Decision on DVP 25-D0048 – Application
• Decision on DVP 25-D0055 – Application
• Decision on DVP 25-D0061 – Application
• Decision on SUB 25-01 – Subdivision application

The Municipal Planning Commission approved Subdivision Application #25-01 subject to several conditions regarding taxes, utilities, access, and easements. It also approved development permits 25-D0047, 25-D0048, 25-D0055, and 25-D0061, each with specific conditions. The meeting concluded with the next meeting scheduled for July 23, 2025.

• Approved Subdivision Application #25-01 (carried)
• Approved development permit 25-D0047 (carried)
• Approved development permit 25-D0048 (carried)
• Approved development permit 25-D0055 (carried)
• Approved development permit 25-D0061 (carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

Council is meeting to consider several policy updates and a request for proposals for the Swan Hills Energy Corridor Area Structure Plan. Delegations from High Prairie School Division and Lambert Peat Moss Inc. are scheduled. A closed session is planned to discuss business interests of a third party.

• Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Swan Hills Energy Corridor Area Structure Plan
• Delegation from Lambert Peat Moss Inc. at 1:00 p.m.
• Policy updates: Alcohol Free Municipal Properties, Flag Protocol, Smoking in the Workplace
• Additional Named Insured (ANI) addition for High Prairie Beautification Association
• Sponsorship request for Northern Trek for Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation

The council approved a contractual relationship with the Driftpile Cree Nation for an annual bulk membership allowing its residents to use the High Prairie Aquatic Centre, Sports Palace and Gordon Buchana Centre. It also approved several administrative policies, including Alcohol‑Free Municipal Properties, Flag Protocol and Smoking in the Workplace, and adopted the Swan Hills Energy Corridor Area Structure Plan RFP. A request to add the High Prairie Beautification Association as an Additional Named Insured was defeated, while a $500 sponsorship for the Northern Trek for Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation was approved. Councillors Zabolotniuk and Hunt were appointed to the County Library Board for one‑year terms.

• Approved Alcohol-Free Municipal Properties Policy (carried)
• Approved Flag Protocol Policy (carried)
• Approved Smoking in the Workplace Policy (carried)
• Defeated addition of High Prairie Beautification Association as Additional Named Insured (defeated)
• Approved $500 sponsorship to Northern Trek for Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (carried)
• Approved Swan Hills Energy Corridor Area Structure Plan RFP (carried)
• Approved bulk membership contract with Driftpile Cree Nations (carried)
• Appointed Deputy Reeve Zabolotniuk and Councillor Hunt to Library Board (carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

Council will discuss two first-reading land use bylaw amendments and review requests for support from childcare societies and the City of Cold Lake. The meeting includes reports from the RCMP and Smoky River Regional Economic Development.

• First Reading of Land Use Bylaw Amendments 08-2025 and 09-2025
• Capital Budget Amendment for Grouard Skating Rink Parking Lot
• Revisions to Admin-67 Community Organization Operating and Capital Grant Policy
• Requests for support from Big Lakes Child Care Society and Kinuso Childcare Society
• Land sales for Plan 1182HW Block 6 Lot 11 and Plan 5702HW Block 1 Lot 1 in Faust

The council approved major financial commitments, including $3.4 million for the 2025 Driftpile Pit gravel crushing project and $404,000 for a capital budget amendment to the Grouard Skating Rink parking lot. It also committed $75,000 and $85,000 to two local childcare societies, accepted two land purchase bids, and adopted a subscription to Local Intel’s economic‑development web tools. Additional actions included policy revisions, bylaw first readings, and a sign‑installation request.

• Approved $75,000 support to Big Lakes Child Care Society for Safe Haven Day Care (CARRIED)
• Approved $85,000 support to Kinuso Childcare Society for daycare opening (CARRIED)
• Approved $4,900 subscription to Local Intel Economic Development Web Tools (CARRIED)
• Accepted $35,000 bid for Plan 1182HW Block 6 Lot 11 in Faust (CARRIED)
• Accepted $51,600 bid for Plan 5702HW Block 1 Lot 1 in Faust (CARRIED)
• Allocated $3,404,500 to the 2025 Driftpile Pit Gravel Crushing project (CARRIED)
• Allocated $190,200 to Gravel Pit Reclamation for the Driftpile Pit project (CARRIED)
• Approved $404,000 capital budget amendment for Grouard Skating Rink Parking Lot (CARRIED)

Committee of the Whole

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

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider five development permit applications (DVP 25-D0040 through DVP 25-D0044) and one updated tentative subdivision plan (SUB 24-11) as items requiring decision. The agenda also includes correspondence on the Bloomfield Farms NRCB application and a list of previously approved development permits.

• DVP 25-D0040 through DVP 25-D0044 – five development permit applications requiring decision
• SUB 24-11 – updated tentative subdivision plan
• Bloomfield Farms NRCB application – correspondence item
• Information on previously approved development permits

The commission adopted its agenda and the minutes from the April 23, 2025 meeting. It approved five development permit applications (25-D0040 through 25-D0044) each with specified conditions. It also accepted the updated tentative subdivision plan for application #24-11.

• Adopted agenda (carried)
• Adopted previous minutes (carried)
• Approved development permit 25-D0040 (carried)
• Approved development permit 25-D0041 (carried)
• Approved development permit 25-D0042 (carried)
• Approved development permit 25-D0043 (carried)
• Approved development permit 25-D0044 (carried)
• Accepted updated tentative subdivision plan #24-11 (carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

Council will hold public hearings on amending speed limits (second and third readings) and the land use bylaw (second reading). It will also consider a procedural bylaw allowing electronic participation in hearings, a development agreement for a permit, and funding requests. Delegations from child care societies are scheduled, and a notice of motion for stop sign installation is on the table.

• Public hearing on Speed Limit Bylaw Amendment 03-2025 (2nd and 3rd readings)
• Public hearing on Land Use Bylaw Amendment 06-2025 (second reading)
• Procedural Bylaw 07-2025 to allow electronic participation in public hearings
• Spruce Point Park Association request for funding of trailer sewage dump facility
• Notice of motion by Councillor Hunt for installation of stop and/or speed limit signs

The council passed the Speed Limit Bylaw Amendment 03‑2025 on third reading, finalising new speed limits on Township Road 740 and two range roads. Procedural Bylaw 07‑2025 was also approved after first, second and third readings. Additional actions included declaring Seniors' Week, approving the Peace Library Systems agreement, appointing members to the Auditor Appointment Committee, adding the High Prairie Play Program as an insured entity, granting $4,000 to Spruce Point Park Association, and entering an operating and capital agreement with that association.

• Speed Limit Bylaw Amendment 03‑2025 passed third reading (carried)
• Procedural Bylaw 07‑2025 approved after all three readings (carried)
• Seniors' Week (June 2‑8 2025) declared (carried)
• Peace Library Systems Master Agreement approved (carried)
• Deputy Reeve Zabolotniuk and Councillor Chalifoux appointed to Auditor Appointment Committee (carried)
• High Prairie Play Program added as additional named insured (carried)
• Spruce Point Park Association granted $4,000 for RV sewage dump station (carried)
• County entered operating and capital agreement with Spruce Point Park Association for RV sewage dump station management (carried)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission is meeting primarily to consider development permit application DVP 25-D0023. Other agenda items include adoption of previous minutes, routine correspondence, and setting the next meeting date for June 25, 2025. No details about the development permit are provided in the agenda.

• Decision on development permit DVP 25-D0023 (no specifics in agenda)

The Municipal Planning Commission adopted its agenda and previous minutes. It approved development permit application 25-D0023, adding specific setbacks and other conditions. The commission received a list of permitted uses for information, scheduled its next meeting for June 4, 2025, and adjourned the session.

• Adopted agenda (carried)
• Adopted previous minutes (carried)
• Approved development permit 25-D0023 with conditions (carried)
• Received list of development permits for information (carried)
• Scheduled next MPC meeting for June 4, 2025 at 9:00 am (carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:18 am (carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

Big Lakes County Council will discuss several bylaw amendments, including land use and speed limits. The meeting includes budget amendments for road and culvert work and a review of the 2024 audited financial statements.

• First reading of Land Use Bylaw Amendment 06-2025
• Speed Limit Bylaw Amendment 03-2025
• Budget amendments for BF 08499 Culvert Installation and Faust 3rd and 4th Ave Road Reconstruction
• Sale of Plan 1182HW, Block 6, Lot 11
• Review of 2024 Audited Financial Statements

The council approved a capital budget of $732,144 to rebuild 3rd and 4th Avenue in Faust. It also approved a $360,191 budget amendment for a culvert installation and set a public auction for a county land parcel. Additional actions included appointing a tourism board member, upholding current bus fees, and approving the 2024 audited financial statements.

• Approved Faust 3rd & 4th Avenue Road Rehabilitation, $732,144 capital budget (carried)
• Approved $360,191 budget amendment for BF 08499 culvert installation (carried)
• Approved public auction of Plan 1182HW, Block 6, Lot 11 (carried)
• Defeated acceptance of $35,000 bid for purchase of Plan 1182HW, Block 6, Lot 11 (defeated)
• Appointed Councillor Nygaard to Slave Lake Regional Tourism Society Board (carried)
• Upheld current Big Lakes Bus fees for Blue Herron support workers (carried)
• Approved 2024 audited financial statements (carried)
• Scheduled public hearings for Speed Limit Bylaw amendment and Land Use Bylaw 06-2025 (carried)

Special Meeting of Council

Council will discuss the 2025 final operating and capital budgets and the 2025 mill rate bylaw. The meeting also includes items regarding airport infrastructure and bridge maintenance funding.

• 2025 Final Operating and Capital Budgets
• 2025 Mill Rate Bylaw
• High Prairie Airport Roof Extention
• Bridge Maintenance Budget Amendment

The council adopted the 2025 Final Operating Budget and the 2025 Final Capital Budget. It also approved several budget amendments, including a $250,000 allocation for an Energy Corridor and a $253,455 bridge‑maintenance amendment. Additional items such as a $650,000 bad‑debt inclusion and a $4,485 airport roof extension were also approved.

• Directed administration not to fund $100,000 Indigenous Consultation on Faust Land purchase (Carried)
• Allocated $250,000 to Economic Development Reserve for Energy Corridor (Carried)
• Approved $253,455 bridge‑maintenance budget amendment (Carried)
• Included $650,000 additional bad debts for oil and gas company in 2025 budget (Carried)
• Approved $4,485 budget for High Prairie Airport Roof Extension (Carried)
• Passed first, second, and third readings of Bylaw 04-2025 Mill Rate (Carried, third unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Final Operating Budget (Carried)
• Approved 2025 Final Capital Budget (Carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

Big Lakes County Council will hear a delegation from Ken Drysdale, Chairman of Maskwa Medical Centre (Canada) Inc., and consider a support request for the centre. They will also discuss appointing returning officers for the 2025 municipal election and review a draft Municipal Elections Bylaw. Other business includes development permits, funding allocations for the Town of High Prairie and community groups, and an agreement for animal control within Swan River First Nation.

• Delegation from Maskwa Medical Centre (Canada) Inc. at 11 a.m.
• Appointment of Returning Officers for 2025 Municipal Election
• Discussion of draft Municipal Elections Bylaw
• Development Permit Application 25-D0022 for Direct Control District
• Town of High Prairie 2025 Capital Funding Allocation

The council approved a three‑year funding agreement of $282,313 per year for the Maskwa Medical Centre. It also accepted the 2025 High Prairie capital projects with a $908,000 funding cap and approved a $22,707 grant for the Faust Community League. Additional actions included support for the Ken Sargeant House, a $5,000 marketing opportunity, and a partnership with Driftpile Cree Nation for a community‑economic initiative.

• Approved three‑year funding agreement for Maskwa Medical Centre: $282,313 each year (carried)
• Accepted Town of High Prairie 2025 capital projects with a $908,000 funding cap (carried)
• Approved $22,707 budget amendment for Faust Community League operational grant (carried)
• Committed $74,730 financial support to Ken Sargeant House (carried)
• Approved $5,000 marketing opportunity with Nature Alive Adventures Inc. and Western Directives Inc. (carried)
• Committed Big Lakes County to CEDI partnership with Driftpile Cree Nation through March 15, 2027 (carried)
• Directed preparation of a bylaw to allow livestock on Country Residential parcels (carried)
• Entered Animal Control Agreement with Swan River First Nation, pending amendment on dog‑license administration (carried)

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider development permit application DVP 25-D0018 and receive information on recently approved development permits. The remainder of the agenda is procedural (call to order, adoption of minutes, next meeting date).

• Development permit DVP 25-D0018 requiring decision
• Information on approved development permits provided as attachment

The Municipal Planning Commission adopted the March 26 agenda and the February 26 meeting minutes. It approved development permit application 25‑D0018 with the listed conditions. The commission received a list of development permits for information and adjourned at 9:11 am.

• Adopted agenda (carried)
• Adopted February 26 minutes (carried)
• Approved development permit 25‑D0018 with conditions (carried)
• Received list of development permits for information (carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:11 am (carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

The council will adopt the agenda and previous minutes, then discuss several items including a Schedule of Fees Bylaw amendment, forgiveness of wastewater charges for the Hamlet of Joussard, a request for road construction on the Nelson Access Road, a budget amendment for culvert installation (BF 08499), and an update on 2025 equipment purchases.

• Schedule of Fees Bylaw Amendment
• Forgiveness of Wastewater Charges – Hamlet of Joussard
• Request for Road Construction – Nelson Access Road (cost estimates attached)
• BF 08499 Culvert Installation Budget Amendment
• 2025 Equipment Purchases Update

The council approved the establishment of the High Prairie & District Regional Waste Commission and named its first board and chair. It awarded the Driftpile Gravel Pit site‑preparation contract to Cox Contractors Ltd. for $996,840.75. The council denied forgiveness of $1,853.53 in wastewater charges, defeated a $360,191 capital‑budget amendment, appointed an Agricultural Fieldman, and declined a resident’s road‑construction request.

• Created High Prairie & District Regional Waste Commission (carried)
• Awarded Driftpile Gravel Pit site‑preparation tender to Cox Contractors Ltd. for $996,840.75 (carried)
• Denied forgiveness of $1,853.53 wastewater charges for Joussard (carried)
• Defeated Capital Budget Amendment for $360,191 from Bridges/Culverts Reserve (defeated)
• Appointed Sarah Cairns as Agricultural Fieldman (carried)
• Directed administration to prepare background report on livestock enforcement in Country Residential zones (carried)
• Second reading of Schedule of Fees Bylaw 01‑2025 approved (carried)
• Declined Dale Nelson’s road‑construction request; advised private driveway application (carried)

Regular Meeting of Council

The Council will discuss updates to the Schedule of Fees Bylaw and the Financial Control and Procurement Policy. The meeting includes delegations from the Gift Lake Metis Settlement and the Town of High Prairie, as well as a review of an expression of interest to purchase county land.

• Amendment to Schedule of Fees Bylaw
• Expression of Interest to Purchase County Land
• Amendments to Financial Control and Procurement Policy
• PW-05 Approach Construction and Approval Amendment
• High Prairie Aboriginal Interagency Committee Sponsorship Request

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will discuss quorum for the May 28, 2025 meeting and consider attending the 2025 Community Planning Association of Alberta Conference. The main decision item is a development permit application (DVP 25-D0008). No subdivision applications are listed for decision.

• Discussion on quorum for May 28, 2025 MPC meeting
• Consideration of 2025 Community Planning Association of Alberta Conference and Education Session
• Development Permit Application DVP 25-D0008 requiring decision
• List of approved development permits provided as information

Regular Meeting of Council

Big Lakes County Council will hold a regular meeting on February 26, 2025. Major items include third readings of the Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 25-2024) and Land Use Bylaw (Bylaw 26-2024), a Schedule of Fees Bylaw amendment, the Energy Corridor Development item, and an inventory of county-owned land. The meeting also includes delegations, a donation request, and public works policy updates.

• Third reading of Bylaw 25-2024 to adopt the Municipal Development Plan (MDP)
• Third reading of Bylaw 26-2024 to adopt the Land Use Bylaw (LUB)
• Schedule of Fees Bylaw Amendment 01-2025
• Energy Corridor Development discussion
• County Owned Land Inventory as of December 31, 2024

Regular Meeting of Council

Big Lakes County Council will meet to review staff reports and address administrative items. The agenda includes discussions on housing initiatives, park permits, and various community sponsorship requests.

• Town of High Prairie Public Splash Park
• Enabling Housing Choice North Project
• Spruce Point Park Dredging Permit Extension
• Pioneer Threshermans Association additional sponsorship request
• Appointment of Fire Guardian 2025

Regular Meeting of Council

Big Lakes County Council will adopt previous minutes and review staff reports on development agreements, animal care policies, and various sponsorship requests for community events.

• Approval of Development Agreement for Subdivision File 24-02
• Animal Care Facility Holding Guidelines Policy AC-01 Follow-up
• Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association sponsorship requests
• FoodCycler Pilot Program
• Ukrainian Cultural Society of High Prairie Sponsorship Request

Regular Meeting of Council

The Big Lakes County Council will hold public hearings on Bylaw No. 25-2024 (Municipal Development Plan) and Bylaw No. 26-2024 (Land Use Bylaw). The council will also hear a delegation from FoodCycler regarding municipal solutions. Other items include a Grouard Firehall parking lot pavement project and a request to develop a municipal reserve lot in Woodchuck Meadows.

• Public hearing for Bylaw No. 25-2024 to adopt the Municipal Development Plan
• Public hearing for Bylaw No. 26-2024 to adopt the Land Use Bylaw
• Delegation from FoodCycler Science, Municipal Partnerships Representative at 10:00 a.m.
• Grouard Firehall Parking Lot Pavement project
• Request to develop Municipal Reserve Lot Plan 1123953, Block 2, Lot 28MR (Woodchuck Meadows)