Whitecourt Town Council Update - April 16, 2025
Posted on:Whitecourt Town Council has approved the 2025 Budget. The budget supports priorities identified by Council and its intention to sustain service levels, while ensuring the continued sustainability and growth of the community. A 3.53% tax rate increase is required to support the budget, this is a decrease from what was originally proposed in the interim budget. Based on the approved budget, Administration is preparing the Tax Rate Bylaw which will be presented to Council at the April 28, 2025 Regular Meeting. The 2025 Budget Report will subsequently be published at the end of April and will be posted online at www.whitecourt.ca and paper copies will be made available at the Town Office.
The 2025 Strategic Plan has been adopted. The Plan identifies Council’s key priorities and areas of focus for the remainder of the term. A copy of the Plan is available here.
The Rotary Club of Whitecourt is hosting a sod turning event in Festival Park on June 5 for the new multi-use courts. The multi-use courts will be constructed in partnership with the Rotary Club, Town of Whitecourt, and the Active Communities Initiative Fund. The new courts, which are expected to be complete in the fall of 2026, will provide a safe space for pickleball, basketball, badminton, tennis and ball hockey.
The Whitecourt Youth Advisory Committee is hosting Town Hall Meetings at Ecole St. Mary School and Percy Baxter School on May 12. The meetings help educate youth on municipal governance, and provides an opportunity for members of Town Council to engage with community youth.
The following groups have been awarded Community Clean Up projects under the 2025 program. Each group will provide roadside, playground and sportfield cleanup services as a way to raise funds for their non-profit group.
- U13 Whitecourt Warriors Girls Soccer Team
- U15 Whitecourt Warriors Girls Soccer Team
- U17 Whitecourt Warriors Girls Soccer Team
- U13 Whitecourt Warriors Boys Soccer Team
- U15 Whitecourt Warriors Boys Soccer Team
- U17 Whitecourt Warriors Boys Soccer Team
- U19 Whitecourt Warriors Boys Soccer Team
There is still a spot available in the Community Clean Up Program. Application information is available on the Whitecourt website at www.whitecourt.ca/your-town/whitecourt-grant-programs.
Whitecourt will be purchasing a new wheel loader from SMS Equipment at a cost of $408,302, plus GST.
Spirit of Youth Awards will be awarded at a ceremony on May 22 at Central School. The Program recognizes teens aged 12 to 18 who are doing great things in our community.
The Town of Whitecourt and Woodlands County are continuing to work together to finalize outstanding items based outlined in the Intermunicipal Collaboration Agreement. The Agreement, which formalizes how the municipalities manage growth, coordinate service delivery and optimize resources for residents, was adopted in October 2024.
The Town of Whitecourt is preparing for the upcoming October 2025 Municipal Election. Similar to previous elections, Whitecourt will be offering special ballots, advance and institutional voting. Information on the 2025 Election can be found online at www.whitecourt.ca/your-town/election.
Whitecourt has approved a street closure request from the Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce for the Night Time Farmers Market on August 21. Reminders about the street closures will be posted closer to the event date.
Whitecourt Town Council has recognized May 12-18, 2025 as National Nursing Week.
Whitecourt Town Council has recognized May 19-25, 2025 as Alberta Disability Services Professional Appreciation Week.