Whitecourt Town Council Update December 17, 2024

The Province of Alberta recently made policy changes to the Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) Program that has impacted Whitecourt’s program.  Under the new regulations, there are 16 school zone sites approved for photo radar enforcement within Whitecourt, and all locations along Highway 43 are now prohibited.  In the new year, the Province will be accepting business cases from municipalities to permit ATE in high frequency of collision locations, and Whitecourt will be exploring options to submit a case for locations along Highway 43 as the program significantly enhanced safety in the community.  Since ATE was introduced in 2008, there has been a 50% reduction in intersection collisions along Highway 43 in Whitecourt.

Whitecourt Town Council has awarded the Community Fireguard Stumping & Debris Disposal Contract to        Martushev Group in the amount of $856,677.29.  The Town of Whitecourt, with support from Alberta Forestry and Parks, will be constructing a community fireguard with access points, approximately 4.5 kilometres long and 100 metres wide, on the eastern boundary of town.

The Rotary Club of Whitecourt will be purchasing and placing a Peace Pole in Festival Park.  A Peace Pole bears the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in different languages.  The Peace Pole will provide a photo opportunity for residents and visitors to the community, and will celebrate and recognize cultural partnerships.

Whitecourt Town Council has adopted Bylaw 1581 that rescinds the Downtown South Area Structure Plan, and has adopted an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw that has rezoned a portion of land in downtown south as future urban development.   

Volume and speed counts in the Blueberry Drive area will be collected in the spring following concerns voiced by area residents.  

Lions Campground has asked Whitecourt to advocate for the construction of traffic signals at the intersection of Highway 43 and 33 Street.  The Town has previously advocated for signals at this location, and the Government of Alberta has noted that it will be considering funding during 2025 Provincial Budget deliberations. 

Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw 1551-13 has been adopted to reflect rates and fees as outlined in the 2025 Interim Budget that will come into effect January 1, 2025.