Whitecourt Town Council Update - January 23, 2024

The 2023 Municipal Enforcement Annual Report has been accepted as information by Whitecourt Town Council.  The report is prepared annually for the Alberta Solicitor General, and outlines activities conducted by Municipal Enforcement Services throughout the year.  Over the course of the year, 1,772 activities were logged by the Whitecourt Peace Officer and Bylaw Officer.

Per the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Arbitration Award, Woodlands County must provide Whitecourt input on the use of the Whitecourt Fire Department’s Aerial Pumper (Tower 1) within the fire services area.  Woodlands County has requested that the Aerial Pumper not be utilized on any fires within Woodlands County or for any 911 fire calls within the fire/rescue response area for the 2024 calendar year.

Whitecourt will be submitting a grant application for $2,754,258 in funding to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for construction of the Arts, Culture and Convention Centre component of the Culture & Events Centre.  Information on the Culture & Events Centre can be found at www.cultureandeventscentre.ca.

The Government of Alberta has requested municipalities prepare a Housing Needs Assessment so that it can develop solutions to address unique local needs.  Over the last several months, Town of Whitecourt representatives have met with key community stakeholders to develop Whitecourt’s assessment and the following priorities were identified:

1. Non-Market Bachelor/1 Bedroom/2 Bedroom Housing with Tenant Supports;
2. Seniors Self-Contained Affordable Housing with Supports;
3. Transitional Housing with Support.

The Whitecourt Housing Needs Assessment will be submitted to the Province and utilized by local organizations and for-profit companies to support future grant applications.

Alberta Health Services is now providing the Assertive Outreach Services (AOS) program in Whitecourt.  The program provides support services to adults living with severe and persistent mental illnesses.  Individuals who qualify for the program will be able to access clinical and outreach services at no cost.

Whitecourt Town Council has approved a $50,000 payment to the Whitecourt District Agricultural Society to be used for operating. 

Whitecourt Town Council has approved the removal of reserve designations on two parcels of land in Festival Park.  Once approved by the Alberta Land Titles Registrar, Whitecourt will be able to proceed with consolidating 13 parcels of land in Festival Park into one large parcel.

New Planning and Development fees will come into effect March 1, 2024.  A review of Whitecourt’s fee structure was completed to ensure development in Whitecourt remains competitive.

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be attending the Alberta Municipalities Spring Leaders Caucus in March 2024.