Whitecourt Town Council Update - October 13, 2022

Whitecourt Town Council has proclaimed November 2023 as Family Violence Prevention Month.  Events and activities planned throughout the month aim to encourage Albertans to work together to promote healthy relationships and safe communities throughout our province.  Albertans are also encouraged to show their support by wearing purple throughout the month.  For information on events scheduled in Whitecourt, including the Shine A Light event and Pub Foods with the Dudes, visit www.whitecourtfvi.ca.

Council has authorized a change to the 2023 Power Franchise Fee.  The franchise fee is paid to the municipality in exchange for giving FortisAlberta the exclusive right to supply power in Whitecourt.  The approved 2023 franchise fee rate was increased by 0.59% and set at 3.91%.  This change will result in the average residential customer experiencing an increase of $0.50 per month on their power bill.

Council authorized a change to the 2022 Gas Franchise Fee.  The franchise fee is paid to the municipality in exchange for giving ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. the exclusive right to supply gas in Whitecourt.  The approved 2023 franchise fee rate was increased by 1.25% and set at 27.17%.  This change will result in the average residential customer experiencing an increase of $0.69 per month on their gas bill.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has adopted a resolution submitted by the Town of Whitecourt in support of the oil and gas industry.  The resolution received written support from numerous communities from across the country prior to being adopted by the federal association.  FCM will be advocating to the federal government in support of this topic, and the resolution will help guide policy for the Association over the next three years.