Whitecourt Town Council Update September 24, 2024

Whitecourt Town Council has proclaimed November 2024 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 encouraged to show their support by wearing purple throughout the month.  For information on events scheduled in Whitecourt, including the Pub Foods with the Dudes (October 18); Shine A Light event (November 1); and Family Violence Initiative Gala (November 2), visit www.whitecourtfvi.ca.

Council has approved the updated Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan.  Whitecourt has submitted an application to the Housing Accelerator Fund – Round 2, and if approved will provide grants to homeowners, non-profits, housing bodies and developers to increase the housing supply in Whitecourt, and undertake other initiatives to cut red tape and speed up housing approvals. 

Tru-West Company Ltd. has been awarded the contract to complete the McLeod Arena Roof Upgrade at a cost of $347,800.

Council has adopted an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw to allow changes to The Meadows Manufactured Home Park Land Use District.

Council has approved a 0.87% increase to the franchise fee rate for 2025.  The new Power Franchise Fee Rate is set at 5.34% which equates to an annual change of $10.08 for the average resident.

Whitecourt Town Council has approved the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreement with Woodlands County, and will be scheduling a joint signing in the first week of October.

Council has adopted a new Code of Conduct Bylaw.  Bylaw 1579 establishes standards of conduct for both Council and Council Committee Members in their duties as representatives of the municipality.

Street closures in the downtown core have been approved for November 16 for the Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce’s Santa Claus Parade.  Reminders of the road closures will be posted closer to the event date; and information on the event can be found on the Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

Whitecourt Town Council is currently recruiting for members on the following Council Committees:

• Community Services Advisory Board;
• Economic Development Committee;
• Municipal Planning Commission;
• Protective Services Committee;
• Subdivision and Development Appeal Board;
• Town of Whitecourt Library Board;
• Youth Advisory Board (deadline to apply to this Board is October 15, 2024).

For details and a copy of the application form visit our website.  Deadline to apply is October 21, 2024.

Council will be hosting its annual Planning Session January 23-25, 2025.

Councillor McAree will serve as Deputy Mayor from November 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025.