Whitecourt Town Council Update

Whitecourt has awarded the residential solid waste and recycling contract to Green For Life (GFL) Environmental for a five year term. GFL currently holds the contract with Whitecourt, and collection service for both waste and recycling will proceed per the usual schedule.

• The Town of Whitecourt is preparing for the 2023 budget, and has scheduled the following:
• The 2023 Budget Public Input Session will be held September 26, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.
  A Special Meetings of Council is scheduled for October 12, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.

In an effort to enhance safety in the community, Whitecourt has initiated the approval process for the installation of a permanent red light camera at the intersection of Dahl Drive and Highway 43, and the installation of “your speed” signs near the east and west boundaries of Highway 43. Currently, the Province is reviewing the automated enforcement program throughout Alberta, and there is a provincial freeze on installation or use of new locations and/or equipment for automated enforcement until December 2022. However, should new strategies and processes be approved, Whitecourt will move to the next stage of the approval process.

Whitecourt is proud to announce that it is a Designated Community under the Rural Renewal Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). The AAIP is an economic immigration program that nominates individuals for permanent residence in Alberta. Through this partnership, the Whitecourt Economic Development team will work with local businesses and industry to attract and recruit newcomers, and collaborate with organizations to support their move to Whitecourt. Further information is available at www.whitecourt.ca/business/business-support-services.

The Whitecourt Indigenous Friends Society is hosting an Orange Shirt/Truth and Reconciliation Day event on September 30, 2022 in Rotary Park and downtown Whitecourt. Council has approved street closures for the planned walk, and use of areas in Rotary Park. In addition, Council has approved the installation of a painted crosswalk at the intersection of 52 Avenue and 49 Street to honour those who were part of Canada’s Indian Residential School Program and raise awareness about truth and reconciliation. Follow the Whitecourt Indigenous Friends Society on Facebook for more information.

Street closures along 35 Street from 35 Avenue to 34 Avenue (in the Hilltop Industrial Park) have been approved for August 27, 2022 to accommodate the Car & Motorcycle Show & Shine.

Council has recognized September 19-25, 2022 as Rail Safety Week.

Whitecourt Administration has started to collect data for the Province’s Affordable Housing Needs Assessment. Alberta Seniors and Housing has committed to developing a standardized assessment template to support municipalities and address unique affordable housing needs of communities throughout the province. The template will be released soon, and once it is available the Town of Whitecourt will meet with local housing and support agencies to complete the assessment.