[0:27] I know.
[0:42] » You bet.
[0:49] In the spirit of respect, authenticity,
and reconciliation, the town of Slave
[0:52] Lakeake honors and acknowledges that we
are situated on the traditional lands of
[0:56] sovereign First Nation within treaty
territory. Home to indigenous, Matei and
[1:00] Inuit peoples who have occupied these
lands since time immemorial. Councelor
[1:04] Gamick,
>> make a motion to adopt the agenda as
[1:07] presented.
>> Motion on the floor. Any further
[1:09] discussion? Call to question. Those in
favor?
[1:12] And that is carried.
Councelor Achoba. I'd
[1:18] » like to make a motion to adopt the
minutes of previous meetings of council
[1:21] May 19, 2026 as presented.
>> Motion on the floor. Any further
[1:26] discussion? Call to question those in
favor? And that is carried. Councelor
[1:32] Hughes.
>> I would like to move to accept the
[1:34] minutes from June 2nd, 2026 meeting as
presented.
[1:38] » Motion on the floor. Any further
discussion? Call to question. Those in
[1:42] favor and that is also carried. Perfect.
We can move on to new business and
[1:47] reports. Kush, you're up first
with our mill and overlay program
[1:54] contract order.
Good evening, uh, mayor and council. The
[1:59] purpose of this report is to provide
award recommendation to council for mill
[2:02] and overlay program approved for 2026.
The 2026 uh winter season experienced
[2:08] above average snow accumulation and
repeated freeze thaw cycles which
[2:11] accelerated deterioration of towns uh
road network and resulted in significant
[2:16] increase in payment failures. The extent
of payment distress would make routine
[2:20] patching in many location ineffective
and uneconomical requiring more
[2:24] permanent rehabilitation. As a result,
the street order program has been
[2:28] established to address some of the
longer deteriorated road segments around
[2:32] town. The program includes uh milling
existing ashalt surface, placing new
[2:36] ashalt overlays and undertaking
localized base repairs uh where required
[2:41] to restore roadway structure while
extending the size uh service life of
[2:44] the infrastructure and reducing
long-term maintenance cost. The project
[2:49] was approved by council for inclusion in
2026 capital projects list with budget
[2:53] amount of $1 million. Request for
proposal package was advertised on
[2:57] Alberta purchasing connection starting
11th June uh this year and uh was closed
[3:02] on June 26th this year at 2 2 p.m. Uh
the request for proposal requested unit
[3:07] rate proposal based on estimated
quantities of proposed work. Quantities
[3:12] were provided in the RFP document based
on estimate for requesting cost
[3:15] proposals. Actual quantity uh will be
determined on field uh in collaboration
[3:20] with the successful contractor.
A site review with successful contractor
[3:24] will be conducted prior to finalizing
the work sites to assess the extent of
[3:28] localized base repairs required at each
location.
[3:32] The amount of base rehabilitation will
directly influence the overall project
[3:36] cost and may affect the number of
roadway segments that can be completed
[3:39] within the approved budget. Repair
priority will be given to high volume
[3:43] sections of road with lower volume
residential streets being considered as
[3:47] budget permits. The potential roadway
sections identified initially for
[3:51] inclusion in the RFP are listed below.
So southbound lane on main street
[3:55] between second a northwest and third a
northwest adjacent to Royal Bank. Uh
[4:00] another section included was u caribou
trail between main street and highway
[4:04] 88. Um one of the section on 6f
southwest between caribou trail and
[4:08] sunset plaza. Um uh on the west approach
one sections on uh residential stretch
[4:16] on 12th a and 9th street southeast. Um
one of the residential section on sixth
[4:21] street northwest between 2nd have north
northwest and third northwest and then
[4:25] residential section on 2nd street
northeast between 4th northeast and
[4:29] third northeast.
Upon closing four proposals were
[4:32] received uh with the following amount.
Uh, Royal Concrete submitted a bid of
[4:36] 1,50,365.
Pave Construction submitted a bid of u
[4:42] $944,532.50.
[4:46] E Construction submitted a proposal for
$866,400
[4:51] and Canelson sand and gravel submitted a
proposal for $1,27,500.
[4:57] All numbers are before GST. Evaluations
of proposals were completed according
[5:02] the criteria listed in RFP document. uh
various mandatory documents were
[5:06] requested. Uh price was weighted at 35%,
past experience of similar project was
[5:11] weighted at 30%, ashalt supplier plant
location was weighted at 15% and then
[5:16] schedule was weighted at 20%.
All the submissions were found to be
[5:21] compliant in with RFP requirements.
Based on our evaluation, the highest
[5:24] scoring proposal was submitted by e-
construction limited and is recommended
[5:28] for award. Evaluation summary is
provided as attachment one for
[5:32] reference. uh e- construction has
completed several projects with similar
[5:36] scope in town and within the last five
years. They have done reputable work in
[5:39] past and has the capacity to complete
the proposed scope of work for the Olay
[5:44] program. As per tentative project
schedule, they plan to mobilize on
[5:48] August 10th and demobilize on August
24th completing the project within
[5:53] couple weeks. Additionally,
administration has come across
[5:56] microsurfacing process for extending the
life of payment at a third of a cost of
[6:01] million overlay. It is a surface
treatment consisting of manufactured
[6:05] aggregate, portlet cement and polymer
modified ashfold emulsion. This
[6:09] technique may be utilized for increasing
skid resistant, color contrast, uh rut
[6:13] filling, longitudinal and transfer
character pairs, leveling of proper
[6:17] surface drainage, filling small potholes
etc. It can be applied on arterial
[6:22] collector, residential or industrial
road and it u said to have extend the
[6:28] life of asphalt by 7 to 10 years. It
greatly benefits the municipality as
[6:33] they do not need to invest millions of
dollars in full road rehabilitation
[6:37] project. Uh and as such much uh multiple
road sections can be completed in one
[6:42] budget year instead of mill and overlay
on one or two roadway sections.
[6:49] Administration would like to propose
doing pilot microsurfacing application
[6:52] on main street between highway 2 and 6v
south utilizing budget from the street
[6:57] overlay project. uh that stretch of main
street is undergoing fast deterioration
[7:01] is and is currently not on 10-year
capital plan for rehabilitation.
[7:05] Completing microsurfacing will help
extend the lifespan of payment for
[7:09] fraction of cost while allowing capital
investment to be diverted to other
[7:13] failing sections in town. If approved,
uh administration will evaluate the
[7:17] performance of m uh pilot microsurfacing
application on Main Street and based on
[7:22] the results of that assessment,
recommendation for future microurfacing
[7:25] program will be brought forward to
council. So council may choose uh either
[7:29] of the following options. So the first
option is proceed with Milan overlay
[7:33] program by awarding the contract to
recommended contractor and grant uh
[7:37] pilot application of microsurfacing on
main street between highway 2 and uh 6f
[7:42] south. Um or the other option is proceed
with mill and overlay program by
[7:46] awarding the contract to the recommended
contractor and defer the pilot
[7:49] application of microsurfacing uh between
highway 2 and 6f south to another year.
[7:55] The project funding is supported by a
combination of uh Canada community
[7:59] building fund and road reserves uh
combining total of $1 million. Project
[8:05] will be carried out as per
infrastructure standards. Uh
[8:08] communication will be released to inform
residents before commencement of any
[8:11] work using town social media platforms
and warrant alerts. So the internet
[8:16] program would help improve road
conditions within town limit uh for uh
[8:20] allowing better rideability experience
to the users and the work will also
[8:24] extend useful lifespan of the road
infrastructure
[8:28] and our recommendation is to award the
contract for 2026 million overlay
[8:32] program to e- construction limited while
also granting the pilot application of
[8:35] microsurfacing
on main street between highway 2 and 6f
[8:39] south.
[8:46] I have a couple questions.
Let's cancel something there. Okay. Um,
[8:52] so
the pilot microservicing the cost for
[8:56] that is that included in the project
proposals?
[8:59] » No, those were only like mill and
overlay program only. So, the cost, the
[9:04] budgetary number that we got for Main
Street, um that's roughly 12,000 square
[9:09] meters and they gave us a price of like
roughly $16 a square meter. So, which is
[9:15] close to $180,000ish.
>> So, that's on top of that.
[9:20] » Yes.
>> And was it only the one uh like E
[9:23] Construction was the only one that does
the microsurfacing? No, e- construction
[9:26] will do the mill and overlay
>> but the microsurfacing can be done by um
[9:31] western ashalt.
>> Okay.
[9:33] » Uh or west west can seal coating which
is uh one of their u kind of like
[9:37] installer
>> and there is another company u fath
[9:41] industries uh but I believe they are
busy with their other projects. So we'll
[9:45] try with west seal coating
>> um and see how it goes. And then my
[9:50] other question is more to do about the
schedule section on the matrix.
[9:55] » Yes.
>> So we said it was August 10th 24th the
[9:59] scheduling for e- construction. So uh
one of the other contractors had the
[10:04] next score of 3.5. So how much delayed
what's an example of when that delay
[10:09] would?
>> So like roughly based on my estimate
[10:11] something like this can be done in two
weeks. So e- construction was bang on
[10:15] that mark. Uh and hence they are getting
four points and I think pave was just
[10:20] between two and 3 weeks
>> to to for completion.
[10:23] » Yes.
>> So that's that's not based on start
[10:25] date. It's based on time to complete the
project.
[10:27] » Yes. Yes.
>> Uh that's my questions for now.
[10:32] Councelor Gramick.
>> Uh is there something based on start
[10:35] date
>> ever? Out of curiosity. Everyone was I
[10:40] mean like the only thing is maybe was
suggesting to start earlier um but
[10:45] schedule is more to look at if
>> the length of once they start this one.
[10:50] » Yes.
>> Yeah. Okay.
[10:53] » Thank you
>> councelor Hughes. Um just with the uh
[10:56] again the evaluation matrix here Kush
I'm just curious when it says the
[11:00] ashvault supplier plant location and
that's weighted at 15%. I noticed e
[11:04] construction as the lowest on that one.
Does that mean that they're not using
[11:07] like a local
>> Yeah. So, so they are bringing in so
[11:11] they have their own plant in Whitecourt.
>> In White Court.
[11:13] » Yes. Which they have utilized for other
projects in the past. Um, so which is
[11:18] what they have been proposing that to
haul the ashall from WhiteCore plant
[11:21] while the other uh proponents were
proposing to use uh pave pave uh plant
[11:27] in town.
>> Okay.
[11:28] » Uh and Royal Concrete has their own
plant. So Royal would be using their own
[11:32] plant.
>> Their own. Okay. Okay. So that's how
[11:34] that's being weighted. Yes. Okay. Um,
and sorry, I just want to I know Mayor
[11:38] Ward clarified this, but I just want to
So, the million dollars here is for the
[11:41] regular plan, but it's 180k for the
microsurfacing pilot project from
[11:46] Highway 2 to 6th Avenue.
>> Yes.
[11:48] » And that can only be done by a certain
company?
[11:50] » Yes.
>> Okay. So, how come that's not a separate
[11:54] motion,
right? Because aren't we don't we want
[11:58] to put a dollar value on that then?
Because this is all kind of reading in
[12:02] one motion here. So what we what we
wanted to do is because council has
[12:05] allotted $1 million to improve roads,
right? So roads can be improved through
[12:10] million overlay or they can be improved
through microsurfacing. So what we are
[12:15] doing because we came across
microsurfacing in the like after we we
[12:19] went through the budget conversation
with council
[12:22] » right
>> so that is where we thought you know
[12:24] both both products will be extending the
life of the payment why don't we utilize
[12:28] the same funds and just do uh mill and
overlay on certain sections of the road
[12:33] and then try this pilot pro application
on main street
[12:36] » okay but the budget item for this is
only approved at $1 million right aren't
[12:41] we going to be over 180k
>> yes so
[12:43] » we're
$866,000
[12:46] that's based on estimated quantities.
>> Yeah.
[12:49] » So we had that six sections of road. We
will go around with e construction
[12:55] following the contract award and we will
take them around and they will say hey
[12:59] this one you don't need base repairs
because some of the base repairs dollars
[13:04] have been built into this $866,000.
>> Okay. So if some sections don't need
[13:10] base repairs then there is some surplus
that can go towards microsurfacing.
[13:15] » Okay. You always plan a bit of
contingency based on this as well though
[13:18] right?
>> Yes. Yes.
[13:19] » So what percentage of contingency?
>> So I I I didn't carry like 10 or 15% of
[13:24] because it's a straight straight like
you're just doing surface work right. So
[13:27] okay
>> it's more like contingency is more
[13:30] » carried for for like deeper
infrastructure like where you don't
[13:35] know. for this level of work, it's not
necessary as you do it in the past with
[13:38] sewer lines or water mains, etc. Okay,
thank you for clarifying, Kate.
[13:43] » Alex, do you want to weigh in?
>> Yeah. So, two things. If you look back,
[13:46] [clears throat] um option five and six,
the residential, if if we did get in
[13:50] close to the budget. We want to with the
180,000 we're going to get to the
[13:54] million, but if we did get close to the
budget, those two could be subject to
[13:57] deletion to make sure that overlay still
gets done on Main Street. And there is
[14:01] two motions. If you look under the
motions, there is two motions. move to
[14:04] accept deconstruction and move to do the
overlay test project. So, there's two
[14:08] motions in there.
>> Yeah. No, I understand that, but it
[14:10] doesn't say a dollar value.
>> Oh, okay.
[14:12] » So, I didn't want to just make a motion
without dollar value.
[14:15] » So, so it's it's going to with the two
projects will not go over the $1
[14:18] million.
>> Yes.
[14:20] » Okay. That's you guys have already.
Thank you. I just want that to be very
[14:22] clear. Thank you.
>> Okay.
[14:26] » Councelor Troba.
I'd like to move that council awards the
[14:31] contract for 2026 mill and overlay
program to e- construction limited.
[14:37] Okay.
[14:40] There's a motion on the floor is the
pilot surfacing one too.
[14:45] » Oh, that's the next one. Okay. Sorry, I
was I was above on option one. All
[14:50] right. There's a motion on the floor. Do
we have any further discussion on that?
[14:54] Call to question those in favor? And
that one is carried. Councelor
[15:00] Williams.
>> I'd like to move that council grants uh
[15:04] admiss ad administration to proceed with
the pilot application of microsurfacing
[15:09] on main street between highway 2 and 6 a
south south.
[15:13] Okay, there's a motion on the floor. Any
further discussion? Called question.
[15:16] Those in favor
and that one is also carried.
[15:21] » Okay,
excellent.
[15:25] Moving to the next one.
speed radar signs.
[15:30] » So the purpose of this report is to seek
council approval for the purchase and
[15:33] installation of two speed radar signs at
the start of shooter park playground
[15:37] zone. So administration has recently
received multiple complaints from
[15:41] residents regarding motorists traveling
at excessive speeds through the shooter
[15:45] park playground zone and failing to
reduce their speed upon entering the
[15:48] reduced spa speed area. In addition to
the public concerns, a recent rear-ended
[15:53] collision incident occurred within the
playground zone where a vehicle was
[15:57] stopped to allow pedestrian to cross. Uh
while there were no serious injuries, um
[16:01] the incident highlights the importance
of improving driver awareness and speed
[16:05] compliance in an area with frequent
pedestrian activity. Uh Shooter Park is
[16:09] one of the popular park within the
community and with schools out for
[16:13] summer vacation um pedestrian volumes
are expected to increase as more
[16:17] families and children access the park
and its amenities. The playground zone
[16:22] also contains two pedestrian crosswalk
further increasing the potential for
[16:25] vehicle pedestrian conflicts if
motorists motorists are not attentive to
[16:30] or traveling at appropriate speeds.
Historically, photo radar enforcement
[16:34] deterred uh speeding within community.
Uh with photo radar enforcement no
[16:39] longer operating, compliance is now
primarily dependent on RCMP and
[16:42] community peace officer enforcement. Uh
given the available resources,
[16:46] enforcement personnel cannot be present
at every location throughout the day,
[16:50] making engineering measures an important
uh component for improving traffic
[16:54] safety. administration is proposing the
installation of postmounted speed radar
[16:58] sign at the beginning of shooter park
playground zone on third a northeast and
[17:02] sixth street northeast. Uh speeder signs
actively displays drivers current speed
[17:07] and provide immediate feedback as
motorists enter the reduced speed zone.
[17:11] Uh studies have shown that dynamic speed
displays are effective at reducing at at
[17:16] increasing driver awareness and
encouraging voluntary speed reduction
[17:20] particularly in school and uh playground
zone where pedestrian activity is high.
[17:24] uh technical data sheet of the proposed
speed radar sign is attached to this
[17:27] report for reference. Uh the proposed
installation is intended um as an inim
[17:33] traffic calming measure that that can be
implemented quickly while administration
[17:37] continue to monitor traffic operations
and evaluate whether additional traffic
[17:41] safety improvements may be warranted in
the future. The installation will also
[17:46] demonstrate the town's proactive
response to public concerns and ident
[17:50] and and identified safety risk through
the implementation of practical
[17:54] engineering measures. Uh the proposed
signs are built with um built in with
[17:58] other capabilities like capturing
traffic volume data, speed statistics,
[18:02] capturing 85th percentile speed uh which
is industry standard used by traffic
[18:07] consultants in evaluating the
effectiveness of traffic calming uh
[18:11] capturing percentage of vehicles u
complying posted speed limit generating
[18:15] speed trends throughout the day etc. uh
such data will help administration to
[18:20] monitor traffic patterns and identify if
additional safety measures or targeted
[18:24] enforcement is needed. If implemented
measures are effective through this play
[18:28] playground zone, then such measures may
be considered for school zones and other
[18:33] playground zones as required within the
town. Uh council may proceed with
[18:37] administration's proposal for installing
the speed radar signs at the said
[18:40] location or council may direct
administration to conduct traffic
[18:43] assessment at this location.
administration requested quotation from
[18:48] two separate vendors. Both vendors
provided canoe pricing and upon
[18:52] comparison um ATS traffic provided the
best valued quotation. U based on the
[18:57] quotation each sign will cost u $5,21.97
before GST. Uh sourcing of two signs
[19:05] will cost altogether $10,43.94
before GST. Each sign come with 95 watt
[19:13] solar panel with required mounting kits.
The sign can be installed by our own
[19:18] public works crew and as per our finance
department the sign can be covered
[19:21] either through the provided operating or
capital funds for 2026 or they can be
[19:26] also be funded through under
unrestricted surplus.
[19:30] Transportation association of Canada's
guidelines will be followed when
[19:33] installing the speed radar signs. uh
communication will be released to the
[19:37] residents notifying of the change in
signage using town social media platform
[19:42] and voant alerts. Uh this proposed
initiative would enhance safety of
[19:46] residents and visitors. Um as such our
recommendation is uh for council to
[19:51] approve the uh proposal of installing
speeder signs at the start of shooter
[19:55] park playground zone on third a
northeast and 6th street northeast uh to
[19:59] increase compliance with playground
speed zone while enhancing overall
[20:02] safety of residents and visitors.
Okay,
[20:14] » Council Granick.
>> Yeah, if no one has anything, I'll make
[20:17] a motion.
Nobody. Nothing. Nobody. Oh, Cindy does.
[20:22] Sorry. Go ahead,
>> Councelor Williams.
[20:24] » Hi. Thank you. I'm just wondering, so
will these signs be mounted permanently
[20:29] somewhere or are they able like someone
can't just come and pick them up and
[20:33] take them, right?
be permanently mounted there.
[20:36] » Yes, they were mounted on a sign
>> on each corner.
[20:38] » Yes.
>> Okay.
[20:40] » Okay. And then um what type of
maintenance is associated with them? I
[20:44] know you said they're running on solar
panels.
[20:46] » Yes.
>> So all the data that you're collecting
[20:49] will be accessed just
>> through Bluetooth. So we just have to be
[20:53] in vicinity of the sign and we can
download the data on the app. Um and the
[20:58] other maintenance required would be
during snow season public works will
[21:02] have to go and move the snow off the
like solar panels. That's it.
[21:05] » Okay. Okay. That was my only question
then.
[21:08] » Alex, do you want to add?
>> Yeah, just um so we do have three other
[21:11] signs in town. Um for clarification, the
batteries are here. We found that
[21:15] there's some computer issues which are
also being ordered right now. All of
[21:18] these are movable. So they are on a
public
[21:20] » that's those are the only ones I've ever
seen which is why I was
[21:23] » Yeah. So, they're out first, but they
can be moved by our own public works
[21:25] crew at no cost to us. Um, so after this
one, we can move them to another
[21:29] playground zone or any other area of
town. The difference between the ones we
[21:33] have and these ones, the ones we have
now just kind of flash if you go fast.
[21:36] These ones actually go red, they flash,
they really bring So, you've probably
[21:39] seen them in other communities. The
reason we want to go with these ones as
[21:41] a playground zone is they really bring
to your attention when you're going
[21:44] faster than supposed to speed limit. So,
and and in six months, we can move them
[21:47] to another school zone, another
playground zone. So, they're permanent,
[21:50] but we can move them at our at our need
around town.
[21:55] » Okay.
>> And they're very basic maintenance. Um
[21:57] the peace officer or IT crew can go
download the information. Um they're
[22:01] pretty standard. Yeah. Pretty low
maintenance.
[22:04] » Yeah. Um I was just wondering like the
effectiveness of it just uh because I
[22:08] know the ones on the highway, do they
collect data as well?
[22:11] » Yeah.
>> And we do once they're functioning
[22:13] again, we do have the ability, our IT
department has spent a lot of time in
[22:15] the last couple months um learning about
them. Okay.
[22:18] » You have to get pretty close to them
with a laptop, but you can print all
[22:21] that. Um, there another tool in the tool
box.
[22:24] » Yeah, I would be very interested to see.
>> Yeah, another tool in the tool, but it's
[22:27] not, you know, there's still there it's
a sign that people have to pay attention
[22:31] to versus, you know, actual foot feet on
the ground enforcement, which we've
[22:35] we've asked our local R&P peace officer
to do as well.
[22:38] » Okay. Awesome. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
[22:44] » Any further questions from council?
Councelor
[22:53] Grick.
>> I'll make a motion that council approves
[22:56] the leisure economic assistance program
policy as presented. Oh, sorry. I'm on
[23:01] the wrong page.
>> My god.
[23:04] Someone else jump in. I had it right in
front of me.
[23:07] » Councelor Chova's
got it. I move that council approves
[23:12] administration's proposal of installing
speed radar signs at the start of
[23:17] Shooter Park playground
zone on Third Avenue Northeast and Six
[23:23] Streets Northeast.
>> Okay, we have a motion on the floor. Is
[23:26] there any further discussion?
Call the question. Those in favor and
[23:31] that one is carried. Okay, thanks Kush.
>> Thank you.
[23:35] » Now, next report. Community services.
>> Joe, the floor is yours. They cut me
[23:41] off, Joel. I was trying to get ahead for
you there.
[23:47] » Good evening, Mayor and Council. I am
presenting two reports tonight. The
[23:51] first being an update with regards to
the MRC recreation center. The purpose
[23:56] of this report is to provide council
with an update on the multi-rec center
[24:00] operations, major events, recreation
programming, facility utilization,
[24:04] staffing developments, and upcoming
priorities for the period of January
[24:07] through August 2026.
The MRC continues to serve as one of the
[24:11] town's primary recreational community
and event facilities throughout 2026.
[24:15] The facility has supported diverse range
of regional sporting events, educational
[24:19] gatherings, community programs, and
special events while maintaining high
[24:23] service standards, and strong community
participation. The continued demand for
[24:27] both facility rentals and recreation
programming highlights the MRC's role as
[24:31] an important contributor to community
wellness, social development, and local
[24:35] economic activity. One of the most
significant events hosted during the
[24:38] reporting period was the Treaty8 First
Nations Cup in March. The 4-day
[24:42] tournament attracted approximately a
thousand visitors per day and featured
[24:46] 38 teams competing across three
divisions. The event generated
[24:49] substantial facility utilization and
contributed to local economic activity
[24:53] through accommodations, food services,
fuel purchases, and retail spending
[24:57] within the community. Accommodation was
less of an issue than previous years
[25:01] with organizers happy to be able to book
accommodations for their teams well in
[25:06] advance of the tournament. Facility
staff successfully supported tournament
[25:09] operations and maintain service levels,
high service levels uh throughout the
[25:14] event, resulting in very positive
feedback from organizers regarding the
[25:17] quality of service and the facility
management. The current two-year
[25:21] agreement with Treaty 8 First Nations
Cup concluded following this year's
[25:24] event. administration is currently
working with organizers to secure a new
[25:28] multi-year agreement with further
discussions expected following the
[25:31] organization's board meeting in
September of this year. In June, the MRC
[25:36] hosted another successful Northern Lakes
College convocation. The event
[25:39] represented the institution's largest
graduating class to date with
[25:43] approximately 1,200 graduates recognized
over two days. Daily attendance exceeded
[25:48] a thousand visitors and generated sign
significant activity within the
[25:52] facility. Event organizers provided
positive feedback regarding facility
[25:56] cleanliness, operational support, and
staff assistance throughout the planning
[25:59] and execution process. Northern Lakes
College has expressed interest in
[26:03] returning to the MRC for its 2027
convocation ceremonies. The successful
[26:08] hosting of large-scale regional events
continues to demonstrate the value of
[26:11] the MRC as a destination facility
capable of supporting major gatherings.
[26:16] These events not only enhance community
profile and visibility, but also
[26:19] contribute to local economic development
by attracting visitors from throughout
[26:23] the from throughout the region.
[clears throat] Excuse me. The reopening
[26:27] of the Racket Center within Arena 2
occurred in April, several days ahead of
[26:31] the planned schedule. Utilization has
remained consistent since the opening,
[26:35] reflecting ongoing community demand for
indoor recreational opportunities during
[26:39] the spring months. To support continued
growth in racket sports, MRC hosted
[26:44] staff hosted a pickle ball tournament on
April 25th. The event attracted 18 teams
[26:48] competing across three divisions and was
wellreceived by participants. The
[26:53] increasing popularity of pickle ball
presents opportunities for future
[26:56] programming expansion and tournament
hosting. Spring programming concluded in
[27:00] May with the completion of several youth
initiatives, including the GOG girls and
[27:04] fundamental skills programs.
Participation in the GoG Girls program
[27:07] increased by 100% compared to previous
sessions, growing from 6 to 12
[27:11] participants. The program provides girls
in grade 5 through eight with
[27:14] opportunities to develop confidence,
leadership skills, wellness practices,
[27:18] healthy lifestyle habits through
activities focused on self-care, mental
[27:22] wellness, healthy eating, and body
positivity. And this is a program we
[27:27] hope to expand even further moving
forward in the future. The increase in
[27:30] registration demonstrates continued
demand for youth focused programming and
[27:34] highlights the importance of providing
inclusive recreation opportunities that
[27:37] support personal development and
community engagement that are not
[27:40] necessarily sportsbased. In May, staff
also delivered the annual bike rodeo in
[27:45] partnership with primary care Alberta,
the RCMP, municipal enforcement and
[27:49] emergency medical services. Despite the
uncertainty weather that we had been
[27:53] having and those conditions, the event
attracted 15 participants and provided
[27:57] valuable bicycle safety education for
our local youth. During the spring, uh
[28:03] on the staffing front and program
development, the town successfully
[28:06] recruited a new programming coordinator
who has assumed the responsibility for
[28:09] planning and coordinating our community
programming initiatives. Early
[28:13] priorities for the role have included
the organization of the recent candidate
[28:16] celebrations and preparation for
upcoming fall and winter programming.
[28:20] The town has also recruited a new camp
coordinator to oversee the summer splash
[28:23] program. Staff recruitment and retention
remains ongoing operational priorities
[28:28] throughout the recreation sector. Um, as
we've discussed at past council
[28:32] meetings, competition for qualified
recreation professionals continues to
[28:36] present challenges across across Alberta
for its municipalities, making
[28:40] successful recruitment efforts
particularly important to maintaining
[28:43] service delivery standards for residents
and provide opportunities for local
[28:47] summer staff to improve and increase
skills. The department is excited to
[28:52] provide opportunities for local summer
staff to increase their leadership and
[28:55] program skills. And in looking at our
summer splash uh staff today and working
[29:01] with them, we have a number of new
staff, which is exciting to see that
[29:04] turnover and new opportunities for our
youth in the community uh for learning
[29:09] and employment skills. Uh preparations
for Canada Day started in May. This
[29:14] year's theme was a blast from the past
featuring a variety of family oriented
[29:18] activities including community pancake
breakfast which was cooked by the Lesser
[29:22] Slave Lake Regional Fire Service. They
served over,200 pancakes during the
[29:26] breakfast. Uh the day included a costume
contest, tug-of-war, egg relay, race
[29:31] competitions, moose calling, and the
watermelon eating contest which saw in
[29:36] the in the children's division 38
participants, the youth division 28
[29:40] participants, and our 14 plus division
saw 18 participants. This was followed
[29:45] by face painting and other interactive
programming as well as some live
[29:48] entertainment. Sponsorship support from
local organizations and businesses
[29:52] continues to enhance the event while
reducing municipal cost. Uh Canada Day
[29:57] celebrations took place at the MRC
starting at 10 a.m. And personally, a
[30:01] big shout out and thank you to the dozen
or so sponsors from local community that
[30:06] really made this event uh possible and
so uh enjoyable this season.
[30:12] Registration for the summer splash day
camp program opened on May 25th and
[30:16] generated strong committee interest with
registrations reaching more than 50%
[30:20] capacity for the program shortly after
opening which was great to see. This
[30:26] year's programming emphasizes local
experiences and community connections
[30:30] through planned visits to community
facilities and attractions including the
[30:33] fireh hall, Eastshore Athletics,
Devonshshire Beach, Legacy Center, and
[30:37] the Northern Lakes Aquatic Center as
well as a trip to the airport to see the
[30:40] wildfire planes. The continued
popularity of summer splash de
[30:44] demonstrates the importance of
affordable and accessible summer
[30:46] programming for local families while
supporting youth engagement throughout
[30:50] the summer months. And we were able to
interviewing the budget with staff
[30:55] continue the summer playground program
at Hill to Even Park on Tuesdays and
[30:58] Thursdays from 11 to 3. And this is led
by our playground activity leaders and
[31:03] allows children to drop in anytime
during those hours and do crafts,
[31:06] activities, and games with our leaders.
Our first day of the program was on June
[31:10] 30th and we saw 20 children come out to
participate.
[31:14] So for upcoming events, the MRC
continues to attract major community and
[31:18] regional events throughout the summer.
Roland Mitchner Secondary School
[31:21] utilized the fieldhouse for its
graduation banquet, while the Meti
[31:24] Nation's 98th citizens gathering is
scheduled for August. The citizens
[31:29] gathering is expected to attract
approximately 1,200 participants per day
[31:33] over a three-day period and will utilize
the entire facility over those three
[31:37] days. The event will feature meetings,
presentations, networking opportunities,
[31:42] vendor displays, and banquet functions.
Like other large-scale events hosted at
[31:46] the MRC, the gathering is expected to
generate positive economic impacts for
[31:50] local businesses and accommodation
providers. The return of summer hockey
[31:54] camps to the MRC will provide additional
recreational opportunities for local
[31:58] youth while increasing facility
utilization during the offseason. And
[32:01] we've had a couple new camps join our
previously scheduled uh camp providers
[32:06] uh in Arena 1 this year as well. The
camps have attracted participants from
[32:11] both Slave Lake and surrounding
communities, generating activity within
[32:14] the facility and supporting local
economic activity. Administration is
[32:19] continuing to work with camp organizers
to explore opportunities for future
[32:22] programming and extended participation
in the future. Looking ahead,
[32:26] administration will begin planning for
fall recreation programming and winter
[32:30] facility operations. Staff have met with
ice user groups, including the new Slave
[32:34] Lake Jun Wolves organization to discuss
facility allocations, scheduling
[32:39] requirements, and operational needs for
the upcoming ice season. And I'm happy
[32:43] to share and add to this report that the
agreement with the Slave Lake Wolves for
[32:47] the ice usage and uh use of the facility
was signed off this afternoon.
[32:53] Now wrapping up some of our operational
challenges uh and opportunities. The
[32:57] continued success of major events and
recreation programming de demonstrates
[33:01] strong demand for MRC services. However,
increased facility utilization also
[33:05] creates some operational pressures
related to staffing, scheduling,
[33:09] facility maintenance, and event
coordination. As the town continues to
[33:12] attract larger regional events,
opportunities exist to further position
[33:16] the MRC as a destination venue capable
of hosting tournaments, conferences,
[33:21] cultural gatherings, and community
celebrations. These opportunities have
[33:24] the potential to generate additional
economic benefits while increasing
[33:27] facility revenues and community
visibility. At the same time,
[33:31] maintaining high levels of customer
service and facility quality will
[33:35] require ongoing attention to staffing
scheduling capacity. administration will
[33:40] continue to pursue strategic
partnerships, event attraction
[33:43] opportunities, and programming
enhancements that support council's
[33:45] goals of fostering a vibrant, healthy,
and connected community. In conclusion,
[33:51] the first eight months, the first eight
months of 2026 have marked by strong
[33:56] facility utilization, successful event
hosting, increased program
[33:59] participation, and positive community
engagement.
[34:03] administration remains committed to
maintaining a high service standard
[34:06] while identifying opportunities to
enhance programming and strengthening
[34:09] partnerships. And as the director of
this department, I'm very proud of the
[34:13] staff at the MRC at our pool, all of our
facility staff, and my team of managers
[34:19] here at the town. My recommendation to
council is the council receives the
[34:23] multi-rec center operational update
report for information.
[34:31] » [clears throat]
>> Open the floor to questions from
[34:33] council.
[34:37] Councelor Ba,
thanks so much for the report. Joe, just
[34:42] a quick comment. So, it looks like we
seem to be getting more non-sporting
[34:48] events like these conferences. We've
looks like we've had a few and word is
[34:53] getting out that
>> we are uh staff are actively promoting,
[34:57] reaching out. We've got some concerts
coming to town that are at the Legacy
[35:00] Center that wasn't mentioned in this
report. Uh that was done in part. One of
[35:03] our staff members really took an active
effort to see if we could be included in
[35:06] that tour and to upsell the venue as as
a as a really good venue for to be on
[35:12] their tour for the community. So that's
an example of the work they're putting
[35:15] in and uh the goals for sponsorship and
sales within the building are also on
[35:20] the plan for the fall season to increase
that revenue as well. So we have a
[35:25] really strong team across uh the
departments with that fall under the
[35:29] umbrella of community services and again
they've done some really terrific work
[35:32] from uh January to date and I expect
them to continue that moving forward.
[35:37] » Excellent because yeah it just seems to
you do one and it's rolling from there.
[35:42] So
>> that's nice to see.
[35:45] » Councelor Hughes.
>> Yeah, thank you. Yeah, I would agree
[35:48] with councelor Bows. I'm really happy to
hear that um we continue to be busy at
[35:52] the MRC. Um and just a general comment
of thank you and and gratitude from
[35:56] myself uh to your whole team. Uh since I
started on council, I really wanted to
[36:00] see the MRC facility just fully utilized
as it should be. And I really love your
[36:06] comment about also non-sporting events
taking place there as well. I'm really
[36:11] feeling like our programming is very
well-rounded and that there's something
[36:15] for everyone in our community. uh and
that's as it should be. Um so just well
[36:20] done to you and your team. I think these
improvements the last couple years are
[36:23] great and that they're a reflection of
uh good leadership and good staffing and
[36:27] I'm very happy to uh to see the great
things that have been going on. So thank
[36:31] you.
>> Thank you. The uh METI Nation's 98th uh
[36:35] citizens gathering in August uh came
about with a fair amount of hard work um
[36:40] and site tours and really promoting the
community and what the facility and the
[36:44] staff have to offer and that really
helped uh push that through to coming to
[36:52] uh to Slave Lake.
[37:00] Councelor Williams.
>> All right. Well, I would like to move
[37:05] that council accepts the multi-rec
center operational update report for
[37:10] information. Motion on the floor. Any
further discussion? Call to question.
[37:14] Those in favor and that is carried.
[37:19] Okay. On to report
[37:25] 4.4.
Right. Uh in the effort for the purposes
[37:31] of the report is to present the proposed
leisure economic assistance program
[37:35] policy for council's consideration and
adoption. Uh as council is aware uh many
[37:41] of us as directors have been reviewing
past policy within our departments and
[37:45] this policy had not been updated since
2015. Uh so it was come to my attention
[37:50] that it was time to update the policy
and make it clear in relation to
[37:53] eligibility and documentation and the
application process. So that's why uh
[37:58] this policy is being presented this
evening. The policy establishes a formal
[38:02] framework for the town of Slave Lake to
provide recreation and leisure fee
[38:06] assistance to eligible residents who
experience financial barriers to
[38:09] participation. The policy is intended to
support fair, transparent, and
[38:13] consistent administration of the program
while improving access to town operated
[38:17] recreation facilities. Access to
recreational leisure opportunities
[38:21] contributes to individual health, family
well-being, and social inclusion, youth
[38:25] development, and overall community
quality of life. For some residents,
[38:28] program fees, admissions, memberships,
or related cost may create a barrier to
[38:32] participation in town recreation and
leisure services buildings. The proposed
[38:36] leisure economic assistance plan,
referred to as LEAP, is intended to
[38:40] reduce these barriers by providing
eligible low-income residents and
[38:43] residents experiencing demonstrated
financial hardship with approved fee
[38:47] assistance. The policy provides council
level direction for the program and
[38:51] establishes the roles of council
administration applicants and
[38:54] participating departments. The policy
was developed to reflect municipal best
[38:58] practices for fee assistance programs,
including clear eligibility
[39:02] requirements, defined administrative
responsibilities, privacy protection,
[39:06] consistent application review, annual
review, recordkeeping, and an appeal
[39:11] process for applicants whose requests
are denied, reduced, suspended, or
[39:15] canceled. The proposed policy creates a
structured and accountable approach for
[39:19] administrating for administrating
recreational leisure fee assistance
[39:23] within the town. It confirms the council
establishes the poly policy and
[39:27] considers program funding through the
annual budget process while
[39:30] administration is responsible for
implementation application review
[39:34] eligibility verification recordkeeping
reporting and day-to-day program
[39:38] administration. Eligibility is based on
residency with the town of Slave Lake
[39:42] and the MD of Lesser Slave River,
financial need and participation in
[39:46] eligible town operated recreation
facilities. The policy allows
[39:50] administration to verify eligibility
through standard documentation such as
[39:54] proof of residency, income information,
or proof of participation in an income
[39:58] tested benefit program. It allows for
alternate verification in exceptional
[40:03] circumstances where residents may face
barriers to providing standard
[40:06] documentation such as homelessness,
family violence, displacement, recent
[40:10] arrival to Canada, sudden job loss, or
other hardships. The policy also
[40:14] provides flexibility for administration
to establish benefit levels, maximum
[40:18] annual assistance amounts, application
forms, documentation requirements,
[40:22] service standards, and related
procedures. This approach allows the
[40:26] town to adjust operational details as
recreation fees, community needs, income
[40:30] measures, and available budgets change
in the future without requiring frequent
[40:34] amendments to this council policy.
Confidentiality and protection of
[40:38] personal information are addressed
through provisions requiring compliance
[40:41] with the protection of privacy act and
the town's record management
[40:45] requirements. The policy limits access
to applicant information to authorize
[40:48] staff who require the information to
administer the program. Uh in talking
[40:53] with IT and administration, financial
administration, we would be looking at
[40:57] electronic retention of documents for
this program moving forward for safety
[41:02] and security reasons. The policy
includes a dispute resolution process.
[41:06] Applicants may request reconsideration
of a denied, reduced, suspended, or
[41:09] canceled application followed by a final
administrative appeal to the chief to
[41:13] the CEO or designate. This provides
procedural fairness while avoiding
[41:18] the need for the review of confidential
personal information.
[41:22] As shown here in the document before
you, there's four options. Council may
[41:26] adopt the leisure the LEAP program
policy is presented. Council may adopt
[41:29] the LEAP program policy with amendments
identified by council or council may
[41:33] refer the LEAP program policy back to
administration for additional review or
[41:38] revision. And fourth, council may choose
not to adopt the LEAP program policy at
[41:43] this time. Resource impacts. Uh the
financial impact of the program will
[41:47] depend on the annual funding level
approved by council, the number of
[41:50] eligible applicants, the type of value
assistance provided, the participation
[41:54] levels in eligible programs and
services. The policy confirms that LEAP
[41:58] assistance is subject to available
municipal resources, annual budget
[42:02] approval, and program capacity.
Administration may administer the
[42:05] program with existing departmental
resources. However, there will be some
[42:09] staff time required to promote the
program, receive and review
[42:12] applications, verify eligibility,
communicate decisions, maintain records,
[42:16] and so on. In future, if the program de
demand exceeds the approved budget or
[42:20] available administrative capacity,
administration may be required to pause
[42:23] approvals, establish weight lists,
reduce benefit levels, or return to
[42:27] council with further information or
recommendations.
[42:30] uh in speaking to finance and to my
managers, the expectation is that with
[42:34] clear, tighter application requirements
to determine eligibility, it will likely
[42:38] decrease those who are applying who
previously were approved uh under the
[42:42] project as our application procedures
were um
[42:47] shall I say a little bit lacks. Um
adaption of the proposed policy will
[42:52] establish LEAP as a formal council
approved municipal program and provide
[42:55] clear direction for its administration.
The policy will support consistent
[42:59] decision-making, transparent eligibility
requirements, responsible use of
[43:03] municipal resources, and protection of
applicants personal information.
[43:08] Uh, and again noted, the policy may
require administration develop or update
[43:11] related administrative procedures,
application forms, privacy notices, fee
[43:16] assistance tracking processes, and
public communication materials.
[43:20] Administration will definitely be
revising current program the current
[43:23] program application uh if this bylaw is
approved. If approved, administration
[43:28] will communicate the availability of
LEAP through the appropriate town
[43:31] communication channels including the
town website, social media, the town of
[43:35] Slave Lake website, recreation
facilities, program guides, front
[43:38] counter materials, and so on.
Communications will clearly explain the
[43:43] purpose of the program, who may be
eligible, how to apply, what
[43:46] documentation may be required, and how
personal information will be uh
[43:50] protected. and then internal
communication training would then be
[43:54] provided to recreation facility finance
and front counter staff involved in
[43:58] taking these applications. The proposed
policy supports the town of Slave
[44:02] Lakes's broader role in promoting a
healthy, inclusive and connected
[44:05] community by reducing financial barriers
to recreation and leisure participation.
[44:09] LEAP supports community well-being,
social inclusion, affordability, and
[44:13] access to municipal services. policy
aligns with strategic priorities related
[44:17] to quality of life, responsible service
delivery, community wellness, and
[44:21] support for residents and families. It
also reflects the town's commitment to
[44:24] delivering services in a fair,
accountable, and transparent manner
[44:28] while making efficient use of approved
municipal resources.
[44:32] The recommendation to council is that
council adopt the leisure economic
[44:36] assistance program policy is presented
and the motion that council approve the
[44:41] leap program policy is presented and
direct administration to implement the
[44:45] program.
[44:49] » I have some questions unless anyone
wants to pop in. Okay. Stop me if it's
[44:54] the same. Um a couple things. So to
start, this one's going to have to come
[44:59] back. Um because the report is a bylaw,
but the attached document is a bylaw,
[45:04] but everything for the motion is policy.
So are we approving a policy or a bylaw?
[45:11] » My error.
>> That's okay. So that's is that one's
[45:14] going to just as a heads up. So there's
a couple administrative things in here
[45:17] and um so it's
>> it's a bylaw.
[45:20] » It is a bylaw.
>> Perfect. Um when the report comes back
[45:25] um generally we have changes between the
old bylaw and the new bylaw highlighted
[45:31] uh or
>> may I
[45:33] » yeah please go ahead
>> the previous was a [snorts] policy and
[45:36] it was two and a half pages it was it
was very minor in content
[45:42] » okay
>> um so the reason why you don't have your
[45:45] traditional uh previous policy
highlighted what all of the additions is
[45:50] because the initial
leisure economic assistance policy from
[45:54] 2015 was in essence two pages and so we
started from scratch and as usual uh
[46:00] policy was reviewed from similarsized
communities throughout the province. Um
[46:05] and uh as noted in the appendix A and B
the financial means level of
[46:10] establishing eligibility use uh LEO
which is the
[46:18] the range the household income range
from statistics Canada and that's used
[46:22] across the province at all our
municipalities in establishing
[46:25] eligibility for acceptance into these
types of financial assistance programs.
[46:30] What varies from communities is the
levels. I think ours ours falls in line
[46:36] » the over 500,000 LIO level
>> because there's so like schedule A hard
[46:42] codes the LICO thresholds for low
income.
[46:44] » Yes. And we've chosen in this policy the
one for urban centers over 500,000 the
[46:49] dollar values I believe
>> and I'll explain why
[46:53] » that that's what my question is why
>> that's that's generally
[46:57] of the different models that are there
um we don't as centers in speaking to my
[47:04] peers and other communities about this
policy we don't see a great deal of use
[47:07] for it but because it it often is a is a
procedure and application that people
[47:13] are wary you're nervous to apply for.
Traditionally, that's the column and
[47:18] level that's used across the board for
most communities somewhat regardless of
[47:22] community size and to make it
reasonable. And that's the one that's
[47:26] chosen. I decided to follow suit with
our other municipalities across the
[47:30] province and use that column as our
guide. But obviously with direction from
[47:33] council if you had a decision or a
request to change it to a different
[47:38] column and a different part of uh the
cutoff for the program. Obviously
[47:43] administration is welcome to uh any type
of revision but for knowledge that's
[47:48] traditionally in in communities our
size. That's the one they use to try and
[47:53] create an openness and and open
availability
[47:55] » which is interesting because the one
over 500,000 is higher. So if the
[47:59] low-inccome threshold
for rural areas, if I'm reading this
[48:03] correctly, for one person in 2024 was
16,948. And if you go population under
[48:09] 30, in case we don't meet the rural 400
people per whatever is 19,396.
[48:15] So for the over 500,000 that's 25,9009.
So we're saying that you have to meet a
[48:22] higher threshold to have access to the
program.
[48:24] » We are we are. And I think in speaking
to my peers, a lot of that was really
[48:27] over the last 24 months, you know, costs
have risen constructively and incomes
[48:32] have stayed the same or in some cases
been lower. You know, it it really
[48:36] speaks to in speaking to peers the
discussion around what money is
[48:40] remaining at the end of the month to
potentially take your family to a center
[48:44] like the MRC or to the pool. Um, and if
you go to those lower levels,
[48:50] it constricts. And I think you know
across the board and I'm talking
[48:54] communities like Drayton Valley and
Edson and so not just within a 1-hour
[48:58] drive. What was found that u there was
an increase in the people that used
[49:02] their assistance program and and
encouraging to see that increase but not
[49:08] to the point that it created a burden on
their budget or their community but yet
[49:11] encouraged people to that maybe if we
had the lower threshold um our numbers
[49:16] are there and I I think it's healthy. We
would be monitoring and tracking this
[49:19] for the first the remaining six months
of 2026
[49:22] and then in speaking to finance we would
take a look at the end of 2026 all the
[49:27] applications family sizes uh you know
what we had issued to those families and
[49:33] individuals and then take a look at and
having and seeing whether or not these
[49:37] rates are reasonable for usage.
>> Okay, going to keep going. Um,
[49:46] where was I at that? That answered the
LIO. Um, 5.1.6 talks about good standing
[49:53] with the town regarding eligibility for
the program. So, you can allow denial
[49:58] based on unrelated debts or disputes
unless administration applies an
[50:02] exception. U, it's a I
>> Sorry, you're at 5.1.6.
[50:07] » Yes. Um, so I have a question regarding
good standing. So, is that the
[50:13] recreation account only, facility
conduct, unpaid utilities, taxes, fines,
[50:17] like what's good standing?
>> Traditionally, in a parks and
[50:22] recreation, good standing is good
standing with us in the recreation
[50:24] department. We don't have a current ban
notice in place, uh, you know, fees for
[50:28] anything outstanding for program wise is
paid, rentals in the facility, those
[50:32] types of pieces. That's a broad range
section that can be narrowed down to be
[50:36] focused if it would like to be included
whether or not taxes are current in
[50:39] those those those pieces. Absolutely.
That's a great suggestion in tightening
[50:44] up.
>> Yeah, I was actually looking at the
[50:46] language because good standing can meet
a lot of things and if there's
[50:48] discretion there, I'd like to if we
already have the income thresholds that
[50:52] have to be met that are very specific,
then having the good standing
[50:55] thresholds, that would be a a thought of
mine. Um,
[51:01] where am I at? Sorry. Can I just ask for
clarification? You want it to be with
[51:06] all the aspects of town or just in
recommen?
[51:08] » Well, that's I guess that's up for
council discussion which we can uh I
[51:11] guess we'll pause and discuss that. So,
right now one of the eligibility is your
[51:15] good standing with the town. Um, as Joe
indicated that right now it normally
[51:19] would be just the recreation department,
but I would open up the floor to council
[51:22] if you want it to be good standing
across all town accounts. Um, and what
[51:26] that would look like.
[51:30] » Councelor Gallick. Well, it would make
sense for every department to have a
[51:34] generic one that refers back to where
you're in good standing with the town.
[51:38] We I probably don't have anything like
that now, I'd assume, right?
[51:42] » So, there should be something in place,
right? So, everyone could referred back
[51:45] to it for all the different
>> good standing.
[51:47] » I think I think as a municipality,
we'd be limited to not issue service if
[51:52] someone came to pay or pay a bill or pay
taxes. Um, one doesn't defer the other.
[51:58] We don't currently if someone's
outstanding on their taxes for the home
[52:01] disallow them from coming to the MRC or
use the pool. So I think we've got to
[52:05] figure out uh you know how how we want
to clarify that. I don't disagree.
[52:09] » Not that way, but if
>> you're correct that way, but it might it
[52:13] might hinder stuff, but it uh I was
thinking extreme cases. I know case by
[52:16] case you'd be okay, you're good
standing, but something generic. But I I
[52:20] get your point on that.
>> Councelor Hughes.
[52:23] » Yeah. I I don't think councelor
Grammlick is meaning that they should be
[52:26] banned from facilities, but I guess for
myself personally speaking, I do have a
[52:30] hard time feeling like we should be
offering uh subsidy necessarily when
[52:36] they have a tax bill that they haven't
paid for several years or something that
[52:40] is really outstanding with the town. I
don't know that I feel that that is
[52:45] necessarily the route I would want to be
taking here.
[52:49] It's been, if I may, it's been my
experience in the past when I worked in
[52:53] the Okonogan and worked for the income
assistance branch. Uh, as an example,
[52:57] um, and again, some of the mentions
within the policy as well as my report,
[53:01] these are often people that have just
moved to the community. Uh, they have
[53:04] potentially just not only moved to the
community that, but they may be new,
[53:07] recent immigrants to uh, the country or
they've fallen on financial hardship.
[53:11] And I think that may be the only time we
have someone who may in that instance be
[53:14] a homeowner who maybe is having
difficulties of meeting property tax
[53:18] requirements, right? At the same time,
he's wanting to ensure their kids get a
[53:21] chance to use some of the facilities. Um
I think it it can and deserves a review
[53:27] and some [snorts] fine-tuning.
>> I think it depends where they fall on
[53:30] that spectrum, I guess, because to that
point, if they are planning, you know,
[53:34] repayment with the town and they're in
good standing with us in the sense that
[53:37] they have reached out and we are clearly
communicating, then certainly. But on
[53:41] the other side of things, if there is no
communication and you know a lot of
[53:44] outstanding balances, that's where I
would struggle to just say yes, sure,
[53:48] like
>> that's what I there's an exception
[53:50] wording in there and I would keep that.
But in my opinion, I think it should say
[53:53] good standing across all town accounts,
but you keep the exception ability so
[53:58] that the director can apply at their
discretion if there is a unique scenario
[54:02] of hardship. Yeah.
>> Um that way you're not inflexible, but
[54:05] that it does encourage like you said to
be compliant across that. But again,
[54:09] newcomers
>> as part of the application process, you
[54:12] can absolutely make that as one of the
checks and balances that's done prior to
[54:16] approval.
>> Yeah.
[54:17] » Within the program.
>> And we for the majority of the of this,
[54:20] they're not homeowners as as a general
rule. And we as the town, we do not have
[54:25] a lot of
>> multi-year multi-year taxers. Um those
[54:30] ones that are potentially they do have
come in and they've made a payment plan,
[54:33] per se. So, it's a very small number
that I think you're looking at, but I do
[54:37] agree we could tweak it for the wording.
>> But the target audience, I think, is is
[54:41] the ones that, you know, potential
renters or or that type of audience that
[54:44] may not have that record.
>> Okay.
[54:46] » Just as an as a side note.
>> Um,
[54:48] » sorry, Mayor. Where were you still?
>> Yep. Sorry, there's a list. Uh, 2026
[54:54] budget for this talked about the
financial impacts. So, where's where
[54:58] where are we at? Well, the
>> Sorry, counselor, you could
[55:04] » we issue mostly passes for this and so
tracking of usage of those passes is
[55:09] somewhat challenging. Some communities
uh pick a budget number and go against
[55:14] uh and try and set up jail codes and
have a tracking system through active.
[55:19] In speaking with finance and what our
usage review of our binder of past
[55:23] applicants, it was a suggestion from the
CFO that we finish out the year 2026 and
[55:29] a month or two prior to the year review
and take a look at what our numbers of
[55:32] applicants and our number in relation to
usage was and then decide whether or not
[55:36] we need to allocate a budget or just
operate out of our existing budget uh
[55:40] based on usage.
>> This one's sitting in a back corner with
[55:44] a lot of dust on doesn't get a lot of
usage, a lot of advertising in the
[55:49] So,
>> do you have a councelor Hughes follow?
[55:51] » That was where I was going to go with
that was sort of the Oh,
[55:55] » I Hold on. I have a moment. I'm having a
moment. Go ahead. Now,
[55:58] » yeah, that's where I was going to go
with that was more the annual dollar
[56:02] value that may be attached to this and
how much it's currently being used
[56:06] because you're saying this is a current
program
[56:07] » there. It's a current program, but it's
currently not it has not in the past
[56:12] been that well promoted. We have the
application at the center. Um, and that
[56:16] being said,
That's the purpose of this policy is to
[56:19] one create create an acknowledgement and
and a promotion within the community but
[56:24] also ensure that like our partner
communities throughout the province
[56:27] there's a fairly realistic and
straightforward eligibility uh
[56:31] guidelines number of them that are set
out clearly and distinctly to ensure
[56:36] that it's being used by the portion of
the community that the program was
[56:38] created to be used by certainly and not
people coming in off the street filling
[56:42] an application to circumvent payment uh
because it suits their budget or their
[56:47] frugal ity um in relation to paying to
use our facilities. So u okay
[56:53] » though it is 12 pages I tried to be
really clear on the responsibilities of
[56:56] staff the responsibilities of citizens
and administration to make it clear fair
[57:01] uh and very processoriented that when we
uh fine-tune 5.1.6 six and the other
[57:06] portions of the bylaw.
>> Yeah.
[57:08] » That we can then make corresponding
changes to the application itself and
[57:12] then we have a very clear document from
the front desk and application forward
[57:17] on those people that are applying and
how to streamline the process so that we
[57:22] can get approvals, you know, put out
there for individuals and families that
[57:26] truly require it. As as I say, when I
was in Pentictton many years ago working
[57:30] for the income assistance ministry, you
know, people can come in. We don't want
[57:34] a a lot of document. We don't want to
retain a lot. That's why we would be
[57:37] going to electronic retention, but just
proof of current state and then we can
[57:42] move forward with the application.
>> Okay. So to summarize your the budgetary
[57:47] question to Mayor Ward, then you would
essentially want your hope is you would
[57:51] launch this program now and leave the
budget as is out of the current
[57:55] operating budget, but next budget cycle
you may come with a specific request for
[57:59] running this program as it grows. Is
that
[58:02] » a fair assessment of what your proposal
is?
[58:05] » Yeah. And currently we're talking less
than $1,000.
[58:07] » So we will monitor it after we get it
out there once it's approved and start
[58:10] advertising it and see if that number
increases. It's it's similar to other
[58:15] resources in the community food bank
where
[58:17] » you have to swallow a bit of pride to
come and sign up for it. So we don't
[58:20] expect a big influx, but we want to have
it available for those community members
[58:23] that do feel the need to have that
>> wellness and health that's
[58:27] » So once this goes through, you'll be
advertising this a little bit more
[58:30] because I personally I had no idea that
this was even a program that we already
[58:34] had running. So that's why I'm
>> that's the idea. Once it's approved, we
[58:36] want to get it out there. It's one of
those ones we dusted off and said, "Hey,
[58:39] here's a program for our community. We
know times are tough. We've seen it in
[58:42] out in in the real world. So here's
something we could do to help our
[58:45] citizens."
>> Okay. Yeah. No, I I love the idea. I
[58:48] just wanted I wasn't sure on the history
of this program as well.
[58:52] » And every municipality across our
province has some sort of assistance
[58:56] programming within recreation. Slightly
different variation on the application
[59:00] and and what materials slight variation
on what uh the assistance can be used
[59:05] for. Here at our center, it's usually
for punch passes and coming in to use
[59:09] the facility rather than programs
themselves. Um some communities it's
[59:13] different. It can be a percentage basis.
>> Okay.
[59:16] the for communities our size in speaking
to them uh often they would cap their
[59:22] programming at $5,000 but those are
communities like Edson you know Drayton
[59:27] Valley slightly larger in population
okay so that's what something we would
[59:31] look at going into 2027 take a look at
usage and contrast that against what our
[59:37] expectations may be for 2027 so as as uh
our CEO Mr. That said, you know, we
[59:44] don't expect a a mad rush to use these,
but we also want to get some new people
[59:49] in the facility that
>> potentially have not been able due to
[59:53] barriers.
>> You bet.
[59:54] » Get into the building.
>> No, I love that idea. And I just love a
[59:58] little bit of an estimation on cost
around this program. That's just good to
[1:00:02] kind of just to see because it could be
anything to me, right? This is could be
[1:00:06] a very broad range. So, I appreciate a
bit of a a dollar value there. Um just
[1:00:11] last question for me. Obviously right
now we have sort of minimal uh people
[1:00:16] participating. If you do see an influx,
is this going to cause issues in terms
[1:00:20] of administering the program? Do you
need see a need for more staff time or
[1:00:25] anything of that nature?
>> No, we have developed an idea of what
[1:00:29] the framework of who will be involved in
the process.
[1:00:31] » Okay.
>> Um we'll monitor it accordingly as such.
[1:00:34] Um and again from a cost perspective
again because we're not having the use
[1:00:40] of program this the LEAP program being
used for programs we're not losing
[1:00:44] revenue per se in the fact that we may
have someone through LEAP program take
[1:00:48] up spaces in summer splash currently.
>> Yeah. No I know that
[1:00:51] » and and not have revenue from other camp
users as as an example.
[1:00:55] » I hope that's a good one. Um it's more
coming to use a walking track to come
[1:00:59] drop in and and go to pickle ball come
be active. come shoot some hoops or drop
[1:01:04] in, you know, to kick the soccer ball
versus an actual true cost for having
[1:01:09] them in the facility or part of our
program participation.
[1:01:12] » Awesome. Okay. Thank you. Before I get
to Councelor Williams, I'm just going to
[1:01:16] follow up on the uh budgetary question
there. So, the policy intent has that
[1:01:20] eligible residents of the town, but the
bylaw says town and MD. So, um
[1:01:26] clarifying, is it both the town of Slave
Lake and MD residents that qualify for
[1:01:30] this program? In 56 I missed the mention
of the MD of Lesser Slave Lake. It also
[1:01:35] is in other part of the bylaw. That's on
me and that's so you're worshiping
[1:01:38] council. I apologize for that error.
When the update to 5.56
[1:01:43] occurs, it's town of Slave Lake
residents and residents of the MD of
[1:01:47] Lesser Slave Lake as a funding partner
of the facility. It would be
[1:01:51] » so that would be just a friendly look at
when we're looking at how much if there
[1:01:57] is a large uptake in that because there
is intermunicipal cost sharing
[1:02:00] agreements um with regards to running
the cost of the program. Now $1,000
[1:02:04] neither here nor there. Understand it
hasn't been used but uh this would fall
[1:02:08] under the cost sharing
>> and that's the type of data acquisition
[1:02:12] uh at the end of 2026 we'd be looking at
over and above total numbers would be
[1:02:16] the division of residential.
Sydney, did you or council Williams? Go
[1:02:21] ahead.
>> Sure. Yeah. Um, I love this idea. I love
[1:02:25] the inclusivity of it for our community
members, our seniors, everybody's
[1:02:30] involved. I love the idea of it. What
worries me is just the talk of the
[1:02:35] wording of being in good standards. if
we are trying to make this available for
[1:02:39] families, for example, if you have
children maybe wanting to do it that
[1:02:46] their parents are not in good standing
or something along that line. So, I'm
[1:02:49] just I'll be interested to see in and
how the wording comes together.
[1:02:54] » It is interesting.
>> I don't want to see children or or
[1:02:58] families discouraged from applying for
this as well. And if the MD is involved
[1:03:03] in in in being this being available as
well, how do we know if they're in good
[1:03:08] standings on their side as well? Right.
>> I'd like to think that the percentage of
[1:03:14] our residents and both and I'll speak
for those that are in the MD of Lesser
[1:03:17] Slave River as well as those that reside
within our town boundaries are in good
[1:03:22] standing with the town and within the
community. So, I think we will
[1:03:26] absolutely tighten this down to a
sentence or two that covers uh this more
[1:03:30] clearly and more succinctly uh to shore
this up as far as being one of the
[1:03:36] guidelines for approval in the program.
Absolutely. And I'm happy to return back
[1:03:40] before mayor and council in the coming
weeks with a uh completed and finally
[1:03:45] tuned hopefully final copy of bylaw
number 10-2026.
[1:03:51] I'll uh pass it to councelor Bows and
then I just I have a few we'll see
[1:03:55] there. Go ahead, counselor.
>> Just being picky. Schedule A
[1:04:01] applicants must meet the annual
threshold. You just might want to check
[1:04:06] the spell. [laughter]
>> Thank you, council.
[1:04:09] » That Yep. Yep. No, it just kind of those
that jumped out.
[1:04:14] » Nope. Uh since this is coming back um
top of the report, we need well-being
[1:04:19] checked as it's part of strategic
alignment.
[1:04:22] Um the residents eligibility we went
over. I would consider schedule A and B
[1:04:29] are hard coding our LICO uh thresholds
and our benefit codes. So if those ever
[1:04:34] change, then we have to do a bylaw
amendment which is more complicated than
[1:04:38] administrative procedure. like we've
been from my understanding we've been
[1:04:42] moving dollar values to administrative
policy
[1:04:47] » when speaking to the other
municipalities
[1:04:49] u when the passing of the bylaw happens
and that's there there's usually a
[1:04:53] conversation between the CEO and council
to see if they have any concerns about
[1:04:56] retaining the existing LICO if it goes
down whether we keep it or if it goes up
[1:05:02] again
part of this is I will be coming back
[1:05:06] before council to give you a report on
the on the usage
[1:05:10] and the resident location numbers and
all of those great details in the fall.
[1:05:14] And I think at that time we would also
be looking whether or not there's an
[1:05:17] expectation that those LIO numbers may
be going higher. I think they're a
[1:05:21] guideline. Please note that in the
wording of the bylaw there is the
[1:05:25] ability for staff to uh you know have
consideration and grant approval for
[1:05:31] this program. Yeah.
>> So, if we had someone with with a very
[1:05:34] large family that was slightly over the
household income but provided
[1:05:37] documentation or stated, you know, my my
that's our that's our 2025 income
[1:05:43] statement from CRA, but you know, this
is the recent occurrence within our
[1:05:47] family unit which is creating financial
hardship. Have a conversation that's
[1:05:51] respectful and take any new information
and potentially offer LEAP assistance
[1:05:56] for the the next 12 months. This is an
annual piece. So again, up for review
[1:06:00] and again I don't think the numbers are
going to warrant a like a mad rush of
[1:06:06] consideration, but I think it does fill
a gap as council Williams and council
[1:06:10] Hughes mentioned. This is really I'm
excited that we're now uh refining this
[1:06:15] this bylaw because it has been very
broad and very open both on the policy
[1:06:20] side as well as the application. and I'm
excited that we can hopefully encourage
[1:06:24] more people to consider filling out an
application and getting actively
[1:06:28] involved and use this program.
>> Okay, that's great answer. Just curious
[1:06:33] because sometimes we've been moving
those schedules out because then bylaw
[1:06:37] changes require
>> absolutely more work. Um just a couple
[1:06:40] little things to look at before this
comes back. Inconsistent schedule naming
[1:06:44] policy refers to appendix A and B, but
the attachments are schedule A and B.
[1:06:48] Yes. So, um, what else is there?
There's a couple there's a runner
[1:06:55] through somewhere, but a lot of it says
being a bylaw of town instead of town of
[1:06:59] Slave Lake, council of town instead of
town of Slave Lake. Uh, there's
[1:07:03] participated in in um inconsistent use
of low-inccome cutoff. So, there's a few
[1:07:08] different
>> I was asked to present this this policy
[1:07:10] to
>> I'm just saying so when it comes back,
[1:07:13] it's just a list. So, when it comes
back, there's there's no judgment. It's
[1:07:16] just so that when it comes back, we have
we can just handle this all at once. Um
[1:07:20] I didn't get to to take a a full look at
it earlier. So again, as it comes up is
[1:07:26] just so that when it comes back, then
we're only doing this once again.
[1:07:30] » Absolutely.
>> Um let me take a look there.
[1:07:33] » Happy to do so. I'll do
>> this just to to clarify that between the
[1:07:36] two. So it's coming back as a bylaw and
um I think that that really is it for
[1:07:42] me. So, I'll uh I'll make a motion to
have this uh bylaw come back to a future
[1:07:48] meeting of
>> and we will schedule that the next SL
[1:07:50] senior leadership meeting for the next
hopefully available
[1:07:54] » slot in the coming months of the council
schedule.
[1:07:57] » Perfect. So, there's a motion to uh have
this report come back. Any further
[1:08:02] discussion?
>> Called a question of favor. And that one
[1:08:05] is carried. And thank you for that. Can
we have a quick break before we
[1:08:09] continue, please? Thank you.
[1:08:19] No problem.
[1:18:49] Yep, we're good to go.
[1:18:55] » Okay, moving along into question period.
Does council have any questions for
[1:19:00] administration?
>> What did I miss? That's under I have
[1:19:04] that under correspondence
[1:19:09] » question period.
>> Sorry.
[1:19:10] » Any questions from council?
>> Councelor Hughes.
[1:19:14] » Sorry, I'm getting confused. Not you,
Mayor Ward.
[1:19:17] » Um, I was just curious if you could
provide an update on street sweeping at
[1:19:21] the current moment. I think the last
that I had asked about it, they were
[1:19:24] finishing up the southeast. Are they in
a different quadrant of town right now
[1:19:28] and what's happening with that?
>> I will have to get back to council on
[1:19:31] that. I am not aware where they're at as
of right now.
[1:19:34] » Okay. Yeah, I understand you're getting
getting back in the swing of things. Um
[1:19:37] I'm just hoping I've noticed um along
Main Street on the main boulevard, say
[1:19:41] by 7-Eleven and stuff, there's quite a
buildup still there. So, I'd like to see
[1:19:46] those things moved along now that we're
sort of almost to mid July. So, if you
[1:19:52] could uh relay the plan back to us at
some point, that would be great. Yeah,
[1:19:55] I'll follow up. I know the south um main
street south to uh highway 2 because of
[1:20:00] the overlay and program and patching
that was going on there, they were going
[1:20:02] to try and wait a little bit closer to
the overlay. Okay.
[1:20:05] » But if it's really bad, we could run it
down there just to make sure we get some
[1:20:08] of it.
>> They were going to do a good sweep
[1:20:09] before they did the overlay. I know
that, but I will check on the rest of
[1:20:12] it.
>> Okay. It just seems like there's still a
[1:20:14] buildup from all of the horrible winter
weather and I'd like to see that really
[1:20:18] clean up. I'll follow up and get you the
town looking its best. So,
[1:20:20] » yeah, I'll follow up.
>> Okay. Thank you.
[1:20:23] Um, and then while you're contacting
public works about followup, um,
[1:20:29] potholes, I know we're doing mill and
fill and we got the contract award
[1:20:32] today, but the we have our own pothole
program. Um, and now ashvault plants are
[1:20:38] open. So, it's July. Curious to see a
bit of an update on if we can get how
[1:20:44] much we've done, what's scheduling for
the rest. Would like to see as many as
[1:20:48] possible filled before before fall. Um,
so I know we have a council meeting next
[1:20:53] week. Um, is it possible?
>> We'll get we'll get info in
[1:20:56] » get some some type of info on where
we're at on potholes and what that looks
[1:20:59] like aside from the mill and fill areas
that we because there's still all the
[1:21:03] residential areas that uh we need to
we'll be looking at.
[1:21:06] » Kush was going to stay. Kush was going
to stay and told me he'd be okay. He
[1:21:09] should have stayed.
>> That's okay. I can get public works to
[1:21:11] to weigh in a not too on what's been
done because we said we've had, you
[1:21:14] know, 30 days of when it hasn't been
pouring of of ability to to fill the
[1:21:19] potholes. So curious on what's been done
and what's upcoming outside of those uh
[1:21:23] contract award areas.
>> Okay. Anything any further questions
[1:21:27] from from council?
As I see none, we can move into our
[1:21:33] correspondence.
Thank you, mayor and council. Uh we
[1:21:37] received a letter from the community
futures lesser slavery lesser slave lake
[1:21:41] region. My apologies regarding their
lift program which is the learning
[1:21:44] indigenous financial teachings. They are
applying for a grant to teach um some of
[1:21:50] their members to be instructors for the
Lyft program facil facilitators, sorry.
[1:21:54] Um so they have provided us a sample
letter and they are asking for council's
[1:21:58] support and with your approval we will
write that letter and have it signed and
[1:22:02] sent off to them.
[1:22:06] » Oh, sorry. Uh my apologies. um the the
partnership for the application their
[1:22:11] program. They're also asking for promote
the program using marketing materials
[1:22:14] provided by the community futures lesser
slave region and provide feedback
[1:22:18] throughout the de development and
ongoing evolution of the program to help
[1:22:21] ensure it continues to meet the needs of
our community citizens and the clients.
[1:22:27] » Okay.
[1:22:34] » We would need a motion. Councelor
[1:22:42] Hub.
>> Um, yeah, I take no issue with this. So,
[1:22:47] if no one has any commentary, I will
make a motion directing administration
[1:22:51] to please provide the requested letter
um of support to community futures for
[1:22:58] this lift program
>> and we will get it. It is they're asking
[1:23:02] for a short turnaround so we'll get it
signed right away. Thank you.
[1:23:06] » Okay. Motion on the floor. Any further
discussion? Call the question. Those in
[1:23:09] favor and that one is carried.
Moving out of that into State of the
[1:23:16] Lake. Does council have anything for
State of the Lake? Councelor Hughes. Um
[1:23:22] yeah, I know it was mentioned in Joe's
presentation earlier, but I did just
[1:23:27] want to do a special shout out to
Community Services for wonderful Canada
[1:23:31] Day events that they put on at the MRC.
They did a fantastic job. There was lots
[1:23:35] of community members in and out of the
building all day. It was a really nice
[1:23:40] community feel. Lots of businesses
participating, lots of fun from uh the
[1:23:44] screams I could hear from watermelon
eating and moose calling. And I found it
[1:23:49] to be very creative and innovative and
it was a great time even though we had
[1:23:52] to be inside. Um so I just wanted to
give a special shout out to Abby and her
[1:23:56] team and uh just community services in
general for a job well done.
[1:24:02] » Thank you. Anybody else?
Okay. Well, I'll just make a quick
[1:24:07] congratulations to uh Counselor Achoba
and his lovely wife and their family for
[1:24:12] the addition of their beautiful daughter
Abiella,
[1:24:16] » who was born on Saturday. So,
congratulations and uh look forward to
[1:24:22] you reading council reports in the
middle of the night when you're not
[1:24:25] sleeping uh thanks to having the new
baby around. So just wanted to pass
[1:24:28] along a congratulations from council and
administration and that is it for me
[1:24:34] from state of the lake
>> councelor Aoba
[1:24:39] » motion to adjurnn.
>> There's a motion to adjurnn. Any further
[1:24:42] discussion? Call to question. Those in
favor and that one is carried.