High Level, AB

Special Council Meeting

Council is reviewing a presentation by Urban Systems regarding the Northwest Area Structure Plan (ASP) and Functional Planning Study. The session focuses on evaluating development opportunities for two Town-owned parcels to support future housing and growth.

• Presentation by Urban Systems on the Northwest Area Structure Plan (ASP) workshop
• Review of CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund commitments for 87 units over 3 years
• Evaluation of development opportunities on two Town-owned parcels
• Discussion of market needs assessment showing a population of 3,922 as of 2021
• Closed session held under the Access to Information Act for advice from officials

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Committee of the Whole

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Regular Meeting of Council

The High Level Council will hold a public hearing regarding a Land Use Bylaw amendment. The body is also deciding on a significant emergency vehicle procurement and holiday office closures.

• Purchase of a new Rescue-Engine from Safetek Emergency Vehicles Limited for $1,983,897 plus GST
• Public hearing for Bylaw 1080-26 to add 'Retail - General' as a discretionary use in the Industrial District
• Proposed Municipal Office closures on December 24, 25, 28, 2026, and January 1, 2027
• Review of monthly departmental reports from Finance, Community Services, Planning & Development, Operations, Emergency Services, and Corporate Services

Public Hearing

The Town of High Level is holding a public hearing regarding Bylaw 1080-26. This proposed amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1051-25 would allow general and liquor retail uses within the Industrial District.

• Proposed amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1051-25 via Bylaw 1080-26
• Proposed addition of 'Retail - General' and 'Retail - Liquor' as permitted uses in the Industrial District
• Application to renovate and change the use of a warehouse at Lot 08, Block 03, Plan 7922805

Organizational Meeting

Council will meet to appoint a Deputy Mayor and establish the Acting Mayor schedule through October 2029. The body will also appoint municipal auditors, legal counsel, and an assessor, and assign members to various committees and boards.

• Appointment of Bob Daudelin with Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. as municipal assessor
• Appointment of Doyle and Company Chartered Professional Accountants as municipal auditors
• Appointment of Brownlee LLP as legal counsel
• Appointment of public members to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board and Assessment Review Board
• Review of the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan and Council and Committees Procedural Bylaw

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing updates to the Land Use Bylaw regarding liquor and cannabis retail. The body is also receiving a report on volunteer firefighter recruitment to inform the 2027 budget.

• Discussion of Draft Bylaw 1081-26 regarding Liquor and Cannabis Land Use Bylaw restrictions
• Report on Paid-on-call Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment & Retention Strategy
• Discussion of Draft 2026 Fees Bylaw updates

Committee of the Whole

Organizational Meeting

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Council is deciding on the next steps for the North Peace Regional Raw Water Supply Feasibility Study and the renewal of an airport compliance agreement. The meeting also includes discussions on solid waste contracts and road rehabilitation funding.

• Authorization of a three-year agreement with The Loomex Group Ltd. for airport compliance and emergency exercises (March 1, 2027, to February 28, 2030)
• Direction to negotiate a three-year solid waste pickup and disposal contract with L & P Disposals starting January 1, 2027
• Proposed project budget of up to $400,000 from General Reserves for Wayfinding Strategy implementation
• Application for Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) funding for 100th Avenue Road Rehabilitation
• Request to proceed with the analysis portion of the North Peace Regional Raw Water Supply Feasibility Study based on five alignment options

Regular Open Meeting of Council

The Town of High Level Council is meeting to consider several administrative and operational items, including a presentation on the Northern Sky Corridor Strategy, adoption of minutes and reports, and multiple bylaws. Key decisions include approving the purchase of hazardous materials detection equipment for $174,576.15, setting a by-election date, and giving readings to bylaws for a community grant advisory committee and a council remuneration review committee. The agenda also includes a land use bylaw amendment to allow retail uses in the Industrial District, a budget timeline report, and a lagoon cleaning update.

• Purchase of hazardous materials detection equipment from Visiontec Systems Ltd for $174,576.15 including GST
• Set Monday, November 16, 2026 as by-election day, appointing Jena-Raye Clarke as Returning Officer
• Land Use Bylaw Amendment 02-26 to add 'Retail - General' and 'Retail - Liquor' as permitted uses in the Industrial District, with public hearing scheduled for October 26, 2026
• Second and third reading of Community Grant Advisory Committee Bylaw No. 1078-26 and Council Remuneration Review Committee Bylaw No. 1079-26
• Rescind Motion #313-26 awarding Hydrasurvey a $68,500 contract for dredging monitoring, and keep lagoon desludging in abeyance

Committee of the Whole

Regular Open Meeting of Council

High Level Council will consider awarding a contract to Hydrasurvey for lagoon dredge monitoring at $68,500 plus GST, and decide on a tax reduction request for a property at 11305-95th Street. They will also give readings to several bylaws, including a new Solid Waste Bylaw and a Community Grant Program Policy, and accept updates on the CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund and a regional service sharing agreement extension.

• Award Hydrasurvey contract for dredge monitoring, upset value $68,500 plus GST
• Tax reduction request of $8,203.76 for property roll# 0507.000, 11305-95th Street, owned by 549960 Alberta Ltd.
• Second and third reading of Solid Waste Bylaw No. 1062-26
• Second and third reading of Council and Committees Procedural Bylaw No. 1060-26
• Adopt Community Grant Program Policy No. 292-26 and rescind Donation and Sponsorship Policy No. 168-99

Regular Open Meeting of Council

The Town of High Level Council is meeting to consider several bylaws, including a new Solid Waste Bylaw, a Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw, the 2026 Fees Bylaw, and a Council and Committees Procedural Bylaw. Council will also decide on a change order for a water treatment plant study and a nanofiltration pilot study, and hear a presentation on a regional raw water system feasibility study.

• Solid Waste Bylaw No. 1062-26 - first, second, and third reading
• Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw No. 1061-26 - first, second, and third reading
• 2026 Fees Bylaw No. 1077-26 - first, second, and third reading
• Council and Committees Procedural Bylaw No. 1060-26 - first, second, and third reading
• WSP change order for $161,292.00 and up to $100,000 for nanofiltration pilot study

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several draft bylaws, including updates to the 2026 Fees Bylaw, a new Solid Waste Bylaw, a Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw, a Maternity and Parental Leave Bylaw for elected officials, and a Council and Committee Procedural Bylaw. They will also hear a presentation on the Northern Sky Corridor Strategy and receive a briefing on hydrovac waste dumping fees. The meeting includes a closed session to discuss AAIP and contract matters.

• Presentation on Northern Sky Corridor Strategy by Shelley Grollmuss, Explore Edmonton
• Draft 2026 Fees Bylaw No. 1077-26 updates
• Draft Solid Waste Bylaw No. 1062-26
• Draft Maternity and Parental Leave Bylaw No. 1066-26 with remuneration options (50%, 75%, 100%)
• Hydrovac Waste Dumping briefing

Special Council Meeting

Council will decide whether to award the High Level Sports Complex Arena Foundation Repair tender to Derksen Construction Ltd. for $528,000 (excluding GST). The project addresses concrete foundation deterioration identified in engineering assessments. Council will also recess into a closed session to discuss a contract matter.

• Tender award to Derksen Construction Ltd. for $528,000, excluding GST
• Closed session under s. 29 (Advice from Officials) to discuss contract matter
• CPO Vehicle Tender Award - documents to be provided when available
• Project funded through 2026 Capital Budget ($540,500) and LGFF funding

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Public Hearing

The Council is holding a public hearing to consider Bylaw 1074-26, which would rezone Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 3510KS from R-3 (High Density Residential) to R-2 (Medium Density Residential) to allow a porch addition to an existing single detached dwelling. The hearing is on July 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. Administration recommends second and third readings if no testimony is presented.

• Rezoning of Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 3510KS from R-3 to R-2
• Purpose: to facilitate a porch addition to an existing single detached dwelling built circa 1960
• Recommendation to waive the land use bylaw amendment fee
• Adjacent landowners and agencies notified with no objections
• Administration recommends proceeding to second and third readings if no public testimony

Special Council Meeting

Council is considering the 2nd and 3rd readings of Bylaw 1074-26 to change the zoning of Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 3510KS from High Density Residential (R-3) to Medium Density Residential (R-2). This change would allow for the addition of a porch to an existing single detached dwelling. Council will also decide whether to waive the land use bylaw amendment fee for the landowner.

• Proposed Bylaw 1074-26 to redistrict Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 3510KS from R-3 to R-2
• Request to waive the LUB amendment fee for the property owner
• Scheduling of a Committee of the Whole meeting for August 17, 2026
• Delegation from RCMP Staff Sergeant Devron Dittmer

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Council will receive and decide on a technical memorandum for water treatment plant optimization to remove dissolved organic matter, potentially directing further seasonal sampling over one year. Other decisions include approving a $59,918.48 patrol unit purchase, setting a $313,000 reserve bid for a tax sale property, and advancing a land use bylaw amendment for a zoning change. Council will also direct staff to draft restrictions on new alcohol retail stores near community use areas and initiate public engagement on cannabis and liquor retail setbacks.

• Purchase of Protective Services Patrol Unit for $59,918.48 from Stony Plain Chrysler, plus $15,000 for upfitting
• 2026 property tax recovery auction for 10804-106 Street with reserve bid at $313,000 (assessed value)
• Land Use Bylaw amendment 1074-26 to redistrict Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 3510KS from High Density (R-3) to Medium Density Residential (R-2)
• Direction to amend LUB to restrict new alcohol retail sales within 100m of Community Use or Parks Districts
• Acceptance of WSP Technical Memorandum on water treatment optimization and direction for one-year seasonal sampling

Committee of the Whole

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Council will give three readings to the 2026 Property Tax Rate Bylaw, finalizing tax rates based on the approved operating budget. Also up for discussion: a potential moratorium on new cannabis and liquor stores within 150 metres of existing ones, a renewed fire service sharing agreement with Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement, and adoption of a privacy management program.

• 2026 Property Tax Rate Bylaw (Bylaw 1072-26)
• Public engagement on restricting new cannabis/liquor stores within 150m of existing ones
• Renewal of Fire Service Sharing Agreement with Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement
• ATIA/POPA Bylaw (Bylaw 1073-26)
• Award of $2,000 Town of High Level Bursary

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will recommend a $2,000 bursary recipient to Council and decide not to pursue an official name change for Lysol Creek. Members will also discuss an emergency vehicle replacement policy and receive a report on fee adjustments.

• Recommend $2,000 bursary recipient to Council for June 23 graduation ceremony
• Reject informal name 'Lysol Creek' and direct no further action on geographical renaming
• Discuss Emergency Vehicle Life Cycle Replacement Policy
• Receive administrative report on Recreation, Facility Sponsorship and Program Fees

Committee of the Whole

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Council will consider approving the 2026 Operating Budget, which includes $19.4M in revenues, $17.4M in expenditures, a 3.8% tax dollar reduction, and no utility or fee increases. They will also give readings to an operating expenditures borrowing bylaw, adopt a new debt management policy, and decide on closing the wastewater lagoon septage receiving station to third-party users. Additionally, they will consider restricting cannabis retail store locations through a land use bylaw amendment.

• Approve 2026 Operating Budget: $19.4M revenue, $17.4M expenditures, $2.08M reserve contributions, 3.8% tax reduction
• First to third reading of Operating Expenditures Borrowing Bylaw No. 1071-26
• Rescind and adopt new Debt Management Policy 291-26
• Closure of Wastewater Lagoon Septage Receiving Station for third-party users
• Direct preparation of Land Use Bylaw amendment to further restrict cannabis retail store locations

Open Special Council Meeting

Council is considering approving the 2026 operating and capital budgets. The budget includes a 3.8% reduction in property taxes, a $17.4 million expenditure budget, and $2.08 million in reserve contributions. Council will also direct administration to prepare a 2026 tax rate bylaw and develop a long-term financial plan.

• Approve 2026 operating budget ($17.4M)
• Approve 2026 capital budget
• 3.8% tax dollar reduction (average $212/year on $500K home)
• 0% utility increase and 0% fee increase
• $1.09M in organizational savings

Open Special Council Meeting

This special council meeting is primarily procedural, with the main substantive action being a vote to recess into a closed (in-camera) session under the Access to Information Act. No public agenda items for decision or discussion are listed.

• Resolution to enter closed session under s. 34(1)(c) of the Access to Information Act

Open Special Council Meeting

This special council meeting focuses on discussing and adopting the Town of High Level's 2026 operating budget and the 2026-2030 capital plan. The proposed operating budget totals $19.4 million in revenue and $17.4 million in expenditures, a 5.9% decrease from 2025, partly driven by consultant savings of $1.1 million. The budget includes property tax reductions for residential and commercial properties, increased reserve contributions, and directs administration to develop a long-term financial plan.

• Proposed 2026 operating budget: $17.4M expenditures, $19.4M revenue, 5.9% spending cut
• Property tax decreases: Residential -8.2% to $2.87M, Commercial -3.3% to $2.48M
• Capital plan 2026-2030 adoption to be added as late item
• Reserve contribution of $2.08M, funded by assessment growth
• Savings of $1.1M from consultant/professional services (-55.8%)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review proposed updates to recreation, facility sponsorship, and program fees, including new arena glass signage and facility naming rights. Administration seeks feedback before incorporating fees into stand-alone facility bylaws.

• Arena naming rights proposed at $20,000 per year
• New glass panel signage at $250/year
• Pool family drop-in $15, family annual pass $1,170
• Interpretive Centre rentals $30/hour or $300/day
• Youth drop-in fee for instructed programs $2, adult $5

Regular Open Meeting of Council

The High Level Council meeting will adopt the agenda and approve minutes from previous meetings. It will receive the Mayor's and Committee reports and consider several administration items, including funding for landfill groundwater monitoring, a budget model for Boreal Housing requisitions, a $20,000 Vitalization Grant request, amendments to the Respectful Workplace Policy, and an appointment to the Intermunicipal Development Plan Joint Steering Committee.

• Approve $46,800 for annual landfill groundwater monitoring and new wells (Utilities Reserve)
• Approve budget model authorizing Boreal Housing Foundation to issue requisitions for 2026 Tax Levy Bylaw calculations
• Consider $20,000 Vitalization Grant application for Lot 6&7, Block 3, Plan 972 3584
• Amend Respectful Workplace Policy (Section 10) and rescind Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy 251-17
• Appointment to the Intermunicipal Development Plan Joint Steering Committee (position unspecified)

Open Special Council Meeting

The High Level Council will discuss the capital budget, reviewing carry‑forward and current‑year capital projects and setting priorities for funding. A presentation from Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. will be accepted for information. The meeting includes a closed in‑camera session for advice from officials before reconvening to continue discussion.

• Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. presentation on property assessment (accepted for information)
• Capital Budget Discussion to review and prioritize carry‑forward and 2026 capital projects
• Closed in‑camera session for advice from officials under the Access to Information Act
• BLOOM Centre for Municipal Education to assist with capital planning and funding analysis
• Specific project funding amounts: $381,607 for R.E. Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre HVAC upgrades, $126,400 for Aquatic Centre amenity upgrades, $2,700,000 for Community Park Upgrade

Regular Open Meeting of Council

Council will consider approving a building condition assessment for the R.E. Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre and authorize HVAC upgrades using grant funding. The meeting also includes the approval of new human resources policies and the scheduling of a 2026 municipal by-election.

• R.E. Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre assessment and HVAC upgrades
• High Level Sports Complex condition assessment ($7,250)
• New Attendance and Leave Policy
• New Hours of Work Policy
• New Respectful Workplace Policy