Spirit River public meetings in 2024
26 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
2024-12-16 Regular Council Meeting
The Town of Spirit River Council will discuss the 2025 Proposed Interim Capital Budget and a request to rescind a previous motion regarding cooperative daycare. The meeting includes a presentation from Clean Communities Corp regarding a proposed apartment and commercial development.
- 2025 Proposed Interim Capital Budget
- Rescind Motion 24-777 Regarding Cooperative Daycare
- Northern Regional Economic Development Grant for 2025
- Delegation from Clean Communities Corp regarding apartment and commercial space development
- Financial Report to November 30, 2024
2024-12-09 Special Council Meeting
This special council meeting consists primarily of procedural boilerplate. The only substantive item on the agenda is a closed meeting to discuss intermunicipal relations.
- Closed meeting regarding Intermunicipal Relations
2024-12-02 Regular Council Meeting
The council will adopt the minutes from the November 18, 2024 regular meeting. Council will receive a presentation of the 2024‑2027 Proposed Interim Operating Budget, which will be updated with recommendations and returned for adoption at a future meeting. The agenda also includes consideration of a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) policy, a G5 meeting discussion topic, and a decision on the town’s office closure for Christmas.
- Adopt minutes from the November 18, 2024 regular council meeting
- Review the 2024‑2027 Proposed Interim Operating Budget (2025‑2028 interim budget)
- Consider HR03 Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) policy
- Discuss G5 meeting topic
- Decide on office closure for Christmas
2024-11-18 Regular Council Meeting
The Town of Spirit River Council will discuss joining the Peace Regional Subdivision and Development Appeal Board and review an assessment services contract. The meeting includes presentations on starting a childcare co-op and renaming a portion of the highway to honor a WWI Victoria Cross winner.
- Authorization to join the Peace Regional Subdivision and Development Appeal Board
- Review of Assessment Services Contract
- Review of Bylaw 1011 regarding the appointment of the Assessor as a Designated Officer
- Enviro Trace leak detection results
- Donation request from Kinettes
2024-11-04 Regular Council Meeting
The Spirit River Town Council will adopt the minutes from the October 21 and October 29 meetings. New business includes a request from Public Works to buy a sanding spreader for the 2024/2025 winter season, a presentation on Northern Alberta elected leaders, a 2024 Poppy Campaign update, and a sponsorship request from the Northwestern Alberta Foundation. No other items are listed as unfinished business or policy reviews.
- Public Works Equipment Request – purchase of a sanding spreader for the town’s service truck
- Presentation on Northern Alberta elected leaders
- 2024 Poppy Campaign discussion
- Northwestern Alberta Foundation sponsorship request
- Adoption of minutes from the October 21 and October 29 meetings
2024-10-29 Organizational Meeting
The Spirit River Council will adopt a show‑of‑hands voting procedure for the Organizational Meeting. It will elect a Mayor and a Deputy Mayor for the term October 24 2024 to October 2025 and administer their oaths of office. The Council will approve an updated Reference Summary adding new committees and removing the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. It will also authorize the town to join the Peace Regional Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
- Adopt voting by show of hands for all elections at the meeting
- Elect Councillor ___________ as Mayor for Oct 2024‑Oct 2025
- Elect Councillor ___________ as Deputy Mayor for Oct 2024‑Oct 2025
- Approve updated Reference Summary adding Asset Management, Audit, and Intermunicipal Economic Development committees and removing the SDAB
- Authorize joining the Peace Regional Subdivision and Development Appeal Board
2024-10-21 Regular Council Meeting
The Town of Spirit River Council will adopt the agenda as presented and approve the minutes from the October 7, 2024 regular council meeting. A delegation from Shelley Loroff of the Cental Peace Community Garden Park will provide a final year‑end report. The Chief Administrative Officer and department reports will be accepted for information.
- Adopt agenda as presented
- Adopt minutes from the October 7, 2024 regular council meeting
- Delegation – Shelley Loroff – Cental Peace Community Garden Park (year‑end report)
- Accept Chief Administrative Officer, Public Works, and Peace Country Enforcement reports for information
- No policies or bylaws scheduled for review
2024-10-07 Regular Council Meeting
The Town of Spirit River Council will adopt its agenda and minutes, hear delegations, and receive department reports. New business includes the Enviro TRACE water leak program, a capital contribution request from the Spirit River Agricultural Society, a regional farmer appreciation event, the Rycroft School Meal Program, ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas franchise fee proposals, and a Festival of Trees sponsorship letter. The council will also review the HR01 Human Resources Policy.
- Enviro TRACE – Water Leak Program presentation
- Spirit River Agricultural Society – request for capital contributions
- ATCO Electric – franchise fee proposal
- ATCO Gas – franchise fee proposal
- Festival of Trees – sponsorship letter
2024-09-16 Regular Council Meeting
The Town of Spirit River Council will review a water distribution analysis and CN land servicing report from Helix Engineering. The meeting includes discussions on allocating funds to reserves and a policy review for operating and capital reserves. Council will also hear presentations from the Royal Canadian Legion and Maskwa Medical Center.
- Water Distribution Analysis and CN Land Servicing by Helix Engineering
- Allocation of Funds to Reserves
- Policy FN04 Operating / Capital Reserve review
- Delegation from Jim Sharkey regarding renaming a portion of the highway
- Delegation from Ken Drysdale regarding Maskwa Medical Center
2024-09-03 Regular Council Meeting
The Spirit River Town Council will discuss a land‑use bylaw amendment that would change the Downtown Commercial (C1) District to a Mixed Use (MU) District on 47 Avenue. Additional items include a fence variance request for 29 Westview Road, annual maintenance of the town’s waterslides, and two water‑treatment plant projects. The council will also hear a proposal to repurpose the former Pleasantview Lodge.
- Bylaw 1007 amendment: change Downtown Commercial (C1) District to Mixed Use (MU) District on 47 Avenue
- Fence Variance Request – 29 Westview Road
- Annual Maintenance of Waterslides
- Water Treatment Plant – Raw Water Vertical Turbine Pump (second unit)
- Repurposing of Old Pleasantview Lodge
2024-08-12 Regular Council Meeting
The Town of Spirit River Council will adopt the agenda and minutes, then conduct a public hearing on Bylaw 1007, which proposes changing the Downtown Commercial (C1) district to a Mixed‑Use (MU) district on 47 Avenue. The meeting also includes new‑business items such as a request to purchase land for a parking lot, a conceptual residential development proposal, and a payroll EFT approval. Several bylaws and policies, including a draft Master Rates Bylaw, will be reviewed for possible adoption.
- Public Hearing – Bylaw 1007 Land Use amendment (Downtown Commercial C1 to Mixed‑Use MU) on 47 Avenue
- Request to Purchase Land for Parking Lot Development
- Conceptual Residential Development proposal
- Draft Bylaw 1003 Master Rates Bylaw for review
- Payroll Disbursement – EFT Approval
2024-07-23 Special Council Meeting
Spirit River Council will vote on Bylaw 1008, which repeals an older bylaw and establishes rules for water use during shortages. The law allows the Chief Administrative Officer to declare restrictions based on reservoir levels and sets penalties for violations.
- Bylaw 1008 Water Use and Conservation Bylaw
- Repeal of Bylaw 999
- Restrictions on commercial water consumption
- Penalties for water use violations
- Reservoir capacity: 125 million US gallons
2024-07-15 Regular Council Meeting
The Spirit River Council will adopt the minutes from the June 17, 2024 meeting and receive several informational presentations, including a preschool plan and an affordable‑housing proposal for the old Pleasant View Lodge. New business items include appointments to the library board, kitchen upgrades at Centennial Hall, and financial statements for the Ag Society and the airport. The council will also review four policies/bylaws, notably the amendment of Bylaw 1007 that changes the Downtown Commercial (C1) district to a Mixed‑Use (MU) district.
- Adopt minutes from the June 17, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
- Presentation by MaryEllen Norton (Enlightened Beginnings Preschool & Daycare) for information
- Presentation by Dan Dibbelt on affordable housing at the old Pleasant View Lodge for information
- Review of Bylaw 1007 amendment: Downtown Commercial (C1) District to Mixed‑Use (MU) District
- Review of FN05 Invoicing and Collection of Utility and Miscellaneous Charges policy
2024-06-17 Regular Council Meeting
Council will review reports on Level 1 water conservation efforts due to drought conditions. The agenda includes discussions regarding the creation of a Recreation Advisory Committee and setting a date for a strategic planning session. Members will also review updates to the workplace harassment policy.
- Creation of a Recreation Advisory Committee
- Review of HR02 Harassment and Violence in the Workplace policy
- Town of Spirit River CCBF Fire Hall Development
- Setting a date for the Strategic Planning Session
- Review of Policy AD04 Corporate Merchandise
2024-06-03 Regular Council Meeting
The Town of Spirit River Council will discuss several new business items, including a land use bylaw update and a grant for repurposing the old Pleasant View Lodge. The meeting also includes a presentation from the Rycroft Community Library regarding its performance and activities.
- Land Use Bylaw update for the Downtown Commercial District (C1)
- Northern Regional Economic Development (NRED) Grant for repurposing the old Pleasant View Lodge
- Town of Spirit River ACP Grant with MPE Engineering
- Review of Bylaw 1004 Tax Rate Bylaw
- Determination of 2024 Public Auction Tax Sale date and time
2024-05-21 Regular Council Meeting
The Town Council will discuss the 2024 final operating and capital budget and a collaboration agreement extension for the Central Peace Regional Water System. The meeting also includes reviews of the Master Rates and Business Registration bylaws.
- 2024 Final Operating and Capital Budget
- Central Peace Regional Water System Collaboration Agreement Extension
- Bylaw 1003 Master Rates Bylaw review
- Bylaw 1006 Business Registration Bylaw review
- SiteDocs Safety Management Software
2024-04-29 Regular Council Meeting
The Council will consider a recommendation to invest $2 million, splitting the funds between accessible and longer-term investments. The body will also review proposals from Qube, ATB, and RBC Global Asset Management.
- Investment of $2 million with options for Qube Investment Management and ATB Investment Management
- Review of Bylaw 1005 Special Event(s) Bylaw
- Review of Bylaw 1000 Master Rates
- Discussion of Citizen of the Year Award with seven nominations received
- Delegations from Tim Bellamy regarding a Summer Market & Dance and Tree Canada
2024-04-26 Audit Meeting
The Town of Spirit River is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially approve the 2023 draft audited financial statements. These documents must be submitted to Municipal Affairs by May 1, 2024.
- Approval of 2023 Town of Spirit River Draft Audited Financial Statements
2024-04-15 Regular Council Meeting
The Town of Spirit River Council will hear a proposal for a Summer Market and Dance on June 8, 2024, and a presentation on town investments from RBC Financial Planning. The body will also consider a special event bylaw and various infrastructure maintenance items.
- Proposal for Summer Market and Dance on June 8, 2024, including main street closure
- Town of Spirit River Special Event Bylaw and Permit
- Line painting for the airport runway
- Town grader repair
- Bylaw 999 - Water Use and Conservation
2024-04-02 Regular Council Meeting
The Spirit River Council will discuss water and wastewater bylaws and an expression of interest regarding the former Pleasant View Lodge. The meeting also includes a review of development and subdivision authority bylaws.
- Bylaw 998 - Water and Wastewater Bylaw
- Bylaw 999 - Water Use and Conservation
- Expression of Interest - Former Pleasant View Lodge
- Bylaw 1001 - Development Officer review
- Bylaw 1002 - Subdivision Authority Bylaw review
2024-03-18 Regular Council Meeting
Council will discuss proposed rate increases for commercial and bulk water to fund system maintenance. The body is also reviewing a proposal for concrete sidewalk lifting and a land donation to the Central Peace Fire and Rescue Commission.
- Proposed commercial water rate increase of 6% for minimum use and 40% after 9m3
- Proposed 11% increase for bulk water rates
- Quote from Caliber Mudjacking Ltd. for $53,226.60 to lift sidewalks and the outdoor pool deck
- Proposed donation of land to the Central Peace Fire and Rescue Commission
- Delegation from the Spirit River Seawolves regarding the 2024 season
2024-03-04 Regular Council Meeting
Council will discuss adding a part-time financial resource shared with the MD of Spirit River and purchasing new equipment for the Centennial Hall kitchen. The meeting also includes reviews of water and wastewater bylaws and a proposal to support keeping political parties out of local elections.
- Proposed shared part-time financial resource with MD of Spirit River costing up to $40,000 annually
- Proposed purchase of two stoves and a faucet for Centennial Hall kitchen totaling $15,473.65
- Support letter to MLA Todd Loewen regarding independent local elections
- Review of Bylaw 998 (Water and Wastewater) and Bylaw 999 (Water Use and Conservation)
- Review of Operating/Capital Reserves Policy - FN04
2024-02-20 Regular Council Meeting
Council is considering an investment portfolio proposal from ATB Investment Management Inc. and discussing several equipment purchases for Public Works. The meeting also includes reviews of residential water rates and policies regarding bursaries and donations.
- ATB Investment Management proposal for a $2 million portfolio with $9,000 annual advisory fees
- Purchase of a new loader and pickup replacement for Public Works fleet
- Review of revised residential water rates
- Review of Bursary Program Policy and Requests for Donations, Sponsorships and Promotional Items Policy
- Discussion on a 2024 additional capital project
2024-02-05 Regular Council Meeting
The Council will receive a presentation from Qube Investment Management Inc. regarding town investments and a delegation from The Dragonflies Den concerning a proposed date change for Spirit Days. The meeting also includes reviews of travel expense policies and several sponsorship requests.
- Investment management proposal from Qube Investment Management Inc.
- Delegation from Angela Hayden (The Dragonflies Den) regarding Spirit Days date change
- Review of FN03 Travel Expense Reimbursement policy
- Sponsorship requests from Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association and Happy Valley Ag and Recreation Club
- Donation request from David Thompson Bible Camp
2024-01-22 Regular Council Meeting
Council will discuss a Water Treatment Plant HMI upgrade and a new credit card terminal for bulk water supply. The meeting includes reviews of the 2023 financial report and the town's 5-year capital project plan.
- Water Treatment Plant HMI Upgrade
- Bulk Water Supply Credit Card Terminal 2"
- Financial Report to December 31, 2023
- Town of Spirit River 5 Year Capital Project Plan
- Rescinding membership in Northern Woods & Water Highway Association
2024-01-08 Regular Council Meeting
The Town of Spirit River Council is reviewing three proposals to reinvest $2 million of its funds. Council will decide whether to use one financial institution, split funds between two institutions, or use a combination of one institution and one private investment account.
- Investment proposals from ATB, RBC, and Qube Investments for $2 million in funds
- Bylaw and Animal Control Officer Contract
- MD of Spirit River No. 133 - Land Use Bylaw 11-2019 Amendment
- Review of Per Diem Rates for Town representatives
- Review of Travel Expense Reimbursement policy