Big Lakes County

The council meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics such as approving the Committee of the Whole Bylaw, receiving an update from Heart River Housing, and supporting a water service delivery framework report. They also addressed land use bylaw amendments, policing priorities for the upcoming year, and a sponsorship for the Royal Canadian Legion. Additionally, appointments were made for weed and pest inspectors, a memorandum of understanding was established with the Lesser Slave Watershed Council, and support was given to the High Prairie & District Museum and High Prairie Municipal Library. The council also went into a closed session to discuss personal matters.

The Faust Area Structure Plan outlines a land use concept, development policies, and a vision for the Faust community, emphasizing collaboration between the County, residents, and stakeholders. It focuses on preserving the community's history and natural environment, enhancing commercial services, and providing recreational opportunities. The plan includes actions for implementation by the County, developers, and the community, with priorities ranging from immediate to long-term, to achieve sustainable growth and revitalization.

The strategic plan for Big Lakes County focuses on building a livable and affordable county through growth, fiscal responsibility, and good governance. It outlines the county's mission, vision, and core values, emphasizing community safety, outdoor recreation, inclusivity, hospitality, historical roots, transparency, integrity, respect, leadership, and sustainability. The plan identifies four strategic goals: creating a livable/affordable county, focusing on growth, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and promoting good governance. It also includes measures and targets for each goal and outlines strategic initiatives to achieve them, such as updating the reserve policy, creating an asset management system, improving service planning, and promoting green initiatives.

The meeting included discussions and a presentation from Enterprise Fleet Management regarding a potential partnership for fleet vehicles. A public hearing was held for Bylaw 07-2022 concerning land use bylaw amendments, followed by second and third readings of the bylaw. Another public hearing was conducted for Bylaw 08-2022, which was subsequently tabled for further clarification. Staff reports were received from various directors. Other topics included the reclamation of the Old High Prairie Bridge campsite, a survey of charities for the Big Lakes Charity Golf Tournament, and recreation repairs. The council also discussed a request for a refund of NSF charges, revisions to road closure bylaws, the annual county BBQ, the appointment of an AG inspector, an operating grant for the High Prairie Curling Association, library board funding information, a Hamlet Clean-up Grant for the Grouard Seniors Community Club, and letters of support for Greenview's Carbon Capture Sequestration application and Smoky Hemp Decortication Ltd.

The council discussed and approved the 2022 operating and capital budgets, including operating revenue, expenses, debt repayment, contributions to capital and operating reserves, and amortization expenses. Adjustments were made to budget amounts for Crew Cab pickups, and quotations for purchasing pickups were directed for 2023. Information was presented on Municipal Tax Rates and Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding. The council allocated funds for the Regional Emergency Management Coordinator position and discussed cost of living allowance. The Mill Rate Bylaw 09-2022 was provided with first, second and third readings.