Emma Lewis

The council meeting included various public acknowledgments for community organizations and local achievements. Delegations from the Humboldt Downtown Improvement District and the Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery Board were heard. The council accepted reports from several committees, including the Executive Committee and the Reid-Thompson Public Library Board. New business included the proclamation of Humboldt Broncos Day and Green Shirt Day, the appointment of a member to the Development Appeals Board, endorsement of a grant application for the Targeted Sector Support Initiative, and sponsorship of the Horizon School Division Student Mental Health Day. Contracts were awarded for asphalt at the Bronco Memorial site, the After and Always program, and the 2026 Concrete Replacement Program. Additionally, the council ratified a memorandum of settlement with CUPE Local 2359.

The council discussed various business items, including the first reading of an amendment to the Zoning Bylaw and proclamations for Humboldt Pride Week and Recreation and Parks Month. Appointments to the Reid Thompson Public Library Board were approved. Council authorized several road closures for community events and provided support for the Humboldt Partnership Powwow. Changes to tour rates at the Water Tower were approved, along with the designation of Water Tower Park. Other capital and operational approvals included a contract for epoxy flooring at the Elgar Petersen Arena, funding for the Peace Park Playground redevelopment, the purchase of a scissor lift, a generator maintenance agreement, and the water main replacement project on the 1200 block of 9th Street. The council also voted to remove the Sewer Pipe Video Inspection System from the list of approved 2026 capital projects.

The Council meeting involved several key actions, including the formal adoption of the agenda and approval of various committee minutes. Significant business included the proclamation of Naturopathic Medicine Week, approval of updated fire brigade membership and pay policies, and the endorsement of a representative for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors. The Council also approved 2025 year-end reserve transfers, appointments to cultural services committees, employee wellness pass policy amendments, and lease agreement revisions for the Humboldt Broncos. Additionally, the Council awarded the 2026 water main replacement program contract and discussed various zoning bylaw amendments and infrastructure projects, such as downtown street closure requests for local festivals and improvements to park and arena facilities.

The council meeting addressed several business items, including a proposal for a Veterans Crosswalk, the proclamation of Naturopathic Medicine Week, and the passing of bylaws regarding property tax exemptions, cemetery regulations, and property tax rates. Key approvals included an updated Fire Brigade membership policy, the endorsement of a Councillor for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board, 2025 year-end reserve transfers, and appointments to the Cultural Services Committee. Furthermore, the council approved amendments to the Humboldt Broncos lease agreement, a partnership for the IRL Youth Humboldt initiative, and the award of the 2026 Watermain Replacement Program.

The Executive Committee meeting covered a range of municipal reports and operational updates. Key discussions included a delegation regarding Via Rail re-routing, reports from the directors of protective, corporate, cultural, and leisure services, as well as the marketing and public works departments. Specific business items addressed included community service parking pass requests, bylaw reviews, water tower rates, arena flooring, water tower park designation, generator maintenance, video inspection systems, and development charges. Financial reports, including budget-to-actual comparisons and payment listings, were also reviewed alongside updates from the communications department regarding upcoming seasonal events and marketing initiatives.