Lorne D. Schmidek

The council approved the purchase of three Mobi-Mat beach accessibility mats for the Summer Village of Rochon Sands. Key actions included the repeal and replacement of the Fire Control Bylaw and the Public Notification Bylaw, as well as the adoption of a Generative Artificial Intelligence Use Policy and a revised Municipal Communications Policy. Additionally, the council appointed 2026 Regional Assessment Review Board officials, approved a change to the April 2026 meeting date, and authorized the 2026-2035 Fleet & Equipment Capital Strategy. Council also provided input for the RCMP Community Priorities Plan.

The Council discussed the implementation of the Privacy Management Program and reviewed the ATIA/POPA Administration & Delegation Bylaw. They also covered financial reports, reviewed appointments for the Regional Assessment Review Board, and discussed the Circular Materials Extended Producer Responsibility program. Council and committee reports were presented, along with updates on community policing and infrastructure matters.

The council discussed various operational and community management matters, including the disposition of an existing rubber beach walkway, the implementation of a speed radar sign pilot project, and the potential authorization for off-highway vehicle access on a portion of a provincial highway. Additionally, the council reviewed financial reports, municipal indicators, and plans for the upcoming annual ratepayers meeting. Further discussions involved the maintenance of street infrastructure, specifically speed bumps and ditch slope stabilization to address safety concerns, as well as the adoption of privacy management programming and a formal declaration for Seniors' Week.

The council reviewed and accepted the 2025 audited financial statements. The meeting agenda covered the 2026 municipal operating and capital budget, property tax bylaw, financial reporting, and the adoption of a privacy management program. Additionally, the council discussed municipal projects including a pilot project for solar radar speed signs, shoreline management, aquatic invasive species prevention, and the disposition of a rubber beach walkway. Updates were provided on council and staff activities, along with regional partnership communications.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting of Council focused primarily on the Draft 2026 Municipal Budget and Taxation Structure Options, requiring Council direction on whether to maintain the current tax structure or establish a Fire Protection Special Tax for improved transparency. Key financial reports reviewed included operating revenues and expenditures, cheque listings, and bank reconciliations up to February 28, 2026. New business also covered the first readings of Bylaw #279-26 regarding the repeal of obsolete bylaws and Bylaw #280-26 concerning the Fire Protection Special Tax Bylaw and 2026 cost recovery. Additionally, discussions addressed a Letter of Support for Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force Recommendations and an information report from Parkland Community Planning Services.