Public Hearing – Bylaw 04-2026 to Redistrict 15 Acres of Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 092 0797 within NW 10-60-23-W4M from AG – Agricultural to CR – Multi-lot Country Residential District under Land Use Bylaw 1194-2015 and Non-Requirement for an Outline Plan, then Second and Third Reading for Proposed Bylaw 04-2026:
Council approves second reading to proposed Bylaw 04-2026 to amend Land Use Bylaw 1194-2015 by changing a 15-acre portion of Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 092 0797 within NW 10-60-23-W4M from AG – Agricultural District to CR – Multi-lot Country Residential.
Delegation – Northern Lights Library System:
Executive Diretor Jame MacDonald, see presentation on Agenda page 42
Council accepts the presentation from Northern Lights Library System for information.
Delegation – STARS:
Glenda Famden, see presentation on Agenda pages 43-55
- Life-saving Partners since 2001, current support for 2026-2029 – $6,100 fixed rate annually
Council accepts the presentation from STARS for information.
Policy 940 Winter Road Maintenance:
Council previously discussed winter service delivery and reviewed Policy 940 which was last updated in 2022. Generally, snow and ice control will be carried out based on the following order of priorities:
-Graders: A) Gravel collector roads B) Gravel local roads C) Hamlets D) Fire Hall accesses E) Community facilities(halls/arenas)
-Plow Trucks: A) Arterial roads B) Paved collector roads C) Paved local roads/ subdivisions D) Hamlets
The problem with the previous policy, particularly with graders, is there was no definition as to what a “gravel collector” or “gravel local” road was or what the difference between them was. Council has discussed prioritizing roads that are known to be more heavily travelled than other roads in the county, or even bus routes, but no changes have been made to date.
Council direct Administration to bring back a draft Policy 940 – Winter Road Maintenance and brought back to a future Council meeting that includes identifying priority roads and communication protocols.
Swimming Pool Schedule:
Information: Agenda pages 60-65
Council accepts the proposed swimming pool schedule for information.
2026 Swimming Pool Rate Review:
Information: Agenda pages 66-87
Council directs Administration to define the family rate for the swimming pool, remove rates related to the Medical Clinic, and bring back to the next Regular Council Meeting.
Amendments to Policy 306 – Purchasing:
Purchasing policy 306 and its associated Procedure have been reviewed and compared with those of other municipalities. The proposed draft represents a comprehensive revision, with key provisions previously contained in the Procedure now incorporated directly into the Policy. The overall structure of the policy has also been reorganized to improve clarity and consistency.
As part of this review, Administration also examined Policy 323 – Unabridged Expenditures. It was noted that many municipalities integrate unbudgeted expenditure provisions directly within the their purchasing policies, thereby eliminating the need for a separate policy. Council may wish to consider a similar approach, either at this time, or in the future.
Council approves amended Policy 306 – Purchasing as presented.
Procedure 215 – CAO Employment Policy – Schedule ‘B’:
Council approves revisions to Procedure 215 – CAO Employment Policy Schedule “B”.
Correspondence for Action – Lacombe County:
Letter from Lacombe County regarding “Concerns over the closure of the Lacombe Research and Development Centre.”
Council directs Administration to draft a letter, with the Reeve’s signature, in support of Lacombe County’s letter and to forward the letter to the Honourable Heath MacDonald, and the respective MPs and MLAs.
Correspondence for Action – Redwater RCMP:
Letter from Sgt Dehaan from the Redwater RCMP asking if “CAO and Council and see about Thorhild setting up a “Town Hall” so to speak sometime in March so constituents can help decide on priorities for the upcoming year?”
Council directs Administration to contact the Thorhild Citizens on Patrol to inquire if they are interested in arranging a town hall meeting to discuss the community priorities.
Action Item Report:
Agenda pages 139-144 A council decision list to be acted upon by Administration. Follow along to see what has been completed and what remains outstanding…
Closed Session Items:
Strategic Plan: Council directs Administration to engage with a consultant as discussed in closed session.
Legal – Expropriation: Deputy Reeve Angela Zilinski declares a pecuniary interest and leaves the meeting during the discussion and the vote. Council accepts Legal – Expropriation as information.
Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Member: Council appoints Rose Lyle to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board for the remainder of the current term, to October 20, 2026.
Lease Agreement: Council accepts the Lease Agreement as information.
In-kind Work: Council directs Administration to provide an updated report on in-kind work and bring to a future meeting.