Courtesy: MD of Peace
Preliminary Budget
Council approved the 2025 preliminary budget of $6,379,960 of which $4,980,660 is operating funds and, $1,399,300 is capital funds. The MD of Peace serves a population of 1581 in 651 residences (2021 census) spanned across 228,538 acres and is governed by five councillors and employs 13 staff. The actual budget will be presented for Council’s consideration in March 2025 once assessment values and government funding numbers are available.
Grants and Donations – Fourth Quarter Applications
Council approved the 2025 first quarter donations in the sum of $5000, including contributions to the Peace Region Adaptive Association, Peace River Community Soup Kitchen, Peace Country Beef Congress, Grimshaw Curling Club, North Peace Performing Arts Festival Association and Grimshaw Public School. For 2025, $20,000 has been allocated for donations and grants, with $5000 to be distributed per quarter in support of local organizations and groups.
Strategic Plan Staff Input
Council reviewed staff input gathered relating to the MD of Peace 2025-2028 Strategic Plan’s goals and strategies. The Strategic Plan goals include Advocacy and Engagement, Recreation and Leisure and Organizational Capacity. Examples of strategies include strengthening lobbying efforts with the government, nurturing relationships with partners, community and government, increasing capacity at campgrounds, gathering data to support recreation funding, reviewing and aligning organizational structure and staffing requirements, and exploring new funding and revenue-sharing options. Council will meet for a full day in the new year to finalize the plan.
Public Works Update
Erik Fuller, Director of Operations, provided an update to the Council on various ongoing initiatives. He met with MD Recreation staff to assess Lac Cardinal Hall for potential repairs and upgrades to make it a year-round facility. A preliminary review of Strong Creek Park, including cost estimates for power and gravel walking paths has been initiated, and Fuller is also evaluating MD-owned cemeteries and reviewing relevant public works policies. He leads weekly safety meetings with Public Works staff, is conducting an evaluation of MD-owned gravel pits, and is working on a review of MD equipment assets. Future plans include emergency management training for Public Works staff, establishing a standardized brushing rotation, and exploring the feasibility of resurfacing the golf course road. The Public Works team continues to focus on responding to ratepayer requests efficiently.
Policy Review
Council reviewed and approved updates and amendments to the following MD policies:
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PW-7 Equipment on Private Property
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ADM-14 Roadside Clean-up
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ADM-19 Tangible Capital Assets
Recording Council Meetings
Council discussed and approved that starting in January 2025, Council meetings will be recorded via Zoom for administrative purposes.
Agreement with Bell Canada – Supernet Equipment at Brownvale Fire Hall
Council reviewed and approved the Supernet Housing Agreement with Bell Canada, which reflects an increase from $540 per year for electricity charges to $1100 per year. Bell Canada Supernet equipment is currently being housed at the Brownvale Fire Hall.
V.S.I Services Contract
Council reviewed the MD contract with V.S.I. Services, a non-profit providing veterinary care in Alberta. The MD of Peace pays an annual fee to V.S.I., which covers 50% of approved veterinary bills for farmers with cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, bison, or elk. The maximum amount covered per producer is $1,800 per year, with any excess billed directly to the producer. Council accepted the contract for information and will review it further at the January 28, 2025, meeting.
