Whitecourt’s new municipal government tackled its first agenda items on Oct. 27 in an organizational and regular meeting.
Councillor Tara Baker has been appointed as deputy mayor until Jan. 31, 2026, and Serena Lapointe will act as acting deputy mayor for the four-year council term.
Additionally, a contract for upgrades to traffic signals at two intersections was awarded.
In early 2025, a review of the intersection operations at 52 Avenue and 47 Street and 49 Avenue and 51 Street occurred, finding increased traffic volumes and aging infrastructure to be points of concern.
The first phase of upgrading the intersections will include replacing the outdated signals with adaptive technology to improve traffic flow and introduce pedestrian-friendly enhancements. Phase Two will involve widening roadways to better accommodate turning movements in an effort to reduce congestion, plus upgrade pavement marking and signage.
Only one bid was received for Phase One before applications closed on Sept. 9: an offer from Can-Traffic Services Ltd. As such, the company has been awarded the Phase One contract to the tune of $529,536.66 plus GST.
Administration also secured funding through the Canada Public Fund – Rural Transit Solutions Fund, meaning 80 per cent of the project will be covered by the fund, and only 20 per cent by the town’s Infrastructure Reserve.
Construction is expected to begin this winter.
Also addressed in the meeting was a proposal to begin the process of purchasing three new transit buses. Council directed administration to bring additional financial and long-term planning information on this to the Nov. 10 council meeting.
