Fort Assiniboine Parent’s Society’s Megan Petryshen, Meghan Koster and Jenny Kuelken presented their plan of implementing a Breakfast Program at the Fort Assiniboine School. The Society has applied for a Breakfast Club of Canada grant and are on a waiting list for funding. Council will discuss funding opportunities at its regular meeting on Dec. 20, 2023.
Dale Kluin, Chair of the Fort Assiniboine Bicentennial Planning Committee, and Louise Ralston, Treasurer of the Fort Assiniboine Friendship Club, provided a debrief on the Bicentennial celebrations. The Committee requested the $12,395.78 in remaining funds from Woodlands County’s contribution stay under care of the Friendship Club to be used for projects such as a Bicentennial online archive of photographs and videos and the management of the Voyageur Brigade’s 20 ft. canoe donation which could be rented out from the Fort Assiniboine Museum in the future.
Karen Gariepy from Barrhead & District FCSS Society provided an update on their services for the region. As indicated in the Social Needs Assessment, the Fort Assiniboine and Goose Lake area needs enhanced social services. Barrhead & District FCSS Society can provide enhanced services directly in the hamlet of Fort Assiniboine 1-2 days a week following the completion of a new agreement. Woodlands County will enter into a 3-year agreement at a cost of $58,000 per year.
Following a public hearing, Development Permit application 15-060-2022 was approved with conditions for a Class 1 Gravel Pit and Processing west of Fort Assiniboine in the Pride Valley area. Council requested Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to attend a future council meeting to discuss the approval process for gravel pits in flood prone lands.
Woodlands County continues to review and update Human Resource policies to promote fair and progressive practices. Council adopted Policy 1975 – Flexible Work Options, 1976 – Mobile Communication Devices, and 1977 – Remote Work.
Infrastructure policies were also reviewed and updated to ensure the effective management of infrastructure assets. Council adopted Policy 3106 – Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance and Replacement which outlines the procedures for the maintenance, repair and replacement of County vehicles and equipment, and Policy 3233 – Test Product Signage which defines the placing of public signage when implementing test products on roadways in Woodlands County.
As per council’s strategic priority of pursuing new opportunities for labour force attraction and retention, council endorsed Woodlands County’s application for municipal rebranding under the Northern & Regional Economic Development Program, pending an approved 2024 operating budget. The grant could provide up to a maximum of 50 per cent in provincial matching contribution for the $125,000 project.
Upcoming scheduled meetings:
Regular Council – Wednesday, December 20, 9:30 a.m.
