Whitecourt Town Council briefs

Sept. 13 meeting

The Town of Whitecourt will be investigating the possibility of changing its municipal status. At the current population, Whitecourt could apply to the Province to be a city; however, the municipality will be weighing benefits and disadvantages, including financial implications, prior to proceeding with the application.

Whitecourt will be submitting a number of emergent resolutions to the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) at the upcoming convention in October. AUMA acts as an advocate for urban municipalities across Alberta to the provincial and federal governments. Whitecourt will be asking AUMA to advocate to the provincial and federal governments in regards to the following topics:

• Support for the Northern Gateway Pipeline Project.

• Opposition to the proposed crude tanker ban proposed for BC’s coastline.

• Support for further research in regards to the Caribou Range Management Plan.

Whitecourt Mayor Maryann Chichak will be putting her name forward for a seat on the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) Board of Directors. Election to the Board will be held at the AUMA convention in October. If Mayor Chichak wins a seat on the Board of Directors, she will also put her name forth to sit on the Executive Committee. Mayor Chichak has served as Vice President Towns on the Executive Committee since 2015, and as the representative for Towns West on the Board of Directors since 2014.

Whitecourt Town Council has approved a request to proceed with the imposition of a local improvement tax to pay for river erosion measures along the Athabasca River bank adjacent to the Millar Western Forest Products’ property. The total cost of the project, estimated at $2.42 million, will be collected from the property owner through the local improvement tax over the next 25 years.

The Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce and Eagle River Casino, in partnership with Whitecourt Woodlands Tourism, will be promoting the creation of a destination management fund to the local accommodation sector. A Destination Management Fund (DMF) provides dollars for tourism marketing at a municipal level that could assist with building the community’s reputation as a tourist destination. The group is hosting an information session on September 13 to promote the initiative.

Whitecourt Woodlands Tourism recently rebranded and launched its new website and social media pages last week. Follow the group on Facebook or Instagram to get current information on events and activities around town, and check out the new website at www.whitecourtwoodlandstourism.com.