Whitecourt Town Council briefs

Dec. 1 meeting

The Lac Ste. Anne Foundation’s Chief Administrative Officer presented its proposed 2017 budget at the November 28 Regular Meeting of Council. The organization manages and operates seniors supportive housing in the region, and a portion of Whitecourt property owners’ annual property taxes is allocated to the Foundation for operations.

The Youth Advisory Committee has organized Town Hall meetings at three local schools during the month of December. The sessions involve Town Council attending all schools to discuss the municipal government’s role, review current and future projects, and answer questions from students. This is the 3rd year that Council has participated in these events.

The Town of Whitecourt will be submitting an application to the CARES Grant Program. The CARES (Community and Regional Economic Support) Grant funds projects that improve local business environments, and increase investment in the community. The Town of Whitecourt is applying for funds to support an enhanced business partnership project that is proposed to include downtown business/property owners, as well as a signage initiative to drive traffic to the downtown core.

The Town of Whitecourt will be submitting an application to the Alberta Community Partnership Program for the completion of a Regional Recreation and Culture Integration Plan. The project, which is proposed to be completed in partnership with Woodlands County, will involve the development and integration of a sportsfield master plan, as well as schematic/detailed design of the proposed arts and culture centre and library.

The Town of Whitecourt has sent a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau and the Special Committee on Electoral Reform voicing its support of a referendum prior to changes to the current first-pastthe-post voting system for federal elections. The federal government is proposing to change the current election system, which could have a significant impact on how federal governments are elected, and how communities and Canadians are represented on a federal level.

Whitecourt once again was a big winner during the 2016 Rider’s Choice Awards sponsored by SnoRiders West publications.

• Platinum Award – Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area in Alberta

• Platinum Award – Favourite Groomed Trail Riding in Alberta

• Platinum Award – Favourite Powder Riding in Alberta

• Platinum Award – Favourite Area for Family Snowmobiling in Alberta

• Gold Award – Favourite Scenic Snowmobiling Area in Alberta

• Silver Award – Favourite Snowmobiling Area in Western Canada