Whitecourt Town Council briefs

July 24 meeting

It is anticipated that the possession, sale and consumption of cannabis will be legalized by the Government of Canada on October 17, 2018. In preparation for this, the Town of Whitecourt has been working to determine land use regulations, as well as guidelines surrounding consumption within our community.

• In response to upcoming federal and provincial legislative changes, the Land Use Bylaw has been amended to allow for the sale of cannabis in specific land use districts. This change will see cannabis treated similarly to the retail of alcohol and tobacco products.

• Administration is preparing amendments to the Community Standards Bylaw to include restrictions for cannabis consumption, and draft amendments will be reviewed at the August 21 Regular Meeting. The Town of Whitecourt will be hosting a public information meeting in September to receive comments and feedback from residents. Details will be posted on www.whitecourt.ca and on the Town’s Facebook page once confirmed.

Whitecourt will be submitting three projects to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for consideration. Expressions of interest, the first stage in the application process, will be submitted for:

• Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure category:

• Arts & Culture Facility and Library. • Sportfield Master Plan Improvements.

• Green Infrastructure category: • Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements.

While the arts & culture facility and library project has not received formal approval to proceed by Whitecourt Town Council, it is felt that submitting an expression of interest is a prudent financial plan to secure funding in the event that a decision will be made soon. All projects, should funding be received through the grant program, will be brought back to Councils for approval prior to commencing.

The Town of Whitecourt will be issuing a tender in the coming weeks for the rebuild of 50th Avenue and portions of West Street in west Whitecourt. The project will enhance drainage and road conditions for the area.

The 2018 Project List, which outlines projects and initiatives undertaken throughout the organization for this year, has been updated and is available to view on www.whitecourt.ca. There are 161 projects included in the 2018 document.

A new template has been created for the Quarterly Financial Report. The document outlines revenues and expenditures associated with providing municipal services, and includes supplementary information regarding key accomplishments, unforeseen emergencies, and information on federal/provincial grant approvals. The report is available for public viewing on www.whitecourt.ca.

Council has proclaimed September 23 to 29 as Rail Safety Week.

The next Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, August 21 at 7 p.m. at the Forest Interpretive Centre.