Slave Lake RCMP update
Slave Lake RCMP Sgt. Casey Bruyns provided the council with a quarterly policing update.
Bruyns reported that the detachment finished the year in good standing. Patrols in crime hot spots and industrial areas met or exceeded previous quarterly targets, and officers have incorporated these patrols into their daily routines.
He said the increased patrols have received positive feedback from community members.
Bruyns also said that there were no Bait Bike or Bait Vehicle programs this fiscal year.
It is a program that uses bicycles or vehicles equipped with tracking devices to help police catch thieves.
Instead, the Crime Reduction Unit shifted its focus to managing prolific offenders, which he said produced positive results for the community.
Wildfire monitoring presentation
Council heard a presentation from Wildfire Sight Inc., a Calgary-based company that develops artificial intelligence (AI) tools for wildfire monitoring and emergency response.
Angelina Orlando from the company said that the platform provides communities with daily wildfire updates, downloadable reports and FireSmart information to assist with planning and emergency preparedness.
Councillor Brad Pearson asked about the annual cost of the service.
Orlando said the subscription costs $1,500 per year.
Reeve Murray Kerik said that it is not that bad and the council will decide whether they will subscribe with Wildfire Sight Inc.
Council accepted the presentation for information.
They will discuss the proposal further at a future meeting.
Mitsue subdivision plan(s)
Planning and Development Officer Ann Holden presented an outline plan for a proposed subdivision in the Mitsue Industrial Park.
The developer plans to divide a 53.3-hectare (133.28-acre) parcel.
Holden explained that the property presents several challenges, including two pipeline corridors, a railway line, and its location next to Mitsue Lake.
Council studied the outline and accepted the presentation.
There will be further discussion about this topic.
Slave Lake boat launch repairs
Council discussed ongoing issues at the Slave Lake Boat Launch.
Concrete ramps installed on the west side of the launch in 2023 have shifted, while erosion underneath the ramps has created drop-offs that have damaged some boat trailers.
Administration reported that the erosion is believed to have been caused by larger boats using engine power while loading during periods of low water.
Council previously set aside $20,000 in the 2026 budget for repairs using funds from the Boat Launch Reserve.
The council agreed to continue the discussion at its July 13 meeting.
Southshore oil maintenance
Council reviewed the performance of hot oil surface treatments that were applied to several roads in 2019 as a pilot project.
The administration reported mixed results.
Some sections deteriorated because of heavy traffic, unstable ground, or the product reaching the end of its service life.
On Southshore Drive East, administration recommended allowing the treated surface to gradually return to gravel while developing a long-term Roads Master Plan on 2027 capital budget process.
Council approved the recommendation to move forward.
Some decisions on bylaws
Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Gannon presented a report outlining how councillors can bring forward discussion items and motions under the municipality’s Procedural Bylaw.
Administration recommended reviewing the municipality’s governance work and considering amendments to the bylaw.
Council approved the recommendation.
The review will be brought to the Committee of the Whole meeting on Sept. 16.
Gannon also noted that Michael Solowan LLP will hold a governance workshop with council on June 26.
Solowan will discuss the possible improvements to the municipality’s governance practices.
Council to do list
Council received its regular action list update.
Administration reported that several projects have already been completed, while others remain in progress. Council accepted the report for information.
Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader