M.D. of Opportunity Council notebook May 25, 2026 meeting

June 3, 2026 · by Admin2017 · 0

A delegation meeting for the M.D. of Opportunity was held at the Red Earth Creek community centre, starting at 10 a.m. on May 25, 2026.

Grant committee recommendations

An administration report presented by Director of Recreation and Culture Angela Lightning regarding the May grant applications was approved by council.
The council approved several non-committed grants, which included $2,500 for Jessica McKay’s spring and summer sports team expenses and tournament entries; $2,500 for Joel Schamehorn to help offset the costs of hosting the NDT Cup; and $2,000 for Michael Cardinal’s Bigstone Eagles men’s hockey team to attend a tournament in Prince Albert, Sask.

Shelly Clearwater’s volleyball team also received $200, and $2,500 was approved for Corey Francis Gladue’s Calling Lake slo-pitch team.

Additionally, the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) received $50,000 in committed funds for 2026 spay and neuter services, vet fees, animal rescue, and travel costs.

A $250,000 request from the Bigstone Health Commission to fund community shelters in Wabasca and Calling Lake was officially tabled for a BCN joint meeting, and a Canada Canoe 200-day fundraising expedition was accepted as information.

Sandy Lake wastewater system upgrades

Council also approved a request from Director of Utilities Earl Gullion for an additional $506,000 in capital funding to complete the Sandy Lake wastewater upgrade project.

An administrative report said an oversight occurred in tracking the project’s overall costs.

While the lift station and forcemain components are substantially performed, the lagoon upgrade portion remains outstanding. The associated costs for the remaining work were not carried forward into the 2026 budget.

The report said the existing lagoon is at capacity, which is causing operational issues with the lift station.

The new lagoon must be completed to properly treat wastewater and meet regulatory approvals before discharging effluent back into the environment.

Meeting schedule changes and events

Council officially rescheduled its regular meeting (Wabasca) from July 13 to July 15, 2026, so members can attend the PTFN landmark celebration in Peerless Lake.

Council authorized attendance at the annual Clay Shoot tournament hosted by the M.D. of Greenview on September 3, 2026.

The municipality declared June 1 to 7 as Seniors’ Week.