Slave Lake Town Council dealt with several major issues at its latest meeting, including tax relief for a fire-damaged property, an expanded pool renovation, new FCSS grants and an additional fire department vehicle.

Fire-damaged home gets tax deferral

Council approved a one-year deferral of outstanding property taxes for a Slave Lake home heavily damaged by fire July 2.

Catherine Semiano, owner of 917 13th Ave. SE with her husband, appeared by Zoom to request temporary relief while the home is rebuilt.

Semiano said the home was the family’s first after immigrating to Canada from the Philippines. It was later rented to another family, whose tenants escaped the fire safely. The home remains uninhabitable, with an open roof and extensive fire, smoke and water damage. Although the insurance claim has been approved, rebuilding had not begun as of the meeting.

Council approved deferring $3,797.04 in property taxes until June 30, 2027. It also directed administration to prepare a report on tax-deferral requests to help develop a more consistent approach to future hardship cases.

Pool renovation expands

Council approved another $50,000 from arena reserves for the pool project, increasing the town’s contribution from $125,000 to $175,000.

Northern Lakes College is providing a matching $175,000, bringing the total project cost to about $350,000. The expanded work includes resurfacing the pool basin with a PVC liner, retile work in the hot tub, waterslide resurfacing and replacement of change-room floors.

The liner was selected over epoxy for its waterproofing, durability, lower maintenance needs and longer expected service life. It comes with a 12-year manufacturer’s warranty and a two-year workmanship warranty.

The pool is scheduled to close from Sept. 25 to Nov. 20. Administration said future annual shutdowns could potentially be reduced from about five weeks to three. The town also plans an additional swimming-lesson session before the closure and expanded lane and leisure swimming hours in September. The new diving board will be installed during the shutdown.

FCSS grants approved

Council approved $10,000 in FCSS grants for four organizations: Willow Winds Support Network ($1,500), Rising Above Ministries ($4,300), Slave Lake Beachfest Society ($3,500) and the Lesser Slave Lake Multicultural Association ($700). Seven organizations requested a combined $30,950, but only $12,200 in programming was considered eligible under new provincial FCSS rules emphasizing prevention and community well-being.

Fire department adds vehicle

Council approved the purchase of an additional command vehicle for the fire department using FireSmart reserve funds.

Two trucks had been ordered when the department was trying to replace one vehicle. Rather than cancel the second order, administration recommended keeping it to replace another vehicle that would otherwise be due for replacement next year.

The department has seen call volumes increase by more than 200 calls annually since its fleet was reduced in 2020.

Library system highlights benefits

Peace Library System CEO Louisa Robinson told council the organization supports 46 member libraries, 37 municipalities, a Métis settlement and 36 school libraries.

Slave Lake contributed about $48,808 to the system in 2025, while the library board contributed another $19,181, for a total of $67,969.

Robinson said Slave Lake received $6.28 in cost avoidance for every dollar spent with the system.
Residents borrowed 3,905 physical items through interlibrary loans in 2025, which Robinson said would have cost more than $95,000 to purchase locally. Residents also borrowed 4,644 digital items, with an estimated equivalent value of more than $232,000.

The system also provides IT support, shared software, consulting, training and purchasing discounts.

Other council business

Council received updates on road and intersection projects, Multi Rec Centre renovations, new crosswalk systems and a water-main repair.

A review of municipal insurance found seven buildings that needed coverage adjustments. Administration said those issues have now been corrected and all municipal assets are insured at current replacement values.

Council also directed administration to examine how RCMP costs are forecast after second-quarter expenses came in below budget.

The fire department reported 408 calls through July 30, including 69 during July. The town also approved a crew house at Caribou Trail and 3rd Street through the Municipal Planning Commission.

William Hetherington
Lakeside Leader