Town of Slave Lake council held a regular meeting on May 19. Mayor Francesca Ward, alongside Councillors Shawn Gramlich, Andrew Achoba, Kimberly Hughes, Craig Hudson, Cindy Williams, and Lynn Bowes, moved quickly through the agenda after opening with a land acknowledgment. Early in the meeting, Councillor Gramlich added a closed session to the agenda under Section 19 of the Access to Information Act.

Operating budget tracking as expected

Administration presented the operating budget results as of April 30, showing that total revenues are currently at $14.12 million. This represents roughly 55 per cent of the approved $25.62 million annual budget, largely because municipal tax revenues have been invoiced for the year. Finance staff noted that operations services budgets are running slightly higher due to elevated winter snow clearing activities and fuel costs, but overall, the town is exactly where it expects to be at this point in the year.

“There’s really no concern from administration right now,” said finance representative Roland Schmidt.

Recreation rates adjusted

Council passed all three readings of the new Community Services Recreation and Facilities Rates Bylaw, which establishes updated fees for local facilities. The rates are reviewed every two years to account for inflation, operational costs, and regional market conditions. Community Services representative Joe Dixon told council that most recreation programs currently operate at a 30 to 60 per cent cost recovery rate. While most pass rates saw only slight adjustments, the rental rate for the space above Arena One was increased from $25 per hour to $75 for a block of up to four hours.

“I think it’s still affordable for a nonprofit or community to come in and have a space like that,” Dixon said. The M.D. also discussed this matter.

Parks and playgrounds prep for summer

Parks and Facilities Manager Calvin Beauchamp presented the summer service levels for local green spaces. Mowing is divided into four priority levels, ranging from weekly maintenance for sports fields to monthly cuts for industrial ditches. Crews also inspect town parks three to five times a week for garbage and vandalism. An external playground audit is scheduled for 2026 to ensure equipment remains compliant with safety standards. There will be a story about the construction season next week. Residents can attend regular council meetings in person at council chambers or watch the broadcasts online on the town’s YouTube channel.

Armaan Khanna
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter