STARS requests funding
Representatives from the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service attended the September 8 town council meeting to provide an annual update and request future municipal funding. The delegation told council that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Grande Prairie base serving the northern region. Over the past five and a half years, ending July 31, 2026, the air ambulance service has flown 61 missions within the Town of Slave Lake and the surrounding Municipal District of Lesser Slave River.
The delegation said the direct operating costs for the three bases in Alberta total $38.4 million, which equates to $12.8 million per base. While the provincial government provides 41 per cent of the funding, the remaining 59 per cent must be fundraised each year through community events and municipal partnerships.
To keep up with advancing medical care, the presenter highlighted several new pieces of specialized equipment now carried on their helicopters. The new tools include a video bronchoscope, an i-STAT handheld blood analyzer, and a Hamilton-T1 ventilator, which essentially turn the helicopters into flying intensive care units.
In closing, the delegation formally requested that the town consider committing to a $1 per capita contribution, equating to $6,900, during their upcoming 2027 budget deliberations. Councillor Shawn Gramlich made a motion to have the budget request brought back during budget time, which council passed unanimously.
Summer Splash saves funds
The town’s annual summer day camp program saw strong participation and managed to save municipal funds by relocating its home base. The 2026 Summer Splash Day Camp ran from June 29 to August 21 and averaged between 28 and 36 children per day.
A written report presented to council says that by operating out of the multi-purpose room at the Multi-Rec Centre instead of renting the curling rink, the town realized an estimated $4,000 in savings compared to the previous year.
To stay within their established budget while facing lower sponsorship opportunities, participants engaged heavily in local programming. Campers took trips to Devonshire Beach, visited the local fire department, and enjoyed a tour of an Alberta Wildfire plane. Councillor Kimberly Hughes praised the program for keeping activities local, noting it gives kids a stronger sense of being rooted in their own community. Hughes said she continually appreciates the staff thinking outside the box.
CN Rail crossing improvements
Chief Administrative Officer Alex Pavcek gave an extensive update on municipal operations, highlighting the conclusion of several major infrastructure projects. Micro-surfacing on Main Street has concluded, and line painting is scheduled to begin immediately.
Councillors also expressed their appreciation for the newly repaired CN railway crossing on Highway 88, which was completed between September 1 and 5. CAO said the town had been continuously lobbying CN to address the crossings throughout town, and the rail company ultimately completed the Highway 88 repairs smoothly. Hughes said she was previously bracing herself to drive over the tracks, but the newly repaired crossing is now wonderful.
In addition, CAO said the town is transitioning its human resources department to a new digital platform, with a full launch expected in the second quarter of 2027. He also noted that the fire department responded to 59 calls in August, bringing the year-to-date total to 468.
Development permit approved
Council unanimously approved a stripping, clearing, and grading application for a property located at 3000 and 3200 15 Avenue SE. Because the land is located within a Council Direct Control District, the decision to approve the permit rested entirely with the council rather than the subdivision and development appeal board. The applicant requested permission to remove vegetation and push out fencing to expand an existing yard space to the east, which will allow for additional equipment storage. Councillor Lynn Bowes made the motion to approve the development permit, which was carried with no opposition.
Library expands hours
Councillor Cindy Williams delivered a report on behalf of the library committee, noting a highly successful summer of programming. The library drew 200 attendees for its Canada Day event and recorded 353 total program attendees in July. Williams also announced that expanded operating hours will return starting September 15. The library will stay open until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and will be open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
National Depression Screening Day
Mayor Francesca Ward formally proclaimed October 8, 2026, as National Depression Screening Day in Slave Lake. Council reviewed a correspondence request aimed at normalizing conversations about mental health and promoting free online screening tools. The proclamation noted that depression is a highly treatable mental health issue and encouraged Albertans to utilize the free screening resources to identify signs of depression early.
Hockey returns to Slave Lake
During the State of the Lake roundtable, councillors celebrated the successful return of the Slave Lake Wolves junior hockey team. Councillor Shawn Gramlich noted that roughly 600 people attended the recent pre-season exhibition game.
“I was trying to think of the last time the building was that full,” Gramlich said, referring to a conversation with a local resident. Gramlich added that it is great to have hockey back in town and praised the hard work of local players, sponsors, and municipal staff.
Armaan Khanna
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter