Mayor Williams’ Address – Mayor Wade Williams addressed the public regarding the wildfire and flooding emergencies that Yellowhead County has been experiencing since the end of April. His address can be found at www.yhcounty.ca/county-office/news/56-days-of-turmoil/.

Appointment of County Weed and Pest Inspectors – Council appointed Nancy Brochu, Mackenzie Bull, Janet Miles, Abigayle Walker, Elizabeth Jones, Wesley Walker, Maddison Evarts, Josie Sexsmith, Stephanie Perrault, Ty Dickson, and Tannis Grant as Yellowhead County inspectors for 2023, pursuant to the Alberta Agriculture Pests Act and Weed Control Act.

Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) – Council adopted a Policy and Procedure for the Municipal Planning Commission. This helps to ensure all meetings are conducted in a consistent manner.

Brule Horse Holding Lease Request – Council approved a ten (10) year lease to Mr. Mark Halbert for the purpose of horse holding for the 6.20 acres of land described as Part of the NW-10-50-27-W5M, Roll #309381, for a yearly sum of $300.00.

First Reading of Bylaw 02.23 – Council gave First Reading to Bylaw 02.23, a bylaw to amend the Land Use Bylaw and rezone Plan 7622234 Block 4 Lot 1 from Country Residential District (CRD) to the Protection District (PD). A Public Hearing for the Bylaw has been set for July 25, 2023 at 9:30 AM.

Hinton Area Grader Beat Tender – Council awarded the 2023-2027 (multi-year) winter and summer gravel road maintenance contract to West Ridge Sand & Gravel Ltd. at the average rate of $185/hour (GST excluded). This decision allows the gravel road maintenance program to proceed as planned.

Long Lake Road Embankment Slope Failure (Landslide) –Council directed Administration to conduct remedial measures immediately on an embankment slope failure located on the south side of TWP Rd 560, approving an un-budgeted expenditure of $785,000.00.

East-West Rural Major Connector Roadway Upgrading Options – A site tour of Twp Rd 542 and Twp Rd 544 was conducted on June 20, 2023, for Administration and Council members to discuss potential roadway improvement options. Following discussion on feasibility and the most economic options pertaining to both roadways, Council directed Administration to proceed with the engineering and design process of upgrading Twp Rd 542. This will allow for future consideration of the construction and paving of this roadway, subject to availability of funds.

Waiver of Penalty on Residential Property Tax – Due to the increased fire activity in the month of June and the additional evacuations experienced by County residents, Council approved the waiver of penalties on all residential properties located in Yellowhead County until September 29, 2023.

Property Taxation Request – In keeping with Council policy and bylaw, a decision was made by Council not to allow late payment penalty forgiveness, without penalty, for any deferral for the collection of the increase in the municipal portion of property taxes for Machinery and Equipment for the Cascade Power Project for the 2022/23 assessment years until 2025/26.

The next regular Council Meeting is July 25, 2023 at 9:30 AM.
The next Governance and Priorities meeting is July 18, 2023 at 9:30 AM.

Yellowhead County Council Meetings are available for public viewing after 4:00 PM on the day of a Council Meeting at www.yhcounty.ca/councilvideo. The video will only be available for viewing for 48 hours once it has been posted.