Whitecourt Town Council update

 

 

 

As required by the new Municipal Government Act, Whitecourt Town Council has approved changes to the composition of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. Two new public member appointments have been added to the Board. Information on the Board and the application form to become a member is available on www.whitecourt.ca.

 

Whitecourt participated in the National Communities in Bloom competition this past summer with great success! Our community was awarded 5 blooms (the highest rating) and received special recognition for Rotary Park. The local Communities in Bloom Committee has had the opportunity to review the competition evaluation, and will be using suggestions from the judges to make improvements for the next time we compete. Council appreciates the hard work and contributions of all those that assisted in preparing our community for the 2017 national competition. For information on local Communities in Bloom initiatives, visit www.whitecourt.ca.

 

Council has added the expansion of the Skate Park to the Sportfield Master Plan. This decision was made following the Youth Advisory Committee’s expression of interest to expand the current facility to include a “bowl” feature. Adding this project to the Master Plan will allow Council the opportunity to prioritize the Skate Park expansion in the same context as other recreation expansion projects and upgrades identified for Rotary Park, Graham Acres and the Community Learning Campus. Once costs associated with the expansion are determined, Council will review all identified recreation projects, prioritize them for the community, and add them to Whitecourt’s 20 Year Capital Plan.

 

The Youth Advisory Committee is hosting Town Hall Meetings in December at both Ecole St. Joseph School and Percy Baxter Middle School. All Council member are invited to the meetings, and the sessions will educate youth about municipal governance.

 

Whitecourt is applying for funding through the Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) Program for the Downtown Business Incubator Program. The proposed project will consist of two components which will support new and existing business development, and stimulate foot traffic in the downtown. The goal of the program is to attract business that will enhance the downtown area and create one-of-a-kind experiences, products and services.   Whitecourt anticipates approval of the project early in 2018.