Significant investment dollars poured into Woodlands County’s first quarter of 2026 thanks to development permits

 By Serena Lapointe
Through the first three months of 2026, Woodlands County has seen a welcome spike
in investment dollars, both in recreational developments and residential
developments. The Q1 Community Services Report featured a breakdown of
development permits applied for and approved from January through March, showing
that all twenty applications received were approved.
Five million dollars was invested into recreational developments, and 3.587 million
dollars on the residential side, totalling over eight and a half million dollars of
investment. The County’s Director of Community Services, Joan Slootweg, gave council
the good news during her report at last week’s regular meeting.
Councillor Patricia McNeil said she could tell by Slootweg’s tone that it was something
to be excited about. “I could tell from your level of excitement that this is definitely better
than the past, but I was curious for context. Eight million now compared to say the last
couple of years, that’s a substantial increase, is it not?”
Slootweg said it is for the first quarter of the year. “I think with the additional advertising
we’ve been doing, we are getting more people coming in and getting their development
permits.” She noted that one of the recreational developments underway in Woodlands
County is a project north of Fort Assiniboine. “They are doing some cabins. To
find something like that is kind of exciting, and it’s in addition to another project that
administration has been working on with the landowner. So, we could see a couple of
big projects up there that will advance our recreational opportunities for people to come
and visit,” she explained.
In the first quarter, the Community Services Department advanced a broad range of
engagement activities, holding 25-30 meetings, events and stakeholder interactions
spanning across departments and supporting coordination with municipal partners,
community organizations, and regional stakeholders. From that, there were 4-6
meetings with developers, consultants, and regional partners to help support the

advancement of planning initiatives and development-related activities, sending out the
message that Woodlands County is open for business.
Thanks to red tape reduction strategies over the last while, the time applicants waited
for permits to be decided on was tendays, something that McNeil pointed to as
another thing to be excited about. “From what I’ve seen in years past, that seems to be
another win and another good improvement (with) reducing that,” she said.

Councillor McNeil asked if there was anything that council could do
to help tighten up the permitting process further. “Are there any bottlenecks or processes
that council may be able to help support removing in the future, still with the permitting
process? It’s good (the new average), but I’m just wondering if there’s something
that planning needs from us that could make it even better,” she asked.
Slootweg said there wasn’t anything else needed from council but noted that one of the
biggest factors they face in approving permits within a certain timeline comes
through the referral process, where administration sends out a permit for a look-see
from another agency. “We generally refer to various utility companies, transportation,
Alberta Environment, and it’s just a matter of getting those responses back,” she
explained.
Later in the report, Slootweg highlighted that her department will be working on several
key pieces throughout Q2, including the finalization of an Airport Concept Plan as part
of the Airport Master Plan. The Airport Master Plan is a strategic, long-term planning
document (20+ years) that takes into account various impacts, including, but not limited
to, financial feasibility, infrastructure needs and upgrades, safety-related changes, future
demands, environmental impacts, and overall sustainability for the airport.
As the weather warms, Slootweg says her staff will focus on delivery of spring and
summer recreation programs, including planned community events, and increased
usage at the county’s facilities and campground. Popular courses held in Q1 included
the Sourdough Workshop at the end of February and a Pasta and Prosecco class at the
end of March. Both classes were fully booked with participants. Food-related

programming activities continue to prove popular in both Woodlands County and
Whitecourt.
Lastly, Woodlands County is utilizing an online portal this year for renting out its Groat
Creek Group Camping site on Highway 32 towards Edson. The system can be
accessed through the Woodlands County website or by visiting www.letscamp.ca.
Slootweg said that through the first quarter, nine weekends had already been booked
for the 2026 camping season through the online registration system, as well as two PD
days.