Whitecourt Town Council update

 

As of August 31, 2015, school zone times will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when school is in session. Council approved the move to standardized times in an effort to enhance student safety. Advertisements will be published throughout Whitecourt closer to the start of school to remind motorists of the change to the bylaw.

Town Council has conditionally approved temporary, short-term camping for tournament use at Graham Acres Recreation Area. Approval is conditional upon support from the Whitecourt Golf & Country Club, Radio Controlled Airplane Club, and Alberta Health as well as other subjects which tournament organizers will have to agree to (i.e. damage deposits, security, etc.) Whitecourt Slo-Pitch Association requested that camping during tournaments be considered as a way to help boost participation in local tournaments. The area proposed for camping is located north of the ball diamonds, and on the north side of the tree line. It is within walking distance to the sports facility, offers a large open area with room to accommodate tournament use, and can sustain use for un-serviced overnight camping.

Council adopted the 2015 RCMP Detachment Performance Plan. The plan is a requirement of RCMP operations and outlines community and detachment policing priorities and strategies. Key priorities identified in Whitecourt’s Plan are: traffic (impaired driving, distracted driving); and crime reduction initiatives (reduce person, property and serious organized crime).

Two local organizations have been approved for funding through the 2015 Community Business Beautification Grant Program. The program assists local businesses and organizations to contribute to the beautification of Whitecourt, and matches up to 50 per cent of the project costs. The following have been approved for funding:
• $2,000 to Wellspring Family Resource and Crisis Centre to upgrade the front public access area at 5116 – 51 Avenue;
• $7,500 to 1225255 Alberta Ltd. to paint 4920 – 51 Avenue.

The Vitalization Grant Program provides financial support to local businesses and organizations located in the downtown core and along the Highway 43 corridor to enhance the exterior appearance of the building to meet the architectural theme of Whitecourt’s Vitalization Plan. The following have been awarded grants:
• $10,000 to Frada Holdings Inc. to install stone tiles adjacent to the sidewalk of Whitecourt Conference Centre & Suites at 5003 – 50 Street;
• $4,000 to Ron Kuehn to install new rock and stucco at 5118 – 50 Street.

There are still funds available to businesses and organizations to make permanent upgrades to buildings in the downtown and along the Highway 43 corridor. The Town of Whitecourt is advertising a second round of funding for the program, and interested businesses are referred to www.whitecourt.ca for more information.

Council has approved a subdivision application for the development of 32 single family lots in an area referred to as North Haven located north of Wedow Drive, west of Steward Drive. The subdivision allows for the single family lots to be developed and sold.

The 2015 Project List has been approved and is available for viewing on www.whitecourt.ca. The document outlines projects and activities scheduled to be completed by the local government in 2015.

For more information, please contact Tara Gallant Communication/Project Co-ordinator, Town of Whitecourt at taragallant@whitecourt.ca.