Whitecourt Town Council update

Council has awarded a 5-year contract to MuniSight Ltd. for the provision of a Geographic Information System (GIS). GIS will provide the ability to centralize municipal datasets, streamline processes, and help to provide a better understanding of the relationships, patterns, and trends within our community. The system will also assist the Town with zoning and permit- ting, assessment and taxation, and road and utility maintenance.

Council has approved street closures to accommodate the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club’s 40th Anniversary Sled Invasion. The event is scheduled from February 14-16, 2020 and will include a rally, concert, freestyle event, and Guinness World Record Breaking Snowmobile Parade. The Club is aiming to break Whitecourt’s own record that was set in 2015 with 1,047 snowmobiles. Follow the Club Facebook page @whitecourttrailblazers for the most up to date information.

An amendment to Traffic Bylaw 1440 has been adopted to enhance snow removal efficiencies and assist with municipal

enforcement activities this winter season.

Council has completed its annual review of the Town of Whitecourt Policy Manual and adopted the revised document in its entirety. To review the Manual, visit www.whitecourt.ca.

Council has authorized a change to the 2020 Power Franchise. The franchise fee is paid to the municipality in exchange for giving FortisAlberta the exclusive right to supply power in Whitecourt. The approved fees of 2.60% will result in the average residential customer experiencing an increase of $1.68 per month on their power bill.

Council authorized a change to the 2020 Gas Franchise. The franchise fee is paid to the municipality in exchange for giving ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. the exclusive right to supply gas in Whitecourt. The approved fee of 25.68% will result in the average residential customer experiencing an increase of $13.20 per month on their gas bill.