Whitecourt Town Council update

The business plan for the proposed Arts & Culture Centre has been drafted. Duncan Webb, President of Webb Management which was contracted to complete the study, presented findings and highlights at a special council meeting attended by both Whitecourt and Woodlands County Councils. The presentation outlined operational systems, facility features, and funding models and, once completed, the plan will be used to guide further decisions regarding the proposed facility. Development of an arts and culture facility has been discussed locally for over 10 years. Multiple initiatives have been completed over the years to gain feedback and comments from the public; most recently a series of information sessions hosted in 2015 by the Town and County and an online survey. Both Whitecourt and Woodlands County Councils will be discussing the presentation at an upcoming Joint Liaison Committee Meeting to determine the next steps.

Whitecourt Town Council will host an information open house on Wednesday, February 17. Residents and com- munity stakeholders are invited to attend the event to learn about the 2016 budget, and to provide comments. All comments received will be compiled for council’s consideration prior to adoption of the final 2016 budget. The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, February 17 at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre – ATB Financial Fieldhouse from 4 to 8 p.m.

Lac Ste. Anne Foundation’s Chief Administrative Officer provided a review of its 2016 budget to Whitecourt Town Council. A portion of property taxes is directed to operate local seniors’ housing facilities, and the rate is set by the Lac Ste. Anne Foundation. The Foundation’s CAO reported that the seniors’ requisition mill rate will remain at 0.2060 for the 2016 tax year.