Town Council Highlights - Aug 27/25

Elected Officials Orientation Seminar

Council agreed to register eight seats for the Elected Officials Orientation on October 29, 2025, in St. Isidore. With the municipal election set for October 20, this session will be especially valuable for newly elected officials as they transition into their roles. Hosted by Northern Sunrise County, the orientation will be facilitated by George Cuff, a leading Canadian advisor on governance and effective organizations.

2025 Municipal Leaders Caucus

Council reviewed information about the 2025 Municipal Leaders Caucus on September 16 in Peace River. The event, hosted by Alberta Municipalities, includes sessions on provincial budget advocacy, FCSS and prevention, policing, fire, school sites, as well as updates on the Municipal Government Act and the Local Authorities Election Act. It will also cover water consultation, the President’s Report, and resources to support municipalities before and after the upcoming municipal election. Mayor Wendy Wald, Deputy Mayor Stacey Messner, Councillor Lynn Florence, and Acting CAO Belinda Russell will attend the Caucus.

Titan Line Painting Machine

Council approved the purchase of a Titan Line Painting machine in the amount of $10,057 to replace the broken unit, with the old machine to be repaired and kept as a backup.

2025 Freightliner Gravel Truck

Council reviewed and defeated a request to purchase a 2005 Freightliner M2 Gravel Truck in the amount of $104,000.

Pool Boiler Replacement

Council reviewed a request for a new boiler for the Grimshaw Outdoor Swimming Pool, as the existing 28-year-old unit has reached the end of its lifespan. Administration was directed to investigate the total cost, including installation, and bring the information back to the next meeting for Council’s consideration.

Personnel Policy - Overtime Hours

Council reviewed proposed changes to the Personnel Policy relating to overtime and approved that effective immediately all overtime hours be paid at the applicable overtime rate of 1.5 times during the regular payroll cycle.

National Police Federation Presentation

Kevin Halwa, Jeff McGowan, and Maryanne King, representing the National Police Federation, presented information to Council on Alberta’s current policing model and the proposed Alberta Sheriffs Police Service. Their presentation highlighted cost considerations, potential impacts on service levels, and results from public polling regarding satisfaction with the RCMP. They encouraged municipalities to ask the Alberta Government questions about expenses, service quality, training, roles, liability, and resourcing.

Alberta Police Service Model

Council discussed the provincial Police Funding Model and directed Administration to contact the Alberta Provincial Police Service to invite Chief Sat Parhar to attend an upcoming Council meeting to provide information and answer questions.

Rail Safety Week - September 15 - 21, 2025

Council reviewed correspondence from CN regarding Rail Safety Week and voted to recognize this important week of awareness from September 15-21, 2025. Rail Safety Week offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of rail safety and the risks associated with disobeying signs and signals at rail crossings.

The next Town of Grimshaw Council meeting will be held at 7 pm on September 10, 2025. If you want to put your name forward for Town Council, please note that nomination papers need to be submitted by September 22nd - learn more at grimshaw.ca/elections