Grants and Donations – First Quarter Applications
Council approved the 2024 first quarter donations in the sum of $5000 including contributions to Grimshaw Public School (GPS) graduation banners, GPS School Trip, the Grimshaw Roller Derby Group and the North Peace Performing Arts Festival Association. For 2024, $20,000 has been allocated for donations and grants with $5000 to be distributed per quarter in support of local organizations and groups.
Accessibility Grant Application
Council directed administration to apply for the Federal Government Accessibility Grant with the intention for funds granted to replace the handicapped bathroom at Wilderness Park and install handicapped washrooms at Strong Creek Park, Lac Cardinal Park, and Elk Island Park to better serve all residents and visitors.
Council Approves 2024 Preliminary Budget
Council approved the 2024 total preliminary budget of $7,561,902, of which $4,599,703 is operating funds and, $2,962,199 is capital funds. The MD of Peace serves a population of 1581 in 651 residences (2021 census) spanned across 228,538 acres and is governed by five councillors and employs 12 staff. The MD owns and operates seven parks and day-use areas, and three cemeteries. The MD receives an average of 30 development permits and subdivision applications per year. The actual budget will be presented for council’s consideration in March 2024 once assessment values and government funding numbers are confirmed.
Cost of New Approaches and Repairs to Existing Approaches
Council approved revisions to Policy #PW-14 clarifying that the MD will provide one approach to each quarter section or river lot free of charge and that ongoing maintenance is the responsibility of the land owner.
Bulk Water Maintenance Fee
Council approved a revision to Policy #ENV-1 that applies a quarterly maintenance fee of $5.00 to active water accounts to assist in covering costs of bulk water service administration, maintenance and repairs. More information can be found at mdpeace.com.
RCMP Update
Sgt. Dave Brown, and Const. Julie-Ann Strilaiff, RCMP provided Council with an update on regional crime statistics, trends, and police presence in the region in the second quarter. The report showed a 33% in crime reduction from the same time frame the year prior. Const. Stilaiff can often be seen around the Village of Berwyn and area as she is the Indigenous Liaison for Duncan’s First Nation who facilitates communications between community members, elected officials and band administration on police-related matters of community importance.
Letter of Support for Woodland Cree First Nation Casino Development
Council approved a request from the Woodland Cree First Nation providing information regarding a potential Casino Development in the region and requested that the MD of Peace consider writing a letter of support of their Casino Development project proposal.
Development Permit Application No. 37/23
Council approved Development Permit No 37/23 (Pine River Developments Contractors Business/Shop) with changes as revised and as per the conditions recommended by the Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency.
