Council Highlights December 15, 2025

NEW BUSINESS

2026-2031 Capital Budget

• The 2026–2031 Capital Budget focuses on long-term projects like roads, utilities, facilities and equipment to maintain and renew the assets the community relies on.
• Key highlights include the replacement of the Community Assistance Bus, Rotary Trail expansion in partnership with the Westlock Rotary Club, and Bulk Water Station improvements and expansion. The budget also includes continued upgrades at the Spirit Centre and Aquatic Centre to support safe and reliable operations.
• Council adopted the 2026–2031 Capital Budget.

Interim Operating Budget

• Operating budgets support the day-to-day services residents rely on such as road maintenance, recreation, utilities, and protective services. Administration requested Council approval of an Interim Operating Budget to support normal operations while work continues on the full 2026 Operating Budget, which will be brought forward for Council consideration in the new year.
• Council adopted the Interim Operating Budget, set at 50% of the 2025 Operating Budget.

Consolidated Fees and Rates Bylaw 2017-01, Amendment Bylaw 2025-18

• Council reviewed the proposed Fees and Rates Bylaw, which includes recommended updates across multiple schedules. Changes include administrative updates to align records management fees with provincial access and privacy legislation; planning and development fee adjustments to support the transition to PSD Citywide licensing, align permit rates with comparators, and reflect increased costs; and recreation fee updates informed by a regional comparison to ensure rates remain in line with similar communities. Amendments were also proposed to the Recreation Assistance Program to reflect changes to provincial income supports.
• Council gave third reading to and adopted the Consolidated Fees and Rates Bylaw 2017-01, Amendment Bylaw 2025-18 which will come into effect on January 1, 2026.

Business License Bylaw 2024-10, Amendment Bylaw 2025-17

• Administration presented proposed amendments to the Business License Bylaw to support the transition of the Town’s business licensing program to the PSD Citywide permitting system. The changes will enable online business license renewals, improve customer service, and streamline internal workflows by consolidating licensing within a single software platform. Proposed amendments include the introduction of prorated fees for new applications, the removal of outdated fee provisions, and the addition of late renewal penalties to encourage timely compliance.
• Council gave third reading to and adopted the Business License Bylaw 2024-10, Amendment
  Bylaw 2025-17.

Next Meeting: Regular Meeting of Council
Monday, January 12, 2025

Council Highlights provide a summary of decisions and discussions. For official minutes and supporting documents, visit www.westlock.ca.