Council Highlights July 14, 2025

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL
July 14, 2025

OLD BUSINESS

Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 2025-08

• The Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw is the result of an extensive process that began with a request from Peace Officer Wood for a Cat Control Bylaw. Following the initial discussion at the November 18, 2024, Committee of the Whole meeting, Council directed the Administration to conduct a public education campaign. Feedback gathered from December 9, 2024 to January 28, 2025 informed the next phase.
• The bylaw was revised and brought back to Council in February, and further broadened to cover overall pet ownership responsibilities. A newly titled Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw was presented at the May 20, 2025 Committee of the Whole with additional updates made and returned to Council on June 23, 2025.
• Key changes from the June 23, 2025 presentation included:
  • Replaced the word “Dog” with “Animal” in key sections for clarity.
  • Removed bees from the list of prohibited animals.
  • Added references to the Land Use Bylaw to clarify regulations and definitions.
  • Reduced the fine for dog attacks from $2,000 to $1,500.
• The bylaw emphasizes education and awareness as primary tools to support responsible pet ownership, aiming to foster a safe and respectful community for all residents.
• Council gave third reading to and adopted the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 2025-08.

NEW BUSINESS

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Project Update

• As part of the Town of Westlock’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), Administration has completed a Socio-Economic Benchmark Report. This foundational report analyzes Westlock’s current demographic, social, and economic position compared to similar Alberta communities and will help guide future planning and investment decisions.
• Key findings include:
  • Modest but steady population growth, affirming Westlock’s role as a regional service hub
  • Rising diversity, with increases in visible minority and Indigenous populations
  • Median incomes growing, particularly among lone-parent families
  • Educational attainment levels improving across the community
  • Gradual residential growth supporting a stable housing market
• Initial recommendations:
  • Attract and retain a skilled workforce by addressing income gaps and building on educational gains
  • Strengthen diversity and inclusion efforts to broaden economic access
  • Support moderate housing growth while preserving affordability
  • Align infrastructure and amenities with gradual population increases
  • Promote Westlock’s stability and cost advantages to attract families, remote workers, and businesses
• These recommendations will be further refined in the next stages of the CEDS project.
• Council accepted the report as information.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM CLOSED SESSION

• Council approved leasing Plan 7820030 Block 7 Lot D and Plan 7820030 Block 7 Lot 1U in Westlock.

Next Meeting: Regular Meeting of Council

Monday, August 11, 2025

Note: This document is a recap of the meeting and should not be considered an official account. Visit www.westlock.ca for the official Town of Westlock Council-approved minutes and all supporting documents.