Council Highlights March 9, 2026

OLD BUSINESS

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) 

• The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a non-statutory strategic document intended to guide the Town’s economic development work over the next five years by providing a framework to coordinate initiatives related to business development, workforce, housing, downtown revitalization, infrastructure readiness, and regional collaboration. This strategy is designed to be practical and implementation-focused to support on-the-ground economic development work.
• CEDS is organized around seven pillars, each representing the primary areas for coordinated efforts:
  1. Business Vitality & Ecosystem Competitiveness
  Focuses on supporting existing businesses, reducing barriers to growth, and establishing a structured Business Retention, Expansion & Workforce Development (BREWD) program.
  2. Workforce & Talent Pipeline Development
  Addresses labour availability through youth retention, skills alignment, newcomer attraction, and integration of workforce considerations into economic development activities.
  3. Downtown Accessibility & Commerce Corridors
  Prioritizes downtown and commercial corridor revitalization through planning, accessibility improvements, wayfinding, and business attraction initiatives.
  4. Economic Identity & Storytelling
  Establishes a consistent economic narrative and marketing approach to improve awareness, investment readiness, and community pride.
  5. Industry & Infrastructure Readiness
  Focuses on land supply, servicing, planning alignment, and development readiness to support industrial and commercial growth.
  6. Regional Funding & Investment Positioning
  Emphasizes collaboration with regional partners to pursue funding, align priorities, and strengthen Westlock’s role as a regional service centre.
  7. Housing Accessibility & Attainability
  Recognizes housing as a key economic enabler and aligns with implementation of the Town’s
  Housing Action Plan.
• Council adopted the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) as presented.

NEW BUSINESS

Meeting Cancellation - May 11, 2026  

• Council resolved to cancel the May 11, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM CLOSED SESSION

Community Events Committee Appointment

• Council resolved to appoint Chantelle Fenez to the Community Events Committee.

Next Meeting: Committee of the Whole
Monday, March 16, 2026

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