Courtesy: Town of High Level
Council Summary for the November 12, 2024, Regular Meeting of Council
Aquatic Centre
Administration provided an update on repairs at the R.E. Walter Aquatic Centre.
Acting Dep. CAO Myron Thompson noted the ordered parts had arrived in the community, but that there was a sizing issue (Metric vs Imperial). Staff were unable to secure parts with the required measurements from other communities and are currently looking at ways to work around this issue. Further, there have been issues with the heating systems at the aquatic centre, but repairs have been made and they are operational. The Aquatic Centre remains closed at this time.
Heating issues have also affected the High Level Sports Complex, with repairs ongoing.
Community medical responses
Council asked for clarification on an Emergency Services report that the fire department had responded to multiple fentanyl overdoses in the community and whether these were medical coresponse with local emergency medical responders or if the fire department had dealt with them on their own. Administration was directed to provide more information on the calls at a future meeting as the Director of Emergency Services was not present.
Tourism Grant Fund
Administration provided an update on the Tourism Grant Fund, which had been the subject of a previous Council discussion resulting in direction for Administration to engage members of the hospitality industry as well as local restaurants. Logan Bartholow, Director of Planning and Development, provided an update stating those talks were currently underway.
High Level Sports Complex structural assessment
Administration provided an update on the High Level Sports Complex structural assessment stemming from a previous Council request.
The facility was constructed in 1972 and consists of a pre-engineered metal structure. A two-story addition to the front of the facility and two smaller additions were added to the back of the structure was added around 1988. An assessment in 2015 revealed wear and tear on the building while some electrical and mechanical components were nearing end of life.
In 2023, a structural assessment of the building foundation was undertaken due to the notable degradation of specific areas with the building’s concrete grade beam and piles. These areas were determined to have deteriorated due to a range of issues, from direct contact of concrete surfaces to adjacent soils, poor drainage and standing water in contact with the concrete foundation, and inadequate concrete mixtures to withstand the conditions.
Council must now weigh the value of the cost of repairs, which could be in the range of $232,000, to the facility when it has reached its life expectancy, and a replacement is part of the plans for the Multipurpose Evacuation Centre.
Budget Preparation Timeline
Council passed a motion to move discussion of the 2025 Budget Preparation Timeline to the Nov. 18, 2024, Committee of the Whole meeting for further discussion. Administration was directed to bring a number of budget assumptions to the meeting for consideration.
NWSARS Council appointment
Council passed a motion to appoint Mayor Crystal McAteer and Deputy Mayor Boyd Langford to the Northwest Species at Risk committee. NWSAR works to ensure local voices and perspectives are included in higher-level government-led decision-making regarding species at risk recovery planning and policy, and that governments are utilizing the best quality and current socio-economic and environmental datasets when planning for long-term multi-species management and/or recovery.
Health Board appointment
Coun. Jan Welke was appointed to sit on the Alberta government’s new Regional Advisory Council for the area. Part of the work by the Province to refocus the provincial health care system includes the creation of 14 Regional Advisory Councils and an Indigenous Advisory Council to inform on local priorities and to gather local input.
Powerwood Letter of Support
Council directed Administration to provide a letter of support to Powerwood for a proposed rail yard and pellet plant.
Consulting Services
Council directed the CAO to retain consulting services for at least four month in order to assist Administration in meeting outstanding statutory reporting requirements.
