Courtesy: Town of Peace River
Penny Steffen, president of the Peace Regional SPCA, presented an update about the organization. Subsequently, Council directed Administration to provide a financial contribution of $62,355 for the demolition of the Town-owned structure (old SPCA building) located at 9510-94 Ave. As noted in the Contracted Enhanced Public Security Service Report presented by Administration previously, the site has been a high risk for break-ins and unauthorized use, costing the Town funds in repeatedly boarding up access points throughout the past summer. As we move into the colder months, the concern has been the building will host unauthorized occupants and become a fire hazard. The building will be demolished in the near future.
➡ Council passed the Utility Rates Bylaw for 2025. That means utility rates will be increasing by approximately 10 per cent in 2025, with future Councils to decide the rates in subsequent years. After much debate and public feedback, this decision intends to reduce taxpayer subsidization of utility rates and better fund our capital reserves going forward.
➡ Council gave third reading to the Election Bylaw, setting the parameters for municipal elections next fall.
➡ Council passed the Fees and Charges Bylaw for 2025, which includes a 2 per cent increase on all rental, lesson, and course rates, as well as other adjustments.
➡ After some debate, Council declined to request to join the Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency.
➡ As for the Town-owned portion of the plot of land known as the Lions Campground, Council directed Administration to initiate a public bid process to sell the property on the condition that the site is for the purposes of operating a campground, as well as for Administration to bring back to a future Council meeting the rezoning of the property to Direct Control.
➡ Council passed all of the 2025 Capital Budget, 2025 Utility-Supported Budget, and 2025 Tax-Supported Budget. We’ll have more information on this soon.
