Contents 04 COUNTY COUNCIL & SENIOR ADMINISTRATION 06 CAO BRANCH 06 Communications 06 Disaster Response 07 Economic Development 07 Emergency Management 07 Enforcement Services 07 Fire Services 08 Health & Safety 08 Human Resources
What is this document? Your County: 2018 In Review looks back on Lac La Biche County’s biggest achievements as an organization over the past year. It includes short articles about County projects, and highlights new services and programs that were developed in 2018 that you might not know about.
09 ASSISTANT CAO BRANCH 09 10 10 10
11 11 11 12 12 14 14 14
15 15 15 17 18
Finance & Grants Legislative Services Information Technology Records & Information Management
PUBLIC WORKS BRANCH Agricultural Services Environmental Services Equipment Services Major Capital Projects Transportation Services Utility Services Waste & Recycling Management
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT BRANCH Aquatic Services Family & Community Support Services and Community Development Parks & Facilities Recreation
20 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT BRANCH 21 COUNTY SUPPORT 23 2018 BUDGETED OPERATING REVENUES AND EXPENSES 24 2018 BY THE NUMBERS
2
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
YEAR IN REVIEW
Why did I receive it? Lac La Biche County believes that the best way to start each year is with a little bit of reflection—and this year is no exception. To this end, we asked each County department to think about the following questions. What were our biggest successes? What did residents tell us that they needed? How did we revamp our infrastructure, programs, and services to meet those needs over the past year? And, of course, what could we have improved on? We believe that there’s value in sharing these answers with our residents. This document gives you a meaningful look into how the County operates and where your tax dollars are going. By equipping you with a good understanding of County operations and services, you will have a clearer idea of where we’re headed, and can use that knowledge to better participate in shaping our community’s future.
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
3
COUNTY
COUNCIL Term started October 2017 (ends October 2021) Omer Moghrabi Mayor
Charlyn Moore
Councillor, Ward 5
Darlene Beniuk
Councillor, Ward 1
Sterling Johnson
Councillor, Ward 6
George L’Heureux
Councillor, Ward 2
Colin Cote
Councillor, Ward 7
Colette Borgun
Councillor, Ward 3
Lorin Tkachuk
Deputy Mayor and Councillor, Ward 7
Jason Stedman
Councillor, Ward 4
From left to right: (back row) George L’Heureux, Sterling Johnson, Omer Moghrabi, Jason Stedman, Colin Cote, Lorin Tkachuk, (front row) Darlene Beniuk, Colette Borgun, Charlyn Moore.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION 4
Shadia Amblie
Chief Administrative Officer
Dan Small
Assistant Chief Administrative Officer
Darrell Lessmeister
Senior Manager of Recreation & Community Enhancement
Brian Shapka
Senior Manager of Public Works
Clayton Kittlitz
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
Senior Manager of Planning & Development
COUNCIL SETS ITS VISION AND PLANS FOR THE COUNTY’S FUTURE Lac La Biche County Council was elected in October 2017, and they spent 2018 settling in, setting new priorities, and taking action. Adopting a new vision for our community was one of Council’s most important accomplishments, and that vision is: Lac La Biche County is proud to be a diverse, healthy, and safe community. Our citizens are engaged and enjoy enhanced social and recreational amenities. We are economically resilient as we continue to invest in topquality infrastructure and services. We are environmental stewards who promote our natural assets, making Lac La Biche County the destination choice of northern Alberta. Of course, any ambitious idea for changing a community also needs organized, concrete plans to back it up. As such, Council will set strategic priorities in 2019 in areas like the environment and social wellness. These priorities will guide future County programs and services. Keep an eye out for the forthcoming Lac La Biche County Strategic Plan: 2019 - 2022. That document will have more information about Council’s vision, and how they plan to make it a reality.
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
5
CAO
BRANCH Communications Communications produced 12 editions of the Your County In Touch newsletter, which keeps residents informed about County projects and services. The department updated the Corporate Communications Plan, which includes new projects to improve information sharing with the public, Council, and staff. Staff developed a Public Participation Policy to meet requirements of the new Municipal Government Act. The policy took effect on May 1, 2018, and includes a toolkit that will help County employees seek public input through surveys, open houses, and more. Communications refreshed the Council Highlights document, which summarizes key decisions from Regular Council Meetings, and began publishing it in the Lac La Biche Post.
6
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
Staff reworked and created new advertising materials for a variety of County services, like the Community Access Bus System, sponsorship packages at the Bold Center, and the annual Clean Sweep program.
Disaster Response The County was added to the newly formed Alberta Structure Protection Program. In the event of a major wildfire incident in Alberta (or elsewhere in Canada), the County could be called on to provide manpower and equipment to protect property. The County was on standby from August 9 to 18, 2018 to respond to the Pincher Creek fire in southern Alberta. Firefighters and equipment were also on standby during the same period to assist with the BC fires. The County was not called upon for either incident.
Economic Development The department filled the Tourism and Economic Development Coordinator position, allowing the County to focus on developing the business community and marketing our region to visitors. Staff completed a visitor friendliness study, then created a working group to implement the study’s recommendations. A regional tourism strategy was also developed in summer 2018—it will be presented to Council in spring 2019. Together, these documents’ recommendations should make the County more attractive to tourists. Council approved a retail gap analysis in 2018 in order to learn more about the businesses that the County is missing. The analysis will be completed in spring 2019.
Emergency Management More than 90 County employees were trained in provincial emergency management, specifically to the level of Incident Command System 200. This will give staff the ability to respond to emergency incidents (like evacuations) more quickly and efficiently. The County’s Emergency Management Plan was reviewed in 2018. It will be updated in 2019.
A new School Resource Officer was hired. The Resource Officer works specifically with youth in local schools, teaching them how to make good choices. In total, County Peace Officers held 213 presentations that educated youth on topics like crosswalks, bike safety, impaired driving, and drug use. The Community Standards Bylaw was revamped during the summer months, and passed by Council in October 2018. With the legalization of cannabis, the bylaw had to be revamped to regulate its use. Cannabis is now treated like alcohol: no consumption is allowed in public places, except for special events granted a permit.
Fire Services Fire Services responded to 501 emergency incidents in 2018. Firefighters took a total of 211 fire-related courses, including Fire Smart and sprinkler protection. Firefighters used this training to complete 75 Fire Smart assessments, and conducted wood chipping on 70 properties. For these practices, the County received the 2018 Fire Smart Canada Community Protection Achievement Award, recognizing good practices that prevent wildfires in rural areas.
Enforcement Services (Community Peace Officers)
The department participated in 42 public events, including fire drills, fire prevention programming at schools and businesses, and fire hall tours for schools and community groups.
County Peace Officers responded to 2,164 complaints. The majority of calls related to traffic safety, community standards issues, and animal control.
Fire Services became accredited in Safety Codes: Fire Discipline, which allowed qualified staff to conduct more than 20 inspections. They also issued seven new occupancy load certificates.
Officers regularly patrolled the community, dealing with 37 complaints related to stolen property (like vehicles). They dealt with 193 cases of intoxication, outstanding warrants, or other public safety issues.
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
7
Health & Safety
Human Resources
The department delivered health and safety orientations to 111 employees in 2018, including summer and seasonal staff. They also offered training and workshops to County staff, including mental health first aid, workplace violence awareness, mould & asbestos awareness, and many more.
Human Resources assisted all County departments with recruitment, filling 65 regular positions and 48 summer/seasonal jobs in 2018.
Health & Safety coordinated the external Certificate of Recognition (COR) audit in October, which ensures that our health and safety program meets provincial standards. The County received COR recognition. To promote ear health, staff completed audiometric tests for public works and facilities staff, as well as County firefighters. Ergonomic assessments, which improve employees’ comfort and productivity at work, were completed for 32 staff. Health & Safety organized several small wellness initiatives to promote better health, including a 12-week pedometer challenge that encouraged participants to reach 10,000 steps per day. 8
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
The department organized training from Portage College to improve productivity, with courses on effective communication, conflict resolution, workload management, and more. As a result of changes to Alberta Employment Standards, staff reviewed and updated the County’s employment-related policies and procedures. The department conducted an employee satisfaction survey in 2018, in which 124 staff participated. Human Resources is working with Senior Managers to improve County working conditions based on the survey results. Human Resources applied for and won a competition that named Lac La Biche County one of Alberta’s Top 70 Employers.
ASSISTANT CAO BRANCH Finance and Grants County Council approved the 2018 budget on March 12, 2018. The operating expense budget was set at $56,980,018, with new capital expenditures of $31,273,752. County Council also approved the 2019 budget on December 11, 2018. This budget included a three-year financial plan and five-year capital plan, which will be required by the Municipal Government Act in 2019. These plans will help Administration and Council map out long-term projects, programs, and services. The County successfully applied for grants in 2018 that helped fund County programs and services, including the following:
2019 BUDGET AVAILABLE NOW The Year In Review looks back on Lac La Biche County’s major accomplishments, but you can already learn about what’s coming in 2019. Council passed the 2019 budget in December 2018 (much earlier than previous years), allowing both the public and County Administration to better prepare for the year ahead. With an official budget in place earlier, project planning and implementation should be smoother and more costeffective. To read the 2019 Budget in full, visit the County website, hover over the “learn about us” tab, and click on “Documents.” You can also read the December 2018 edition of the Your County In Touch newsletter for a quick list of highlights.
• $180,846 from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which will help with renovating Jubilee Hall for the Lac La Biche Regional Museum & Discovery Centre. • $146,250 from Alberta Transportation’s Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program, which will fund a bridge replacement near Rich Lake. • $40,000 from Alberta Culture & Tourism’s Tourism Growth Innovation Fund, which was used to create a tourism strategy. • $27,235 from Alberta Economic Development & Trade’s Community and Regional Economic Support Program, which will be used to conduct a retail gap analysis. • $24,640 from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, which paid for a 2018 Fire Smart summer crew.
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
9
Records & Information Management The County’s records and information were analyzed and audited in 2018 based on international and Canadian standards. This resulted in the following: • Drafted a new bylaw for the Alberta Municipal Records Retention Schedule, a legal document that outlines how long County records and information needs to be retained. • Created new policies, procedures, training, and reference tools for the County’s records and information management program.
Legislative Services The department provided support for 58 Council meetings, including agenda preparation and recording minutes. Staff also supported two elected official ward open houses, one Subdivision and Development Appeal Board hearing, and two appeals filed with the County’s Assessment Review Board. A total of 23 bylaws were adopted in 2018, including the Council Procedure Bylaw, the Council Code of Conduct, and an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw to govern cannabis retail stores.
• Analyzed the County’s electronic records for integrity, security, and availability. Implemented new quality control standards for scanning records. • Reduced the County’s carbon footprint by introducing an in-house, secure shredding program and promoting scanning, saving, and sharing without printing. • Developed a vital records program, which will ensure that key records and information are immediately available in the event of an emergency or disaster.
ACTION PLAN
Staff processed five formal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act requests for information, and responded to seven other information requests.
Information Technology Information Technology continued to support County staff and Council, fulfilling work orders that kept County-provided computers, phones, and other technology in good working condition. To help the Enforcement Services department and RCMP patrol the area and investigate complaints, surveillance cameras were installed at the intersections of 101 Avenue & 102 Street and 101 Avenue & 103 Street in the hamlet of Lac La Biche. Staff restored the County’s communications services by replacing equipment on the Lac La Biche Water Tower. Work will continue in 2019 on a long-term solution for the future of the tower. 10
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: The plan for all the plans Residents may have noticed the County is producing a wide variety of long-term plans, including but not limited to a Tourism Strategy, a Recreation & Parks Master Plan and an updated Economic Development Strategy. Why, though? The County needs plans, created with expert advice and input from the public, to support informed and strategic decision-making for the next several years. These plans consider the community’s current and future needs and the County’s own capabilities, so future decisions will not only address “who,” “what,” “where,” and “when,” but also “why” and “how.” These documents will also help the County implement Council’s new vision over the next few years.
PUBLIC WORKS BRANCH Agricultural Services Agricultural Services inspected 90 canola fields for clubroot disease, and 3 fields were confirmed infected. Two seminars were held in Plamondon and Craigend to educate local producers about the disease. Staff are also working on a new bylaw to minimize clubroot’s spread for Council’s consideration in 2019. Staff mowed 1,400 km of roadsides in County ditches to improve safety. The department hosted Agriculture Appreciation Day on June 28, with more than 200 people in attendance (more than any other year). The community used 31 garden plots this season.
Environmental Services Under the CORE (Community Organics Recycling and Enhancement) backyard composting program, approximately 453 kg of compost was diverted from the landfills in October, November, and December. Environment Week in June attracted 766 participants. Waste Reduction Week was held in October, with 339 participants. The week included educational landfill tours for 135 students to encourage recycling and environmental stewardship. To lead by example, the County invested in new corporate recycling containers throughout its facilities in 2018. The program will be expanded in 2019. Staff held three Mad About Science camps over the summer months, teaching 31 children about the environment and science with experiments, games, and activities. The department conducted lake, beach, and inflow/outflow sampling to gauge lake health.
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
11
Equipment Services Equipment Services repaired and maintained the County’s 300+ vehicle fleet. The County Centre shop routinely serviced fire trucks, fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, heavy trucks, trailers, and small equipment. The County purchased new equipment in 2018, including two graders, an excavator, a plow truck, fleet vehicles, a boat (for lake testing), among many other items needed to deliver County services. A 550 sq. m2 addition to the County Centre Repair Shop was completed this year. A second expansion is expected to be built in 2020. Together, these two new spaces will provide a larger wash bay, an overhead crane bay (for maintaining and repairing large equipment), storage rooms, a shipping/receiving area, and space for County staff. The department continues to offer valuable experience to students by working with local schools.
• Beaver River Bridge (near Highway 866) • Dumasfield Stormwater Pond • 90A Ave extension • 91 Ave W extension • Mission Subdivision Water & Sewer Phase I Staff also provided support to all County departments on projects like the McArthur Place Gazebo, the North Shore and Sunset Bay boat launch areas and the Plamondon 2” barrel fill.
THE PLAMONDONCASLAN CONNECTOR: an ambitious 2018 construction project
Major Capital Projects The County completed the following new projects in 2018: • Plamondon-Caslan Connector (Range Road 164) base and pave - 15 km • Elinor Lake Road base and pave - 11.5 km • The annual Sidewalk Replacement and Hamlet Resurfacing programs • Nashim Drive Engineering & Paving - 2 km • Township Road 674 (Old 46) base (paving will be completed in 2019) • Highway 858 Water and Sewer Replacement in Plamondon - Phases 1, 2, and 3 All carryover projects from 2016 and 2017 are now complete, including: • 101 Avenue Streetlights and Paving (Main Street) • Remaining 700 m section on the Old Trail • Old Trail walking trail • 91 Avenue and Highway 881 intersection • Lakeview Estates • Airport Improvements • Water Treatment Plant improvements (both phases now complete)
12
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
Paving the Plamondon-Caslan Connector (also known as Range Road 164) from Highway 663 to Township Road 670 was not an easy feat. Work included approximately 15 kilometres of paving over an existing gravel road, along with upgrading the Highway 663 intersection with proper turning lanes and softer angles for drivers’ safety. Though the project began later than expected on August 28, and some uncooperative weather further hampered initial efforts, crews stuck to their goal of turning the connector into a safer, dustfree road. Hard work led the project to completion on time, and under budget to boot. Work on this road will continue: Council set aside $7.69 million in 2019 to pave the northern section of the connector.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Elinor Lake Rd
101 Ave Streetlights
RR 164 & Hwy 663 Intersection
RR 164 Second Lift
RR 164 Base Prep
RR 164 Subgrade Prep TWP RD 674
Mission Subdivision Phase 1
Nashim Drive
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
13
Transportation Services Staff assisted with the Hamlet Resurfacing Program, resurfacing 1.6 km of roadway in the hamlet of Lac La Biche. They also worked on the Sidewalk Replacement Program, replacing 2.68 km of sidewalk in the hamlet of Lac La Biche. The department resurfaced 16 km of oiled surfaces, regravelled 315 km of County roadways, and completed 70 km of contract brushing work (removing trees and brush from roadsides). Transportation Services hauled and placed 14,000 tonnes of recycled concrete, using a large amount to condition County roads. The department completed extensive culvert maintenance and drainage improvement programs throughout the County.
Plamondon Water/ Sewer installation
• Installing 400 metres of water/sewer infrastructure on Highway 858 north of Plamondon.
Staff constructed 16 new approaches.
• Building storm outlets and sediment basins along Churchill Drive (near 101 Street and 104 Street).
Utility Services
• Constructing Mission Beach Phase I water and sewer service stubs.
Water Treatment Plant Phase II upgrades are now complete. This includes new systems that will make the tap water treatment processes more consistent. Staff continued with hydrant flushing programs in the hamlets of Lac La Biche and Plamondon (and along the Old Trail) to ensure that water is available for emergency response. The department installed new systems at the Biological Nutrient Removal Plant to ensure that County continued to meet regulatory requirements for treating wastewater. The Utility Services team upgraded 100 metres of steel gas line with poly line, which has a 100year life expectancy. They also installed pressure regulators at all five inter-connects with Lac La Biche Gas Co-op lines. This will help the County better control pressures in both our system and the Co-op’s. The County secured an alternate natural gas supply to minimize outages. The department assisted with the following capital projects: • Installing 1,000 metres of water main and services along Highway 858 and in Plamondon.
Waste & Recycling Management In 2018, the Beaver Lake and Plamondon landfills received approximately 11,935 tonnes of waste. Staff collected 793 tonnes of waste with the curbside pickup program. They also collected around 646 tonnes of recycling at the landfills (which were sent to the Cold Lake recycling facility). Via curbside pickup, 142 tonnes of recycling was collected and hauled to the Edmonton Waste Management Centre. The landfill closure of the old Owl River site started in 2018. Approximately 25% of the work remains, and it will be completed in 2019. A new styrofoam recycling program started at the landfills and transfer stations. The County’s tipping fee policy was revised, allowing the landfills to accept industrial, commercial, and institutional recyclable materials that weren’t previously accepted. To prevent litter and debris being carried away, new cover plates and wind fences were installed at the Beaver Lake and Plamondon landfills. An entrance relocation project at the Beaver Lake Landfill was started in 2018, and will be completed in 2019. Staff completed a public survey on landfill/transfer station hours and days of operation. The results will be brought forward for Council’s consideration in 2019.
14
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
Seniors’ Aquafit at Portage Pool
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT BRANCH Aquatic Services In total, staff counted 15,000 participants at Portage Pool public swims. Early bird lane swims were introduced two mornings per week, along with an evening lane swim on Fridays. Red Cross swim programs saw 632 children and youth participants. More than 100 participants took leadership courses like National Lifeguard, Bronze Medal, and first aid. Portage Pool trained six new first aid instructors to increase the amount of courses they can run. New programs like mermaid swimming lessons and innertube water polo were developed. The Wibit Aquatrack was purchased and implemented into the public swim schedule. Seniors’ Aquafit, a collaboration between FCSS and Aquatic Services, had 37 participants in the fall 2018 session. In partnership with the Alberta Whitewater Association, a fleet of kayaks were brought to Portage Pool twice in 2018. Staff were trained to deliver pool kayaking lessons, and used that knowledge to train 39 public participants.
Lac La Biche County
Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) and Community Development FCSS distributed 19 grants to local volunteer organizations, for a total of $79,331.05 given to community groups. Staff planned activities for children and youth, including a Learner’s License Preparation Course, one regular and one junior Teen Leadership Camp, the Circus & Magic Camp, and Chill Zone Fridays. Parents were better able to deal with issues that our youth face through workshops on consent, sleep, anxiety, self-injury, and stress. Seniors were supported by a variety of FCSS programs and services. More than 270 seniors received FCSS’s help to fill out tax and benefit forms. Participants socialized and got active at Seniors’ Aquafit. New programs like SMILE (Seniors Maintaining Independent Living Experiences) and Snow Angels enhanced seniors’ quality of life. Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
15
Community Access Bus
The department hired a new outreach worker to alleviate homelessness and unstable housing conditions. They are working to complete a homeless estimation count and, so far, have completed 89 surveys. The department launched the Community Access Bus Service in 2019. They continue to offer doorto-door paratransit service to seniors and those with disabilities, but also expanded the program into a route system for all citizens who need a lowcost transportation option. Child Mind Services at the Bold Center supervised over 1,500 drop-ins in 2018. Staff also now offer individualized birthday party packages. Parent Link saw 6,255 drop-ins and registrations in 2018, with 4,659 in the area of family support, early childhood development, Triple P Parenting techniques, and community events. Staff also collaborated with Alberta Health Services to offer prenatal classes to at-risk women, providing support in their parenting journey. A toy lending library was opened at the Bold Center, encouraging parents to borrow toys and educational items that will encourage family time. From September to December 2018, items were taken out 155 times.
PRESCRIPTION TO GET ACTIVE GETS THE COMMUNITY MOVING Last year, the County joined a growing network of organizations that support Prescription to Get Active, a program designed to boost a person’s physical activity by combining healthcare and community recreation. The County, Portage College, the Primary Care Network, and the Associated Medical Clinic partnered to bring this exciting program to our community. Patients are first prescribed physical activity by a doctor or healthcare professional. When they show their Prescription to Get Active at participating facilities (including the Bold Center, Portage Pool, and Portage College), they receive a specified period of free general admission. Patients will receive a complimentary facility orientation, equipment demonstration, and ongoing support from staff to help reach their physical activity goals. Talk to your doctor about getting a Prescription to Get Active, and get moving for better health in 2019.
16
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
THE NEW ROTARY GAZEBO
April
May
September
July
Parks & Facilities The department improved many County facilities and outdoor spaces throughout 2018, taking on the following tasks: • Building the Rotary Gazebo in McArthur Park. • Developing parking at the North Shore and Sunset Bay boat launches. • Renovating Jubilee Hall for the Lac La Biche Regional Museum & Discovery Centre.
• Resurfacing cemetery roads. • Refurbishing the hamlet entrance signs. The Bold Center was host to three concerts (Trooper, Brett Kissel, Prism with Lee Aaron and Honeymoon Suite), the Métis Nation General Assembly, the Lac La Biche Region RV Extravaganza, and Bull-a-rama.
• Installing a backup generator at the Bold Center. • Building sidewalk access to the floating pier on Lac La Biche Lake. • Revamping the Plamondon Arena roof. • Replacing trees along Main Street Lac La Biche, Beaver Hill Road, and 91 Street.
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
17
FITNESS CLASSES
Beat It!
TRX
Chick Boxing
Access Fitness
Spin it to Win it!
Strengthen & Stretch Abs & Arms
Recreation Staff offered 47 different fitness classes, leagues, camps, and workshops, with 852 registrations and 642 drop-ins. Early morning fitness and lunchhour classes were re-introduced in 2018, with their highest attendance recorded compared to previous years. The community purchased or renewed 2,870 all-access memberships and fitness passes, and 12,712 daily admission and drop-in passes were sold. Revenue totaled $328,535 in 2018. The free 50+ Walk On Program (in partnership with Alberta Health Services) attracted 1,750 admissions. More than 580 patrons took advantage of free track access when temperatures dipped below -20 degrees in January and February.
18
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
Recreation was involved in 24 community events throughout the year, including Bold Free Day, Family Day, June is Parks & Recreation Month, Canada Day, Pow Wow, and more. The department offered its first annual Community Appreciation Week in September. Free classes and activities were scheduled throughout the week, and an appreciation barbecue celebrated the grand opening of the Rotary Gazebo at McArthur Park. Other special promotions and member loyalty programs ran throughout the year, resulting in 200 new summer memberships and $6,732 of gift certificates sold over the holidays. The Lac La Biche County Sports Hall of Fame was installed at the Bold Center, celebrating the achievements of local athletes, sports teams, and coaches.
Online surveys, consultation sessions, and stakeholder meetings happened in November for the Recreation & Parks Master Plan, which will guide how the County changes and expands future recreation programs. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities for recreation and Bold Center programs have expanded to include community partnerships, which are more affordable for businesses. For instance, in April, the Bold Center teamed up with Britton’s Your Independent Grocer, allowing Bold Center members who spend more than $100 on customer appreciation days to receive an extra 10% off their purchase. The Rotary Club sponsored the new Rotary Gazebo in McArthur Park with a $50,000 donation. Advertising agreements brought in $35,000. With user agreements, recreation partnership revenue totaled $68,000 in 2018. In partnership with the Primary Care Network and Associated Medical Clinic, the County launched the Prescription to Get Active program. The program encourages doctors to prescribe exercise for those at risk of developing health conditions, allowing patients to access County recreational facilities for free.
Fun Van Summer 2018
PARK & PLAY FUN VAN SHIFTS YOUR EVENT TO THE NEXT GEAR OF FUN The Park & Play Fun Van was established in 2018 to expand recreation programming beyond the Bold Center and Portage Pool, providing free activities and games in every corner of the County. Look for the van at a variety of community events throughout 2019. You can also book it for your next event or block party. Call 780-623-6351 for more details or to submit a booking request.
PLANNING &
DEVELOPMENT BRANCH Planning & Development In 2018, the department processed 147 development permits. They also issued 499 Safety Codes permits, ensuring that construction meets legislated standards. Council and Alberta Municipal Affairs adopted new Quality Management Plans for the delivery of Safety Codes inspections and services in the County. Planning & Development made Land Use Bylaw (LUB) amendments for the sale of recreational cannabis, along with its production in industrial land use districts. They also made LUB amendments to address location issues with work camps. The department completed Intermunicipal Development Plans with the County of St. Paul and MD of Bonnyville, which the Municipal Government Act requires Lac La Biche County to have. Council will consider and adopt bylaws on the plans in early 2019. Staff created a draft Environmental Reserve Bylaw, and the community will be consulted on the draft in 2019 before further work happens. Environmental Reserve (ER) and Municipal Reserve (MR) signs were installed near ER and MR lands in Mystic Beach, Blais Resort, and Fork Lake. 20
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
A new policy and procedure were adopted to manage encroachment agreements, which allow landowners to extend improvements onto public lands in special cases.
REDUCING CONTAMINATION IN RECYCLING CONTAINERS Last year’s waste and recycling audits have shown high amounts of contamination in the Curbside Pickup Program’s recycling containers. Up to 35% of items in recycling containers are misplaced waste. Unfortunately, recyclables like cardboard or plastic that have been contaminated with waste are much harder or impossible to sort and process. Our 2019 goal is to educate residents, helping them better understand what to recycle and what to throw out. Consult our “What Goes Where” guide, which you can find on the County’s website (on the page called Waste & Recycling Management).
County Support In 2018, the County supported the following organizations with capital projects, events, and more. Please note that the final amount paid to each organization may vary from the approved amounts, depending on actual project costs. Ad-Hoc Funding Grants Organization
Project
Amount Approved
Local 4-H member of Athabasca 4-H Club
4-H Conference
$375
Amisk Community School
“Gathering of Nations” event in Albuquerque
$1,000
Lac La Biche Minor Sports Association
Provincial Hockey Tournament- Bantam Division
$1,000
Beaver Lake Cree Nation
Beaver Lake Pow Wow
$1,000
LLB Soccer Society
Provincial Soccer Tournament - U13 Boys
$1,000
Road For Hope Community Support Foundation
“Golf 4 Hope” Fundraising Event
$500
Ecole St. Catherines
School Trip to Quebec
$1,000
Capital Projects Assistance Grant Funding Program Organization
Project
Amount Approved
5HV Club
Air Conditioner Replacement
$3,428.57
Lac La Biche Antique Society
Oral History Project
$5,000
Craigend Recreational and Agricultural Society
Fencing and Power
$14,250
Light of Christ Parent Advisory Council
Playground Installation
$40,000
Owl River Recreation Association
LED Lighting
$17,432
Owl River Recreation Association
Alarm System
$1,098
Owl River Recreation Association
Replacing Tables
$1,512
Plamondon District Community Development Society
Festival Centre Mortgage Assistance
$100,000
Plamondon District Community Development Society
Maintenance Equipment: Festival Centre
$25,000
Plamondon District Community Development Society
Ice Sheets Upgrade: Curling Club
$125,000
Plamondon District Community Development Society
Furnace Replacement: Rendez-Vous Centre
$39,000
Plamondon District Community Development Society
Renovations 2018: Rendez-Vous Centre
$30,000
Community Development Grant Program Organization
Project
Amount Approved
Lakeland Out of the Elements Shelter
Operational Funding
$59,900
Lakeland Out of the Elements Shelter
Emergency Operational Funding
$42,000
Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre
Operational/Program Funding
$57,184
Community Learning for Adult Students Society (PAL)
Operational Funding
$40,000
Victim Services Unit: Lac La Biche (VSU)
Operational Funding
$15,000
Organization
Project
Amount Approved
Noral Cemetery
Cemetery Improvements
$15,000
Lac La Biche Mission Cemetery
Cemetery Improvements
$10,000
Grandin Cemetery
Cemetery Improvements
$10,000
Craigend Cemetery (Greek Orthodox)
Cemetery Improvements
$2,500
Organization
Project
Amount Approved
Lac La Biche Chamber of Commerce
Insurance
$615
Lac La Biche County Library Board
Insurance
$4,486
Lakeland Interpretive Society
Insurance
$1,571
Lac La Biche Pow Wow and Fish Derby Association
Insurance
$594
Community Cemetery Improvement Program Grants
Insurance
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
21
Event Sponsorship Grant Program Organization
Project/Funded Activity
Amount Approved*
Lac La Biche Mission Historic Society
Mission Canada Day
$2,170
Lac La Biche Mission Historic Society
Mission Christmas
$1,000
Lac La Biche Agricultural Society
Lac La Biche Ag Fair
$5,000
Lac La Biche Gymnastics Society
Yuk Yuk Fundraiser
$1,715.25
Lakeland Classic Wheels Club
Festival of Speed
$25,000
Lac La Biche Firefighters Society
Snow Pitch
$2,000
Lac La Biche Heritage Society
Seniors’ Week
$2,000
Community Learning for Adult Students Society (PAL)
Fun in the Snow
$1,312.50
Community Futures Lac La Biche
Power Up North!
$10,000
Lac La Biche Minor Hockey Association
Midget B Female Hockey Tournament
$7,609.35
Lac La Biche Kinsmen
Kinsmen Pond Hockey
$1,260
Lac La Biche Pow Wow and Fish Derby Association
Pow Wow
$25,000
Lac La Biche Safety Awareness Society
Safety Days
$7,500
Region One Aboriginal Business Association (ROABA)
ROABA Golf Tournament
$1,000
Lac La Biche Lions Club
Boreal Biker Rally
$2,719.42
Lac La Biche Minor Lacrosse Association
NC Wolves Invitational/ Dueling Pianos Fundraiser
$2,500
Venice Picnic Association
Venice Picnic
$1,450
Plamondon District Community Development Society
Mud Bogs
$10,000
Lac La Biche Minor Ball Association
Mid Summer Sports Days
$5,000
Community Learning for Adult Students Society (PAL)
World of Words
$2,200
Lac La Biche Firefighters Society
Light Up the Night
$5,000
Lac La Biche Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Market
$1,000
Lac La Biche Lions Club
Festival of Trees
$5,500
Lac La Biche Chamber of Commerce
Huntmania Trade Show
$1,803.50
Craigend Recreation and Agricultural Society
Craigend Harvest Dance
$2,000
Plamondon District Community Development Society
Plamondon Christmas Party
$2,000
Recreational/Cultural Operating Grant Program* *Includes insurance coverage to groups which received funding under this grant program.
Organization
Project
Amount Approved
5HV Club
Operational Funding
$2,170
Craigend Recreation and Agricultural Society
Operational Funding
$30,200
Lac La Biche Gymnastics Club
Operational Funding
$3,970
Lac La Biche Heritage Society
Operational Funding
$10,806
Hylo/Venice Recreation and Agricultural Society
Operational Funding
$59,617
Lac La Biche Agricultural Society
Operational Funding
$70,071.18
Lac La Biche Mission Historical Society
Operational Funding
$35,000
Owl River Recreation Association
Operational Funding
$16,339
Normandeau Community Centre
Operational Funding
$1,356
Plamondon District Community Development Society
Operational Funding**
$477,685.99
**Includes operational funding for the Festival Centre, Camp 3F, Plamondon Curling Club, Plamondon Museum, Mini Heritage Park, Plamondon Seniors Rendez Vous Centre, and the Phillip Menard Cultural Centre.
Other Major Funding Contributions Organization
Project
Amount Approved
Lac La Biche County Library Board
Operational Funding
$537,549
Lakeland Interpretive Society
Operational Funding
$175,000
Lac La Biche Regional Humane Society
Utility Connection Costs: New Facility
$15,939.96
Portage College
50 Year Celebration
$50,000
Portage College
Event: Indigenous Artists
$38,697.54
Hope Haven Society
Hope Haven Golf Tournament
$400
Portage College
Voyageur Hockey Team Sponsorship
$100,000
Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation
Diagnostic Equipment Fundraising
$2,118.98
Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation
Funding for Diagnostic Imaging Equipment
$1,000,000
2018 Budgeted Operating Revenues and Expenses 4% 1%
4%
7%
10%
7%
Budgeted Operating Revenues Revenue Source
Amount
%
Residential Taxes
$3,120,479
4%
Non - Residential Taxes
$7,802,901
10%
Linear Industrial Property Taxes
$53,526,621
67%
Other Taxes & Local Improvements
$650,000
1%
Sales of Goods & Services
$5,557,113
7%
Grants
$5,927,608
7%
Other Revenues
$3,330,393
4%
TOTAL
$79,915,114
67%
6% 8%
Budgeted Operating Expenses 31 %
28%
Operating Expenses
Amount
%
Transfer To Capital
$24,606,593
31%
Goods & Services
$21,380,803
27%
Salaries, Wages and Benefits
$22,506,406
28%
Debenture Payments
$6,479,106
8%
Community Grants
$4,942,206
6%
TOTAL
$79,915,114
27%
Lac La Biche County | 2018 in Review
23
MORE THAN
270 seniors RECEIVED FCSS’S HELP TO FILL OUT TAX AND BENEFIT FORMS.
STAFF OFFERED
47 different fitness classes, leagues, camps, and workshops, with 852 registrations and 642 drop-ins.
THERE WERE
15,000
PARTICIPANTS AT PORTAGE POOL PUBLIC SWIMS.
COUNTY STAFF REGRAVELLED
THE COUNTY RECEIVED
646 tonnes OF RECYCLING AT LANDFILLS AND
142 tonnes
315 KM
PEACE OFFICERS RESPONDED TO
OF COUNTY ROADWAYS. STAFF MOWED
1,400 KM
OF ROADSIDES IN COUNTY DITCHES TO IMPROVE SAFETY.
OF RECYCLING VIA THE CURBSIDE PICKUP PROGRAM.
58
COUNCIL MEETINGS
$180,846 from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which will help with renovating Jubilee Hall for the Lac La Biche Regional Museum & Discovery Centre.
2,164 COMPLAINTS related to traffic safety, community standards issues, animal control, and more.