Elk Point council focuses on fire protection, funding and community engagement

Elk Point town councillors continue to push the need for continued focus on fire safety, discussing updates to the town’s fire protection bylaw and the procurement of a new fire pumper truck.  

The towns 1996 Fire Services Bylaw has been under review since April, with a revised draft recently receiving feedback from the town’s solicitors. The draft, not titled Bylaw 891/24 – Fire Protection Services Bylaw, was presented for council review. Deputy Mayor Wanda Cochrane and Coun. Jason Boorse raised questions regarding fire permits, especially in agricultural areas within town limits. CAO Ken Gwozdz clarified that permits could be issued at the discretion of the fire chief if deemed safe.  

Mayor Parrish Tung emphasized the need for clear criteria to prevent confusion among residents, suggesting that a permit should be required for specific actions, like burning an old shed. He noted, “This bylaw is really restrictive, and we have to be very careful.” The council decided to defer further discussion until a September meeting after a detailed review of the bylaw.  

The council also discussed the procurement of a new fire pumper truck, a purchase planned for 2028. A tender document was received on August 12, with cost estimates ranging from $850,000 for a Canadian-built unit to $1.1 million for a U.S-built unit. The council agreed to submit the fire pumper tender after reviewing additional confidential information.  

Council later discussed using $131,502 from the Canada Community Building Fund, which the town will receive by the end of summer, toward the deposit for the new truck.  

Community and Administrative Updates  

Council and staff were invited to participate in the North East MunCorr trail ride from Cold Lake to St. Paul on September 9. Mayor Tung and other council members will also attend the Rural Community Attraction and Recreation Conference in Wainwright in October.  

Mayor Tung proclaimed September 9 as Internation Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day in Elk Point. Additionally, the council appointed MNP as the external auditor for the Town of Elk Point and its associated corporations for a four-year-term, as required under the Municipal Government Act.  

Council also approved a $1,000 donation for the A. G. Ross Arena Ice Plant’s third annual Cornhole Tournament, scheduled for September 7.  

Meeting and Strategic Planning 

Council held a virtual meeting with Alberta’s Minister of Transportation Executive Staff on August 20 to discuss the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership grant application. Both Mayor Tung and Coun. Tim Smereka described the meeting as positive, with the minister encouraging the town to include additional information in future applications. Another virtual meeting is planned for October.  

Council also met with Lakeland LIFT on August 14 to discuss shared goals and energy need, with Coun. Boorse noting that the meeting helped align priorities and ensure everyone was on the same page.  

Animal Control Update 

Two dogs involved in recent biting incidents were detained and have now been removed from the town with the assistance of the Elk Point RCMP. The case is currently before the courts.