Council Highlights - December 3, 2025

Approval of Interim Budget

Council approved the interim operating expenditures for 2026 effective January 1, 2026. These expenditures are based on the approved budget for 2025 and will remain in effect until the final operating budget for 2026 and the corresponding tax rate bylaw are adopted.

Grimshaw Regional Healthcare Attraction and Retention Funding Request

Council approved a slight increase in the annual funding the Village provides to the Grimshaw Regional Healthcare and Attraction Committee (GRHARC). The increase in funding helps cover operational costs for the Grimshaw Medical Clinic as part of the GRHARC Medical Clinic Rent Subsidy Program. The Village of Berwyn also provides funding to GRHARC to support the Healthcare Scholarship, which provides financial support to residents seeking to start a career in healthcare and encourages them to live and work in the region. More details are available at https://grimshaw.ca/scholarship.

Northern Sunrise County Letter of Support

Council approved a request from Northern Sunrise County (NSC) for the Village of Berwyn to join NSC and other municipalities in advocating for a confirmed Invest Alberta visit to the Peace Region. Council directed administration to draft a letter to Dan Williams, MLA and Minister of Municipal Affairs, expressing the need for the visit and highlighting the importance of ensuring northern communities are fully considered in provincial investment planning.

Village of Berwyn Temporary Designation

Council approved designating Carol Haney, Finance Assistant for the Village of Berwyn, as the temporary emergency point of contact during the CAO’s vacation from December 4, 2025 to January 2, 2026. In CAO, Jatin Saini’s absence, Carol will assist with addressing urgent matters, coordinate follow-up with staff and external partners, and liaise with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor on any time-sensitive issues requiring Council consideration.

Berwyn Municipal Library Agreement

Council approved a new 10-year lease agreement with the Berwyn Municipal Library Board. The agreement includes the library’s use of the library room, the former arts and crafts centre room, and the shared common area. The agreement also outlines each party’s responsibilities for utilities, maintenance, insurance, and access.

Bylaw/Animal Control Agreement

Council approved entering into a new Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Control Services Agreement with Lee Crystal Wilson. The agreement outlines the responsibilities for bylaw enforcement, complaint response, patrols, animal capture and impound coordination, reporting requirements, and associated fees for providing these services within the Village.

Pound Agreement with Mighty Peace Veterinary Clinic

Council approved the Pound Care Agreement with the Mighty Peace Veterinary Clinic, which outlines requirements for daily animal care, kennel maintenance, discharge procedures, coordination with the Animal Control Officer, and associated care and euthanasia/surrender fees.

Super Saturday in Berwyn

Council discussed plans for Super Saturday taking place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Berwyn. Council extends gratitude to the Grimshaw and District Chamber of Commerce for spearheading this initiative and to Public Works for putting together a Village of Berwyn float for the parade. Festivities include a Christmas parade at noon, a bake sale at the library, cocoa and photos with Santa and glitter tattoos at the Golden Age Drop-In Centre, a Farmers’ Market at the Ag Hall, Christmas Open Houses at Fuel Up and Trinity Repair, a Turkey and Ham Bingo at the Elks Hall, gift card giveaway at the Thrift Store, and 10% off storewide at Kozy Korner Store.

Merry Christmas Wishes from Council

The Village of Berwyn Council extends warm wishes to all residents, families, businesses, and community supporters this Christmas season. May the holidays bring moments of rest, peace, and time with loved ones and thank everyone for their contributions in making the Village a wonderful place to call home.

The next regular Council Meeting will be held on January 22, 2026 at 6 pm in Council Chambers at the Village of Berwyn Administration Office. Council meetings are open to the public and are also available virtually via Zoom.