Council Highlights - January 22, 2026

Invitation to Participate on Peace Regional Energy Committee Council reviewed an invitation for the Village of Berwyn to participate in the Peace Regional Energy Committee. Council voted to have Jatin Saini, CAO, attend quarterly meetings on behalf of the Village and provide updates back to Council. The Village of Berwyn looks forward to being involved in discussions, learning more about proposed energy projects while collaborating with Peace Region municipalities.

Council Representation at Spring Municipal Leaders Conference Mayor Nicole Johnson, Deputy Mayor Brian Carreau, and Jatin Saini, CAO, will attend the Alberta Municipalities Municipal Leaders’ Caucus in Edmonton this spring. It was also discussed that Councillor Patrick O’Brien attend the fall caucus to ensure all new Village of Berwyn councillors have the opportunity to participate in professional development and leadership training.

Seniors’ Week Letter of Support Council approved writing a letter of support for the Grimshaw Community Services grant application for funding to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Seniors’ Week on June 1, 2026, at the Lac Cardinal Regional Pioneer Museum. The proposed event is being hosted by Grimshaw Community Services in partnership with the Municipal District of Peace No. 135, the Village of Berwyn, and the Town of Grimshaw. Council also requested that administration discuss with Grimshaw Community Services the option to offer busing so all Berwyn seniors who want can attend the event.

Bylaw Officer/Animal Control Officer Council confirmed the appointment of Lee Wilson as the Bylaw and Animal Control Officer for the Village of Berwyn. Council welcomes Lee to the Village of Berwyn and thanks her for her service in this important role.

Village of Berwyn Water Operator Agreement Council approved proceeding with an agreement with the Municipal District of Peace No. 135 to provide water operations services for the Village of Berwyn once the current agreement with the Town of Grimshaw expires. The MD of Peace water operator has extensive experience with the Village’s system and will support a gradual transition of water operations to Village staff. As part of this transition, Public Works employee Cole Cardinal will work closely with the MD water operator and begin pursuing formal certification this spring. Council also directed Administration to provide the Town of Grimshaw with the required 90-day notice of contract termination.

Fire Hydrant Update Del Cardinal, Village of Berwyn Public Works Forman, provided Council with an update on fire hydrants in the Village of Berwyn. All 35 hydrants were inspected in fall 2025 and are in good condition with only minor deficiencies and none requiring replacement. Council commended Public Works for keeping them all cleared during the heavy snowfall, and the Village reminds residents that in accordance with Village bylaws, residents are responsible for keeping hydrants on their property clear. For any residents who require assistance, Public Works staff are available to help upon request. Council also directed the Administration to explore the cost of hydrant markers to improve the visibility of hydrant locations for first responders. Public Works Update Public Works Foreman Del Cardinal provided Council with a general update, noting that approximately 400 truckloads of snow were relocated from within the Village to the Tower Park area following heavy snowfall in December. Del also shared that pre-planning is underway for spring melt and that Public Works will work with Administration to provide more frequent Public Works updates through the Village’s Facebook page and website. Council commended Public Works for the extra time, care, and dedication shown in maintaining the Village and for their response to recent extreme weather conditions.

Tax Arrears Recovery CAO Jatin Saini provided an update for Council on tax arrear collections. Letters are being issued to residents with outstanding tax arrears outlining the available payment options. The CAO is working directly with residents to support resolution.

Public Works Equipment Council requested that administration bring forth quotes for the purchase of snow removal equipment for the Village of Berywn’s Public Works department which if approved, would be funded by Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) grant funding. LGFF is provincial grant funding provided to municipal governments to support predictable, sustainable capital funding for municipal infrastructure priorities.

ATCO Presentation During a presentation with Carol Broadribb and Shelly Abram from ATCO Utilities, Council received an overview of the Village’s Franchise Agreement, the services ATCO delivers, and the organization’s involvement in the community. They also outlined key differences between various ATCO business units, encouraged continued community involvement and support for local events and initiatives, and presented an option for the Village to extend its current agreement.

Resident Delegation Council heard concerns from a resident regarding their utility account. Council will discuss further and communicate back with the resident.

Development Permit Non-compliance Council considered an appeal related to a development permit application for two accessory sheds on a commercial property. The proposed development did not meet the minimum setback requirement outlined in the Village’s Land Use Bylaw 601, which is in place to ensure safety, access and appropriate spacing between structures. Council received planning advice from Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency (MMSA) and reviewed the submitted drawings and site details. It was noted that proposed placement of the sheds would be too close to the primary building, creating safety and operational concerns. Council was advised that assumptions or exceptions cannot be made where bylaw requirements are not met. Following discussion, Council determined that Land Use Bylaw 601 must be applied consistently and upheld the decision to deny the request for an exception. The proposed relocation of the sheds on the property was not approved.

Utility Bylaw Amendments Council approved amendments to the Village’s utility bylaws to streamline and clarify utility administration. This included repealing Utility Bylaw No. 672, rescinding an outdated utility policy, and adopting Bylaw No. 728 to amend Utility Bylaw No. 720, consolidating all provisions related to non-functioning or unreadable water meters into a single governing bylaw.

The next regular Council Meeting will be held on February 12th, 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.