Council Meeting Highlights

March 12, 2026 Regular Council Meeting

RCMP Update from Staff Sergeant Lacey Blair Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Lacey Blair provided Council with an update on local policing and RCMP initiatives. A summary of the Peace Regional RCMP Q3 report (October–December 2025) was also provided, noting a decrease in break and enter and mischief incidents and an increase in mental health-related calls during the third quarter. CAO Jatin Saini also shared recent resident survey feedback with Staff Sergeant Blair regarding speeding, RCMP presence and enforcement in the community. Traffic Calming and Speeding Survey Results Council reviewed the results of the Traffic Calming and Speeding Survey and thanked the community for their engagement, noting a total of 94 responses. Council accepted the results as information. The community response will help inform recommendations that will be brought back to Council for review at an upcoming meeting. Peace Regional Energy Committee Council approved an invitation for the Village of Berwyn to join the Peace Regional Energy Committee (PREC). Council appointed Mayor Nicole Johnson to serve as the Village of Berwyn representative, with Deputy Mayor Brian Carreau as the alternate.PREC provides a regional forum for local and neighbouring municipalities to share information and collaborate on energy development initiatives in the Peace Region. Village of Berwyn Campgrounds Council discussed a proposed operating plan for reopening the Village campground for the 2026 season. The plan includes a low-cost self-registration system, clear site rules, oversight by Public Works, and limits on the length of stay. Council also directed that bylaws related to non-compliance be reviewed and integrated. The plan will be brought back to Council for further review. Capital and Equipment Strategy Council reviewed and discussed a draft Village of Berwyn Capital and Equipment Strategy outlining a three-year approach to managing infrastructure, equipment, and available grant funding. The strategy focuses on priorities such as roads, drainage, underground services, and snow management capacity. Council approved moving forward with engineering reviews of priority road areas, planning future road work in phases, reviewing snow management needs, and maintaining a balanced approach to infrastructure and equipment planning. Berwyn Arena Council discussed recreation opportunities in the Village, including the potential to utilize the arena as a multifunctional space. Administration was directed to arrange an appraisal and structural and mechanical assessments of the facility. Resident Request Council approved a resident’s request to extend the deadline for relocating sheds on their property that currently do not comply with the Land Use Bylaw. The extension was requested due to winter conditions and the difficulty of moving the structures at this time. Water Meter Repairs Plan and Policy Council reviewed information regarding malfunctioning water meters within the Village and accepted the Request for Decision, Water Meter Service Scheduling Policy, and liability waiver as presented. Council directed administration to review safety protocols for water meter installations and address any confusion regarding water consumption and billing. Administration will prepare a mock-up of the water bill to better explain it to residents.

Lac Cardinal Regional Economic Development Report Update

Misty Velichka, Economic Development Officer for the Lac Cardinal Regional Economic Development Board, provided an overview of the Enabling Housing Choice North Project and highlighted key findings from the What We Heard Report. The report reflects input from stakeholders in the Village of Berwyn, the MD of Peace, and the Town of Grimshaw. Funded by the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, the project aims to gather insights to support growth and expand housing options in northern communities. Information was also shared about a grant-funded Career Fair planned for June 4 and October 17, 2026, in Grimshaw aimed at connecting high school students with local opportunities and encouraging youth to work in the north.

Council Representation at RhPAP Regional Summit

Council approved Councillor Vander Klok’s attendance at the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) Northwestern Regional Summit on June 2, 2026 in Sexsmith, Alberta. Councillor Vander Klok is a Village of Berwyn representative and a member of the Grimshaw Regional Healthcare Attraction and Retention Committee.

The next regular Council Meeting will be held on April 9, 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.