The Council meeting on June 27 talked about new developments for our community as we recover from last years wildfire.
The two hour meeting saw Councillors ensuring they made decisions for the community that would benefit the larger population.
Utility Rates Bylaws
Council unanimously passed the second and third reading of utility rates bylaw amendments for acceptable contaminated soil.
Fees for dumping acceptable contaminated soil at the landfill will be reinstated as a soil stockpiling site is now fully operational in Abrams Land.
Second and third readings of the utility rate increases passed 8-1 with Councillor Sheldon Germain opposing.
The recommendation will raise rates by 10% annually for 5 years with estimates that by 2023 the utility rates would be at cost-recovery levels.
Currently utility rates are not adjusted for inflation.
When compared to other urban communities, RMWB residents average monthly bills are approximately half of the provincial average.
“Becoming cost-recovery is the right to do because people then understand how those services are being paid for”, Said Germain, “but right now it’s almost counter intuitive, because if we have to do something with our residential tax rate then why wouldn’t we give people a break on their utilities?”
Council unanimously voted to do a rate review analysis of the Municipal Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Utilities and Direct Cost Recovery.
The implementation of the Municipal Utility Corporation will be re-evaluated once Direct Cost Recovery is achieved.
Wildfire Memorials
Cranley Ryan and Theresa Wells spoke as delegates about the honouring the Heroes of Wood Buffalo project community committee.
The committee has commissioned re-owned Canadian Sculptor Morgan McDonald to create a commemorative art piece for fist responders to be displayed in a memorial park for Emily Ryan and Aaron Hodgson park.
“As a Dad it brings me some comfort knowing I did something as my part in developing a memorial to remember these kids and significantly recognize the events that lead to the evacuation, ” said Ryan, Emily’s father.
The proposed location is in Beacon Hill, one of the hardest hit neighbourhoods, on top of the hill overlooking Greyling Terrace.
Councilor Sheldon Germain echoed Ryan’s thoughts on the location being a perfect place as it overlooks the lower townsite including Fire Hall #1 and Responders way.
Currently the committee is looking to achieve non-profit status so they can get aid in securing funds for the projects.
Pride Fort McMurray
The Regional Advisory Committee on Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (RACIDE) will be Supporting Pride YMM.
Both organizations received endorsements and supports from Council for Pride events in Fort McMurray.
Fort McMurray Pride events are set to take place in August.
Their goals are to have future events, like flag raising, parades, advocacy groups, rainbow sidewalks etc.
Recognitions
Irfan Bangash is being recognized for all his efforts in bringing the game of cricket to Fort McMurray.
Since 2011 Bangash created the Fort McMurray Cricket Club which is now home to six teams with 15 players on each team, women’s and children programs.
Sonny Flett of Fort Chipewyan is also being acknowledge for his work in the community.
For all his community service and volunteerism council approved the recommendation to rename the Aquatic centre in Fort Chipewyan after Flett.
