The new Emergency Management Bylaw, which was the top priority from the “Lessons Learned” Report done by KPMG after the wildfire, was passed unanimously by council on May 22.
The bylaw defines the roles and responsibilities of the CAO, the Director of Emergency Management, the Emergency Advisory Committee and the Emergency Management Agency.
Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz said that the region will ‘without question’ be safer with the new bylaw.
“This bylaw puts emphasis on planning and mitigation, prevention and recovery.”
He said the previous bylaw was more focused on response.
One of the three presentations at the meeting was from Fort McMurray First Nation #468 who asked for a letter of support to be sent to the provincial and federal governments to execute a Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement.
FMFN #468 is working with Cameron Development to develop around 190 acres as a commercial centre near the intersection of Highway 63 and Highway 69.
The land would be converted to ‘reserve’ followed by the creation of an Indigenous Economic Development Zone.
Council also agreed to the $1.5 million dollars in municipal funding requested by the Canada 55+ bid committee, should the region be selected. They also agreed to cancel the Birchwood Trail Lookout Tower project and undertake a new public consultation.
A public hearing was scheduled for June 26 to discuss the redistricting of the corner of Mills Avenue and Clearwater Drive from its current zone to Mixed/Transitional Commercial District.
Youth initiative group 3 Things Wood Buffalo also challenged mayor and council to provide three random acts of kindness each before the next council meeting on June 12.
