Council Meeting Highlights - July 23, 2025

Regular Council Meeting
Meeting Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 
In attendance: Mayor Fule, Councillor Langmaid, Deputy Mayor Mitzner, Councillor Montgomery, Councillor Peterson, Councillor Wegener, and Councillor Wiley. 
 

Council adopted the minutes from the July 2, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.

Following Closed Meeting sessions Council approved the Town of Strathmore to act as a seconder for the Village of Hussar’s motion regarding Midwifery as an Option of Care for all Albertans, to be brought forward as a resolution at the upcoming 2025 Alberta Municipalities convention.

They directed administration to commence community engagement on the construction of an NHL sized arena, connected to Westmount School, and bring that information for consideration during the 2026 budget deliberation meetings.

Council also approved a new Physician Incentive Program Policy, to attract physicians to Strathmore. This policy offers a one-time grant of up to $90,000 to the establishment of a new medical office in the Town.

Delegations

RCMP Q4 Quarterly Report & 2025-2026 Policing Priorities

• Staff Sergeant Wielgosz provided an update on the activities within the RCMP detachment area from January 2025 to March 2025.
• Council approved the following priorities for 2025-2026:

1. Property Crime: Maintaining and or reducing instances of break and enters, theft of motor vehicles, and theft from motor vehicles from historical averages;
2. Traffic Safety: Maintaining and or reducing instances of reportable and injury collisions from historical averages; and
3. Community Engagement.

These priorities will be achieved through various methods including but not limited to: Crime reduction/prevention strategies, enhanced visibility, road safety initiatives, engagement with community groups, schools, and involvement in local events and delivery of services in Community Policing model.

Business

Service and Service Level Inventory Review

• To ensure sufficient resourcing, ahead of a budgeting cycle Council must provide direction on what external programs, services, and service levels they wish to offer. They reviewed that proposed list in advance of the meeting.
• Council then adopted the proposed Service and Service Level Inventory to be used as a framework for the 2026 budget deliberations.

Real Property Transactions Policy No. 6610

• Administration presented the Real Property Transactions Policy which was developed reflect current legislation and industry best practices related to municipal real property transactions, including lease arrangements.
• Council directed Administration to return to a meeting in September 2025 with an updated Real Property Transactions Policy.

Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) with Villages of Rockyford, Standard and Hussar - Terms of Reference

• An ICF is a tool to facilitate cooperation between municipalities to ensure municipal services are provided to residents in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• With growth continuing in Strathmore and surrounding areas, the Town and Villages have recognized the benefits of adopting an ICF together. This document aims to achieve mutual prosperity by establishing policy frameworks that formalize the working relationship between the municipalities.
• Council approved the Terms of Reference for the development of an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) with the Villages of Rockyford, Standard and Hussar.
• Next Steps: The preparation of the ICF will be undertaken jointly by the Town of Strathmore and the villages of Hussar, Rockyford, and Standard, involving both elected officials and staff.

Annexation Update

• The Town of Strathmore continues to advance its annexation initiative involving approximately three quarter sections of land west of town. The process is being led in collaboration with Wheatland County and supported by CORVUS and ISL Engineering. The annexation is intended to support long-term growth, diversify land use, and support local and regional economic development opportunities.
• Next steps: An information session is being planned for mid-August, and engagement with individual landowners is ongoing. Work will also continue on developing the annexation agreement, as well as the key components of the overall annexation application that will be submitted to the Alberta Land and Property Rights Tribunal.

Tax Arrears Auction - Results and Minutes

• The Town of Strathmore successfully completed a tax auction on arrears properties on July 3, 2025.
• The Town sold the four condo parking stalls for a combined $8,650. The tax arrears on the properties were an approximate $6,000 combined.
• Recording minutes advising Council of the results were presented.

Budget Policy No. 1809

• Council adopted Budget Policy No. 1809.
• This budget policy will help develop guidelines for budget and taxation. The budget and taxation policy will aid Council is providing stable and predictable tax rates, manage debt limits and plan for sustainable growth.

Water Reservoir Project - Financing Amendment

• As the life cycle of Brentwood Reservoir comes to an end, upgrades to the Wildflower Reservoir are required to decommission Brentwood Reservoir without having an impact on services. This includes upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and building at the Wildflower Reservoir, it also includes distribution upgrades in Maplewood, and finally the decommissioning of Brentwood Reservoir.
• Council approved the following funding update to the Water Reservoir Project:
  • $1,173,000 - Water Offsite Levies
  • $5,450,000 - Debt
  • $ 360,711 - Canada Community Building Fund Grant
  • $ 731,202 - Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership Grant

$7,714,913 - Total Funding

Culture and Wellbeing Task Force Funding Recommendations

• The mandate for the Culture and Wellbeing Task Force is to identify, coordinate, and support cultural and wellness initiatives that enhance Strathmore’s profile, community identity, and civic pride.
• Council approved funding through the Culture and Wellbeing Task Force:
  • $7,000.00 to The Vault Cultural Collective Society
  • $5,200.00 to the Strathmore Municipal Library
  • $5,500 to Hope Bridges
• $12,300.00 remain of the funds allocated to the Culture and Wellbeing Task Force.

Public Art Mural Strathmore Skatepark - Skills for Success

• The Culture & Wellbeing Task Force is tasked with evaluating proposed public art projects that advance art, culture, and wellness in the town, this committee provides recommendations to Council for final approval on all public art projects.
• Prospect Human Services has requested permission for a mural at the Strathmore Skatepark to be painted as a part of their Skills for Success program.
• Concepts for this public art project include:
  • Exterior Wall of the Bowl (Stairwell Side): A bold, graffiti-inspired mural of the words “Strathmore Skatepark” in bright, dynamic lettering.
  • Interior of the Stairwell: Handprints and signatures of participating artists, celebrating their contribution in a colorful, community-based display. This project is intended to be a collaborative effort that includes members of the Skatemore girls as well as local youth groups.
  • Exterior of the Stairwell Wall: A large mural of our “Skater Boy,” tying the concept together through vibrant visuals and cohesive design.
  • Backside of the Ramp: A whimsical, illustrated map of Strathmore highlighting local landmarks and attractions. While not a riding surface, we love how this design still ties into the original idea of connecting skaters with their community.
• Council approved the mural with installation to begin in late August.

*Council Highlights provide a brief review of the information given and discussions had at Strathmore Town Council Meetings. Council Highlights are not presented as official minutes of the meeting and do not include items discussed in a closed meeting. Official meeting minutes can be accessed at the relevant date on the Council Calendar. 

Watch the full meeting here:

July 23, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting - Part 1

July 23, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting - Part 2

July 23, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting - Part 3

July 23, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting - Part 4

Watch all past streams here:  https://www.youtube.com/@TOStrathmore/streams