Council Highlights - April 10, 2025

RCMP Update from Staff Sergeant Lacey Blair

Sergeant Lacey Blair, RCMP Staff Sergeant and Detachment Commander, provided an update for Council on local policing and RCMP initiatives. She noted that with the warmer weather comes an increase in crime and that property offences, motor vehicle thefts, and break-and-enters remain key concerns in the region. Residents are reminded to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving keys inside. RCMP members continue to actively patrol Berwyn and surrounding areas and encourage the public to report any suspicious activity and that no call is too small for the RCMP to respond. It is imperative that suspicious activity be reported to increase presence in the community. She also provided information on a new initiative, Coffee with a Cop, that offers residents a chance to connect with local RCMP members face-to-face. A session will be hosted in Berwyn or Brownvale in the coming months. Council expressed their appreciation to the RCMP for their continued presence and commitment to keeping the community safe.

Rural Crime Watch Symposium

A member of the Village of Berwyn Citizens on Patrol attended the Council meeting to provide a report on the Rural Crime Watch Symposium held March 14–15, 2025, in Edmonton. Members of the Village of Berwyn Citizens on Patrol took part in the event, which featured presentations on a range of topics, including crime trends, labour and sex trafficking, and included speakers from the RCMP, Fish and Wildlife, and a local MLA was also in attendance. Council extended their gratitude to the Citizens on Patrol members for the important work they do to help keep Berwyn safe. In February, Council approved $400 in funding to support Citizens on Patrol members in attending the symposium

Audit Extension

Council directed Administration to request an extension from Alberta Municipal Affairs for the submission of the Village of Berwyn’s 2024 audited financial statements. The audit is currently in progress, but due to challenges such as software system updates, delays in compiling financial data, and scheduling conflicts with the auditors, it is unlikely that the audit will be completed by the May 1, 2025 deadline. As a result, an extension is being requested to allow additional time to finalize the audit and submit the required documents.

Health Spending Account

Council reviewed information regarding the implementation of a Health Spending Account for the Village of Berwyn staff and made a motion to table it and include the information in upcoming budget discussions. 

Speed Signs

Council received an update on the speed sign recently positioned near Glenmyer Park and discussed plans to rotate the sign to various locations throughout Berwyn. The sign also records vehicle speeds, providing valuable data for the Village.

Arena Appraisal

Council reviewed an appraisal for the Berwyn Arena and lot provided by Plant & Associates, with a market value of $127,000 as of February 24, 2025. As Council has not received any interest in the area from community groups, Council directed Adminstration to list it at the market value. 

Snow Removal Policy 

Council approved the Village of Berwyn Snow Removal Policy.  The policy outlines locations, priorities and procedures for snow removal in the Village of Berwyn.

Village of Hines Creek Letter of Support

Council directed Administration to draft a letter of support in response to a request from the Village of Hines Creek regarding challenges with Alberta's current water sample testing process. The letter will endorse proposed solutions to improve sample delivery timelines and reduce costs for rural municipalities.

Roof Repair Quote

Council reviewed a quote for $8,317.53 for roof repairs at the Village of Berwyn Administration office and authorized that Administration retain Revive Contracting to complete the project.

Freedom of Information and Protection (FOIP) Bylaw

Council approved the second and final reading of the FOIP Bylaw. The bylaw outlines a clear and structured FOIP request process and ensures the requirements of the legislation are met.

Fee Schedule Bylaw Update

Council approved three readings of Bylaw 723 that includes a $3 increase to the utility bill paper copy fee, a housekeeping update in the FOIP request section, and the inclusion of a clause stating that seniors aged 65 years and older are exempt from the fee entirely. The updates to the bylaw align with the legislative structure and provide clarity for the public.