Original Published 15:43 Mar 24, 2022

By Jesse Boily, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Town of Sexsmith

Regular Meeting of Council 

March 21, 2022

In Attendance: Mayor Kate Potter, 

councillors Bruce Black, Daycie Bohning, Dennis Stredulinsky, Ken Hildebrand, Jonathan Siggelkow, Clint Froehlick.

Volunteer Alberta is encouraging municipalities opt for virtual meetings or public displays honouring volunteers in the community instead of in-person celebrations this year.  

Naomi Robinson, Sexsmith Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), suggested to council that benches be dedicated to volunteers to mark National Volunteer Week April 24-30.

Council decided to ask FCSS to move forward with an in-person event as well as tagging $1,000 to help with the purchase of the commemorative benches.

The benches will be placed along the town’s walking paths.

Volunteer Alberta also offers a $500 grant that the town will be applying for that covers some of the volunteer appreciation event.

The town has received the grant in previous years.

“I think it’s important to come together and celebrate,” said mayor Kate Potter.

Council also discussed that with the town moving forward with events like Chautauqua Day this summer, they didn’t want to shy away from an in-person event.

Ukraine support: Council decided to show support to Ukraine with a display downtown at the gazebo. The Ukrainian flag will be raised at the flag poles; there will also be social media posts informing residents how they can support the people of Ukraine.

Coun. Stredulinsky said that he would be donating a Ukrainian flag; other councillors are donating lights for a display at the gazebo.

“I think that that shows that we’re behind Ukrainian people,”  said Coun. Black.

2024 Winter Games: The City of Grande Prairie asked for Sexsmith for a letter expressing interest in a partnership in submitting a regional bid for the 2024 Alberta Winter Games.

“Our region last hosted the Alberta Winter Games in 1980, and as you know, most recently held

the 2018 Alberta Summer Games,” said Jackie Clayton, Grande Prairie mayor.

“The Games were tremendously successful, resulting in significant social and economic impact on the Grande Prairie region.”

The town decided it would send a letter in support of the city’s bid.

Small business tax incentive: Council decided to extend the deadline for small businesses tax incentive’s annual small business declaration from Dec. 31 to March 31 to help more businesses be eligible and apply.

Small businesses with fewer than five employees are eligible for Sexsmith’s small business tax incentive. 

This item reprinted with permission from Town& Country News, Beaverlodge Alberta