Town of Slave Lake council held a Committee of the Whole meeting on May 12. After a roughly 30-minute delay due to technical difficulties, pushing the start time to 6:28 p.m., elected officials worked through a packed agenda before entering a closed session at 7:08 p.m. Residents can attend regular council meetings in person at council chambers or watch the broadcasts online on the town’s YouTube channel.

Big Fish Bay resort expansion

Council unanimously passed the third and final reading of Bylaw 03-2026, which amends the Inter-Municipal Plan to redistrict a parcel of land at 950 Caribou Trail. The landowner, Big Fish Bay, is actively expanding its existing operations into a recreation resort featuring camping opportunities, cabin accommodations and retail space. This administrative tweak officially changes the land designation from Light Industrial to Recreation, Parks and Schools.

Commercial advertising rates updated

To expand opportunities for local businesses and generate revenue to support recreation operations, council passed a new Commercial Advertising Rates Bylaw. The updated framework introduces new advertising spaces, including change room doors and zone wraps at the Multi-Rec Centre. It also drops the price of a wall mount sign from $1,100 to $750 to better reflect current market values and drum up more interest.

Spring construction and operations

Chief Administrative Officer Alex Pavcek delivered the operations update, confirming that the town’s 2026 asphalt and sidewalk patching programs have been awarded and site visits are underway.

“We are in construction season already,” Pavcek said.
Councillor Kimberly Hughes praised the town’s maintenance efforts, noting it is nice to see the grass getting greener. Hughes also asked about the status of the town’s speed signs. Pavcek said he hopes to see them fully operational by the end of May, explaining that the department is working alongside peace officers. While specific timelines for filling potholes are still up in the air, grading and street sweeping are actively happening around town.

Healthcare updates and wait times

Councillor Lynn Bowes delivered a Tri-Council Health Committee update, sharing that Slave Lake currently has two new doctors. Once fully approved, this could potentially allow the local clinic to open on more weekends. Currently, residents face an average wait time of three days to get an appointment after phoning the clinic.

To honour local medical staff, May 25 to 29 was officially proclaimed as Alberta Rural Health Week. The Tri-Council will also host a community barbecue on May 29 to thank healthcare and emergency workers.

“Their contributions to the community goes far beyond anything!” Bowes said.

Tourism rebranding and airport expansion

Councillor Hughes announced that the regional tourism society has officially rebranded as the “Lakes of the North Regional Tourism Society” to better reflect its expanded scope. An Indigenous tourism conference is also slated to be held in Slave Lake this fall.

At the Slave Lake airport, Hughes mentioned that surrounding trees will soon be cut or trimmed to ensure the facility stays compliant with Transport Canada regulations. The airport is also seeing a surge of interest from developers, with a commercial helicopter hangar slated to begin construction in late May, alongside one already-approved private hangar and inquiries for a second.

Community programs and proclamations

Over in community services, swimming lessons have officially kicked off for the month of May at the aquatic centre. Local youth have plenty to look forward to as well. The Youth Advisory Committee recently landed a $2,500 grant from the Rotary Club. They are currently planning an end-of-school pool night, a Halloween dance and a winter fundraiser featuring pictures with the Grinch.

Meanwhile, Councillor Cindy Williams reported that the Slave Lake Library successfully passed its annual financial audit, receiving a satisfactory opinion. Council passed a series of proclamations to support various causes.

June 11 is officially declared Lipedema Awareness Day, and the Rennie Hall Plaza will be illuminated in purple to mark the occasion. Council also proclaimed May 18 to 24 as Alberta Community Disability Services Professional Appreciation Week, with the plaza slated to light up in orange. Finally, June 1 to 7 was officially declared Seniors’ Week.

Mayor Francesca Ward and councillors Lynn Bowes, Shawn Gramlich, Craig Hudson, Kimberly Hughes and Cindy Williams all attended the meeting in person. Councillor Andrew Achoba was not present in person.

Armaan Khanna
Local Journalism Initiative
Reporter