Mayor Wayne Ayling and members of Council met this week with provincial ministers in Edmonton to review a number of issues of importance to the region.   One of the key meetings was with Municipal Affairs minister, Rob Renner, and his Deputy, Dan Bader, with a focus on issues related to the dramatic growth of the region.

“Minister Renner was very understanding of the concerns and offered to provide one of his senior officials to meet with regional representatives to discuss a range of solutions to the rapid growth that is happening in North West Alberta,” said the Mayor today.

 “To prepare for that meeting, which ideally should involve the City, the County and all the major communities in the region, we will be inviting the six municipalities to meet at an early date and review the regional issues which we will need to discuss with the provincial official,” added the Mayor.

Related to regional development, the City delegation met with a number of Councilors from Strathcona County in Sherwood Park, on the outskirts of Edmonton, to understand how that community works together.

“While there are some different features in Strathcona, related to its proximity to Edmonton, there are many similarities with what our region might face with its rapid growth,” said the Mayor.   “It was most encouraging to listen to the ways in which they have successfully protected the different lifestyles, while providing modern services across a diverse region.”

During the visit, the City delegation, together with MLA Mel Knight, also held update meetings with Gaming Minister Gordon Graydon on the planned aquatics centre; Justice Minister, Ron Stevens, and officials from the Solicitor General’s department, to discuss illegal gang activities; and officials of Alberta Seniors and Community Supports on plans for social housing initiatives.

For further information contact Mayor Wayne Ayling: (780) 538-0310.