Elk Point council discusses Machinery and Equipment Tax Incentive Bylaw and infrastructure upgrades

During the June 24 council meeting, the town of Elk Point council made strides in community development by amending its Machinery and Equipment Tax Incentive Bylaw and addressing infrastructure upgrades, including a new water reservoir, sewer trunk line, and fire pumper truck replacement.  

Elk Point town council revisited its Machinery and Equipment Tax Incentive Bylaw during the June 24 council meeting, proposing amendments to encourage further development and redevelopment in the community. Amendment Bylaw 892/24, prepared by the town’s solicitor, was passed after all three readings. This amendment allows the council to offer full or partial tax concessions to non-residential developments and machinery and equipment included in the original bylaw. To qualify for these concessions, developments must be deemed beneficial to the municipality by the council.  

Discussions included the construction of a new water reservoir, estimated to cost $7.7 million, and a new sewer trunk line, with an estimated cost of $6.4 million. The council also reviewed options for replacing the town’s aging fire pumper truck, with costs ranging from $885,980 to $1,158,900.  

Manager of Operations Jay Duffee and Fire Chief Bryce Osinchuk provided input on the necessity of these upgrades. Despite its low service hours, the current pumper truck, owned by the town for 25 years, is nearing the replacement deadline. The council considered two replacement options. A more expensive Spartan Custom, known for its tighter turning radius and roomier cab, and a lower-priced Freightliner. While Deputy Mayor Wanda Cochrane expressed concerns about volunteer retention with the less costly option, the council concluded that the Spartan’s higher price was unjustified. 

Fire Chief Osinchuk emphasized the need to acquire the Freightliner promptly to meet the replacement deadline and avoid price increases. The council passed a motion for administration and the fire chief to prepare a tender for the new pumper truck. 

The council also decided to apply for an Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) grant, in collaboration with the County of St. Paul and Frog Lake First Nations, to design a new water reservoir. Elk Point will act as the managing partner for this project. The Local Government Fiscal Framework allocation has been confirmed for 2024 and 2025, and an application for the water reservoir project has already been submitted. Discussion on the sewer trunk line was deferred, with the council agreeing that the sale of Lot 15 could significantly offset development costs.  

Portage College president and CAO Nancy Broadbent along with Assistance Dean of Economic Development Joanne Metchooyeah and Community Adult Learning instructor Sandra Bishop, visited the council. They provided a comprehensive update on the courses available and proposed across the region, discussing the potential impact on the need for qualified workers in various sectors in northeast Alberta.