The Vermilion Town Council Meeting was full of heated decisions on December 18. CAO George Rogers said, “It’s my pleasure to introduce our new Director of Finance, Jay Warawa.” Warawa is a chartered professional accountant who moved from the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River. He previously worked in the Peace Country, and territorial government. He has been a director of finance for the past 10 years and in finance for the past 15 – 18 years, so his experience is sure to be an asset to Vermilion. “I’m thrilled to be here. What attracted me to the area was that I have spent time assisting my brothers with a hobby farm north of Minburn. Having moved closer, I will be able to help out on a more regular basis. I look forward to the benefits of living, working, and recreating in Vermilion,” said Warawa. Sgt. Jane Boehr delivered a presentation on behalf of the Vermilion RCMP Detachment regarding their statistics from July 1 - December 18. According to Boehr, in that time, they received 587 calls for service. Of those, 56 charges were laid or recommended. She also noted that a crime reduction unit has been assisting in eastern Alberta, and said that they have been a huge asset throughout the area. “Overall, we have a very safe community, and it is in part to the work that your team does, so thank you,” said Mayor Caroline McAuley. In new business, a motion was made for council to accept the construction proposal from SureForm Contracting to build the new wastewater treatment facility and approved the total project costs of $19,231,587.56. Discussion took place including that the design has capacity for a population of 7,500 as well as that projected growth estimated it would be 2037 before the town would need an expansion. “The facility has been overdue for replacement for over eight years,” said Councillor McCullough before the motion was carried. In Economic Development, council approved an extension of the sale of lots in Yellowhead Business Park at $99,000 per acre until December 31, 2019. Councillor Thompson congratulated Councillor Yaceyko on being elected the Library Board Chair. Discussion arose regarding the upcoming participation of council members at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference in Whistler, British Columbia. After weighing the value of the conference, the time constraints, and the cost; council voted to boycott the ICSC conference based on the comments previously made by the mayor of Whistler regarding Alberta oil companies. “I think the letter sent by the mayor of Whistler is detrimental, and I think it is important that we take a stand and let people see how the economy has been affected by the suffering of our oil industry,” said Councillor Henderson.”