Town Council Meeting May 5

Town of Vermilion Council reviewed a wide range of community, infrastructure, and financial matters during its regular meeting on May 5, including updates from the Vermilion RCMP, regional airport advocacy efforts, first quarter financial reporting, and requests for support for upcoming community events.

One of the evening’s major presentations came from Sgt. Ken Shamblaw, Detachment Commander for the Vermilion RCMP, who presented the quarterly policing report covering January through March 2026. The report highlighted ongoing priorities including property crime, police presence, and traffic enforcement, all of which will continue into the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

Crime statistics presented to Council showed total Criminal Code offences increased slightly from 224 in the first quarter of 2025 to 232 during the same period in 2026. Criminal harassment saw one of the most significant increases, rising from eight occurrences to 22. Mental Health Act related files also increased sharply, from 16 to 30. Meanwhile, property crime overall continued to trend downward compared to previous years.

Shamblaw also informed Council about a national RCMP modernization initiative involving the phased rollout of new Glock 45 MOS duty pistols beginning later this year. The transition will include mandatory training for frontline officers and is expected to be completed nationally by summer 2028.

Council also received an update regarding the Town’s Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program application connected to planned improvements at the Vermilion Municipal Airport. Administration noted the airport continues to serve as a critical regional asset supporting economic activity, tourism, business travel, and emergency medical transportation throughout the area.

Letters of support have already been received from the Villages of Mannville and Kitscoty, while responses remain pending from Marwayne, Paradise Valley, and the City of Lloydminster. The Town is seeking approximately $2.145 million in funding for airport infrastructure improvements, with the municipality contributing approximately $536,375 toward the project.

Council also reviewed an Alberta Municipalities resolution initiative focused on contaminated and derelict properties. The proposed resolution calls on the provincial government to review legislation surrounding brownfield remediation and to reinstate properly funded remediation grant programs for municipalities dealing with abandoned contaminated lands.

On the financial side, Council received the Town’s first quarter financial report for the period ending March 31, 2026. Administration stated the quarterly reporting process is intended to improve transparency and provide the public with easier access to municipal financial information.

The report showed several capital projects currently underway, including the Street Improvement Program, East Reservoir upgrades, fire hall storage expansion, and equipment purchases. One completed project included the installation of an automated gate at the Town Shop facility.

Council additionally reviewed the Town’s April accounts payable listing totalling just over $1.21 million, including payroll and operational expenses.

Another item before Council involved a sponsorship request from the Vermilion Agricultural Society’s Canine Committee for the 2026 Canada Day celebration. Organizers are planning a free family event featuring games, children’s activities, fireworks, a stock dog trial, Corgi races, and community programming. The request sought financial and in-kind support from the Town, although administration recommended Council receive the request as information at this stage.

Council concluded the evening with correspondence, round table discussions, and a closed session related to intermunicipal liaison matters and advice from officials