Vermilion Council Sets Policing Priorities And Advances Bylaws

Vermilion Town Council met on March 3 in council chambers and via Zoom, addressing several policy matters, including policing priorities, municipal bylaws, and budget adjustments.

Council first heard from Vermilion RCMP Sgt. Ken Shamblaw, who presented recommendations for the community’s policing priorities for 2026. Administration recommended that property crime, traffic enforcement, and drug-related offences be adopted as the top three priorities. Establishing priorities helps guide RCMP enforcement and prevention efforts while ensuring policing strategies reflect community concerns. Council discussed the importance of maintaining communication with residents regarding public safety issues before approving the priorities for the coming year.

Council then moved into business arising from prior meetings, beginning with consideration of Animal Control Bylaw No. 10-2025. The proposed bylaw is intended to replace the existing animal control bylaw enacted in 2024 and introduce several updates to improve enforcement and oversight of domestic animals within the town.

One of the key changes requires owners to ensure dogs and cats wear identification tags displaying a current telephone number to help facilitate the quick return of animals to their owners and reduce impoundments. The bylaw also introduces a new classification system that distinguishes between attacks involving animals and attacks involving people, with corresponding enforcement measures and penalties. Administration noted that the existing animal licensing program had low participation and did not generate enough revenue to offset administrative and operational costs. Following the discussion, the council considered second and third readings of the bylaw.

Council also reviewed Emergency Management Bylaw No. 1-2026, which aligns the Town of Vermilion with provincial legislation and supports participation in the Regional Emergency Management Collective. The bylaw outlines the structure for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts within the municipality. As part of the bylaw, the administration recommended the appointment of Andrew DeGruchy as Director of Emergency Management for the town. The director is responsible for coordinating emergency plans, overseeing response efforts during emergencies, and ensuring the municipality meets legislative requirements related to emergency management.

Other items considered under business arising included a request to reschedule the April 21 regular council meeting and an amending motion related to a Vermilion Public Library Board appointment.

Under new business, the council reviewed several administrative and financial matters. Council discussed a request regarding representation on the Community Futures Board, as well as a report outlining operating and capital budget funds from 2025 that would be carried forward into the current fiscal year. Administration also presented proposed adjustments to the 2026 municipal budget for council’s consideration.

Council further discussed a resolution being prepared for submission to the 2026 Alberta Municipalities conference and reviewed an appointment to the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) committee.

Council also reviewed financial statements covering the period from Feb. 12 to Feb. 26, which were accepted for information.

During the council round table, members shared updates from recent meetings and community events they had attended, while correspondence received by the municipality was also accepted as information.

Council later moved into closed session under the Access to Information Act to discuss matters related to the County of Vermilion River Intermunicipal Liaison Committee and advice from officials.

Following the completion of closed session discussions, the meeting adjourned.