2023 Annual Report

The Town of Edson experienced extraordinary challenges over the past year in terms of emergency situations for both the community and the organization. The emergencies interrupted operations, and organizational recovery took time. Administration was required to further enhance our readiness and preparedness for possible future emergency events. I am extremely proud of Town staff for their efforts during and after the emergencies. The team demonstrated incredible dedication and care for our community’s safety.

Administration remains driven in its dedication to serving the public in accordance with the Council's vision. The 2023 Annual Report presents a comprehensive overview of our initiatives throughout the previous year. This report provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate our progress from the past year. Through this process of reflection, we reassert our commitment to delivering high-calibre services that address the growing needs of our residents. Central to our endeavours is the pledge to engage with the community, solicit feedback, and ensure responsiveness to the varied perspectives and priorities of our residents. This continuous exchange of ideas is pivotal in informing our decisions and shaping our undertakings to enhance our community.

It gives me great pride to look back on the progress achieved this past year and the steps taken to ensure we continue to not only grow and adapt as a town, but also to thrive. I extend my sincere thanks to each individual who continues to make the Town of Edson the wonderful community that it is.

- Christine Beveridge

2023 was another year of growth and cooperation with our local business community.

The Economic Development Department had a staffing change with Morgan Roberts taking over the role of the Economic Development Officer.

669 Business Licences were issued in 2023 with over 100 business visitations completed between October and December to discuss a wide range of topics.

While we saw a pause on the Rural Renewal Stream Program late in the year, 86 letters were endorsed through the program and Council has approved re-applying to be a part of the program again in 2024.

Over this past year, the Human Resources Department has continued to evolve to meet the needs of our organization and the community we serve. We strive to continually provide the resources and support to enable our people to perform at their optimum capacity.

We have continued to build our teams with many notable changes. By continuously assessing and reevaluating our needs, we’ve been able to restructure some key positions. Notably, the recent organizational restructuring has allowed us to focus on key areas of the organization while ensuring operational requirements for the Town continue to be met.

We continue to promote from within our organization, where able, showing that our strength truly does lie in our staff members.

As we continue into 2024, the HR department will continue to streamline processes to develop effective and efficient methods that will enhance the employment experience for all our employees.

Health & Safety

2023 was the year of resilience and learning within the health and safety department. The Community and Town employees faced many challenges that had the potential to impact Safety. Staff members kept their focus on safety, which contributed to preventing serious injuries to each other and the public during active emergencies. These experiences and new-found knowledge have increased safety awareness and reporting within the organization.

The health and safety program completed the internal COR certification process; an internal Audit reviewed the safety program's strengths and weaknesses. The Town’s Safety Program scored 98% and successfully completed COR maintenance.  Additional health and safety processes are being developed and integrated into the digital safety software. Digital safety programs will continue to be used to streamline operations, assist with productivity, and access safety information. Municipal staff also participated in their third 'Safety Day' for staff training and development.  This event also served as an opportunity to celebrate organizational safe work achievements, the team's professionalism demonstrated during the 2023 local evacuations, COR audit accomplishments, and celebrate our safety culture.

Our Community Development team encompasses the coordination and delivery of programs and events in recreation, arts, culture, neighbourhood initiatives and Family Community Support Services (FCSS) for all ages.

2023 Highlights

• We were happy to return to regularly scheduled, in-person activities this year.
• Edson ranked in the top 5 rural communities during Alberta Culture Days, achieved through collaboration with the Red Brick Arts Centre, Legion, Edmonton Schoolboys Alumni Band, EDHS, Downtown businesses, local musicians, and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Welcomed our community back to show their resiliency by hosting a #EdsonStrong Community Celebration.
• CPS staff ensured the well-being of Edson and County residents during evacuations and upon their return home.
• Regional FCSS and ESS relationships were instrumental in collaborative efforts throughout the evacuations.
• Renovation of Griffiths Park Centre was finalized.
• Transportation Study completed with ESTS.
• Survivor's Flag raised and Land Acknowledgement Policy created with Edson Friendship Centre.
• Community Conversations organized by FCSS with community helping agencies. 26 Community Agencies represented.
• Continued support and leadership of Edson Interagency, YIA, CEAT, CANOE, Ren Faire and Rec Edson.
• Partnered with Parkland High GSA and members of community to paint LGBTQ+ mural on Kin shack.
• The Youth Council volunteered at AHS Extended care, Food Bank, and community events, raising $500 for the Food Bank and attending the Unicef Poverty Simulation.
• The establishment of the FCSS Advisory Board marked a significant step forward.

2023 was a busy year for the Parks and Facility Maintenance Department.

Griffiths Park Centre was a major focus throughout the year and was completed in late 2023 with programming starting at the facility this year.

Work continued at Vision Park with new diamonds being added following the pipeline work done in the area. As well, work was completed at Glenwood Park with the completion of the Multi-Sport facility and a new accessible picnic area.

Renovations were also completed at the Civic Centre, including the installation of a new key card system to ensure security for the building.

While a lot was accomplished in 2023, it wasn't without it's challenges as crews responded to some major flooding in June with a lot of work being done to help alleviate the flooding, as well as ensure our park spaces were safe once the water receded.

The Parks and Facilities Department looks forward to another exciting year ahead!

Additional 2023 Highlights: 

• Burned trees were logged and removed from the overflow campground at Willmore Park.
• Glenwood Multi-Sport facility construction was completed.​
• Installation of lighting at Griffiths Park for dog park and basketball court.​​
• Benches added along park trails.​​
• Vision Park project resulted in 5 new diamonds and two parking lots with completed dirt work and seeding.​​
• Willmore Park Emergency Station installed.​​
• Completion of Parks Assets and Facilities Lifecycle project.​​
• Installation of an accessible picnic area at Glenwood Park.​​
• Monument leveling accomplished at the Cemetery.​​
• Removal of two bridges.​

The Town of Edson Enforcement Services Department continues to provide efficient bylaw enforcement and investigations, dealing with a wide range of complaints.

Community Engagement and Service

Our officers continued with proactive foot patrols of our parks, trails, and greenspaces. Our vehicle patrols continued throughout the entire community, including schools and playgrounds. Our officers continue to liaise with the Edson RCMP, Edson Fire, Fish and Wildlife, and CN Police to work towards maintaining and building successful working relationships.

Services Provided

• Bylaw investigations
• Animal care and control
• Traffic services
• Traffic enforcement
• High visibility patrols
• Event support
• Document service
• Speed sign placement and statistics

RCMP Support

The 4.5 (full time equivalent) RCMP detachment assistants that work out of the detachment are employed and paid by the Town of Edson Enforcement Services Department. This team provides essential law enforcement administrative support for the frontline RCMP members in Edson. Their duties include answering phones, attending the front counter, serving documents, court docket assistance, and providing support for a myriad of police duties.

Edson Community Peace Officer Stats by Type

Our photo enforcement program for 2023 saw a significant decrease in violations compared to previous years.

2023 saw 10,741 violators vs. 13,734 in 2022. There were 22,998 violation tickets issued in 2021.

1. Non-Resident violators 96%
2. Resident violators 4%

Revenues generated for Edson through our photo enforcement program are used to off-set the costs of providing policing to our community as well as a reserve for public safety initiatives.

Photo Radar Call Stats for 2023

Wildfires was the theme for 2023 in the Edson Fire Department. On top of our normal activities like Fire Prevention Week open houses, school tours, and special events, we were also heavily involved in the wildfire events and evacuations in May and June.

Crews were called on for assistance in wildfire operations in the County and were very busy in town during that time FireSmarting homes and preparing in the event the fire did spread into the community. Crews from Edson and all over the province were on hand to provide support during the evacuations.

Edson crews were also deployed to assist with the Bassett Fire, west of High Level.

2023 also saw the hiring of Edson's new Fire Chief Brad Milton.

Emergency Response

The Fire Department responded to 447 emergency incidents in 2023 (up from 413 in 2022) as follows:

Medical First Response Program

In 2023, EFD responded to 194 medical-related emergencies, which accounts for about 43% of fire department responses. EFD responds only to life-threatening medical emergencies, or if the local ambulance is delayed. We continue to work closely with Alberta Health Services and our local EMS provider to ensure a high level of service is provided to the Town of Edson.

Membership Commitment

Members provided 12,880 person hours to the fire service in 2023. This accounts for training hours, emergency response, and weekend on-call coverage. These hours do not account for time spent volunteering for public awareness/engagement activities and special events.

Critical Incident Stress Management

The Edson Fire Department has a trained team of peers to provide support to our first responders during and after critical incidents. Led by our Fire Department Chaplain, these Peers are trained in Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis intervention. An unfortunate reality is that critical incidents do occur, and EFD has a vested interest in the mental well-being of all first responders. Our Peer Support Network plays a critical role in ensuring our members are mentally prepared and capable of coping with these incidents.

2023 key developments approved:

• Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant
• Indoor Riding Arena
• Library Renovation

Utilities

2023 was a year of both triumphs and challenges. Early in the year we were able to secure to inventory a 6” trash pump and 3-4” pumps to support emergency operations. These pumps were used during the June flood event. We also purchased a valve turning and maintenance trailer used extend the life of our underground infrastructure. Some other notable achievements were:

• For safety and to meet our Licensing requirements the Waste Water Treatment Plan and Water System was kept running during the evacuations.
• Sanitary Sewer Condition Assessment was completed and systems upgrades have begun.
• Vision Park Water Well and Washroom Facility opened

Landfill

The landfill saw a combined average daily volume of total materials collected of 9,574,638Kg. The daily volumes collected include tires, metals, and mattresses which are shipped out to be recycled. A metal collection pilot project was initiated which included building a ramp and are testing a bin system to accept our metals. The intent being to keep our site cleaner and enhance efficiency.

Animal Pound

Over this past year the Town of Edson Animal Pound, in conjunction with Town of Edson Bylaw and Yellowhead County Bylaw Services, has continued to operate to meet the needs of the community we serve. We will continue to streamline and develop effective and efficient services that will enhance the efficiency of the Pound operation.

In 2023, there were close to 140 animal intakes. Fortunately, with the continued support from the Edson Animal Rescue Society, local Veterinary Clinics, and Community Support, the Town of Edson Animal Pound was able to relocate these animals . Through the E.A.R.S program a new approach to operations was launched, with the ability to adopt the animals directly from the Animal Pound.

2023 Highlights

• Line painting - 169 crosswalks, 89 stop bars, 16 km centerline.
• Crack sealing 1/4 of town completed.
• Sidewalk repair 600 Lm.

Snow Removal

• Events 10 (2 exceeding 10cm)
• Total costs $260,000.00
• Cost / Lane km $495
• Cost/ Capita $30.79

Fleet

• Komatsu Grader was purchased and delivered.
• Cimline MAGMA M2 crack sealer was delivered.
• Komatsu Loader for snow removal was delivered.
• RPM 200 snow blower was ordered and will be received June 2024.
• Parks chipper truck was ordered and will be received Feb 2024.
• Utilities Water meter dodge truck was ordered and received.

Town of Edson Airport

Aircraft movements

• Total Movements 1,997
• Potential Passengers 12,845
• Tanker Base 44
• STARS 8

The airfield has had a constant movement in 2023 averaging about 167 landings a month. The beacon light was also upgraded to LED in 2023.

Staff also create the Edson & Area Visitor Guide, to educate, inform and entertain travellers and residents. It is filled with lovely images from local photographers and includes a comprehensive list of local attractions and events, maps, campgrounds, accommodations, local business listings and the history of the Edson area. In 2023, 4,000 guides were printed and distributed in Edson, Yellowhead County and Alberta. The visitor guide is also available electronically on our website: www.gallowaystationmuseum.com

High Tea was another high point at the museum! It was a packed house during Senior’s Week, with staff and volunteers serving hot beverages and delicious finger foods to attendees. Participants were treated to entertainment and answered trivia questions for prizes. Attendance was amazingly high, given that the community was evacuated a few short hours later.

This year, the Galloway had another opportunity to partner with Town of Edson, Edson Dance Academy and Edson Tumblers Gymnastics for PD Days - for kids on non-school Fridays throughout the school year. Activities included a cemetery tour, geocaching, the chance to peel their own railway tie, handle real animal skulls, play a fun spice sniff test game and receive a rare basement tour.

Other events included National Film Day, participating in Canada Day festivities, many school tours, and the annual Chair-ity Raffle and Wop May Day celebration. While celebrating the famous pilot, residents and travellers were also able to experience markets, old timey games, and the always popular pie eating contest.

New this year was Prohibition Night on November 4th, a fundraiser in celebration of 100 years since the repeal of Prohibition in Alberta. With excellent live music, games, snacks and prizes, the event had a great turnout and was well-received by attendees.

In October, the Galloway hosted Grave Memories, which included a tour of the Old Edson Cemetery led by local historian Christopher White and a guided tour of the Glenwood Cemetery led by staff. There were 46 attendants – the largest number to date!

Our last big occasion in 2023 was the Galloway’s annual Santa visit. Families had the opportunity to get a professional photo taken with Santa, with photos again taken by the talented Michelle Buchwald. They also had the opportunity to participate in a number of fun activities while waiting in line, including: a free cookie at line entry, a lucky dip, a Christmas-themed photobooth and spin-the-wheel with prizes. The event was extended by an extra hour due to the phenomenal success of last year’s event.

As well, the Community Welcome Project handed out 38 bags in 2023, welcoming newcomers (and new babies!) with important information on Edson and area, as well as some goodies from various local businesses and the Galloway Station Museum, including samples, coupons and special freebies.

We are fortunate enough to have an incredibly diverse selection of art for sale in our gift shop featuring the works of more than 75 local artists. This year, we welcomed 10 new gift shop artists and were able to pay out more than $11,000 locally.

Thanks to the generosity of residents (and former residents) of the area, 80 artifacts that met with the EDHS collection mandate were accepted and accessioned into the Edson & District Historical Society’s permanent collection. Hundreds of older artifacts from the collection dating from 1975 onward were also researched and updated.

A few highlights regarding the collection: Prince Leo Galitzine’s guitar was restored by a luthier in Edmonton for a small fee and is available for viewing.

Exhibits showcased during 2023: 

• National Survival – the Civil Defense Exhibit

• Robb: The Early Years (in celebration of the Robb centennial)

• Remembrance Day – Annual display, but new this year: a beautiful poppy ‘wall’ containing more than 5,000 poppies created and donated by Rhonda Dick.

• Staff Artifact of the Month

Often, individuals and organizations from all over Canada (and even outside of Canada) request information from the Edson & District Historical Society regarding the history of Edson and area. Staff work with these individuals to help find the requested information. More than 37 inquiries were successfully completed with more than 40 hours spent fulfilling public research requests in 2023.

Staff also contribute a monthly article for Parkland Lodge’s newsletter and an article quarterly for the Town of Edson’s senior newsletter.

In 2023 there were 14 photograph collections added, some of which were older collections.

As we reflect on the achievements and challenges of 2023, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, volunteers, Board and staff whose unwavering dedication has been instrumental in ensuring the continued success and vitality of the Galloway Station Museum. Looking ahead, we remain committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive space for learning, discovery, and community engagement.

You asked, we listened! Community feedback identified the need for more Library space, so we’re expanding our building from 767 m2 (8256 sq. ft) to 995 m2 (10,710 sq. ft) of floor space. Construction began in August 2023, with move back in June 2024. We will have a bigger children’s area, a dedicated teen zone plus a new, quiet room to study and read. The renovation will add years of life to our 40-year-old building making it more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive to everyone in the community. Upgrades will increase energy efficiency, improve air quality, ensure code compliance, and address the needs of our community.

The project has been fully funded by the Town of Edson, the Government of Alberta, and Yellowhead County.

A small break in service occurred over the summer while Library service moved to our temporary location at 5016 – 4^th Avenue. We met with some unexpected building code restrictions making it necessary to warehouse the bulk of the collection off site. Building code also restricted occupancy numbers at our temporary site; programming is not allowed, and space for studying, computer use, and browsing is small.

Even though we temporarily adjusted our opening hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays because of the code restrictions, our awesome staff continue to help our community with information and reading needs.