2024 Annual Report

Resiliency remains a key theme for the Town of Edson as we worked our way through 2024. Our community has been through a lot in the past few years. While we had some challenges in 2024, we were able to get some footing as an organization and move past the fires and flooding of 2023. This was a year of progress for our municipality and we’re looking forward to another exciting year ahead.

Administration has made some major progress on a number of major projects, including the completion of the Land Use Bylaw Rewrite, some major road and infrastructure work, flood mitigation projects, and of course the multiplex project. We’re very excited to get shovels in the ground for the multiplex renovation and expansion in the spring!

The 2024 Annual Report presents a comprehensive overview of our initiatives throughout the previous year. It’s a chance to reflect and to evaluate our progress as we move into another busy year. Our entire organization is committed to delivering high-calibre services that address the growing needs of our residents. Communication is key as we commit to a more robust engagement with the community. With this in mind, we’ve increased the capacity of our communications department and continue to refine and expand our processes to gain valuable and meaningful feedback from the community. This feedback is invaluable as Council sets direction for our municipality.

It gives me great pride to look back on the progress achieved this past year, and we look ahead with excitement to another year of growth as a community and as an organization. I extend my sincere thanks to each individual who continues to make the Town of Edson the wonderful community that it is.

- Christine Beveridge

Town Council

Edson Town Council is made up of 6 Councillors and 1 Mayor. The Mayor and Council serve a four-year term with the next municipal election scheduled for October 2025. Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 pm in Council Chambers, with a Committee of the Whole meeting taking place on the second Tuesday of the month.

Town Administration

Town Administration is comprised of all municipal staff and is led by the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The CAO is Council’s sole employee and manages municipal staff, actioning Council's direction.

2024 Organizational Structure Chart:

Strategy 1 - Enhance the health and well-being of our community and its residents.
Strategy 2 - Celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of our residents.
Strategy 3 - Build strong relationships with Indigenous people and organizations.

Results achieved in 2024:

Jasper Wildfire Support: Edson Fire Department, Emergency Support Services staff, and utility crews supported the Jasper Wildfire response and recovery efforts.

Truth and Reconciliation: Flag-raising ceremony and staff lunch were held. Staff and Council also attended the Truth and Reconciliation event put on by the Edson Friendship Centre at Kinsmen Park.

Mayor's Golf Tournament: Mayor Kevin Zahara hosted his 3^rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament, rasing $25,714.61 for the Edson & District Public Library – Presented by Peyto Exploration & Development Corp.

Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP):  Staff filed a record-breaking 810 tax returns, bringing over $7.3 million back to our community. 

Healthier Together: Collaboration with Edson Healthier Together brought new volleyball nets to Griffiths Park this summer in partnership with Parks. 

New Programming: The Community Development team coordinated new regular programming opportunities for the community, including: Family Drop-In, Thrive after 55, Wellness Wednesdays, Ladies' Nights, Youth Interagency and Youth-Drop In. 

Interagency Groups: Continued to lead 5 Interagency groups, connecting resources to the community. 

EDLC Community Events & Tournaments: The Edson and District Leisure Centre (EDLC) hosted 33 community events and 13 minor hockey tournaments, strengthening Edson’s role as a regional leader in recreational sports and community engagement.

Anne Resek Swim For Life Award: Edson was honored with this prestigious award, recognizing our commitment to outstanding Swim for Life programs. This award has been given to communities of 15,000 or fewer since 2017.

Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE): With the announcement of new ATE regulations by the Provincial Government, the Town of Edson moved forward with the cancellation of the ATE program in our community. However, traffic safety continues to be a top priority, and efforts are ongoing to maintain proactive policing and patrols, particularly in school zones and along the highway. To further support driver awareness and speed reduction, Council directed Administration to send a letter to the Province requesting permission to install permanent speed indicator signs at both entrances to the community, as well as in the eastbound lane of the overpass.

Joint Disaster Training: A mock disaster was held in Edson to test readiness and identify deficiencies found while working through a major incident with multiple agencies. Town of Edson staff, RCMP, EMS, Fire, social services, school divisions, and many other agencies came together to work through the scenario. These training sessions are invaluable for making contacts and ensuring coordination in a real emergency.

Community Peace Officers:

• Second CPO position filled.
  
• Eleven (11) dogs and fourteen (14) cats were impounded.
• 390 Provincial and 30 municipal tickets were issued (including warnings and violations).

Edson Fire Department:

Edson Fire responded to 490 calls in 2024.

Nine (9) new members came on board.

A Sprinkler Protection Unit (SPU) was purchased for increased structure protection in the event of a wildfire.

Fostering a Robust and Adaptable Economy

Strategy 1 - Attract and support business.
Strategy 2 - Promote the Town as a place to do business.

Results achieved in 2024:

Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan: The plan was approved by Town Council in June 2024, providing guidance for future Economic Development initiatives and community direction.

New Business in Edson: Ninety-six (96) new businesses registered with the Town of Edson in 2024.

Growth Opportunities: Six (6) bids/proposals were submitted for large-scale development opportunities for potential development through Invest Alberta.

Business Attraction and Retention Efforts: 

• 150 Norquest College graduates attend prearranged industry tours highlighting opportunities available in Edson. Students also participated in a cultural experience at Willmore Park in Partnership with the Edson Friendship Centre.
• Over 300 Business Visitation meetings were held with local businesses.
• Partnered with the Edson Community Care Foundation on RARE, an Attraction/Retention Committee to attract medical professionals to Edson.

Strategies and Reports:

• Housing Strategy Request for Proposal awarded, with engagement conducted with local stakeholders.
• Report compiled on the effects of the unhoused population on the local Edson business community.
• Report compiled on rental market conditions and challenges in Edson.

Ensuring Quality Infrastructure

Strategy 1 - Complete the Yellowhead-Edson Regional Multiplex.
Strategy 2 - Provide necessary Town infrastructure, upgrades, and maintenance.
Strategy 3 - Ensure that the Town’s park space meets the needs of residents.

Results achieved in 2024:

YCE Multiplex Project: Detailed design work was completed, and a new project website was launched at www.ycemultiplex.ca. Public engagement was held with residents regarding the overall parking plan for the facility.  Construction is set to begin in spring 2025!

Griffiths Park Centre: The newly renovated Griffiths Park Centre officially opened on February 19, 2024, providing a new facility space for our residents. Community Development is now based at the facility. A grant-funded soundproofing project was also completed.

New Loader and Snowblower: Public Works expanded its fleet with a new loader and snowblower, improving winter maintenance and snow removal efficiency.

Major Capital Projects Completed:

• Library Renovations Complete: Renovations to the library were completed, improving access, space utilization, and overall community engagement.
• 18th Avenue Rehabilitation: Extensive improvements to 18th Avenue, including resurfacing and infrastructure upgrades, were completed.
• 54th / 10th Avenue Sanitary Upgrades: Sanitary upgrades were completed on 54th and 10th Avenue to support growing demand and improve overall system efficiency.
• 46th Street Powerline Burial: Powerlines along 46th Street were successfully buried to improve safety and aesthetics.
• Wase Creek Drainage Improvements: Preliminary design concepts were completed to improve flood prevention and water flow management.
• Land Use Bylaw Complete: The comprehensive update to the Land Use Bylaw was finalized, setting clear regulations and guidelines for land development.

Community Outdoor Rink Repairs: In partnership with Cenovus, significant repairs were made to the community outdoor rink, enhancing the recreational experience for all users.

Arena Lighting Upgrade: Lighting upgrades were completed in both Memorial and Centennial Arenas, enhancing the user experience and making our facilities even more welcoming.

Responding to a Changing Global Environment

Strategy 1 - Ensure a strong focus on environmental strategies.
Strategy 2 - Be resilient in the face of climate change.

Results achieved in 2024:

Flood Mitigation Measures: Repairs completed on flood-damaged infrastructure from 2023 and 2024 events. A new preventative maintenance schedule was developed for roads and storm infrastructure to reduce the impact of extreme weather.

Backflow Preventor/Sump Pump Program: A new initiative was launched to protect the town's water system from contamination, emphasizing public education on the importance of sump pumps and backflow preventers. This also helps to reduce the risk of costly flooding within structures during major storm events. 

Spray Park Pressure Reducing Valves: Installed pressure-reducing valves to conserve water, cutting water consumption by an estimated 45%.

Upcycled Rain Barrel Program: The Utilities Team designed and sold upcycled rain barrels, promoting water conservation efforts within the community.

Providing Effective Leadership and Community Engagement

Strategy 1 - Ensure organizational excellence.
Strategy 2 - Provide the Town and Council with a robust policy framework.
Strategy 3 - Actively engage with residents and organizations in Edson.
Strategy 4 - Ensure quality financial management of the Town.

Results achieved in 2024:

Town Council: 2024 was a busy year for Council, with major legislative projects completed, including the revamped Land Use Bylaw. In addition to advancing the YCE Multiplex project, Council actively worked with the Province of Alberta on key issues such as doctor attraction and retention, homelessness, wildfire and flood mitigation, and other critical community concerns.

Youth Council: Youth Council had a strong year, volunteering in the community and providing valuable input to Town Council on social and environmental issues.

Office Space: The Civic Centre workspace was reorganized to align with the organization’s needs, optimizing space after Community Development’s move to Griffiths Park

Health and Safety:

• COR Certification was renewed thanks to the strength of our robust safety program.
• 73 incidents/near misses were reported, 21 investigations and 45 corrective actions were completed.
• 8 years injury-free: No lost-time claims, earning the maximum WCB discounts and ranking 41st out of 116 similar organizations.
• Transitioned to a new electronic safety platform.
• Moved to a new insurance provider.

Human Resources:

• New LAPP Pension Policy & Revised Vacation Procedure approved.
• HR software migration started to streamline processes.
• Payroll services were transitioned to the Finance Department.

Communications and Public Engagement: 

• A Communications Officer position was created to enhance public communications and public engagement efforts.
• Multiple engagement sessions & online surveys conducted on key projects, including:
  • Land Use Bylaw Rewrite
  • Housing Strategy
  • Wildfire Mitigation Strategy
  • Animal Control Consultation
  • YCE Multiplex Parking

Finance

• Budget Engagement Expanded with open houses at the Edson & District Leisure Centre, the Downtown Art Walk, and an interactive online survey.
• A new Investment Policy was approved by Council. The updated policy will include quarterly updates to Council to allow for the Town to self-direct municipal short and long-term investments while ensuring security, liquidity, and growth.
• New Reserve Policy Approved to ensure long-term financial stability.

New Utility Bylaw:  Improved management of water, sewer, and waste services to ensure greater efficiency and accountability.

New Solid Waste Bylaw: Streamlined waste management operations, promoting sustainability through waste diversion programs and clearer operational guidelines.

Complete 2024 financial data will be available once the Audited Financial Statement is presented to Council. A link to the financial statements will be added at that time. However, the following is a snapshot of our trends and financial milestones for 2024.

Risks and Challenges

Provincial Regulations: Sudden changes in provincial regulations can significantly impact the budget. The Provincial government's shift to a new model for funding school taxes through property tax will significantly impact our budgeting. We're expecting substantial increases due to this in the coming years. This change restricts the municipality's taxation flexibility.

Inflationary Changes: The YCE Multiplex Project has had to account for rising costs of supplies and construction as planning has progressed, reflecting broader economic trends. The risk of tariffs are also having an impact on our operations.

Affordability vs. Demand For Infrastructure: While there are many deserving projects in the queue, Council faces the ongoing challenge of prioritizing infrastructure projects that align with available budget resources.

Financial Sustainability: Significant efforts are made to ensure the Town remains financially sustainable. Effective reserve management is essential to address emergent issues and mitigate the financial pressures caused by inflation and other challenges.

2025 Priority Projects

YCE Multiplex Project: Construction is set to begin in spring 2025 for the YCE Multiplex Project. A four-phase construction plan has been developed, with the first phase including the construction of a new ice arena and aquatics facility, scheduled for completion in 2026. For project updates and details, visit www.ycemultiplex.ca.

TWP RD 532 - New Industrial Rural Road: The design and construction of a new industrial rural road will support economic development and enhance access to industrial areas.

Vision Park Upgrades: Phases 2 and 3 of the ongoing upgrades to Vision Park will continue, replacing diamonds disturbed by Trans Mountain Pipeline installation.

Water Well #30 - Vision Park: A new water well will be installed to increase the supply of treated water and meet peak distribution demands.

Continued Road and Utility Upgrades:

• 8th Avenue Rehabilitation (51-52 St): Construction will focus on improving road conditions and replacing aging underground infrastructure.

• 7th Avenue Rehabilitation (40-50 St) Design: Design begins for the rehabilitation of 7th Avenue, prioritizing the replacement of aging infrastructure.

• Wase Creek Phase 1: The first phase of construction Wase Creek improvements will increase storm water capacity and flow at the bottom end of the system.

• 54th St/2nd Ave Intersection Design: The design phase of a new intersection will improve traffic flow and safety for larger truck traffic triggered by the Pivotal development.

• Weyerhaeuser Trail Connection: Design and construction of a new trail connection will enhance outdoor recreational opportunities and link Vision Park to town.

Water Degas & Fluoride Reduction Upgrades: Regulatory upgrades to improve water treatment processes, including the reduction of fluoride levels.

Storm Sewer Condition Assessment: This study will identify gaps and issues in our storm sewer infrastructure, guiding future repairs and upgrades for flood mitigation.

Cemetery Expansion: A new columbarium will be installed to meet the community’s needs for urn placement, along with an expansion of Section H plots.