Morinville is actively positioning itself as a hub for regional economic growth through a series of bold and strategic initiatives. With the completion of the Retail Gap and Complementary Sector Analysis, Morinville now has a clear roadmap to attract the right mix of businesses. Renewed membership with Edmonton Global ensures Morinville has a strong voice at the regional table. At home, council has championed a Growth Management Study and a new Municipal Development Plan (MDP) to guide responsible growth, while introducing innovative tools like the Coeur de Morinville Non-Residential Tax Incentive and a broader Non-Residential Tax Incentive Program to remove barriers for commercial infill and redevelopment. Together, these initiatives reflect a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy that is selling Morinville as a destination of choice for investment, business, and growth.

We accelerated a number of programs in 2025 that will enhance the vibrancy of our downtown. The launch of the Tree Program and Banner Program will bring new life to our streetscapes, while the revitalization of St. Jean Baptiste Park will create a renewed gathering place in the Coeur. Intermunicipal cooperation with Sturgeon County is ongoing with the pursuit of a more equitable Recreation Cost-Sharing Agreement. Reaching our cost recovery targets at the Morinville Leisure Centre allowed us to increase operational hours in 2025 (and hopefully again in 2026), making recreation more accessible for all residents. Together, these achievements represent a commitment to redefining how Morinville builds inclusive, sustainable, and inspiring spaces for sport, wellness, and connection.

This term, Morinville has embraced its role as a regional leader by fostering meaningful collaboration with neighbouring municipalities and Nations. Through our renewed membership with Edmonton Global, we’ve secured a stronger voice in shaping regional economic growth. With Sturgeon County, we advanced intermunicipal cooperation—establishing a joint procurement agreement and renegotiating a new Fire Services Agreement. We also expanded Community Peace Officer services, supporting Gibbons and introducing coverage in Legal to improve public safety across communities. Most importantly, we’ve built a stronger relationship with Alexander First Nation, working together in the true spirit of partnership based on respect and shared goals.

Holding space for authentic and respectful face-to-face conversations with residents and business owners is what I’m most proud of this term. Tools like the Engage Morinville portal have provided residents with a reliable and user-friendly platform to access updates, share feedback, and track progress on community priorities. This commitment to open, transparent, and sincere communication ensures that every resident feels heard and valued.

We’ve taken meaningful steps to remove barriers that once limited community engagement with the overarching goal of creating new opportunities for residents of all ages to get involved. Through the Engage Morinville platform and the Your Community/Your Ideas program, residents now have more accessible and meaningful ways to share input on local priorities. We streamlined the recruitment and appointment process for boards and committees, making it easier for people to step forward and serve. Civic engagement has been further strengthened through a number of new and enhanced initiatives with Enforcement and Emergency Management Services and hosted a number of engagement opportunities for residents to weigh in on pedestrian safety. We introduced an Older Adults Newsletter to keep seniors informed, launched Pembina Youth Activate and expanded Child & Youth Day Camps to empower younger residents. Together, these initiatives reflect a council dedicated to fostering inclusion, building trust, and ensuring every resident feels informed, connected, and empowered to contribute to Morinville’s future.

This priority emerged during my term. Morinville has made significant strides to improve pedestrian safety. We partnered with GSACRD to upgrade the crosswalk near MCHS, approved improvements at 47 intersections through the Pedestrian Crossing Review, and made important changes to the Traffic Safety Bylaw, addressing speed limits, parking concerns, and the Dangerous Goods Route. We advanced the Grandin/642 Signalization Project, leveraging both transportation off-site levies and provincial funding, and updated our engineering standards to ensure safer design in new developments. Together, these measures reflect a proactive approach to building a safer, more connected community.