ELK POINT – Three representatives of the Eastern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society (EARVSS) attended the March 24 meeting of Elk Point Town Council to outline the services provided following the recent Regional Transition.
Director of Regional Operations Melanie Littell, Assistant Director Doris Pindroch and Client and Court Support Navigator Sarah Reuber provided insights into the changes that saw 72 Victim Services boards across the province merge into nine, “all working toward the same delivery model,” and located in RCMP detachments.
With the mission of ensuring that those victimized by crime or who have experienced extreme tragedy are best served following that event and while they navigate the criminal justice process, the society has the vision of ensuring victims can access the information and supports they need to enhance their safety, empower themselves and restore their wellbeing, council was told.
Striving to provide their service with compassion and empathy while maintaining a high degree of privacy and confidentiality, they vow to treat everyone with respect and dignity, be open and non-judgmental and to respect and embrace the diversity and inclusion of all people.
EARVSS has two regional teams, with Wabasca, Slave Lake, Athabasca, Boyle, Lac La Biche, Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Barrhead, Westlock, Redwater and Smoky Lake in the north subdivision, and St. Paul, Elk Point, Two Hills, Vegreville, Vermilion, Kitscoty, Tofield, Viking, Wainwright, Killam, Provost, Consort and Coronation making up the south subdivision.
The delegation assured council there is "no wrong door approach,” even if those who seek assistance are not eligible for services, will be assisted to find the appropriate service provider they need. RVSS services include general support and a wide range of criminal justice system navigation services, with trauma support dog programs, transportation of victims, incident debriefing and educational programs not in their scope.
No appointment
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board requires an elected official from each municipality, and Mayor Parrish Tung presently sits on this board. However he will be retiring at the end of this term and said he feels another elected official should attend the full-day training session on April 9, to take his place on the board.
With none of the councillors willing to do so, it was agreed to advise the board that Elk Point would not appoint a new representative until after the October election.
Lemonade Day
Community Futures has once again invited the Town of Elk Point to participate in Lemonade Day on June 14. Mayor Tung agreed to make the proclamation and to provide a $100 donation to the prizes.
Rural Renewal
The Town of Elk Point, along with the Town and County of St. Paul and the Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay were designated in 2023 for a three-year period as part of the STEP Rural Renewal Stream program. Council approved a motion to suspend applications to the program.
Farmers' market
Elk Point Allied Arts Farmers' Market will start their second full season in April and has asked council for a donation to the themed monthly draw baskets, with a motion passed to make a donation.
Municipal Affairs
Although Municipal Affairs does not require financial statements and other reports from Green Building Incorporated and Elk Point Investment Corporation, there is a requirement to share this information with ratepayers under the Municipal Government Act, possibly on the Town’s website. A special meeting was set for 8 a.m. Thursday with the Town’s auditor to discuss the matter. That meeting resulted in passing a motion to direct administration to prepare a management evidenced-based report on the MNP auditor as discussed during that meeting.
Firefighters wages
Council was asked to consider adding the Town’s firefighter wages and honorariums to the town’s payroll process, to ensure compliance with Canada Revenue rules, while supporting the firefighters in accessing available tax credits. After discussion, it was decided that the town will issue T4s to the firefighters and to add the wages and honorariums to the payroll process, rather than paying through accounts payable. The town’s municipal partner, the County of St. Paul, will also be notified.
Two Hills trade show
The Town of Elk Point has been invited to attend the Two Hills Tourism Conference and Trade Show on April 30, and council approved a motion for a council representative to attend if they wish to do so.
Water rate
Seniors requesting lowering the water rate for low volume users have approached both Mayor Tung and CAO Gwozdz. Because this is a factor that would have longstanding consequences, it was agreed that the incoming council should make such a decision after the October election.
