Wheatland renews development appeal board appointment

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

George Szakaly will serve another three years on Wheatland County’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board after council approved his reappointment. His new term expires Oct. 31, 2029.

Administration said Szakaly wished to continue and had completed the mandatory provincial training required for the position.

The board hears appeals involving subdivision and development permit decisions and conditions.

Council also appointed the board to hear appeals under the Weed Control Act and Agricultural Pests Act for 2027. The Agricultural Service Board will hear appeals under the Soil Conservation Act.

Acting agriculture and environment manager Russel Muenchrath said the annual appointments ensure people receiving enforcement notices have a way to challenge them. 

“So, if someone wishes to appeal a notice that we issue, they’re able to do so,” he said.

Wheatland retains MNP for 2026 audit

Wheatland County council has appointed MNP LLP to audit its 2026 financial statements completing the final year of the firm’s current three-year contract.

Joel Chiasson, Manager of Financial Services with Wheatland County told council the county had a good working relationship with MNP and was satisfied with its work and pricing.

Coun. Glenn Koester asked how the county’s options to extend the agreement would work. Administration said the contract allows separate one-year extensions for 2027 and 2028. 

Pricing is fixed through the end of 2026 with the cost of a potential 2027 audit still to be negotiated.

After the extension period, administration said it would return to the market through a request for proposals as a matter of best practice.

Council approved the 2026 appointment. It did not approve an extension for either subsequent year.

Wheatland sets divisions for 2027 open houses

Wheatland County will hold its 2027 public open houses in Division 1 in January and Division 4 in July.

Council approved both locations at its organizational meeting, with exact dates, venues and times to be determined.

Chief administrative officer Sherry Baers said administration would arrange the details closer to the events.

“We will set up the location and date and time as we get closer,” Baers said. 

The open houses give residents an opportunity to hear about county initiatives, meet council and provide feedback.

Administration will contact community centres in the two divisions and bring location and date options to a future council meeting.

The proposed locations continue a rotation through the county. Earlier open houses were held in Cluny, Cheadle, the county administration office, Carseland and Dalum, followed by Lyalta and Nightingale in 2026.

Council also approved its 2027 meeting and event calendar as presented.

The calendar includes 19 regular council meetings, six Committee of the Whole meetings, four Public Presentation Committee meetings, 12 Municipal Planning Commission meetings and four Agricultural Service Board meetings.

Administration’s report says the approved calendar will be posted on the county website.