Council Achievements – Re-Elect Janice Wing

Building a Stronger Innisfail

Our Town Council has worked diligently over the past four years to build a strong team, learn and become informed about a long list of topics and issues, and to create a culture with our Administrative team that is open, transparent, and collaborative.

Municipalities and Councils work within a complex system. To be successful and efficient, planning becomes an essential and critical part of the governance process. I am very pleased with the planning work done over the past term but it must be said – a plan is just a binder on the shelf unless there are actions and full accountability built in to guide the work that follows.

Municipal Development Plan

A mandatory plan as outlined in Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, this intensive, two and a half year project was led by Administration, and a Committee which was comprised of two Councillors and five community volunteers. This plan contemplates deliberate positioning and strategies for the growth of our community over the next 30 years. The work began with the review of Bylaw 1363, the Municipal Development Plan adopted in 1998 and consolidated in 2007. imagineInnisfail is based on the statutory and non-statutory plans previously adopted in the period of 1998-2024. The process included a complete literature and legislation review, and extensive community engagement that included public surveys and community events.

Town of Innisfail Annual Reports

(2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024) – one of the strategies arising from Council’s initial strategic planning session in January 2022, saw the creation of a communications tool that would serve as information for the community about relevant activities, and examples of programs and projects that identify or “brand” our town.

My favourite page in each report is the center . . . the infographic . . . that outlines the culture, services and infrastructure of our town. Information like:

Graphic © the Town of Innisfail – 2024 Annual Report

2022-2025 Strategic Plan

One of Council’s first bodies of work, the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, has been consistently evaluated and assessed for outputs as well as outcomes.

Projects that align with the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan:

Increase Recreational Opportunities for Residents and Visitors

After more than five years of consultation, research, design and redesign, and in depth financial and budget conversations and debates, Council passed a resolution in April 2025 to move forward with a $15 Million modernization of the 37 year old, indoor aquatic centre. Deconstruction began in July 2025, with a significant amount of exterior work to be done before winter temperatures set in. The aquatic centre is scheduled to reopen in Spring of 2026.
Three new playgrounds
New outdoor skating rink

Maximize the Health, Safety and Well-being of Residents

Community Safety & Well-being Strategy
Railway pedestrian crossing
New helipad, in support of the Innisfail Health Centre and critical air ambulance services like STARS
New “Town of Innisfail Community App”, linking residents to news, service updates, events and activities, and contact information to Town staff and departments

Increase Community Spirit and Support Arts and Cultural Organization

Canada Day
Countdown to Christmas
Fall Registration Night
Movie in the Park
Spring Registration Night
Skatepark Trick Competition
Community Awards Night
Winter Festival
Mayor’s Garden Party
Innisfail Rotary Pro Rodeo Parade
Family Day Event at the Innisfail Arena
Festival of Trees
Innisfail Lions Soapbox Derby
Harvest Festival
Weekly Farmers Markets
Innisfail Kinsmen Car Show

Strive for More Diverse, Affordable and Accessible Housing

Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Action Plan 2024
Napolean Lake South Development, which will offer 59 units ranging from single family homes of a variety of sizes, and multi-family units (duplexes and townhomes) and zoning for a further 13 laneway suites. Further, a multi-family unit and light commercial/retail development buffering the housing development along 42nd Street.
Construction of 6 homes on vacant Town owned properties, in partnership with two central Alberta builders. Those partnerships saw the Town contribute vacant lots; homes being built and sold; with all profits shared between the partners. All homes were sold before construction had been completed.

Foster a Healthy Economic Development Ecosystem

Focus on Innisfail’s Energy Sector While Being Good Stewards of our Natural Environment

Since 2022, Council and Administration engaged the community through participation in the Energy Futures Lab and with the creation of the Innisfail Energy Hub, a citizen initiative that supports and facilitates a variety of energy-related projects. Examples of those projects include a School Energy Fair, speakers and displays at the Innisfail Trade Show, a presentation on Understanding Your Utility Bill, and four community workshops.

Develop a Robust Asset Management Plan and Matrix to Understand the Current State and Future Needs of Innisfail’s Infrastructure

The Asset Management plan, which was received by Council in 2022, is likely one of the most significant bodies of work undertaken in this term. Led by administration and a local engineering firm who is extremely familiar with the infrastructure of this town, and using a newly created infrastructure report card, the Asset Management Plan will guide the budgeting and work planning processes for years to come. As all municipalities in Alberta - urban and rural - have seen provincial infrastructure allotments and grants shrink, the need for a deep understanding of every block of paving, curbing, sidewalk, water lines, sewer lines, etc. is imperative as we assess risk of system and structural failure.