Boards and Committees
Wheatland County’s boards and committees play an important role in the operations of Wheatland County. Unlike Council, members of these bodies are appointed, not elected. Some of the boards and committees require members to meet specific qualifications, such as residency in the County, or have a specific area of expertise. But while each body differs in its area of responsibility and requirements for appointment, they all have one common requirement: they depend on citizens willing to serve their municipality.
Council representatives sitting on boards and committees affiliated with Wheatland County are appointed at the annual organizational meeting. Appointments to boards and committees can vary from one to three years. View the Committee Organizational Chart to see the current roster of committee members. Council members also represent their divisions as regional IDPs and ICFs representatives.
Council creates council committees and appoints committee members. Council may decide to create a temporary committee to look at a specific issue. There may also be standing committees. Standing committees run from year to year to deal with ongoing issues.
Committees can play a bigger role in making decisions on issues for Council. If Council wants a committee to make decisions, they may delegate some of their powers to the committee. If a committee makes a decision delegated to it by Council, it is then as if the council made the decision itself. Some council decisions, such as passing bylaws or adopting the budget, cannot be delegated.
Section 145 of the Municipal Government Act authorizes a council to pass bylaws in relation to the following:
- the establishment and functions of council committees and other bodies;
- the procedure and conduct of council, council committees and other bodies established by the council, the conduct of councillors and the conduct of members of council committees and other bodies established by the council. 1994 cM-26.1 s145 ?88
Section 146 of the Municipal Government Act refers to the composition of council committees stating that a council committee may consist
- entirely of councillors,
- of a combination of councillors and other persons, or
- subject to section 154(2), entirely of persons who are not councillors.
Visit the agendas and minutes page to view the meeting schedule and agenda packages for upcoming meetings.
Council Committee and Boards
Agricultural Service Board
ASB is established by council under the authority of the ASB Act.
All members of Council serve on this board/committee.
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Committee of the Whole
Committee of the Whole is a meeting where all members of Council meet in a less formal setting to discuss issues in detail, review information, and provide direction. No final decisions are made; recommendations are brought forward to a Regular Council meeting for approval.
All members of Council
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Municipal Planning Commission
The Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) is an administrative body that makes decisions on applications for Development Permits and Subdivision Applications.
All members of Council serve on this board/committee.
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Public Presentation Committee
The Public Presentation Committee (PPC) ensures that Wheatland County provides a forum for members of the public and stakeholder groups to present information and updates to the County to ensure the County understands the needs and concerns of its communities.
All members of Council serve on this board/committee.
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Regular Council Meetings
A Regular Council meeting is a formally scheduled meeting of Council where elected officials come together to conduct the routine business of the municipality.
All members of Council
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Alus Partnership Committee
The Alus Partnership is a program that works with local farmers and ranchers to create and maintain nature-based projects that improve environmental health, such as wetland restoration and riparian protection. Participants receive annual per-acre payments to support the long-term management of these projects on their land.
Division 6 – Glenn Koester
Division 1 – Shannon Laprise (Alt.)
ASB Summer Tour Committee
The Wheatland County ASB Summer Tour Committee works collaboratively to plan and coordinate the annual tour, bringing together producers, partners, and community members to showcase local agriculture. The committee helps guide tour stops, speaker selection, and event logistics to ensure an engaging and informative experience for all participants.
Division 1 – Shannon Laprise
Division 3 – Donna Biggar
Division 4 – Keith Clayton
Division 6 – Glenn Koester
Division 5 – Scott Klassen (Alt.)
Regional Emergency Management Committee
The Regional Emergency Management Committee brings together local municipalities and emergency partners to support coordinated emergency planning and response. The committee helps strengthen regional preparedness through collaboration on procedures, training, and emergency management priorities.
Division 1 – Shannon Laprise
Division 5 – Scott Klassen
Scholarship and Awards Committee
The Wheatland County Scholarship and Awards Committee reviews applications and nominations to recognize outstanding students, residents, and community contributors. The committee helps ensure a fair and thoughtful selection process that celebrates local achievement and supports continued growth across our communities.
Division 1 – Shannon Laprise
Division 2 – Berle Hebbes
Division 4 – Keith Clayton
Division 6 – Glenn Koester
Boards and Agencies
Marigold Library Committee
Marigold Library System is a regional public library system that supports member libraries across southern Alberta by providing shared services, resources, and expertise. Their board oversees governance and strategic direction for the system, with meeting dates and minutes posted publicly for transparency.
Division 4 – Keith Clayton
Division 2 – Berle Hebbes (Alt.)
Wheatland Family & Community Support Services Committee (W.F.C.S.S.)
Marigold Library System is a regional public library system that supports member libraries across southern Alberta by providing shared services, resources, and expertise. Their board oversees governance and strategic direction for the system, with meeting dates and minutes posted publicly for transparency.
Division 1 – Shannon Laprise
Division 3 – Donna Biggar
Division 7 – Rick Laursen (Alt.)
Wheatland Housing Management Body
Wheatland Housing Management Body is a community-based organization that provides and manages affordable housing options for seniors and families in Wheatland County and the surrounding area. Their Board of Directors helps guide governance and decision-making to support safe, stable housing for local residents.
Division 4 – Keith Clayton
Division 6 – Glenn Koester
Division 7 – Rick Laursen
Wheatland Regional Corporation
Wheatland Regional Corporation (WRC) is a regional partnership of local municipalities working together to secure a safe, reliable water supply for communities across the Wheatland region. WRC supports the development and operation of regional water infrastructure, including raw water supply facilities and delivery pipelines.
Division 1 – Shannon Laprise
Division 6 – Glenn Koester
Division 7 – Rick Laursen (Alt.)
Subregional Partnerships
Addictions Resource Coalition of Strathmore and Wheatland (ARC)
The Public Presentation Committee (PPC) ensures that Wheatland County provides a forum for members of the public and stakeholder groups to present information and updates to the County to ensure the County understands the needs and concerns of its communities.
All members of Council serve on this board/committee.
Alberta Care
Alberta CARE (Association of Alberta Coordinated Action for Recycling Enterprises) is a non-profit organization that works with municipalities and partners across Alberta to support and coordinate recycling initiatives that reduce waste going to landfills. They focus on regional recycling programs, public education, and strengthening recycling opportunities across the province.
Division 7 – Rick Laursen
Community Futures Wild Rose
Community Futures Wild Rose is a non-profit organization that supports rural entrepreneurs and small businesses through business coaching, training, and flexible financing options. They help people start, grow, buy, or sell businesses while strengthening local economies across the Wild Rose region of Alberta.
Division 3 – Donna Biggar
Division 4 – Keith Clayton (Alt.)
Drumheller & District Solid Waste Management Association (DDSWMA)
Drumheller & District Regional Landfill is operated by the Drumheller & District Solid Waste Management Association, providing regional waste disposal and recycling services for Drumheller and surrounding member municipalities. The landfill supports safe, environmentally responsible waste management through landfill operations, recycling programs, and public drop-off services.
Division 5 – Scott Klassen
Divison 7 – Rick Laursen
Rural Fire Association
Wheatland County Fire Services supports fire and emergency response across the region through a network of County-operated and volunteer fire halls. With over 100 volunteer firefighters, the service helps protect local communities through emergency response, training, and fire prevention initiatives.
Division 3 – Donna Biggar
Divison 4 – Keith Clayton
Division 5 – Scott Klassen
Seed Plants (Strathmore, Hussar, Rosebud)
Division 3 – Donna Biggar
Divison 4 – Keith Clayton
Division 5 – Scott Klassen
Strathmore and District Ag Society
The Strathmore & District Agricultural Society is a community-based, non-profit organization that hosts the annual Strathmore Stampede and supports year-round events and initiatives. They promote agriculture and community engagement through events, facility rentals, and local programming.
Division 2 – Berle Hebbes
Wheatland and Adjacent District Emergency Medical Services Association (W.A.D.E.M.S.A.)
Wheatland EMS is a contracted ambulance service provider for Alberta Health Services, based in Strathmore and serving Wheatland County and surrounding areas. They respond to 9-1-1 emergency calls, support interfacility patient transfers, and provide EMS standby coverage for local events.
Division 6 – Glenn Koester
Division 7 – Rick Laursen
Division 4 – Keith Clayton (Alt.)
Wheatland Regional Partnership Committee
The Wheatland Regional Partnership Committee brings together Wheatland County and regional municipal partners to collaborate on shared priorities and opportunities. The committee supports coordinated planning and relationship-building on initiatives that benefit the broader region.
All members of Council serve on this board/committee.
Council Appointed Committee and Boards
Please note that these committees are comprised of both members of Administration and members of the public.
Community Enhancement Regional Board
The Community Enhancement Regional Board (CERB) is a partnership of municipalities that work together to strengthen community well-being across the region. The board guides funding and support for programs and initiatives focused on recreation, culture, and social development.
Pest Control Appeal Committee
The Wheatland County Pest Control Appeal Committee provides a fair and impartial process for reviewing pest control concerns and related appeals. The committee ensures decisions align with County bylaws while balancing the needs of landowners, agricultural operations, and the broader community.
Regional Assessment Review Board (ARB)
The Regional Assessment Review Board is an independent panel that hears complaints related to property assessments and provides a fair, impartial appeal process. The board reviews assessment concerns in accordance with provincial legislation to help ensure assessments are accurate and equitable.
Soil Conservation Appeal Committee
The Wheatland County Soil Conservation Appeal Committee provides a fair and transparent process for reviewing decisions related to soil conservation and land management practices. The committee considers appeals carefully to ensure actions align with County bylaws while promoting responsible stewardship and the long-term sustainability of agricultural lands.
Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB)
The general nature and function of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) involves the exercise of a quasi-judicial discretion. The board is vested with the power to decide between individual rights and the claims of public interest. It conducts its hearings fairly and in accordance with the principles of natural justice. The board consists of members of the general public appointed by council.
Weed Control Appeal Panel
The Wheatland County Weed Control Appeal Panel provides an impartial forum for reviewing decisions related to weed control enforcement. The panel ensures appeals are considered fairly and in accordance with County bylaws, supporting responsible land stewardship while balancing the interests of landowners and the wider community.