Regional cooperation and community growth were front and centre during Monday’s Elk Point council meeting, as administration provided updates on strategic planning, recreation infrastructure, and inter-agency collaboration.

Chief Administrative Officer Darrell Lessmeister reported that regional CEOs from Elk Point, the County of St. Paul, the Town of St. Paul, and Horseshoe Bay are now meeting monthly to strengthen partnerships and explore shared opportunities.

“I think building relationship on the administrative end… helps us move forward in our initiatives and regionalization,” Lessmeister said.

Council also heard that a joint Request for Proposals will soon be issued for updated municipal strategic plans, potentially using a shared consultant to identify regional efficiencies and cost savings.

Recreation infrastructure assessments are nearing completion, including reviews of the curling rink and AG Ross Arena. Many facilities in the region are approaching or exceeding their life expectancy.

“These facilities… we have a 40 to 50 year commitment,” Lessmeister noted, emphasizing the importance of long-term planning.

Meanwhile, discussions are underway with the Elk Point Lions Club regarding development of a new skateboard park — a project identified as a top youth priority during recent community engagement.

“Skateboard park was clearly… more than anything else,” Lessmeister said.

The project would rely heavily on grants and fundraising, with further details and location concepts expected to return to council in the coming months.

Mayor Cochrane highlighted the importance of maintaining quality of life amenities.

“Quality of life is what people are moving for to communities,” she said.

Council also discussed hosting a “Committee of the Whole” session focused specifically on economic development collaboration, bringing together representatives from STEP, the Chamber of Commerce, Alberta Hub, and other community groups.

“It’s a desire within the community,” one councillor said. “We have to have conversation.”

A future date will be set to begin those discussions.