FEBRUARY TOWN TIDBITS

Please note that you are receiving the Town Tidbits in advance of your utility bill. Your utility bill will follow at a later date in a separate email.

NEW DEADLINES FOR COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT GRANTS AND EVENT SPONSORSHIP

The Town of Wainwright values the significant contributions of community not-for-profit organizations and volunteer groups in enhancing community well-being and improving the quality of life for its residents. The Town also recognizes the efforts of local organizations, community groups and sports teams that host events and activities to raise funds for worthwhile projects, programs, or services while promoting economic growth.

In an effort to support these organizations and their initiatives, the Town is committed to providing assistance to such organizations, community groups and sports teams through the NEW Community and Support Grants and Event Sponsorship Policy.

Application deadlines are outlined below:

• Community and Support Grants - March 1
• Major Event Sponsorship - March 1
• Minor Event Sponsorship - January 1 (extended to March 1 for 2025 only), May 1 and September 1

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR FOODCYCLER PILOT PROGRAM

The Town of Wainwright has partnered with Canadian company Food Cycle Science to pilot a waste diversion solution that will help reduce the amount of food waste headed to our local landfill.

This program is available to Town of Wainwright residents ONLY. Residents can choose between:

• FoodCycler Eco 3
• $200.00 CAD plus GST
• Available in White only
• Household size: 1-3
• FoodCycler Eco 5
• $300.00 CAD plus GST
• Available in White only
• Household size: 3+
• Compare models
• Demo units are available for viewing at the Town Office, 1018 - 2 Avenue
• Maximum of 1 unit per household

Only 100 spots available!

Participants will be asked to track how often they run the FoodCycler in a 12-week period using a supplied simple tracking sheet and complete a brief exit survey. At the end of the 12-week period, we hope participants will continue to use the FoodCycler units to divert food waste from the landfill!

Pilot Project Timeline: March - May 2025 (12 weeks)

ELECTION NOMINATION PERIOD

The nomination period for the 2025 general election began on January 1, 2025, and will run until 12:00 p.m. on nomination day: Monday, September 22, 2025.

Candidate Eligibility

A person may be nominated in any election under Section 21 of the Local Authorities Election Act if the person:

• is eligible to vote in the election;
• has resided in the municipality for six consecutive months immediately preceding nomination day; and
• is not otherwise ineligible.

Submitting your Nomination Form

Candidates who seek nomination for office must bring into the Town Office (1018 - 2 Avenue) the following:

• Notice of Intent to Run - If not already submitted
• Form 4 - Nomination Paper and Candidate's Acceptance - Completed, along with a minimum of five elector signatures. These electors must be residents of the local jurisdiction on the date they signed the form and must be eligible to vote in the election
• Form 5 - Candidate Information
• $100.00 Nomination Deposit in the form of cash, cheque, debit card or credit card as required by Bylaw 2024-13
• Criminal Record Check - dated no more than six months from the date in which a candidate's nomination form is submitted as required by Bylaw 2024-13

BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWALS

Business license renewals have been mailed out. The deadline to pay your renewal was January 31, 2025.

You may pay by mail, credit card on the Town website or app or in person at the Town Office. Failure to renew may result in fines and penalties and/or cancellation of your business license.

Please visit www.wainwright.ca for further information on business licensing.

PRE-AUTHORIZED TAX PAYMENT PLAN

Did you know the Town of Wainwright offers a pre-authorized tax payment plan? This is a popular program which allows you to pay your property taxes monthly, instead of one payment in June. 

Each year, property taxes are billed in April, due June 30^th, and cover the period from January 1 to December 31.

With this plan, your property taxes are paid in installments over 12 months, from January to December. Payments are automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the 15^th of each month. 

Your monthly payment amount is calculated by dividing your most recent tax levy by 12. When you receive your annual tax notice in April, your May payment amount will be adjusted to reflect the actual tax levy, ensuring your account is paid in full by the end of the year.

For more information, please contact our Tax Department at 780-842-3381 or accountspayable@wainwright.ca.

**If you are already enrolled in our pre-authorized tax payment plan and would like to verify your monthly payment amount, please contact our Tax Department.**

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 1

DOWNTOWN VACANT SPACES INCENTIVE

The Downtown Vacant Spaces Incentive is a limited pilot program designed to provide up to $2,500.00 in start-up costs for entrepreneurs to activate vacant street-level commercial spaces in the C1 - Commercial Central District.

The incentive is available to businesses that take occupance of a commercial space that has been vacant for at least three (3) months.

Funding to a maximum of $2,500.00 per successful application may be used to cover 50% of eligible startup costs.

To find out more, please contact Economic Development Officer Carley Herbert or visit wainwright.ca.

EMAIL ADDRESS NEEDED

We encourage residents to go paperless! If you are still getting your utility bill in the mail (or if you use online banking or auto pay and get a copy in the mail) please contact the Town Office at 780.842.3381 or email utilities@wainwright.ca to provide your email address.

While every effort is made to ensure the currency, accuracy and completeness of the information provided, the Town of Wainwright is not liable for any loss, claim or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information provided.