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Meadow Lake to begin rebuilding reserves in 2027 after CO-OP Centre costs depleted them

Nov 9, 2026 | 11:38 AM

Meadow Lake’s reserves have been exhausted by CO-OP Centre construction costs, according to a financial report going before city council tonight.

Administration intends to begin replenishing those reserves in 2027, says the third-quarter report prepared by city treasurer Asma Qadri.

The city is forecasting a 2026 operating surplus of about $1.17 million, roughly $229,000 below the $1.39 million budgeted.

The report attributes the smaller surplus to higher-than-budgeted snow-clearing costs.

Recreation expenses through the third quarter were also $234,000 higher than a year earlier. The report attributes the increase to the operation of the CO-OP Centre recreation facilities, which opened in July 2025, and the higher maintenance and utility costs associated with running them.

Council is also scheduled to consider final approval of a litter-control amendment that received first reading Oct. 26.

The proposal would set a $500 penalty for violations by vendors, owners and other offenders. The existing fine for people other than vendors or owners is $100.

The bylaw prohibits discarding food, tobacco products or waste outside an approved disposal container.

Proposed enforcement provisions would allow officers to issue written orders requiring property owners or occupants to remedy violations. Those orders could be appealed.

Unpaid costs incurred by the city in cleaning up a violation could be added to taxes on the property where the work was done or recovered through civil action.

A report from community safety officer Joseph Hallahan also addresses concerns raised by councillors Oct. 26 about garbage accidentally blowing from residential bins.

It said the litter bylaw applies to waste that has not been placed in an approved container. Overfilled bins and bins knocked over by weather would be handled under the waste-collection bylaw.

Council will consider these and other agenda items tonight at 7 p.m. in the council chamber at the CO-OP Centre.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com