The Village of Alix approved its 2026-29 strategic plan, while commenting they like the fact it has a focus on community wellness. The discussion was held at the May 6 regular meeting of council.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michelle White presented councillors with the draft strategic plan, pointing out these types are not mandated by the Municipal Government Act (MGA) but are generally considered a “best practice.”

“Council held a day-long strategic planning workshop on Apr. 16,” stated the CAO’s memo to council. “This was an in-depth review of the organization’s core values, goals and action items for the new term of council.

“I tried to capture all the great ideas and comments from council’s workshop in the attached document. The strategic plan was used to make final changes to the 2026 operating budget. Goals and action items will continue to be factored into the budgeting process each year moving forward.”

The document opens with the vision and mission, which read, “Vibrant village by the lake,” and “We foster an open, cooperative government that encourages public participation and ensures levels of service our citizens expect and deserve.”

It was noted the village’s goals are to leverage local resources and natural landscape to focus on community wellness, improve inter-municipal relationships by being aware of differences while finding common ground to build meaningful connections, promote smart growth in residential, commercial and industrial districts while providing support to the existing business community, use the infrastructure master plan to continue a strong commitment to ongoing infrastructure improvements and maintain a high level of community engagement to ensure residents and community organizations have a say in major decision-making.

It was noted in the plan that staff use the document as a guide for directing budgets, work time and internal decision-making.

As councillors discussed the draft strategic plan, several made comments that they liked the fact community wellness was singled out in the document.

It was noted during discussion that community yoga classes are doing very well at the Railway House facility; it was further noted that a recent survey conducted to gather input from residents revealed those living in Alix wanted more local fitness options and councillors agreed it looks as though residents are taking advantage of the new opportunities.

Councillors also commented they were happy to see inter-municipal relationships mentioned, as working productively with other municipalities was important to them.

Coun. Frank Lanueville stated that he’s heard feedback recently that Alix residents are happy with the village’s openness; that is, they feel the village is effectively providing information to the public.

The CAO stated that village staff take pride in that, while adding not every resident will be happy with every decision, the CAO hopes the public feels all of the information they need about those decisions was easily accessible.

Councillors unanimously approved the 2026-29 strategic plan.