A New Term Begins: Morinville Town Council’s First Meeting at a Glance

Tonight’s the swearing-in and inaugural meeting of Morinville’s new(ish) Town Council — the crew who’ll be steering the ship for the next four years.

What’s on the agenda

1. Swearing-In Ceremony
2. Call to Order
3. Adoption of Agenda
4. Deputy Mayor Rotation and Appointment
5. 2025-26 Council Calendar
6. Council Appointments to Standing Committees
7. Orientation Extension
8. Adjournment

Nothing too dramatic tonight — mostly formalities and housekeeping — but it’s still where the next four years begin. See the full agenda >

A quick primer on ‘orientation’

Being a Councillor is a big job, and there’s a lot to learn. Alberta’s Municipal Government Act (MGA) mandates that all new and returning Councillors receive orientation training within 90 days of taking the oath of office.

• What municipalities actually do and how they’re organized
• Roles and responsibilities of council, councillors, and staff
• Codes of conduct and public participation
• How budgeting and financial decisions are made
• The big-picture plans, policies, and projects that guide your town

Basically, it’s “How to Run a Town 101.”

If you’ve ever wondered what municipal councils officially do

Here’s the Alberta government’s definition of a municipality’s purpose, as set out in the Municipal Government Act:

• To provide good government
  • To foster environmental well-being
  • To foster economic development
• To provide services, facilities, and other things needed for the community
• To develop and maintain safe and viable communities
• To work with neighbouring municipalities to plan and share services

Sounds straightforward enough, right? Until you realize the Municipal Government Act is 624 pages long. (Fun fact: the part about “Purposes, Powers, and Capacity” doesn’t even start until page 43.)

Even if it sounds dull, this first meeting still matters

Tonight’s council meeting may be procedural, but if you’ve been thinking about keeping closer tabs on what’s in the works for Morinville — this is where to start.
Show up, listen in, and see who’s leading the conversations that shape your community. Every term begins somewhere, and this is the beginning.

Author: Everything Morinville