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By Ian Gustafson

Protecting data

Sylvan Lake town council approves new AI Use Policy

Oct 17, 2025 | 4:19 PM

Sylvan Lake town council unanimously approved a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy, which sets the standard for responsible and ethical use by all town employees.

The policy allows employees and council members to use AI-enhanced features within applications and programs that have been approved by the town for work-related research and productivity.

The town’s IT manager, Joel Thomas, said in a presentation at the council’s regular meeting on Oct. 14, that a key component of the policy is that staff and council will only be permitted to use Microsoft Copilot to assist with tasks.

“While we do recognize the potential of other AI platforms, our priority is to ensure responsible use that aligns with our values and legal obligations,” he said. “The policy is not about limiting innovation, it’s about enabling it responsibly.”

He explained that as the town gains experience and confidence, it could revisit the potential for adding additional AI tools, but for now, Thomas said Copilot offers the best balance for security, usability, and governance.

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He says the policy ensures that staff review for accuracy, completeness, relevance, appropriateness, and biases.

All staff and council members must also paraphrase all content acquired by AI tools to avoid allegations of plagiarism.

All users are also prohibited from uploading confidential and personal information into AI tools

If any staff or council members violate the policy, it may result in disciplinary action or legal consequences.

Councillor Tim Mearns said in closing comments that he thought the new policy was great, especially since they’re taking a slower approach to it with potential future adjustments.

“There’s lots of opportunities to increase efficiencies across the board that I’ve seen personally, as well as in other areas. I’m happy to see we have a policy in place that will allow administration to start working through that,” he said.

Meanwhile, councillor Kjeryn Dakin said she’s taken a previous course on AI and is also glad they’re taking a slower approach.

“I’d rather see somebody else expose some issues than us, but I think this is very well written,” she said.