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Bylaw Enforcement

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1. Who do I call if I have a problem with a dog running at large or barking excessively after City Hall office hours or on weekends?

The Camrose Police Service can enforce the City of Camrose bylaws. You can contact them at (780) 672-4444.

2. How long do I have to remove the snow from my residential sidewalk?

After a snowfall ends, occupants or owners of residential properties must remove snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 72 hours, excluding Sundays and holidays.

After a snowfall ends, owners or occupants of other properties(ie:commercial) must remove snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours, excluding Sundays and holidays.

3. How do I report a weed problem?

You can contact the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at (780) 672-4426.

4. Where can I purchase a dog tag?

Annual dog tags can be purchased at City Hall. If purchased before January 31, dog tags cost $20 for a neutered dog and $40 for a non-neutered dog. Tags purchased after the end of January cost $30 and $50 respectively.

5. Does the City classify certain dogs as dangerous or vicious?

While the Animal Control Bylaw does not classify any specific breeds as dangerous or vicious, any dog could be deemed dangerous based on actions / behavior of that dog.

6. How do I contact the Animal Control Officer?

You can reach our Bylaw Enforcement Officer by calling (780) 672-4426.

7. What should I do if my dog gets lost?

There are several things that can be done if you lose a pet. First, look around your neighborhood and talk to neighbours to see if anyone has seen your pet.

Second, contact the City of Camrose Bylaw Enforcement Officer and provide a description of your pet and license number. You may also want to contact the City of Camrose Pound and Animal Rescue Centre (780-672-7800). After hours, you can contact the Camrose Police Department at (780) 672-4444.

If you are still unable to locate your pet, you may place a notice at the Community Poster Board in Ruby Swanson Park. Lost pets are often listed in the lost and found classified advertisements in the local newspapers.

8. What should I do if I find a dog with a license tag?

Please call the City of Camrose Bylaw Enforcement Officer at (780) 672-4426.

9. How can I retrieve my dog from the pound?

• If your dog doesn't have a license, you must purchase one from City Hall.
• You must pay pound fees to cover the cost of taking care of your dog. No fees will be charged over the weekends.
• You may be given a ticket for allowing the dog to run at large. If so, you will have seven days from the date of the ticket to pay the fine (excluding weekends).
• After paying the required fees, you will receive a release form to allow you to retrieve your dog from the pound at the Camrose Animal Clinic. Please note that additional fees may be charged by the clinic.
• As stated in the Animal Control Bylaw, "Any dog, which has been placed in a pound, shall be kept therein for a period of not less than three clear days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays, unless claimed prior by the owner or otherwise disposed of in accordance with this Bylaw."

10. How can I contact the City of Camrose Pound and Animal Rescue Centre?

You can contact the Camrose Animal Clinic at (780) 672-7800. They are located at 3843A-44 Avenue, Camrose, AB T4V 3T1
Camrose Animal Clinic

11. Does Camrose have a smoking bylaw?

No. With the passage of the Tobacco Reduction Amendment Act, 2007 Bill 45 by Province of Alberta, the City of Camrose smoking bylaw was rescinded.

12. When did the Tobacco Reduction Amendment Act come into effect?

Bans on tobacco displays, promotions, and advertising in retail outlets took effect July 1, 2008. Removal of tobacco sales from pharmacies, health care facilities, and post-secondary campuses took effect January 1, 2009.

13. Who do I call to voice concerns regarding violations to the Tobacco Reduction Amendment act within Camrose?

You can contact the City of Camrose Bylaw Enforcement Officer at (780) 672-4426 or the Camrose Police Service at (780) 672-8300.

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Composting

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1. What materials are accepted at the City compost bunker?

Grass, leaves, flowers, and weeds can be brought to the compost bunker. Please do not include branches, soil, or sod. During the month of November, pumpkins can be dropped off. In January and February, Christmas trees are accepted. Please ensure that no plastic bags, metal, or decorations are dropped off at the bunker.

2. Where can I take soil and sod?

There is a compost collection site at the landfill for these items.

3. What are the benefits to composting at home?

• It's good for the environment.
• It can reduce your waste by 30%.
• It gives you a rich organic product that can be used on lawns and gardens.
• It can eliminate the need for fertilizer and significantly reduce watering needs.

4. How can I start composting?

The best way to get started composting is to first select a location for your composter that is partly sunny, and an area that is solid but well drained. You can find additional composting information in Your Guide to Composting in Camrose.

5. What maintenance does my composter need?

As long as your composter contains organic materials, decomposition will take place. Air is needed for this process. You will need to poke / turn the contents weekly to allow air to the pile. The contents of your composter should be damp, but not wet. If it is too dry, add water or fruit and vegetable scraps. If it is too wet turn it more often and add dry organic material like leaves. It is best not to let rain fall into your compost.

6. What items can go in my outdoor composter?

Acceptable items include fruit, vegetable scraps, tea bags, egg shells, coffee grounds and filters, nut shells, wood ash, plant trimmings and dry leaves, straw, wood chips, sawdust, and dryer lint.

Unacceptable items include pet manure, meat, eggs, fish or seafood, bones, dairy products, fat, oil or oily foods, diseased / bug infested plants, diapers or sanitary products, or barbeque ashes.

7. When is my compost ready?

Compost can take 3 - 12 months to be ready, depending on conditions. Sunny locations produce compost faster. When the texture of compost is like coffee grounds and organic material is broken down, it is ready to use.

8. Where can I get a composter?

Composters are sold at hardware stores or garden centres. Call your local retailer to determine availability and price. You can also build your own composter.

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Electrical Inspections

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1. Who gave the City jurisdiction for electrical inspections?

The Alberta Safety Codes Council issued the City of Camrose with a Joint Accreditation under the Alberta Safety Codes Act, giving us exclusive authority for our assigned region. More information available here

2. When do I need an electrical permit?

A electrical permit is required for
- new wiring installations
- additions or renovations

3. When is an electrical permit not required?

A permit is not required for electrical maintenance work.

4. Who can obtain an electrical permit?

- Master electrician for work done as an electrical contractor
- Homeowner who resides in a home (single family residential dwelling) where the work is to be done
- Owner of a farm building served by a single phase service
- Owner of a power line for construction work being done
- Sign installer for signs and outline lighting

5. What is the purpose of the Canadian Electrical Code?

- Establishes safety standards for the installation of electrical wiring and equipment
- Helps to prevent fire and shock hazards
- Establishes a national consensus-based standard

6. How is a power connection obtained?

- Obtain an electrical permit
- Complete necessary work
- Ensure grounding is complete
- Ensure no live parts will be exposed
- Contact electrical utility for connection
- Call 310-Wire(9473)
- Provide proof of elecrical permit
- Usually leave copy of the permit in the meter base

7. What is the purpose of an electrical inspection?

- To ensure a safe installation
- To ensure compliance to the Canadian Electrical Code
- To mitigate risk

8. How can I contact an electrical inspector?

- Email: See the main Electrical Inspections web page for an email link.

- In person: Electrical inspector is usually in the office at 8:00AM, 1:00PM and between 4:00 and 4:30PM.

- By phone: Call Inspections Office at 780-672-4428. If the inspector is not available, your call will be returned as soon as possible.

9. When a street light is out, who do I contact?

The City of Camrose is a FortisAlberta service area. Contact them via an online form at www.fortisalberta.com or phone 310-Wire(9473). You will need the service location of the street light.

Call Engineering at City of Camrose, (780-672-4428) to report a problem.

Outside of the FortisAlberta service area, responsibility is determined by who provides delivery charges on your power bill.

10. If I have an electrical safety question, who do I contact?

- Email: See the main Electrical Inspections web page for an email link.
- Phone: Call Inspections Office at 780-672-4428
- Call Utility supply or no power call 310-Wire(9473)

11. I plan to install power underground; who do I contact?

Call before you dig (Alberta 1 Call, 1-800-242-3447)

Alberta 1 Call will mark all underground utilities on your property free of charge. Alberta One Call

12. Where can I find reference material or electrical codes?

"Electrical Code Simplified: Residential Wiring for Alberta" by P.S. Knight (psknight@dccnet.com). This guide is commonly found at most hardware stores.

Canadian Electrical Code & Alberta Codes can be purchased online at www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cp_electrical_codes_&_standards.cfm

13. When are electrical inspections required?

- Generally before power connection of services 400 amps and larger

- Rough-in inspection before wiring is covered

- Final inspection before building occupancy

14. What is the city's area of jurisdiction for electrical inspections?

- City of Camrose
- Camrose County
- All hamlets, villages and towns within Camrose County with the exception of the Town of Bashaw.

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Garbage Collection

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1. When and how will my garbage be collected?

All refuse should be ready for collection by 7:45 am on the morning of your collection day. See the collection schedule to determine your collection day.

The refuse should be placed as close as possible to the back or side lane of your property, and in no way obstruct use of the lane. If you do not have a back or side lane, then the refuse should be placed close to the front of your property, without obstructing the sidewalk.

All empty trash cans must be removed from the location of collection by the end of the day.
Current Collection Schedule

2. Can I leave the trash cans out all the time?

If you wish to leave your trash cans at the collection spot permanently (applies to lane collection only), you must construct a stand or enclosure for the containers, including bags.

3. What happens if I don't handle my garbage properly?

To maintain the sanitation and safety of the refuse collection process, the City has established requirements for the handling of all garbage. When any of these requirements have not been met, the contractor has no obligation to collect your garbage. To ensure refuse is collected, please review the Waste Collection Bylaw.

4. What items are not accepted in the refuse (garbage)?

• Household hazardous waste (paints, motor oil, pesticides, oven and toilet cleaners, solvents, etc.)
• Large items (furniture, mattresses, televisions, and appliances)
• Liquids
• Building / renovation materials (drywall, carpeting, lumber, etc.)
• Tree stumps, unbundled branches.
• Tires, large metal parts, etc.

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Gas Inspections

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1. Do I need a gas permit to install a new gas line for my outdoor barbeque?

Yes. Any alterations or additions to a gas line require a gas permit.

2. I am planning on building a new house and the City of Camrose has issued the building permit; do I need other permits?

You will require plumbing, gas, and possibly private sewage permits. Permits ensure that your installation is done in accordance with Provincial codes and the Safety Codes Act. Completing plumbing and gas fitting without the proper permits and inspections can lead to costly repairs in the future.

3. Who should apply for the permits, me or my contractor?

If you have hired contractors to do the work, they are responsible to obtain the permits.

If you are doing the work yourself, you may obtain the permit, provided you are the owner and you live or will be living at the premises (some restrictions may apply).

4. I received an Inspection Report; what is it?

An Inspection Report informs the permit holder that an inspection was completed, and identifies any deficiencies that were found. When the corrections are made, the report is signed by the permit holder, and then returned to Inspection Services at the City of Camrose.

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Home Occupations

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1. What is a home occupation?

A home occupation is any occupation, trade, profession, or craft carried on by the occupant of a home that is secondary to the residential use of the building.

2. Do I need a home occupation license?

Many people assume that their home occupation does not require a license. However, according to the City of Camrose Bylaw, any activity run from a residence that generates income requires a license.


Even if you sell crafts or provide professional services on a casual or hobby basis, you should obtain a license.

3. How much does a home occupation license cost?

Licenses are based on the estimated gross income of your business:

$40 for home occupations grossing less than $10,000 per year

$180 for home occupations grossing over $10,000 per year

4. What are the requirements for a home occupation license?

The City of Camrose Land Use Bylaw gives a detailed list of the conditions for a home occupation:

• No variation from the external appearance and residential character of land or buildings shall be permitted.


• No offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odours, heat, glare, electrical, or radio disturbance or unusual hours of operation shall be produced by the home occupation.


• The privacy and enjoyment of adjacent dwellings shall be preserved.


• Home occupation shall not adversely affect the amenities of the neighbourhood.


• Home occupation may not occupy more than 25% of the gross floor area of the principal building (for child care, subject to Provincial Regulations); use of accessory buildings is permitted.


• Signage for a home occupation may not exceed 0.3 square metres and must be placed flat against the building (front and back).


• Each application to operate home occupations in an R1, R1L district require the approval of City Council.


• The home occupation must not generate any pedestrian or vehicular traffic or parking in excess of that which is characteristic of the neighbourhood within which it is located.


• Maximum number of employees for the home occupation (on site) shall not exceed three at any one time, one of which may be a non-resident.


• Parking for all employees shall be maintained on site and not more than one commercial vehicle with one accessory trailer (gross vehicle weight can not exceed 4500kgs), used in conjunction with the home occupation, shall be parked or maintained on or about the site.


• No visible outside storage related to the home occupation is permitted on or adjacent to the site.


• The home occupation must comply with all City bylaws including the City of Camrose Waste Water Bylaw.


• Licenses are valid from date of approval until December 31 of the current year unless sooner revoked or cancelled by the City. The applicant is responsible to re-apply for a renewal each year.


• Home occupation license applies only to address as stated on the application for home occupation license and does not constitute a building permit.


• A home occupation license may be revoked at any time if, in the opinion of the Development Officer, the operator of a home occupation has violated any provisions of this bylaw or the conditions of a license.

5. Why should I license my home-based business?

Free Advertising - The City includes a list of Camrose businesses in its information packages.

You need a license to apply for membership in the Better Business Bureau or the Camrose Chamber of Commerce.

A business license may qualify you for discounts that many suppliers provide businesses.

It is illegal to operate without one.

You are joining a community of home-based businesses.

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Household Hazardous Waste

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1. What is household hazardous waste?

Household hazardous waste includes:

Products that are corrosive such as batteries, drain cleaners, and oven cleaners.

Products that are flammable or explosive such as paints, oils, aerosols, or propane tanks.

Products that are toxic or poisonous such as bleach, cleaning fluids, and pesticides.

2. How do I properly dispose of household hazardous waste?

The City of Camrose provides an opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous wastes at its two-day Household Hazardous Waste Roundup each June and October.

For specific dates, please contact the Engineering Services Department at (780) 672-4428, or watch for announcements in the local newspapers and on the City website.

3. What precautions should I take when preparing materials for a household hazardous waste roundup?

• Keep all materials in their original containers. If the container is cracked or broken, place it in a leak proof package and label it.
• If you find jars or cans of unidentified / unknown chemicals, take them to the collection site and tell a staff person that you don't know what's inside.
• Never mix unknown substances.
• Any container printed with product warning symbols or precautions about use of the product or instructions on disposal of the container should be included.

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Landfill

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1. Where do I go to get freon removed from my fridge, freezer, or air conditioner?

Most of the local refrigeration companies in Camrose are authorized to remove freon from old appliances. Once the freon is removed, your authorized refrigeration company will attach a sticker indicating that the freon has been properly removed and disposed of. If this sticker is not present when taking the appliance to the landfill, a surcharge is applied.

2. What is the expected lifespan of the landfill?

The landfill opened in 1983 with an expected lifespan of 35 years. Recycling and waste reduction can extend the lifespan significantly. We currently anticipate an approximate closing date around the year 2045 which is a life span of 62 years.

3. Who owns the landfill?

The Province of Alberta owns the landfill. Camrose Regional Solid Waste Authority leases the land from the province. Maplethorpe Contractors Ltd. of Wetaskiwin has been hired to operate and manage the landfill site.

4. How is a landfill different than a dump?

• In a landfill, waste is spread in layers, and compacted tightly. The waste is covered daily by clay.
• Problems that are encountered in open dumping, including insects, rodents, safety and fire hazards, can be avoided with landfilling.
• A landfill is operated under strict Alberta Environment regulations to protect air, water, and soil.
• Much of the waste in a sanitary landfill will decompose, but will take a very long time. The headlines of a newspaper can often still be read after 40 years in a landfill.
• After a landfill has reached capacity, it is covered with topsoil and replanted. Often it is used for pasture, cropland, or recreational purposes.
• A closed landfill is monitored for 25 years or more to avoid soil erosion, excess runoff, and to protect ground water.
• Users of a landfill are charged a fee for dropping off waste.

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Planning & Development - Annexation

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1. Are annexation and expropriation similar?

No. Expropriation involves a municipality taking over ownership of private land and using it for major projects such as roads or water, sewer or utility infrastructure.

Annexation, on the other hand, does not involve a change in land ownership; it means a change in municipal boundaries and jurisdiction. The annexed land becomes part of a different municipality.

2. Once land is annexed, do City bylaws apply?

Upon annexation, all the City’s bylaws become applicable, including noise and nuisance bylaws, and traffic bylaws. These regulatory bylaws apply to all properties in the annexed area. The most commonly requested City bylaws can be viewed online.

3. Will land uses (zoning) of our property change after annexation?

Once annexation is approved, the City automatically inherits Camrose County’s statutory plans, land use, and any other bylaws or regulations that apply specifically to the land in the annexed area. Annexation will not impact the present use of the land in the annexation area.

After annexation, any future changes to land use that are proposed by the City will have to go through a statutory public consultation process.

4. Are properties in an annexed area required to hook up to City water and sewer services?

Water and sewer services become available when development or urbanization occurs in an area. Once that occurs, City services may become available, but connection fees may be charged. Additional Information

5. How will properties be taxed after they are annexed?

The present Memorandum of Understanding recommends current Camrose County assessment provisions and a special tax levy formula be utilized for the next ten years. Annexed properties will be taxed using the lowest municipal tax rate set annually by either the City of Camrose or Camrose County for each property assessment class (residential, farmland and non-residential).

Land and assessable improvements included in the annexation will continue to be assessed on the same basis as if the annexed land had remained in Camrose County. This means:

• Farm buildings will remain exempt from taxation.
• The Rural Assessment Policy exempting a portion of farm residences from taxation will remain in place.
• Farmland property assessments will be taxed using the lower City tax rates (6.9809 instead of 11.11, comparing 2008 tax rates).
• Residential property assessments will be taxed using the lower County tax rates (4.91 instead of 6.9809, comparing 2008 tax rates).
• Non-residential property assessments will be taxed using the lower County tax rates (12.37 instead of 13.7726, comparing 2008 tax rates).
• Machinery and equipment currently taxable in the County will become exempt from taxation.

These assessment provisions and special taxation formulas will remain in effect for 10 years or until any of the following occurs:

• A property is re-designated to a different land use under the City of Camrose Land Use Bylaw, at the request of, or on behalf of the landowner,
• A development permit is issued for a property,
• The landowner initiates or supports a City of Camrose local improvement project to supply water and sanitary sewer service to their property, or
• A property is connected to water or sanitary sewer services provided by the City of Camrose.

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Plumbing Inspections

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1. I am planning on building a new house and the City of Camrose has issued the building permit; do I need other permits?

You will require plumbing, gas, and possibly private sewage permits. Permits ensure that your installation is done in accordance with Provincial codes and the Safety Codes Act. Completing plumbing and gas fitting without the proper permits and inspections can lead to costly repairs in the future.

2. Who should apply for the permits, me or my contractor?

If you have hired contractors to do the work, they are responsible to obtain the permits.

If you are doing the work yourself, you may obtain the permit, provided you are the owner and you live or will be living at the premises (some restrictions may apply).

3. I received an Inspection Report; what is it?

An Inspection Report informs the permit holder that an inspection was completed, and identifies any deficiencies that were found. When the corrections are made, the report is signed by the permit holder, and then returned to Inspection Services at the City of Camrose.

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Private Sewage Inspections

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1. Will the installer obtain a permit and provide you with an inspection report?

Make sure the person doing the work for you is a certified installer.

The owner is entitled to a copy of the permit and inspection report(s). A copy of the permit and inspection report may be required if and when you sell your property.

2. Have the specific characteristics of your home been considered in determining what the "expected volume of sewage per day" used to design the system is?

Minimum volumes are specified in the Standard and are based on the number of bedrooms for a basic home. If your home has features beyond the basic home that might increase water use, additional volumes should be included.

The soil under the surface can change rapidly. A thin soil layer below the bottom of your system can prevent or slow the sewage effluent soaking into the soil, causing the system to fail. Soils saturated with water during parts of the year can also cause a system to fail.

The underlying soils must be analyzed to identify soil layers that affect system performance, and determine if there are saturated soil conditions present that can harm the system.

3. I received an Inspection Report, what is it?

An Inspection Report informs the permit holder that an inspection was completed and identifies any deficiencies that were found. When the corrections are made, the report is signed by the permit holder, and then returned to Inspection Services at the City of Camrose.

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Recycling

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1. Why do I pay a recycling fee on my utility bill when I don't recycle?

After an in-depth study, the City of Camrose concluded that supporting Recycle with Centra-Cam Collection Depot is the most economical way to provide recycling services.

The recycling service is funded through a $3.25 per month surcharge on municipal utility bills, along with revenue collected from the sale of the recycled products. Together these ensure a consistent level of funding for the program.

So take advantage of this service, and recycle.

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Sanitary Sewer System

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1. What is wastewater?

Wastewater is what we flush down the toilet and what goes down our drains. It comes from many different sources, both domestic and industrial, and contains many different compounds.

Contrary to what most people believe, our wastewater does not contain exotic chemicals, metals, or highly toxic substances. Our wastewater is composed primarily of natural organic substances, which are byproducts of human, animal, and plant processes.

The primary elements in our wastewater include nitrogen, phosphorous, ammonia, and carbon. Camrose Creek naturally contains all of these substances. However, the large quantities present in the wastewater could be harmful if they were not removed. The Camrose wastewater treatment facility removes about 90% of these compounds before the water is released to the environment.

2. What produces residential wastewater?

The major household contributors of wastewater are toilets, sinks, showers, and floor drains.

Most of the water used in a home ends up in the sanitary sewer system.

• 40% is flushed down the toilet


• 30% is used in showers and baths


• 15% is used for dishwashing and laundry

Combined, these account for 85% of household wastewater and the majority of residential wastewater.

Another major source of wastewater comes from the weeping tiles in some homes. Weeping tiles are pipes surrounding the foundation of buildings that absorb any excess moisture near the foundation to protect it from water damage. Weeping tiles in houses built in Camrose between 1970 and 1994 discharge foundation water into the sanitary sewer system.

Unfortunately, improper grading can result in large amounts of surface water entering the sanitary sewer during rainstorms. During major storms, these large flows can overload a sanitary system, causing sewage backup and widespread basement flooding.

To control this flooding and put the responsibility for lot grading back on homeowners, City Council passed a bylaw in 1994 which prohibited the connection of weeping tiles to the sanitary sewer. This change should significantly reduce the amount of water in the sanitary sewer system in new areas, especially during major storms.

3. What can go down the drain?

Camrose has strict bylaws pertaining to wastewater disposal, which help protect the environment from harmful substances that our treatment system may not be able to remove. The bylaws, including the City of Camrose Sewer Bylaw, impose strict penalties for discharging harmful substances into the sewers.

In general, anything that could harm the sewer, animals, vegetation or humans is not permitted in the sewer system. These include but are not limited to:

• paints


• organic solvents


• any corrosive matter (by itself or in combination)


• any dye that may alter the color of sewage works effluent.

The strength of the wastewater is measured by how quickly a sample of a specific size consumes oxygen at a given temperature. The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of our wastewater before treatment averages around 280 mg/L. After treatment the BOD is approximately 8 mg/L.

Note: Copies of all bylaws are available at City Hall located at:
5204-50 Ave.
Camrose, AB T4V 0S8

4. How is sanitary disposal regulated?

Inspectors can test the quality of the wastewater entering the system. This allows the City to regulate disposal and ensure compliance with the bylaw. If anyone is found discharging harmful or prohibited substances into the sewer system, the City can impose strict fines or disconnect their public sewer service.

Some industries have wastewater with high levels of phosphorous, nitrogen, or grease. While not prohibited, these high levels cause increased maintenance and operational costs to treat the sewage. If the strength of the wastewater is above the levels specified in the bylaws, the City can either levy extra charges for the treatment or require the industry to pre-treat its waste.

5. What does the treatment process remove?

Because sanitary waste in Camrose is primarily composed of organic matter, a natural treatment system is used. By bubbling large volumes of air through the wastewater, the natural processes of organic decomposition are enhanced. No chemical systems are used. The aeration system removes most of the nutrients found in the water. These include phosphorous, nitrogen, and carbon.

Removing the nutrients in the wastewater is crucial in limiting environmental damage to Camrose Creek. In addition to removing the organic substances in the water, the process also removes solid debris such as rocks, clay, sticks, cans, and rags.

The City's treatment system does not have a magic process which can remove any and all pollutants. This is why we need the Sewer Bylaw and the cooperation of our citizens and industries. Limited amounts of heavy metals and other chemicals are removed by a settling process and are retained by the sludge which forms at the bottom of the storage lagoon, but the system cannot handle large amounts of these types of substances.

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Taxation

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1. How is the property tax rate set?

City Council approves the City’s annual operating and capital budgets in December each year. The revenue expected from provincial grants, utility revenues and user fees is subtracted from the total expected expenditures to determine the property tax amount needed for that year.



Each May, City Council sets the property tax rates by passing a Tax Rate Bylaw. Rates are determined by dividing the total property tax amount needed among the total taxable assessed value for city properties. There are separate rates for residential, non-residential and farmland.

2. When are tax notices mailed out?

Property Assessment and Tax Notices are mailed out by mid May each year. If you have not received your tax notice by the end of May, please contact the Tax Department at (780) 672-4426.

3. When are taxes due, and what is the penalty for late payments?

Taxes are due on or before June 30. On July 1, a 6% penalty is applied to the outstanding balance of the current taxes. In addition, a 1.5% penalty on outstanding taxes is added on the first of each subsequent month.

4. What options do I have for paying taxes?

You can pay your tax bill:

• In person at City Hall, 5204-50 Ave. between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. For tax payments we accept cash, cheque, and direct debit.
• Mail payment to City Hall 5204-50 Ave., Camrose, AB T4V 0S8.
• Drop your payment into our secure drop slot on the side of our main south doors.
• Through your financial institution: either over the counter, telephone banking, or online.
• View our page on Payment Options

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Unidirectional Flushing Program

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1. Why are we flushing?

Slow moving water in the water mains allows mineral and sediments to deposit and accumulate over time. These deposits can result in water color and water quality problems and contribute to the corrosion of some of the pipes.

2. What are the benefits of flushing the watermains?

The benefits include maintaining and potentially improving the water quality level in the water mains. Flushing can also reduce bacterial growth, restore disinfectant residual, improve color and turbidity, control corrosion and can help restore flow and pressures in the water distribution system. A preventative maintenance program can also be implemented on valves and hydrants in conjunction with the flushing program at very little additional cost.

3. What is the Time Frame for the UDF Program?

The flushing will occur starting in July and run for approximately 2-3 months.

4. How will I be affected?

Flushing will generally occur from 8:00am to 4:30pm for most areas. The hydrants in the certain areas will be open and discharging the water. There may be a slight drop in pressure or a presence of discoloration from the minerals and sediments that are being flushed out. Service should not be disrupted during the flushing process.

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Utility Customer Services & Billing

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1. How do I sign up for water services, or get my water turned off?

To sign up for water service to an existing property, please contact the Utility Department at (780) 672-4426.

If you do not have a water and sewer line from the main to your property, please contact the Public Works Department at (780) 672-5513.

To get your water service turned off or disconnected, please contact the Utility Department at (780) 672-4426.

2. What if my water bill is higher than normal?

Please check the billing period on your statement. If may be that you have been using more water in that period to water your lawn or garden. You could also have a leaky faucet or leaking toilet. For more information, please view our Water Conservation Brochure.

3. When will I receive my monthly water bill?

The City of Camrose has two billing cycles. Bills are due on either the first or the 16th of each month, depending on where you live in the City. If your bill is due on the 1st of the month, you can expect to receive your bill by the middle of the month. If your bill is due on the 16th of the month, you can expect to receive your bill by the end of each month.

4. Where can I pay my water bill?

View payment information.