Please note: Council highlights are not official meeting minutes. They provide a summary of decisions and information from Council meetings, offering a more accessible way for residents to stay informed about City of Camrose updates.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Highlights
Introduction of New Employees (Verbal)
Aaron Leckie introduced Ana Faraon, our new administrative assistant for Planning and Development. Welcome Ana!
For Information - Presentation by Jonathan Sims
Jonathan Sims presented to Council about the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulation. It is a "polluters pay" system that holds companies supplying single-use products, packaging, and paper products (PPP) to Albertans accountable for the costs of collecting and recycling those items. This presentation specifically focused on how some proposed changes could potentially affect Centra Cam.
Council also added how much they value Centra Cam.
Request for Direction - Establishment of New Residential Taxation Subclass - 2010 Annexed Properties
In 2010, Camrose annexed properties from Camrose County with special tax conditions lasting until 2024. Starting in 2025, these properties will no longer receive a lower tax rate and may face significant increases. Property owners have expressed concerns, and Administration has brought forth options to ease the tax impact.
Options:
- Option 1: Tax these properties like all other residential properties in the city.
- Option 2: Set a lower tax rate (45%) for 2025-2027, then increase to the full city rate by 2028.
- Option 3: Set a tax rate of 50% for 2025, gradually increasing each year to reach the full city rate by 2028.
After a discussion of these options, Council agreed to have them brought back for decision at another Regular Council Meeting prior to setting the Tax Rate.
Watch the Committee of the Whole Meeting here.
Regular Council Meeting Highlights
Public Commentary
We had an individual pay appreciation to Administration for engaging in consultation on the Concert and Special Event Bylaw.
A Board member for CentraCam and two members of the public attended to give Council information on how upcoming changes due to the Extended Producer Responsibility program will affect their charity.
Two members of the Public spoke regarding the 2010 annexation and 15-year tax abatement for those annexed properties.
For Information - Public Hearing - Bylaw 3355-25 - Land Use Amendment
Bylaw 3355-25 is outlined below. Before approving the second reading of a bylaw that amends the Land Use Bylaw, Council must hold a public hearing as required by the Municipal Government Act. To meet advertising requirements, the hearing was advertised in the Camrose Booster on February 11, 18, and 25, 2025, informing residents of their right to attend and submit written feedback. The submission deadline was February 28, 2025, but no written submissions were received.
There was one individual in attendance to ask questions regarding the proposal. There were no individuals online to speak to the public hearing.
Request for Decision - Bylaw 3355-25 - Land Use Amendment
Council considered a redistricting application from Five Star Home Solutions Ltd. to change two lots on 52A Street from Special (Historical) Residential District (SRD) to Direct Control District (DC). The irregular lot layout and unique access support this change, allowing for redevelopment while maintaining historical design regulations. No public objections were received, and the proposed redistricting aligns with long-term city plans encouraging infill development and diverse housing options. Administration supports the application, and Council is recommended to approve the second and third readings of Bylaw 3355–25.
Request for Decision - Community Services Office Space
The Primary Care Network (PCN) is renewing its lease for rooms 1110 and 1110B but will vacate rooms 1109, 1109A, and 1109B after March 31, 2025. The Community Services Administration currently lacks adequate office and meeting space due to previous facility renovations. Repurposing the vacated rooms for would improve workspace conditions, provide a dedicated meeting area, and potentially create an additional public rental space. Since there is no demand from local non-profits, and leasing at market rate would compete with private office rentals, Council approved keeping this space available for Community Services’ use.
Request for Decision - Concert and Special Event Permit Bylaw 3365-25
Council passed three readings of the Concert and Special Event Bylaw 3365-25, which establishes clear regulations for permitting and managing events in Camrose as well as distinguishes different “levels” of events based on size. The bylaw has undergone legal review, stakeholder engagement, and revisions based on feedback from local event organizers. The goal is to streamline the process while ensuring safety and compliance are fully considered by event organizers.
Request for Decision - Annual Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 3370-25
Council passed three readings to the Annual Fees and Charges Bylaw 3370-25. The proposed changes include introducing separate event fee categories for non-profits (subsidized by Council) and commercial organizations (covering administrative costs). These adjustments respond to stakeholders’ concerns about event fees. Additionally, the Fire Pit, Outdoor BBQ/Fireplace Permit fee will be reduced from $31 to $30 to simplify payments.
Request for Decision - Natural Gas Franchise Agreement ATCO)
Council gave first reading to Bylaw 3364-25 to renew the City’s Natural Gas Franchise Agreement with ATCO Gas, as the current agreement expires on July 1, 2025. The proposed 10-year agreement maintains the franchise fee structure and aligns with provincial regulations.
Request for Decision - Election Locations/Advance Voting Dates
Council approved advanced voting for the 2025 Municipal Election be October 14-18, 2025 at the Camrose Recreation Centre and to reduce the number of general voting locations from four to two. General voting locations will be the Field House (Community Centre) and Mirror Lake Centre. The City is reviewing transportation options utilizing the community bus for election day as well.
Find out more about the election at www.camrose.ca/election
Request for Decision - Member-at-Large Appointment - Heritage Advisory Committee
Council appointed Glenda Hughes as a Member-at-Large to the Heritage Advisory Committee for a term starting March 10, 2025, and ending December 31, 2027, or until otherwise decided by Council.
Community Grant Agreement (Verbal)
Council reviewed and ratified a decision for Community Discretionary Grants made in a previous year for the Jack Stewart School Playground. A clerical error in the minutes captured the incorrectly approved amount. Council made a motion to approve the appropriate amount and revise the minutes to approve the $10,000 as originally intended.
Request for Decision - Member-at-Large Appointment - Heritage Advisory Committee (addition to Agenda)
Council appointed Jacob Francis as a Member-at-Large to the Heritage Advisory Committee for a term starting March 10, 2025, and ending December 31, 2026, or until otherwise decided by Council.
Watch the Regular Council Meeting here.
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