Council Meeting Highlights - August 10, 2026

Police Station Update
Council received an update from the Camrose Police Service on planning for a future police facility and supported moving the project to the next stage. Council also provided direction to schedule a workshop so that they can start a discussion regarding site selection.

A review found that while the current police building remained in good physical condition, it no longer met the needs of a modern police service due to space limitations, safety and security concerns, parking challenges, and the need for improved areas for staff and the public.

Several options were considered, but a replacement facility was identified as the preferred long-term option to better support policing needs and community safety.

A business case will be brought forward during budget discussions this fall, outlining the project scope, estimated costs, funding options, timeline, and potential location.

Introduction of New Staff (Verbal)
Kris Johnson, General Manager of Infrastructure, introduced Tyler Helgeland, who had been recently working in a temporary summer position and has now taken a permanent position in the Roads department.

Presentation - Recreation Advisory Committee
David Ritz, Vice-Chair of the Recreation Advisory Committee, shared an update on the committee’s first year, which focused on setting up roles, responsibilities, and direction. Going forward, the committee plans to support recreation planning by reviewing community needs, facility use, and local recreation trends to help guide future recommendations to Council.

Presentation - Urban Forest Master Plan
Dr. Greg King, Associate Professor of Environmental Science from the University of Alberta Augustana Campus, presented to Council on the upcoming Camrose Urban Forest Master Plan. He discussed the development of a long-term, evidence-based strategy to manage, enhance, and protect Camrose’s urban forest. His presentation covered the project background, proposed 2026–2028 timeline, key activities including LiDAR canopy assessment and public engagement, and areas where Council input was sought.

2027 / 2028 Budget
Administration is currently working on the 2027 and 2028 budgets and asked Council for early direction on matters such as property taxes, user fees, utility rates, and franchise fees. This early guidance provides staff with a starting point for preparing the draft budget while they review expected costs, inflation, current service levels, infrastructure needs, and potential service changes.

Following further discussion, Council directed Administration to maintain current service levels and bring forward only critical business cases in an effort to keep increases to a minimum.

Council will still have the opportunity to make changes during the formal budget deliberations. However, this direction is intended to help staff prepare realistic options and avoid spending time on proposals that may not align with Council's budget objectives.

Advocacy Topics Update
Since the Committee of the Whole Council last reviewed the Advocacy Topics report on June 8,2026, the following updates were made:

• Topic 4 - Underpass within the Stoney Creek Valley: July 22 – Administration attended a Railway Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) webinar as the program is accepting applications until September 8, 2026. Administration will bring a report to Council on August 24 seeking a motion to support the application.
• Topics 5 & 6 – Building a Strong Relationship with Augustana and Continued Advocacy to Ministries of Health, Assisted Living, and Advanced Education: June 22 Council approved a letter of support be sent to Minister of Advanced Education regarding the Augustana Classroom Building Renewal project.

Public Hearing Bylaw 3411-26 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment
Public Hearing Bylaw 3411-26 was advertised in the Camrose Booster on June 30 and July 7, 2026, for a proposed Land Use Bylaw amendment. Letters were also mailed to residents within 60 metres of the subject property to let them know about the proposed change and how they could provide feedback. No written submissions were received.

Public Hearing Bylaw 3412-26 - Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan Amendment
Public Hearing Bylaw 3412-26 was advertised in the Camrose Booster on June 30 and July 7, 2026, for a proposed Land Use Bylaw amendment. Letters were also mailed to residents within 60 metres of the subject property to let them know about the proposed change and how they could provide feedback. No written submissions were received.

Bylaw 3411-26 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment
Council gave second and third readings to Bylaw 3411-26 to change the zoning of 4801 – 51 Avenue from Central/Downtown Commercial District (C1) to Direct Control District (DC). The property is currently home to Trailhead Garage and was previously used as a service station before sitting vacant for several years.

The current zoning does not allow automotive repair and service businesses. The site also has limited options for other types of development because of its size, existing building, parking, and historical use. The Direct Control zoning will allow Council to consider uses that are better suited to the unique property. The City received two phone calls about the proposed change, with neither caller raising concerns.

Bylaw 3412-26 - Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan Amendment
Council gave second and third readings to Bylaw 3412-26, changing the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan for 4801 – 51 Avenue, where Trailhead Garage is located. The amendment moves the property from the Commercial Transition Area, where automotive repair businesses are not allowed, into the Station Main area, allowing Trailhead Garage to continue operating at this location. The change applies specifically to this property and recognizes its history as an automotive site, as well as the investment made to bring a property that had been vacant for several years back into use.

Virtualization Platform Modernization and Operating Budget Approval
Council approved an additional annual operating budget requirement of up to $20,000 in 2027 and up to $5,000 in future years to support software licensing, maintenance, and support costs associated with the City’s virtualization platform.

Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan Urban Design Framework
Council approved the 2026 Urban Design Framework, effective September 1, 2026, to guide future development and improvements in downtown Camrose. The framework provides clear design expectations for development, streetscapes, public spaces, and transportation connections, helping support an attractive, accessible, and vibrant downtown.

Adoption of Utility Master Plans
Council adopted the Water Distribution System Master Plan Update, the Sanitary Master Plan, and the Stormwater Master Plan to help guide future infrastructure and growth planning in Camrose. Administration also noted that the updated plans will support future reviews of regional planning documents and the ongoing Off-Site Levy Bylaw update.

Budget Policy
Council approved the updated Council Budget Policy which guides how the municipal budget is prepared and managed.