Council Meeting Highlights - August 24, 2026

Presentation - B.R.A.I.N. Conference
Dr. Tim Parker and Dr. Jane Ross spoke to Council about the upcoming B.R.A.I.N. (Battle River Arts, Innovation and Neuroscience) Conference.

Presentation - Camrose Ski Club
Morten Asfeldt, Past President, Michelle Eriksson, President, and Mike Holden, Treasurer, representing the Camrose Ski Club presented two budget requests for Council’s consideration in the next budget cycle. They requested a 5% annual increase over the next five years and $41,000 to develop a new moderate cross-country ski trail across the old ski hill, identified as the top recommendation in their Trail Master Plan.

2027/2028 Budget Business Cases
Council reviewed and confirmed the projects and initiatives to be considered during the upcoming budget deliberations. Administration had prioritized the items it believed were most important so staff time and resources can be focused on preparing the business cases Council wants to review during budget deliberations.

Clay Stockpile at the Landfill
Council gave Administration to direction to move forward with the sale of a clay stockpile currently located at the GFL Landfill. GFL has advised that it no longer needs the clay and requested that it be removed from the site within five years.

Agreement with Centra Cam for Depot Operations
Council approved updates to the Recycle Depot agreement with Centra Cam and directed Administration to negotiate an extension through the end of 2027. Administration has been working with Centra Cam over the past several years to review service options and understand how potential changes could affect depot operations and staff.

Other key changes will include:

• Commercial cardboard collection: Council approved changing to a collection-only service using bins rather than continuing to process cardboard at the depot.
• Household hazardous waste collection: Council approved adding this service to the agreement now. A final decision on the location and scope of a future permanent hazardous waste depot will be made later this fall.
• Curbside waste and organics bins: Council approved having Centra Cam take over maintenance of the City's residential waste and organics bins.

These changes will help guide Recycle Depot operations through the end of 2027 while maintaining services for residents.

Salt and Sand Management Review Update
Council asked Administration to prepare a business case for the upcoming budget for a new covered area to store sand and salt, as well as other storage options that could help reduce environmental impacts.

Public Commentary
A resident spoke about issues with a neighbouring property.

HLPS #2 Reservoir Repairs Budget
Council approved $1,045,000 to repair the potable water reservoir at High Lift Pump Station #2 after a leak was discovered in March 2026. Repairs are expected to begin shortly and be largely complete by the end of November, with the reservoir anticipated to return to service in early 2027. The City will continue using its other reservoirs during construction and has also applied for grant funding that could offset a portion of the project costs.

Rail Safety Improvement Program Application
Council has approved Administration to apply for funding through the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) for the proposed CPKC Pedestrian Underpass and North Trail Extension project. The project would provide a safer way for people to cross the railway and improve connections to the City's trail network. If the application is successful, the federal program could cover up to 80% of eligible project costs, reducing the amount that would need to be funded by the City.

Flag Display and Lowering Council Policy
Council approved an updated Flag Display and Lowering Policy to reflect the City’s current flagpole locations and flag display practices. The updates included minor housekeeping changes, such as revising the list of municipal properties with flagpoles, limiting flag groupings at municipal properties to a single Canadian flag, and clarifying the use of the Museum’s flagpole for cultural recognition.

Approval of Framework Policies
Council approved updates to the City’s Framework Policies for Human Resources, Health and Safety, Information Technology, and Protective Services. The changes clarify definitions, roles, and responsibilities, and further distinguish Council’s governance role from Administration’s day-to-day operational responsibilities.

Princess Project Lease
Council approved a two-year lease with Laura Swanson, operating as the Princess Project, for space in the Mirror Lake Centre from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028, and an annual $9,012.13 grant-in-kind for storage and fitting room space.