Council Meeting Highlights - August 25, 2025

Fire Training Grounds Project Update
The Fire Training Grounds project is moving ahead on schedule. Site work has been completed to support drainage and heavy equipment, and a retention pond with a 24,000-gallon capacity will provide the primary water source for live fire training. Shipping containers and training props are being prepared, with installation and placement expected to happen soon.

Community support has been strong, with over $58,000 in donations and additional in-kind contributions, and plans are underway to recognize these efforts through signage, media features, and an opening ceremony.

2022-2026 Council Strategic Plan Update
In June 2022, Council adopted the 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, which guided the City’s priorities over the past four years. The plan was shaped through extensive engagement, including citizen and staff surveys, community conversations, and Council workshops. From this input, Council identified four key focus areas: investing in people and processes, increasing engagement with citizens and staff, optimizing asset management, and building a strong economy. Each area included clear outcomes and a series of action items that strengthened City services, operations, and community growth.

Over the course of the plan, Council and Administration successfully completed a wide range of initiatives. These included updating bylaws and policies, expanding training and professional development programs, improving technology systems, enhancing communication tools, and implementing new asset management practices. Infrastructure renewal projects, economic development strategies, and tourism initiatives also moved forward under the plan.

Collectively, the completion of these actions advanced the City’s vision and positioned Camrose as a well-managed, welcoming community where residents, businesses, and organizations could thrive.

AB Muni Convention 2025 - Meeting with Minster of Municipal Affairs
Council has decided on the topics they want to bring forward at the Alberta Municipalities 2025 Convention. Administration will prepare a formal request to meet with the Minister of Municipal Affairs by the September 12 deadline.

The three topics Council chose are: protecting local water supplies, the rising costs being passed on to municipalities, and the challenges of putting Bill 50 into practice.

These topics will guide the City’s discussions if a meeting with the Minister is approved.

Area Structure Plan Guidelines
Council approved the updated 2025 Area Structure Plan (ASP) Guidelines, which will be effective starting September 1, 2025. The Guidelines provide a clear process for preparing, submitting, and evaluating ASPs, ensuring development proposals align with City planning objectives and provincial legislation. Updates reflect legislative changes, emphasize stronger public engagement, and improve usability with visuals and reorganized content. The revised document also includes updated ASP boundary maps and incorporates feedback from Council’s earlier review.

52 Avenue Land Sales
Council approved the sale of three City-owned parcels of land located near the CPKC rail line. These parcels have been encroached upon by adjacent property owners for many years, and the City began the process of subdividing and preparing them for sale in 2018. Delays caused by staffing changes, COVID-19, and other priorities slowed the process, but seven of the ten lots have already been sold. Administration recommended selling the remaining three parcels at assessed market value, in accordance with the City’s Land Development Policy and the terms reviewed in Closed Session.

Community Navigator Position Funding Request (Tabled at the August 11, 2025 Regular Council Meeting)
Council has approved funding for a pilot Community Outreach Navigator position through an overcontribution to Camrose and District Family and Community Support Services. The City will provide $35,000 in 2025 and $105,000 in 2026, funded from the general operating surplus or reserves. This 16-month pilot project is intended to address homelessness, addictions, and mental health concerns by connecting individuals to appropriate supports while reducing repeat calls to police and emergency services.

The Community Navigator will be employed by CDFCSS, based out of their office, and supervised by the Executive Director. The position will focus on crisis response, coordinated access to community resources, and improved collaboration between local agencies. Progress reports on the program’s outcomes will be presented to Council in early and mid-2026, and the pilot will also help build a foundation for future grant applications to sustain the initiative.

Max McLean Rotunda Roof Repair
Council approved repairs to the Max McLean Arena rotunda roof at a cost of up to $230,000. The roof, last resurfaced in the late 1980s, has developed leaks that threaten equipment in the ice plant room and could cause long-term structural damage if not addressed. A roofing consultant recommended full replacement, and a public tender resulted in a bid of $219,000 plus a $11,000 contingency.

Funding Support for the 2025/2026 Viking Cup
Council approved a $25,000 donation to the Augustana Vikings Hockey Alumni Association for the 2026 Viking Cup tournament. The group has requested a $34,000 donation from the City to help cover facility rental, staffing overtime, and other event expenses. Check out www.vikingcup.ca for more details about this exciting event!

Proclamation Request
Council authorizes the Mayor to proclaim September 9, 2025 as “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day” in the City of Camrose.