Council Meeting Highlights - December 1, 2025

Presentation from Ted Gross, Big Valley Jamboree
Ted Gross, Director of Emergency Management for the Big Valley Jamboree, presented to Council about the festival’s history, its economic impact, and opportunities for the organization and the City of Camrose to work together more effectively.

Traffic Signal Warrant Review
The City has received questions from residents about pedestrian and traffic safety at two intersections: Camrose Drive/Valleyview-Parkview Drive and 68 Street/45 Avenue. After reviewing traffic and pedestrian numbers, a consultant found that neither location needs full traffic signals at this time. The existing half-signals on Camrose Drive are still the correct level of control for that intersection.

The study showed that 68 Street and 45 Avenue now meet the criteria for pedestrian-activated half-signals, which would be an upgrade from the flashing lights installed in 2023. Administration recommended that Council receive this report as information and will bring it back for further discussion during the draft Capital Budget deliberations in Fall 2026.

Proclamation Policy
The City receives many requests for Proclamations, but there is currently no formal policy to guide how these requests are reviewed. Administration has proposed a Proclamation Policy which creates a consistent and transparent process, outlines eligibility criteria, and introduces Standing Proclamations that can be issued annually without a Council resolution.

The policy will be brought forward to a future Regular Council Meeting for approval.

Long Range Plan Implementation Update
The City is actively working on several major plans that guide Camrose’s growth and redevelopment. The Municipal Development Plan, approved in late 2024, is now in effect, and departments are advancing the short-term actions identified in it.

For the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP), the City is developing a detailed Urban Design Framework and gathering public input through workshops, surveys, and events. Heritage information is also being updated, and several private projects, such as new homes, apartments, and business openings, are helping revitalize the area. Administration continues to track vacant and underused lands, which have steadily decreased as redevelopment occurs.

The Augustana Area Redevelopment Plan, updated in 2021, guides growth in the neighbourhood between downtown and the university. Council approved new design criteria in 2025 to support infill development that fits the area’s historic character.

The Railway Junction and East Gateway Area Structure Plans focus on industrial and commercial growth. While driven mainly by private investment, both areas are being reviewed through the City’s new water, wastewater, and stormwater master plans, with updates expected in 2026.

Advocacy Topics Update
The Advocacy Topics report was created and ranked by Council during workshops in 2022 and 2023, with each topic assigned a Council Sponsor to help advocate for it. Since the last review in October 2025, updates were made to the Water Security and Social Services topics. Council agreed to revisit the report at the first meeting in January so Councillors have time to consider who should sponsor each topic.

Clarification on Community Standards Bylaw
Council discussed whether, and under what circumstances, a citizen could set up a petition station inside City facilities. They then directed Administration to bring back a suggested amendment to the Community Standards Bylaw that will help guide this topic and support further discussion and a decision.

Public Commentary
A resident spoke to Council about collecting signatures for Alberta Funds Public Schools.

2026 Budget Amendment – STARS
Council approved $1 per capita in 2026 funding for STARS Air Ambulance, totaling $19,882. Administration recommended beginning with the $1 per capita amount, noting that Council can adjust the funding level in the future.

2026 Annual Fees and Charges Bylaw 3384-25
Council gave three readings to the 2026 Annual Fees and Charges Bylaw. Administration completed an annual review of all City fees and recommended an average increase of about 2.5% to help offset inflation. Some fees require larger adjustments, including a 5% increase to water and wastewater rates and a 14% increase to Toonie Swim and Free Swim sponsorship fees to better reflect actual costs.

The Bylaw also introduces several new fees, such as updated dog licence categories, airport landing fees, after-hours call-out fees at the airport, fire service false alarm fees, fireworks display permits, and a drop-in shower fee. A few outdated fees would be removed, including the annual dog licence fee and long-term parking on the airport’s grassed area. Other changes include raising the maximum charge for fire calls within the city to $10,000 and extending the allowable parking time on Apron I from three days to seven.

The Bylaw will take effect January 1, 2026.

Recreation Facilities User Advertising Policy
Council approved a new Municipal Recreation Facility User Advertising Policy, which will guide how user groups and event organizers can request advertising or promotional space in City recreation facilities. The policy formalizes long-standing practices where groups such as local hockey teams and special event organizers have used arena and facility spaces for advertising to support their financial sustainability.

Subdivision and Development Security Policy
Council approved a new Subdivision & Development Security Policy which combines several security processes into one, focuses on high-risk projects, and bases deposit amounts on realistic construction costs rather than flat fees. It also introduces clearer procedures, a tiered system for compliance, and improved tracking through the upgraded permitting system.

Letter of Support - Reaching Homes Grant CDFCSS
Council approved a Letter of Support for the Camrose and District FCSS grant application, which seeks funding to continue and expand the coordinated access program for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This grant will help support regional housing navigation, emergency protocols, collaboration with partners, and data collection from December 2025 to March 2028.

Local Improvement Tax Amendment Bylaw 3385-25
Council approved three readings of Bylaw 3385-25, which corrects a clerical error in the Schedule B of a previously approved local improvement bylaw. The amendment ensures the Bylaw matches the accurate information already provided to residents for the 52 Street improvement completed in 2025.

Plan to Evaluate Use of a Building
Council directed Administration to proceed with the Phase 1 plan to evaluate the use of a property as described in the Closed Session report.