Council Meeting Highlights - February 23, 2026

Housing and Homelessness Task Force Presentation
Shannon Holtz, Senior Director of Housing and Lodges with The Bethany Group and Co-Chair of the Camrose and District Housing and Homelessness Task Force, along with Leslie Lindballe, Housing and Community Supports Navigator, presented an update to Council on the Housing and Homelessness Task Force and the work that has been completed.

Camrose Animal Shelter Presentation
Debbie Cherkas, Director, and Matt McKeil, Shelter Manager, from the Camrose and Area Animal Shelter Society were in attendance to request assistance in obtaining commercial or industrial land to support the organization’s growth.

Lead Management Policy
Council reviewed a draft Lead Management Policy that they had previously asked Administration to prepare while waiting for a broader guidance document from the Provincial government.

The draft builds on an earlier update about the City’s lead management work and outlines the first steps the City could take in the meantime.

The policy would group residential properties into five categories based on their age and whether there are known or suspected lead water service lines. Based on current records, about 50 properties, representing roughly 65 to 70 housing units, may be affected.

The draft policy also recommends further investigation to confirm where lead service lines exist. The policy will be brought back to a future Regular Council meeting for approval.

2026 Recycling Roundup

Council directed Administration to move forward with hosting two Recycling Roundup events in 2026, tentatively planned for June and October.

The Recycling Roundup gives residents a safe way to dispose of hazardous materials. In 2025, more than 500 people participated, and about 27,000 kilograms of material were collected. Participation has remained strong, showing that the service is valued by the community.

The City is also exploring a transition to a permanent staffed hazardous waste depot under provincial regulations. A report outlining options is expected in spring 2026.

Council will also consider a motion at the next Regular Council Meeting to authorize a one-year extension of the cost share agreements with the County of Camrose and the Village of Bittern Lake for the Recycling Roundups.

Pest Control Policy
Administration has brought forward a new Pest Control and Management Policy to provide clearer direction on how the City deals with certain pests. The policy explains how the City will manage issues such as beavers, gophers, Dutch Elm Disease, and Emerald Ash Borer.

It outlines when and where the City may inspect for these pests and when control measures may be used. Pests not listed in the policy will generally be treated as a low priority unless they pose a risk to public safety or City infrastructure. Weed control and grass maintenance are covered under a separate policy.

The draft policy will be brought forward to a future Regular Council meeting for consideration and possible adoption.

Cemetery Bylaw
Administration brought forward an updated Camrose Municipal Cemetery Bylaw for Council’s review. The proposed Bylaw includes clearer wording, updated definitions, and more detailed rules to address issues in the cemetery if needed. It will be brought forward at a future Regular Council meeting for adoption.

Max McLean Ice Plant Update (Verbal)
General Manager of Infrastructure, Kris Johnson, provided an update to Council regarding the current repair work going on with the Max McLean Ice Plant. The new plate pack has been installed, and crews are continuing to remove the old brine from the system before pumping in new brine. Once that process is complete, compressors will be started to lower the floor temperature so ice rebuilding can begin. More details will be shared as work progresses.

City Facilities (Verbal)
Council discussed the use of City facilities for signing petitions and activities related to political affiliations. They agreed that a clear policy is needed and indicated they may call a Special Council Meeting to further review and address the issue.

Public Commentary
A resident spoke about how changes to Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) affect people with disabilities in our city.

Three residents spoke about the construction work on 65 street.

Members-at-Large Recognition of Service
Council would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Members-at-Large whose terms concluded on December 31, 2025. These dedicated volunteers have shared their time, knowledge, and passion to help strengthen our community through their service on local boards and committees:

• Blain Fowler - Camrose Airport Commission
• Barry Graham - Camrose Airport Commission
• Carole-May Coty - Camrose Arts Council Board
• Stacey Beach - Camrose Arts Council Board
• Larry Cantelo - Camrose Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee
• Allison McPherson - Camrose Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee
• Rick Myers - Camrose Police Commission
• Lee Katchur - Camrose Police Commission
• Margaret Holliston - Camrose Public Library Board
• Peter Hamm - Camrose Public Library Board
• Naomi Finseth - Camrose Public Library Board
• Deanna Mason - Heritage Advisory Committee
• Gerald Caron - Municipal Planning Advisory Committee
• Jon Hironaka - Recreation Advisory Committee

Advocacy on behalf of Camrose Residents related to the Assured Income for the Severely Disabled Act and the Alberta Disability Assistance Program
Council discussed the changes the Government of Alberta is proposing to implement to the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Act and the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program. Council then made the following motion:

• THAT the Mayor of Camrose, on behalf of Camrose City Council, advocate to the Government of Alberta to immediately pause the implementation of the changes to the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Act and Alberta Disability Assistance Program;
  AND further, that the Government of Alberta undertake meaningful, accessible consultation with persons with disabilities, advocacy organizations, and community partners;
  AND finally, that the Province publicly report on the social and economic impacts of these changes prior to moving forward.

Local Improvement Bylaws 3389-26 and 3390-26
Council gave second and third readings to the Local Improvement Bylaw 3389-26 for Asphalt Paving and to Local Improvement Bylaw 3390-26 for Concrete Monolithic Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk for projects at 50A Avenue, 65 Street and 65A Street North of 50 Avenue.

Local Improvement Bylaws 3391-26, 3392-26, 3393-26 and 3394-26
Council gave second and third readings to Local Improvement Bylaw 3391-26 for Asphalt Paving, Local Improvement Bylaw 3392-26 for the Concrete Monolithic Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk, and to Local Improvement Bylaw 3394-26 for the Concrete Separate Sidewalk for projects at 50 Avenue from 64 Street to 66 Street.

Urban Forest Master Plan Funding
Council has approved applying for funding through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Growing Canada’s Community Canopies program to create an Urban Forest Master Plan for the City of Camrose. The grant could cover up to 80 percent of the project costs, and the City would contribute the remaining 20 percent, up to $25,000.

Camrose has many trees that add to the community’s quality of life. These trees are also considered City assets, similar to roads, buildings, and other infrastructure. However, the City does not currently have a long-term plan to guide how the urban forest is managed. With many trees aging and growing risks from extreme weather, disease, and invasive species, the master plan will help set clear priorities for protecting and growing the tree canopy. The project will be completed in partnership with the University of Alberta Augustana Campus and is expected to be finished in spring 2028.

2026-2030 Council Strategic Plan
Council has approved the 2026 to 2030 Council Strategic Plan, which outlines the City’s priorities for the next four years. Council retained three of the original focus areas, Invest in People and Processes, Optimize Asset Management, and Build a Strong Economy, and added a new focus area focused on advocacy and building relationships. Council also identified specific areas for action, along with key priorities and initiatives for their term.

The Plan builds on the successes of the previous Strategic Plan and serves as a roadmap to guide Council’s work over the coming years.

View the full 2026-2030 Strategic Plan here.

Business Licence Bylaw
Council has approved Bylaw 3395-26, the updated Business Licence Bylaw. The Bylaw clarifies licence categories and requirements, aligns them with current practices, and maintains existing safety standards for businesses operating in Camrose.

Vehicle for Hire Bylaw
Council approved first reading of Bylaw 3396-26, the new Vehicle for Hire Bylaw, as amended to remove the requirement for 24 hour service with dispatch services available and at least one licensed vehicle operating during on call hours. This Bylaw will replace the former Taxi Bylaw and update the rules to reflect how transportation services operate today.

The new Bylaw covers taxis, shuttle vans, limousines, and transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft under one set of rules. It sets clear licensing and safety standards for drivers who transport passengers in the city. It does not apply to food delivery services.

The Bylaw will be brought back for second and third reading at a future meeting.

Amendment to Indigenous Advisory Terms of Reference
Council has approved Bylaw 3403-26 to update the Indigenous Advisory Committee’s Terms of Reference, reflecting the Committee’s decision to use consensus-based decision making and appoint two Co-Chairs instead of a Chair and Vice-Chair. The amendment supports a meeting structure that is culturally appropriate and aligned with the Committee’s preferences.

Asset Management Policy Update
Council has approved the updated Asset Management Policy which aligns with the City’s Strategic Asset Management Plan, uses clearer language, updates roles and definitions, and requires an annual report to Council on how the City’s asset management system is performing and progressing.

Max McLean and Curling Rink Condition Assessment
Council has approved spending $30,000 in 2026 to complete a full condition review of the Max McLean Arena and Camrose Curling Rink. The review will look at the overall state of the buildings and their major systems to help guide future repairs, upgrades, and budget planning, including options for the refrigeration system and energy efficiency improvements.

Rescind Decals on Vehicles Council Policy
Council has rescinded the Decals on City Vehicles Council Policy because its requirements are now included in the updated City Vehicle Use Administrative Policy. The City will continue its established practice of keeping City vehicles neutral and professional in appearance, with decals or logos only used when required for official identification or operational purposes.