Council Meeting Highlights - January 19, 2026

Chamber of Commerce Annual Update
Executive Director, Aaron Morris and President Jennifer Fossen from the Camrose Chamber of Commerce provided Council with updates regarding their tourism operations, Chamber programs and networking opportunities, signature community events, and their advocacy work.

Habitat for Humanity Request for Land
Jennifer Edmonds, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Camrose, attended Committee of the Whole to present a request related to affordable housing in the City of Camrose. Council directed Administration to explore and report back on the feasibility of donating a suitable City-owned parcel of land to Habitat for Humanity for the development of affordable and accessible housing, using potential Build Canada Homes funding.

Any potential land donation must be reviewed under the City’s Land Development Policy, including consideration of land availability and suitability, community benefit, financial information, and alignment with Council priorities.

Lead Management Planning Update
In 2019, Health Canada lowered the acceptable level of lead in drinking water, and the Province required all municipalities to develop a Lead Management Plan. The City of Camrose began this work in 2019, including testing water at more than 60 homes, but paused finalizing the plan while waiting for the Province’s Phase 2 guidance, which is now expected in early 2026. During this time, Administration has continued to follow up with the Government of Alberta to seek updates and advocate for timely guidance to support municipal planning.

In the meantime, Council has directed Administration to bring forward a report to a Regular Council Meeting outlining options for interim solutions, and further updates will be provided as new provincial direction becomes available.

Termination of Sister City Friendship Agreement with the Town of Kamifurano, Japan
Council accepted a report with the formal notification from the Town of Kamifurano, Japan, regarding its decision to terminate the Sister City Friendship Agreement. Kamifurano expressed gratitude for Camrose’s hospitality and cooperation throughout the partnership and expressed hope that goodwill and informal connections between citizens will continue.

Council directed Administration to send a formal response thanking the Town of Kamifurano for the long-standing partnership.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Replacement Project Update
General Manager of Finance, Travis Bouck, provided an update on the City’s major software upgrades that support payroll, finances, taxes, and utility billing.

The first phase of the new system is now in place and covers essential services such as paying staff, paying vendors, billing for taxes and utilities, and producing financial reports. All basic requirements are expected to be fully in place before the City’s old software reaches end of life on March 31, 2026.

Some features were intentionally delayed to a second phase in 2026 to reduce risk and allow staff more time to adjust. These include online tools for staff processes and a customer portal that will let residents view their tax and utility accounts online. These improvements will continue throughout 2026.

So far, about $3.5 million of the approved $5.3 million budget has been spent. The City expects to complete all remaining work within the approved budget.

2026 Assessed Value Report
Assessment notices were mailed to all property owners on January 9, 2026, and tax notices will be sent out in May.

Property assessments are based on what a property was worth on July 1 of the previous year. Home values in Camrose increased sharply in 2024 and continued to rise in 2025, but at a slower pace. A higher assessed value does not automatically mean higher property taxes, because tax rates are set separately by Council. Council will review tax rates and the overall impact on property taxes in spring 2026.

The City is also seeing strong growth from new homes and developments, with residential growth at its highest level since 2012.

Property owners can contact the Assessment Department at any time if they have questions about their assessment. (Additionally, if a property owner disagrees with their assessed value, Alberta law provides a formal 60-day complaint period from January 19 to March 20, 2026.)

2025 Development Statistics
Manager of Planning & Development, Aaron Leckie provided a 2025 Annual Summary on Development Statistics. The City issued 241 development permits in 2025, continuing a decline from pre-2020 levels, but development activity remained active with several higher value private sector projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Minor permits such as decks, fences, and accessory buildings declined, and fewer compliance certificates were requested, largely because many home sales are moving faster and with fewer conditions. Subdivision activity also remained below average due to a large supply of serviced residential lots, while business activity stayed strong.

North End Commercial Availability
As more homes are built on the north side of city, there is growing interest in small neighbourhood-scale businesses. Council has directed the Municipal Planning Advisory Committee (MPAC) to review the neighbourhood commercial zoning and provide recommendations to Council on how to proceed.

ABmunis Spring Municipal Leaders Caucus 2026, Request for Meeting with Minister Williams
Council directed Administration to request a meeting with the Minister of Municipal Affairs at the Alberta Municipalities Spring Caucus where they will discuss:

• Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreements clarification on process and timelines
• The impacts of the requirement to hand count ballots at the 2025 Municipal Election
• An update on the costs related to Temporary Road Bylaw and associated actions for 26th Avenue

Max Arena Ice Plant Issues
During routine testing, the City detected ammonia in the brine system that circulates beneath the ice surfaces at the Max McLean Arena and Curling Rink. This indicated a likely internal issue within the ice plant’s chiller system. After reviewing the situation with CIMCO, the City decided to continue operating the ice plant for a short period while replacement parts are delivered and installed, as long as conditions remain stable.

Additional monitoring and precautionary measures have been put in place, including more frequent testing and enhanced system alerts, to ensure the facility continues to operate safely. User groups have been informed of the issue, the planned repairs, and the possibility of a temporary shutdown if conditions change.

Letter of Support - University of Alberta Cooperative Education Program
Council authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the University of Alberta Augustana Campus in its implementation of a Cooperative Education program within the Bachelor of Management degree.

Local Improvement Bylaws #3399-26, 3400-26 - 65 & 66 Street from Enevold Dr. to Marler Dr.
Council approved the revised funding allocations, gave first reading to Local Improvement Bylaw 3400-26 for the Asphalt Paving Project of 65/66 Street from Enevold Dr. to Marler Dr. and first reading to Local Improvement Bylaw 3399-26 for the Concrete Monolithic Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk of 65/66 Street from Enevold Dr. to Marler Dr.

The affected property owners will have 30 days from the date of notice to petition against the project.

Local Improvement Bylaw #3398-26 - 49 Street from 52 Avenue to 53 Avenue
Council approved the revised funding allocations, gave first reading to Local Improvement Bylaw 3398-26 for the Concrete Separate Sidewalk Project of 49 Street from 52 Avenue to 53 Avenue.

The affected property owners will have 30 days from the date of notice to petition against the project.

Annual Fees and Charges Amendment
Council gave all three readings to Bylaw 3401-26, an amendment to the Annual Fees and Charges Bylaw, which takes effect immediately. The bylaw adds rules for pausing pool passes, allowing all passes to be paused during an unplanned full facility closure lasting more than three days, and allowing annual or three-month passes to be paused at a customer’s request for absences of 14 days or more.

The remaining updates are high-level administrative and fee corrections across Community Services, Engineering Services, Planning and Development, Public Works, and Safety Codes, improving accuracy, organization, and alignment with current policies and industry standards.

Business Interests of a 3rd Party
Council authorized Administration to enter negotiations with a third party as per the Closed Session of the Committee of the Whole Meeting.

CPA Bargaining approval
Council authorized the Mayor and Administration to sign off on the CPA Collective Agreement with the terms agreed to on January 5, 2026.