Council Meeting Highlights - January 5, 2026

2025 Recycling Roundup Summary Report
Amy Johnson, Senior Municipal Engineering Technologist, presented a report to Council outlining the results of the 2025 spring and fall Recycling Roundup events, as well as the impact of the new Extended Producer Responsibility program.

More than 500 participants brought in approximately 27,000 kg of hazardous materials for proper disposal. While this was slightly lower than in 2024, it still reflects strong public participation and continued demand for the service.

The two Recycling Roundup events cost a total of $58,680. Funding was provided through partnerships, grants, stewardships, and City reserves following the dissolution of the Camrose Regional Solid Waste Authority. City reserves covered 57% of the total cost and the Extended Producer Responsibility program covered 23% of hazardous waste costs (which is higher than the provincial average).

Additionally, Administration is exploring a transition to a staffed hazardous waste depot as early as 2026, with options to be presented to Council in spring 2026.

Toilet Rebate Program
Jeremy Enarson, Manager of Engineering Services, presented to Council on the Annual Toilet Rebate Program. In 2025, 16 toilets were replaced through the program, marking the lowest number since it began in 2008 and continuing a trend of declining participation.

Each replacement saves an estimated $82 per year for homeowners or businesses and contributes to long-term water savings. Since 2008, the program has helped save nearly 42,000 cubic metres of water each year across all participating properties.

Administration plans to continue the Toilet Rebate Program in 2026 while reviewing other water conservation options. This review will consider existing City plans as well as programs used in other communities, with potential options expected to be presented during the 2027 and 2028 budget process.

Further discussion will take place at a later date after the Mayor has spoken with the Mid-sized Cities Mayor's Caucus about additional options.

Advocacy Topics Update
Members of Council attended a meeting on December 11, 2025 with Associate Minister of Water, Grant Hunter, and MLA Lovely to discuss options related to securing funding for an alternate water source.

Council approved that a Letter of Support be drafted to support continued probation referrals to the Changing Ways Men’s Choices program to assist with the delivery of locally based family violence intervention services in the community.

A request from Augustana to draft a Letter of Support for the new co-operative education program will be brought back to the Regular Council Meeting on January 19, 2026.

Local Improvement Bylaws 3391-26, 3392-26, 3393-26 and 3394-26
Council approved revised funding allocation and gave three readings to Local Improvement Bylaws 3391-26, 3392-26, 3393-26 and 3394-26. This project includes the replacement of the concrete separate sidewalk and concrete curb and gutter on both sides of 50 Avenue from 64 Street to 66 Street, as well as the replacement of approximately 35 metres of concrete monolithic curb, gutter and sidewalk near the east end of the project. In addition, asphalt edge milling and a 50mm asphalt overlay will be completed.

Local Improvement Bylaws 3389-26 and 3390-26
Council approved revised funding allocation and gave three readings to Local Improvement Bylaws 3389-26 and 3390-26. This project includes the replacement of the concrete monolithic curb, gutter and sidewalk on both sides of 50A Avenue, 65 Street and 65A Street north of 50 Avenue. In addition, asphalt edge milling and a 50mm asphalt overlay will be completed along with spot asphalt repairs.

Communication Tower Letter of Concurrence
Council directed Administration to send a Letter of Concurrence to MCSnet for a proposed 150 foot telecommunications tower at 3611 - 47th Avenue. While telecommunications towers fall under federal jurisdiction, municipalities must be consulted, and Council is not required to provide concurrence if there are concerns.

The proposed tower would have a small ground footprint, meet all safety and regulatory requirements, and is intended to improve internet service within an approximately 8km area for MCSnet customers. Public notification requirements are being carried out by MCSnet.

FCM Green Municipal Fund - Support for Application
Council agreed to support an application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Buildings Pathway Feasibility Study funding program, which helps municipalities plan building upgrades that reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term operating costs. The City has applied for funding to complete building condition assessments and energy feasibility studies for 19 municipal buildings, at a total project cost of $335,222.

The program can fund up to 80% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $200,000, with the remaining costs expected to be covered through the Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator program. If full funding is approved, the City would not need to cover upfront costs for the Ecotrust funded portion. If full funding is not approved, Administration will return to Council with options to either reduce the project scope or use City funds to complete the work.

Proclamation Request
Council authorizes the Mayor to proclaim January 26, 2026, as Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day.

Correspondence
Council authorized the Mayor to send a letter to Cargill as discussed in Closed Session.