Council Meeting Highlights - July 20, 2026

Presentation - Urban Design Framework
Council received a presentation on a proposed Urban Design Framework that will help guide future improvements and development in downtown Camrose. The framework builds on the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan adopted in 2019 and is intended to support a downtown that is attractive, welcoming, easy to get around, and accessible for everyone.

The framework includes guidance for future streetscape improvements, public spaces, landscaping, lighting, signs, parking, and new development. It also recognizes that different parts of downtown have their own character and recommends design approaches that reflect those differences. The framework was developed with input from residents, business owners, property owners, City staff, and Council to help guide future decisions about downtown improvements over time. It will be brought back to a future Regular Council Meeting for approval.

2026 Flood Incident Update
Camrose experienced several periods of heavy rainfall between late June and early July that placed significant pressure on the wastewater system. During the first major storm on June 20, the South Lift Station briefly received more wastewater than it could handle, resulting in a short, unauthorized release that was reported to Alberta Environment. As additional rain fell over the following days, the City activated its Emergency Coordination Centre to coordinate the response and help reduce the risk of further overflows.

City crews worked around the clock using additional pumps, trucks, and other equipment to manage water levels and protect critical infrastructure. Some parks and waterways were temporarily closed to help keep the public safe, and residents were encouraged to reduce water use during the busiest periods to help ease pressure on our wastewater system.

Conditions have since improved, and the Emergency Coordination Centre was deactivated on July 9. The wastewater system is continuing to recover, and the City is reviewing the event, looking at ways to strengthen infrastructure, and applying for provincial funding to help cover eligible disaster-related costs.

Development Statistics - 2026 Q2 (April 1 to June 30)
Construction activity remained steady in the second quarter of 2026, even though fewer new major development permits were issued compared to recent years. Most of the new development continued to be for housing, and the City is reviewing several larger projects that are expected to move ahead in the coming months.

Homeowners and businesses also continued to invest in their properties, with a high number of permits issued for projects such as fences and signs. Work is also continuing in several residential subdivisions across Camrose, with additional lots expected to become available as development progresses.

2027/2028 Budget Open House
The City gathered public feedback through a Budget Open House to help inform the 2027–2028 Budget before Council considers it later this year. About 21 people attended the Open House, sharing comments on the municipal services they use, the services they value, and where they would like to see improvements.

Overall, participants expressed support for services such as the library, recreation facilities, parks, trails, and transit, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining roads, sidewalks, snow clearing, and other core infrastructure.

The feedback will be considered alongside financial information, infrastructure needs, legislative requirements, and Council's priorities as the budget is developed.

Residents are encouraged to reach out to Council at any time to discuss their comments or concerns about the Budget.

Budget Policy Review
Council reviewed proposed updates to the City's Budget Policy, which guides how the municipal budget is prepared and managed. Most of the changes are administrative, but the proposed updates would require Council approval before any permanent staff positions are added and would help protect long-term funding for water and wastewater infrastructure so it is not reduced to keep utility rate increases lower in the short term. The policy also continues the City's approach of using a two-year budget to support longer-term planning and maintain current service levels while planning for future infrastructure needs.

This policy will be coming forward to a future Regular Council Meeting for approval.

Hazardous Waste Depot
Council discussed replacing the City’s twice yearly Household Hazardous Waste Roundup events with a permanent hazardous waste drop off depot through Alberta's Extended Producer Responsibility program. This depot would accept many hazardous household products year-round instead of only during special collection events.

Discussion regarding the location of this depot will continue during Budget deliberations where Administration will be bringing back further details regarding hours and costs associated with the depot.

Economic Development Strategy - Centre for Rural Health Care Excellence Goal
Council reviewed a proposed 10-year plan to help position Camrose as Alberta’s Centre of Excellence for Rural Health and Wellness. The plan focuses on improving rural health care, expanding education and training opportunities, attracting health care professionals, and building partnerships with organizations such as the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus, St. Mary’s Hospital, and other regional partners. 

Public Commentary
A downtown business owner spoke about their concern regarding the updated 50 Street road closure request.

Aaron Morris, Camrose Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, read a letter from a downtown business owner regarding the updated 50 Street road closure request.

26th Avenue Expropriation
Council approved the land acquisition needed to move forward with the 26 Avenue extension between 65 Street and the west entrance to St. Carlo Acutis Catholic High School. The approval follows the required public notice process, during which no objections were received.

26th Avenue Expropriation Amendment
The survey work by the City’s contracted Alberta Land Surveyor uncovered an administrative error on the submitted map. The result of this error is the original expropriation was undersized by 0.022 hectares. Council therefore then approved the amended expropriation of 26 Avenue extension between 65 Street and the west entrance to St. Carlo Acutis Catholic High School.

Heritage Survey and Inventory Project
Council approved the 2026 Heritage Survey and Inventory Plan, updating the City's list of historic buildings, sites, and landscapes for the first time since 2011. The updated inventory includes additional places with historical and cultural value and will help guide future planning and heritage conservation decisions. Being included in the inventory does not mean a property is designated as a municipal heritage site, but it can help identify places that may be considered for recognition or protection in the future.

Community Bus Route Revisions
Council approved adding two new on demand community bus stops on Mount Pleasant Drive near Marler Drive and on 73 Street near 44A Avenue Close. Additionally, the changes came after a review of bus ridership showed that the existing on demand stop at Enevold Drive and 57 Street was not used.

Administration worked with the bus operator to find new locations that could better serve residents without changing the bus route. Pickup times will be adjusted to reflect the updated schedule, but the entire loop will remain one hour long in total.

Camrose Chamber of Commerce Market Road Closure Request
Council approved updated road closure times for the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market. Beginning July 23 and continuing every Thursday until September 24, 2026, 50 Street between 49 Avenue and 50 Avenue will be closed from 4:00pm to 9:00pm to allow extra time for vendor setup and cleanup.

Request for Decision - Proclamation Requests
Council authorized the Mayor to proclaim July 25, 2026 as World Drowning Prevention Day.