Council Meeting Highlights - June 22, 2026

Presentation (Virtual) by Stantec - Heritage Survey and Inventory Project
Council received a presentation on the draft 2026 Heritage Survey and Inventory, which updates the City's previous heritage inventory completed in 2011. The updated inventory identifies and documents buildings, landscapes, and sites that have historical, cultural, or architectural importance in Camrose, and updates information on existing heritage properties.

The project included historical research, site reviews, updated photographs, and public engagement, including a community open house held in May 2026. The inventory will serve as a planning tool to help guide future land use decisions, support heritage conservation efforts, and increase awareness of Camrose's history and heritage resources.

The Heritage Advisory Committee supports the updated inventory and recommends that it be brought forward to Council for consideration at a future meeting.

Presentation - Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce
Aaron Morris, Executive Director, and Jennifer Fossen, President, of the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce, were in attendance to present to Council regarding the road closure request for the MainStreet Market.

Presentation - Five Star Home Solutions
Shawn MacKinnon from Five Star Home Solutions was in attendance to present to Council regarding the perspectives and comments on builder fire code regulations.

Analysis of Main Street Land Uses
Council reviewed a report on which types of businesses and developments should be allowed on Main Street to support the long-term vision for downtown. Administration recommended removing some land uses from Main Street that may not contribute to an active, pedestrian-friendly business district, while still allowing those uses elsewhere in the downtown commercial area.

The proposed changes are intended to help maintain active storefronts, encourage foot traffic, and support retail, restaurant, entertainment, and other customer-focused businesses on Main Street. Council discussed the recommendations and requested some additional clarification on a few of the proposed changes.

Another draft of this document will be brought back to a future council meeting.

City of Camrose 2026 April YTD Financial Results
Council received the City’s internal financial report for the first four months of 2026. Administration reported that the City is not currently forecasting a year-end surplus or deficit, and that many budget differences are related to the timing of revenues and expenses early in the year.

The report also highlighted several projects and initiatives approved in 2026, including repairs to the Max McLean Arena ice plant, support for a housing and community support navigator position, funding for STARS Air Ambulance, and a program to help eligible residents address lead service line concerns. The City’s reserves remain in a strong position and continue to be used to help fund infrastructure projects and future replacement needs.

Lagoon Cell I Overflow Repairs Update
Council received a report about an unplanned release of treated wastewater from the City's storage lagoons in April 2026. The release was caused by a control structure that was not properly sealed, allowing water to flow into storage cells that should not have been receiving water at that time. The City reported the incident to provincial and federal regulators, took steps to stop the flow, and notified affected groups, including the Camrose Ski Club, after some cross-country ski trails were damaged.

Engineering assessments found there is no immediate risk of a major slope failure, and planning is underway for repairs. Additional design work and construction are expected later this year, with funding requests to come back to Council once the full repair costs are known.

Wastewater System Update (Verbal)
Following heavy rainfall on June 21 and 22, the City's wastewater system experienced significantly increased flows, placing pressure on the South Lift Station and approaching its operating capacity. City crews worked around the clock to monitor conditions, protect infrastructure, and reduce pressure on the system, including using vacuum trucks to remove water upstream of the lift station.

Residents were asked to reduce nonessential water use to help ease the strain on the system while City staff continued monitoring conditions. Residents were advised that conditions would be reassessed as crews tracked rainfall, wastewater flows, and system capacity.

Public Commentary
A resident spoke at Public Commentary about the Main Street Market.

Public Hearing Bylaw 3408-26
A public hearing was advertised in the Camrose Booster on May 12 and May 19, 2026, for a proposed Land Use Bylaw amendment. Letters were also mailed to residents within 60 metres of the property to let them know about the proposed change and how they could provide feedback. A total of seven written submissions were received, including three letters and four emails. One additional submission was received after the deadline and 12 residents spoke at the Public Hearing.

Land Use Amendment Bylaw 3408-26
Council defeated second reading to Bylaw 3408-26 to rezone 4910 and 4912 44 Street from R2 – Mixed Use Residential District to R3 – Medium Density Residential District.

Road Closure - 50 Street from 49 Avenue to 50 Avenue
Council approved the road closures for the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market. As part of the weekly event, 50 Street between 49 Avenue and 50 Avenue will be closed to all traffic, from 4:00pm to 8:30pm every Thursday from June 25 to September 24, 2026.

Community Standards Amendment Bylaw
Council approved amendments to the Community Standards Bylaw to prohibit fighting and similar physical confrontations in public places. The change was requested by Camrose Police Service to provide an additional enforcement option for situations where people willingly engage in a physical altercation, particularly when criminal charges are not pursued.

Spatial Separation and Fire Protection in Structures Built Between 2006 and 2026
Council received a report about building code requirements related to fire safety between neighbouring homes and potential impacts on some homes built between 2006 and 2026. Council deferred the matter to a future Special Council Meeting to be held on June 24, 2026 for further discussion.

Land Use Amendment Bylaw 3411-26
Council gave first reading to Bylaw 3411-26 to redistrict 4801–51 Avenue from Central/Downtown Commercial (C1) District to Direct Control (DC) District. The application was submitted by Trailhead Garage to allow an automotive repair and service use on the property, which is not permitted under the current C1 zoning. The site was formerly a service station and had been vacant for several years before being repurposed as a mechanic shop. Administration noted that the property's size, layout, existing building, and historical use limit other redevelopment opportunities and supports the proposed redistricting.

Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan Amendment Bylaw 3412-26
Council gave first reading to Bylaw 3412-26 to amend the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP) for 4801-51 Avenue, the location of Trailhead Garage. The amendment would change the downtown area boundaries for the property to better reflect its long history of automotive-related use and support the continued operation of the business on a site that had been vacant for several years.

2027 Fleet Replacements
Council approved the 2027 fleet replacement program with a budget of $1.225 million. The program will replace City and police vehicles and equipment that have reached the end of their useful life, with funding coming from reserves and the sale of existing equipment.

EPR PPP Depot Extension with Circular Materials
Council received a request for a 15-month extension of its agreement with Circular Materials to continue operating the City’s recycling depot under Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program. Council deferred this Agenda item to a future Special Council Meeting to be held on June 24, 2026 for further discussion.

Lagoon Cell I Overflow Repairs Budget Request
Council approved $68,500 for engineering services related to repairs at Lagoon Cell I following recent damage that affected the cross-country ski trails near the wastewater lagoons. Once the repair design is complete and contractor pricing is received, Administration will bring a separate funding request to Council for the remaining repair work.

Lease of Museum Shop Space to CDFCSS Men’s Shed
Council approved a four-year lease agreement with Camrose and District Family & Community Support Services (CDFCSS) for the Men’s Shed Program to continue using the Museum Shop space at the Camrose & District Centennial Museum from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2030.

Camrose Composite High School Running Track Repair Funding
Council approved funding of up to $150,000 toward the resurfacing of the outdoor running track at Camrose Composite High School, covering the City’s 30% share of the project cost under a long-standing cost-sharing agreement with local school divisions.

Member-at-Large Resignation
Council accepts Dale Bowal’s resignation as a Member-At-Large serving on the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board with regret.

Letter of Support - University of Alberta
Council authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the University of Alberta Augustana Campus Classroom Building Renewal project, to be sent to the Minister of Advanced Education.

City of Camrose Appeal Board
Council appointed all members of Council to the City of Camrose Appeal Board, with any five members able to hear an appeal. The Appeal Board reviews appeals from property owners who disagree with a City order issued under the Community Standards Bylaw, helping ensure those appeals are considered through a formal process.

Letter of Invitation – Snowbirds
Council authorized the Mayor to send a Letter of Invitation to the Snowbirds requesting that they fly over Camrose.