Council Meeting Highlights - June 8, 2026

Introduction - New Employee (Verbal)
Anita Wishart, Trauma and Crime Support Services Caseworker, introduced Vanessa Kinswitch, a fellow part-time Trauma and Crime Support Services Caseworker.

2026 Fleet Replacement Update
Council received an update on the City’s 2026 Fleet Replacement Program, which is currently expected to come in about $25,000 under budget, although final costs may change as vehicles are purchased and sold. Eight vehicle and equipment replacements have been postponed to future years, while eight of the remaining 15 planned replacements have been completed and seven are still underway.

2027 Fleet Replacements
Council received a report on the City’s planned vehicle and equipment replacements for 2027. The City regularly reviews its fleet to determine when vehicles and equipment should be replaced based on their condition, repair costs, and operational needs.

The proposed 2027 replacement program totals $1.15 million and would be funded through reserve funds set aside for replacements, along with money received from selling older vehicles and equipment. The proposed replacements will be brought forward for budget approval later this month as part of the City’s fleet replacement process.

Battle River Alliance for Economic Development
Council directed the Mayor to advise  Mayor Button that the City of Camrose will not be rejoining the Battle River Alliance for Economic Development, as it remains focused on its current economic development, investment attraction, and partnership efforts.

Council Economic Development Workshop
Council received a report summarizing the outcomes of its May 11 strategic planning workshop and agreed that it accurately reflected the discussions and direction provided. Topics included economic development priorities, the future use of City-owned land, plans for a future community hub on the Stoney Creek Centre lands, and long-term facility needs, including future police station requirements.

Advocacy Topics Update
Since the Committee of the Whole Council last reviewed the Advocacy Topics report on May 4, 2026, the following updates were made:

• Topic 1 – Water Security: Updated to include the Expansion of Grant Eligibility for Water Infrastructure resolution from the Town of Stettler that City Council seconded.
• Topic 4 – Underpass within Stoney Creek Valley: Updated to include Mayor Stasko and Councillor Rosland’s meeting to discuss strategy.

Public Commentary

• Two residents spoke at Public Commentary regarding a boulevard tree removal and a bird’s nest.
• Another resident spoke to Council about the Camrose Main Street market and its corresponding road closures.

Council Chambers Audio Visual Equipment
Council approved up to $200,000 to replace the aging audio-visual system in Council Chambers. The current system has experienced increasing problems with cameras, microphones, displays, and livestreaming, creating a growing risk of a critical failure that could affect the City's ability to accurately record and broadcast Council meetings.

Administration will now move forward with the RFP process to select a new system.

Municipal Tree Care Policy
Council approved an updated Municipal Tree Care Policy to guide how City-owned trees are planted, cared for, replaced, and removed. The updated policy replaces the previous version from 1999 and provides clearer direction for managing boulevard trees, trees in parks and natural areas, and trees on the golf course.

The policy also sets out how the City will handle common issues such as tree roots, fallen leaves, utility conflicts, and trees near private property. Administration will also develop a procedure to help protect nesting birds when tree removal is necessary.

Market Price for City-Owned Lands
Council approved updated prices for three City-owned industrial land parcels after reviewing how long the properties have been on the market and recent land sales in the area. The City obtained independent appraisals for the properties, which resulted in new market values of $625,000 for Lot 16, $450,000 for Lot 17, and $2.75 million for the Glenn Quarter lands.

Tender for City-Owned Land
Council approved putting a 1.9-acre City-owned lot in Valleyview up for sale through a public tender process. The lot has been on the market since 2022, and the new approach is intended to help attract development by removing outstanding contribution charges and considering factors such as the proposed project, the timeline for construction, and the purchase price.

The successful buyer will be required to move forward with development within agreed-upon timelines, and Council is not required to accept any of the bids received.

Video Surveillance in City Facilities Council Policy
Council approved an updated Video Surveillance in City Facilities Policy as amended to ensure the City’s surveillance systems are managed in a way that protects privacy, follows current legislation, and aligns with the City’s Privacy Management Program. The updated policy clearly outlines roles and responsibilities, requires privacy reviews for new or significantly changed surveillance systems, and ensures cameras are only used where there is a clear and justified need.

Community Standards Amendment Bylaw
Council reviewed proposed amendments to the Community Standards Bylaw that would add a definition of “fighting,” prohibit fighting and other physical confrontations in public spaces, and establish fines for violations. Council requested a clearer definition of the term “fighting,” and the amended bylaw will return to a future Council meeting for further consideration and approval.

Road Closure - 50 Street from 49 Avenue to 50 Avenue
Council approved the road closure for the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce weekly Farmers Market for an initial one-week period on June 18th. As part of the event, 50 Street between 49 Avenue and 50 Avenue will be closed to all traffic from 4:00pm to 8:30pm. Council also requested that the Chamber report back on whether a rotating road closure schedule could be considered to help reduce the impact on businesses along the route over the 20-week market season.

Road Closure - 50 Street from 51 Avenue to 48a Avenue
Council approved the road closure for the Love Local Camrose Society’s Big Block Party. As part of the event, 50th Street from the south side of 51st Avenue to the north side of 48A Avenue, including all intersections in between, will be closed to all traffic from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

Council also approved an in-kind donation in the estimated amount of $1,450.00 to Love Local Camrose Society for the Big Block Party Event for the set up and take down of barricades and street sweeping.

Road Closure - 48a Avenue to 48 Street
Council approved the road closure for The Sweeterie’s 5-Year Anniversary Event. As part of the event, 48A Avenue, located between 49 Street and 48 Street, will be closed to all traffic from 7:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Member-at-Large Appointment
Council appointed Lindsay Jacobsen to the Camrose Public Library Board as a representative from the Camrose County commencing June 8, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028, or at the pleasure of Council.

Proclamation Request
Council authorized the Mayor to proclaim September 2026 as “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month” in the City of Camrose.