Council Meeting Highlights - March 9, 2026

Presentation from Battle River Alliance for Economic Development
Wayne Button, Vice Chairman of BRAED and Mayor of Daysland, was in attendance to present to Council about the Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) organization.

CHIF Grant Funding Application
Council received a report providing an update on the City’s application to the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) for utility upgrades along Camrose Drive. The City was informed that the application was not approved and that no funding remains available through the program.

The project would have added water and sewer infrastructure to support future residential development in the area south of Camrose Drive. Because the funding was not approved, the work will not move ahead in 2026.

Some design work for these utilities is planned for 2027, with construction currently anticipated in 2028 as part of future capital budget discussions.

Facility Booking Policy Update and Use of Common Spaces Policy
Council reviewed proposed updates to the Facility Booking Policy and a new Use of Common Spaces Policy and provided direction to Administration. The proposed changes clarify booking priorities, define what qualifies as a local event, and add requirements for activities such as the use of inflatables.

The updates also address requests from groups wishing to promote ideas, religions, or petitions in City recreation facilities. Under the proposal, these activities would be required to take place in a bookable room rather than in common areas.

The proposed Use of Common Spaces Policy outlines that common areas in City facilities are intended to remain neutral, non-partisan spaces used by residents and visitors to access programs and services.

Both policies will be brought to the Regular Council Meeting on March 24, 2026 for approval.

Intergovernmental Strategy
Council reviewed a draft Intergovernmental Relations Plan. The plan outlines a coordinated approach for building strong relationships with federal, provincial, and municipal partners. Its goal is to help advocate for community priorities, access funding opportunities, and support regional collaboration.

The plan focuses on four key areas: relationship building, targeted advocacy, early engagement in policy discussions, and improved internal coordination and communication. It will be brought back to a future Council meeting for adoption.

North End Commercial Availability
Council received a report on the availability of commercial land on the north end of Camrose and discussed the current challenges to development in the area, including limited population and traffic to support new businesses. Based on a recommendation from the Municipal Planning Advisory Committee, Council directed Economic Development to promote commercial development on the north side of the city where feasible.

Winter Road Maintenance Policy Update
Administration has proposed updates to the Winter Road Maintenance Policy, which outlines the level of winter maintenance the City aims to provide for roads, sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, and the Walkway Trail System. The updates also expand the policy to include areas not previously identified, clarify roles and responsibilities, and align service standards with current maintenance practices. Additional sections, definitions, and appendices have been added to improve clarity, provide updated priorities, and reflect current operations.

It will be brought back to a future Council meeting for adoption.

Public Commentary
A resident spoke about the upcoming proposed construction work on 65 street.

Local Improvement Bylaw 3398-26
Council gave second and third readings to Local Improvement Bylaw 3398-26 for the replacement of the concrete separate sidewalk on both sides of 49 Street from 52 Avenue to 53 Avenue.

Local Improvement Bylaws 3399-26 and 3400-26
Council gave second and third readings to Local Improvement Bylaws 3399-26 and 3400-26 for the replacement of the concrete monolithic curb, gutter and sidewalk on both sides of 65/66 Street from Enevold Dr. to Marler Dr. In addition, asphalt edge milling and a 50mm asphalt overlay will be completed along with spot asphalt repairs.

Lead Management Policy
Council has approved a new Lead Management Policy to guide how the City will manage and monitor properties that may have lead service lines. The policy allows Administration to begin early planning and management activities related to lead, most of which will be carried out by staff.

Council also approved a new program to provide pitcher style devices that help remove lead from drinking water. These devices will be available to homeowners and tenants living in properties with known, confirmed, or suspected lead service lines. Up to $30,000 has been allocated for this program.

The policy will be reviewed again once the Province releases additional lead management guidelines later this year.

Pest Control Policy
Council has approved the Pest Control and Management Policy, which outlines how the City will monitor and manage certain pests in Camrose. The policy provides direction for inspecting and controlling beavers and gophers, monitoring threats such as Dutch Elm Disease and Emerald Ash Borer, and removing dead animals. Other pests will be addressed when they pose a risk to public safety, employees, or City infrastructure.

Camrose Municipal Cemetery Bylaw
Camrose City Council has approved Bylaw 3397-26, the updated Camrose Municipal Cemetery Bylaw. The updates ensure the bylaw complies with the Alberta Cemeteries Act by consolidating the Valleyview Cemetery under a single legal address and making several administrative updates, including revised definitions and modernized formatting. The new bylaw also includes clearer provisions for enforcing cemetery rules and addressing infractions.

Vehicle for Hire Bylaw
Council approved second and third readings of Bylaw 3396-26, the new Vehicle for Hire Bylaw, as amended. The bylaw replaces the previous Taxi Bylaw and was updated following a comprehensive review and feedback from recent Committee of the Whole and Council meetings, with improvements to formatting, definitions, usability, and general regulations. As directed by Council, the requirement for taxi companies to provide 24 hour service across Camrose was removed.

Bylaw 3404-26 Land Use Bylaw Amendment
Council approved first reading of Bylaw 3404-26 to redistrict a portion of Lot 5, Plan 9022394 from R1 – Low Density Residential District to R2 – Mixed Use Residential District. The change allows duplex housing within the first phase of the Creekview Ridge development, which includes a mix of single-detached homes and duplexes. The redistricting aligns with the neighbourhood vision and housing mix outlined in the Stoney Ridge Outline Plan approved by Council in 2019.

Member-at-Large Appointment
Council appointed Alan Rampelotto to the Camrose Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee commencing March 9, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2028, or at the pleasure of Council.

Proclamation Request
Council authorizes the Mayor to proclaim May 28, 2026, as World Menstrual Health Day.

Lane Paving Contribution
Council approved a contribution of up to $69,115 plus GST from the Transportation Infrastructure Reserve to hard surface the remaining gravel portion of a rear lane near 49 Avenue. The work is related to the development of the new Vision Credit Union professional building and will ensure the entire lane between 48 Avenue and 51 Avenue is paved. Completing the work is expected to reduce dust, improve drainage, and limit gravel from spreading onto nearby sidewalks and roads.