Council Meeting Highlights - May 25, 2026

Curbside Recycling Collection
Council supported Administration’s recommendation for the City of Camrose to participate in the provincial Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) curbside recycling program managed by Circular Materials. As part of the process, Administration reviewed different collection options and gathered feedback from industry professionals, collection providers, and the public. Based on that review, Administration determined that a biweekly bag collection system would best meet community needs while working well with existing City infrastructure.

Beginning October 1, 2026, residents are expected to begin receiving biweekly curbside recycling collection using clear bags. Recycling pickup would take place on the same day as garbage and organics collection. The new program would also expand the types of accepted recyclable materials to include items such as Styrofoam, along with paper, cardboard, plastics, metal, and glass.

Administration also expects there will continue to be a need for the Recycle Depot even after curbside recycling begins. Circular Materials has indicated that it intends to extend the current agreement for the depot until December 31, 2027, allowing residents to continue dropping off mixed recyclable materials at the site. 

Municipal Tree Care Policy
Administration presented a draft Municipal Tree Care Policy for Council’s review and direction. The policy is intended to guide how the City manages, plants, maintains, and removes municipal trees on City property, including boulevards, parks, natural areas, and the golf course, while also addressing interactions with private property and utilities.

This policy will be brought back to a future Regular Council meeting for final review and approval.

Analysis of Main Street Land Uses
Administration requested that Council review zoning rules for Main Street after seeing an increase in applications for businesses and services that may not align with the area’s intended pedestrian-focused character. Main Street is intended to support active storefronts, walkability, and businesses that encourage foot traffic and downtown activity.

Administration will now work on clarifying definitions and completing further analysis of the potential impacts of the proposed changes on existing businesses and properties.

Big Valley Jamboree Request for City Emergency Charges Review
Council received an update on emergency service planning for Big Valley Jamboree after festival organizers raised concerns about policing and fire service costs. After reviewing current operations and comparing practices at similar festivals, Administration and emergency service partners determined that the current level of policing, fire, and emergency response services is still needed to help support public safety and festival operations.

Police Chief Ratification (Verbal)
Congratulations to Chief-designate John Corbett on his appointment as the next Chief of Police and thank you to Chief Dean LaGrange for his years of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to the Camrose community!

Joint Use Planning Agreement Approval
Council approved a Joint Use & Planning Agreement (JUPA) between the City of Camrose and local school divisions to guide future school planning and the shared use of school and municipal facilities. The agreement establishes a coordinated process for identifying and allocating future school sites and supports ongoing collaboration between the City and school boards.

The JUPA also outlines how shared spaces such as parks, fields, gyms, and other community facilities can be used and maintained to help reduce duplication and improve access for both educational and public use. The agreement will take effect on June 1, 2026.

Setting Market Value for Lots 3 & 4, Plan 8121392
Council approved the Fair Market Values of $97,800.00, plus GST, for the marketing of Lot 3, Plan 8121392 and of $134,600.00, plus GST, for the marketing of Lot 4, Plan 8121392 (on 39 street, north of 45 avenue).

The Lots can now be advertised for sale in accordance with Council’s Land Development Policy and the Sales of Surplus Land or Property Administrative Procedure.

Development Permits with Outstanding Condition Issued Prior to June 1 2016 Policy
Council approved an updated policy for development permits with outstanding conditions issued prior to June 1, 2016, and rescinded the previous version approved in 2021. The updates include minor administrative and formatting changes to improve clarity and consistency, as well as revised definitions to better align with current Council policy standards.

Seasonal Outdoor Patios Policy
Council approved an updated Seasonal Outdoor Patios Policy following a scheduled review of the existing policy first approved in 2022. The updates include minor administrative and formatting changes to improve clarity and consistency, but do not change the intent, purpose, or regulations related to seasonal outdoor patios.

Survey Certificate Requirement Policy
Council rescinded the previous Survey Certificate Requirement Policy and approved an updated version following a scheduled review. The changes include minor formatting and administrative updates to improve clarity and consistency, as well as updated definitions, while keeping the overall intent of the Policy the same.

Annual Fees and Charges Amendment
Council approved updates to the Annual Fees and Charges Bylaw to add a standard fee for disconnecting residential water services during demolition projects. The change will make the demolition permit process simpler by removing the need for applicants to contact Public Works for a custom quote and work order before the water service can be disconnected.

Alberta Municipalities Expanded Grant Eligibility for Water Infrastructure
Council agreed to support a resolution from the Town of Stettler that asks for expanded grant funding eligibility for water infrastructure projects. The resolution supports the City’s ongoing efforts to advocate for better water security and increased provincial and federal funding through programs such as Water for Life.

Road Closure Request - Canada Day 2026
Council approved the road closures for the 2026 Canada Day event. As part of the event, 54th Street between 45th Avenue and 46th Avenue, and 45th Avenue between 53rd Street and 55th Street, will be closed to all traffic, including bicycles, skateboards, e-scooters, and roller blades, from 8:00am to 11:00pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Framework Policy - Privacy Management
Council approved the Privacy Management Framework Policy to support the City’s new Privacy Management Program and meet the requirements of Alberta’s updated privacy legislation. The framework sets out a clear and consistent approach for how the City manages and protects personal information through policies, procedures, standards, and supporting tools.

Offer to Purchase Lot 18, Block 2, Plan 0740056
Council directed the City’s signatories to enter into an agreement for the sale of Lot 18, Block 2, Plan 0740056 (4338 – 43 Street) as discussed in Closed Session.

Offer to Purchase NW25-46-20-W4
Council rejected the Offer to Purchase NW25-46-20-W4 (the property known as “Glen Quarter”) as discussed in Closed Session.