Council Meeting Highlights - May 4, 2026

2027/2028 Budget - Community Groups Process
Council provided direction on how the City will fund community groups in the 2027 and 2028 budget. Administration will contact community groups in May 2026 so they have time to submit the information Council needs to review in the fall.

Council also supported a simpler and more consistent approach to funding. This includes grouping organizations based on the type of support they receive and setting clear expectations for how they apply for funding or share information.

Development Statistics - 2026 Q1(January 1 to March 31)
Construction activity in early 2026 was lower than usual, with fewer new major permits issued compared to past years. This is likely because developers are still focused on completing large projects that were approved in 2024 and 2025.

Subdivision work is ongoing in several areas of the city, including Stoney Creek Estates, West Park, Valleyview, and Creekview Ridge. Some areas are nearly ready for development, while others are expected to have lots available later in 2026 or early 2027.

Joint Use & Planning Agreement
The City of Camrose and local school boards are working to finalize an agreement required by the Government of Alberta by June 10, 2026. The agreement will guide how schools are planned and how shared spaces like parks, fields, and gyms are used.

It will be brought forward again to the Council Meeting on May 25, 2026.

Advocacy Topics Update
Since the Committee of the Whole Council last reviewed the Advocacy Topics report on April 6, 2026, the following updates were made:

• Water Security: Councillor Broker, Councillor Throndson, and Administration attended the Capital Region Water Services Commission Annual General Meeting. Additionally, the draft Regional Water Supply Feasibility Study is expected to be circulated for review in June.
• Transportation: The Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services advised that the Low-Income Transit Pass funding was extended for April 2026 to March 2027.  A grant agreement for April 2026 to March 2027 is being prepared.
• Building a Strong Relationship with Augustana: Representatives from Camrose County, County of Flagstaff, Beaver County, City of Camrose, Dean of Augustana, MLA Lovely, and U of A government relations staff met to discuss issues common to the region and the University’s plans related to the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences.

Public Hearing Bylaw 3405-26
A public hearing was advertised on March 31 and April 7, 2026, for a proposed Land Use Bylaw amendment, giving residents the opportunity to attend or submit written feedback by April 13, 2026. One written submission was received.

Land Use Amendment Bylaw 3405-26
Council gave second and third readings to Bylaw 3405-26 for the redistricting of 5402 – 48A Avenue from Institutional District to Neighbourhood Commercial District. The site contains an existing building that was previously used as an administrative office for the Battle River School Division which has been vacant for approximately two years. The applicant intends to retain the building for professional office use.

Land Use Amendment Bylaw 3408-26
Council approved first reading of a bylaw to change the zoning of two residential lots at 4910 and 4912 44 Street. The lots are currently zoned R2, which allows up to four units per lot, and the proposed change to R3 would allow up to 12 units per lot.

This change would allow for higher density housing, including multi-unit developments, in an area that is already gradually transitioning. The sites are close to schools, services, and employment areas, making them suitable for this type of development. While there has been some public concern about a specific proposed project, the zoning change itself is considered appropriate and aligns with existing plans.

CSCN Lease Agreement Amendment
Council approved the use of a small additional area of land in Rudy Swanson Recreation Park, north of the Community Centre, for a temporary school playground for Conseil Scolaire Centre-Nord. The playground will be moved from its current location and will be operated by the school during this time. When the lease ends, the playground will be removed and the land will be returned to its original condition.

City Owned Facilities Naming and Fund Development Policy
Council approved a new City-Owned Facilities Naming and Fund Development Policy, replacing two previous policies to create a single, streamlined approach. The updated policy improves clarity and consistency for how facilities are named, including both honorific and philanthropic naming, and aligns all definitions and criteria in one document. It also confirms that naming rights do not imply City endorsement and will not be granted for partisan political, religious, or ideological purposes.

Intergovernmental Policy
Council approved a new Intergovernmental Relations Policy to guide how the City works with other levels of government. The policy focuses on securing funding and support for community priorities, strengthening the City’s voice in regional and provincial decisions, and building strong relationships to support advocacy efforts. It also outlines Council’s role in setting priorities, representing the City, and ensuring this work is coordinated, transparent, and aligned with community needs.

Road Closure - Kick’n Country Parade
Council approved the road closures of several streets downtown for the Chamber of Commerce’s 26th Annual Kick’n Country Big Valley Jamboree Parade on July 30, 2026.

MAL Resignation - Camrose Public Library Board
Council accepted Jacqueline Schaffter’s resignation as a Member-At-Large serving on the Camrose Public Library Board.

MAL Appointment - Indigenous Advisory Committee
Council appointed Ashley Stad to the Indigenous Advisory Committee starting on May 4, 2026 and ending December 31, 2028, or until otherwise decided by Council.

Camrose Public Library - Community Facility Enhancement Program - Small Grant
Council approved support for the Camrose Public Library to apply for a provincial Community Facility Enhancement Program Small Grant for interior upgrades. The project will update furniture, improve accessibility and layout, and upgrade equipment and systems to modernize the space and improve the experience for visitors.

Flag Raising and Lowering Policy
Council rescinded the previous Flag Display and Lowering Policy and approved an updated version after its scheduled review. The new policy improves clarity, confirms the City will follow federal and provincial flag rules, and allows the City Manager to lower flags in special situations with notice to Council.

Camrose Public Library Board Appointment
Council has reappointed Councillor Joy-Anne Murphy as its representative on the Camrose Public Library Board until October 31, 2026, or at the pleasure of Council. As this is her fifth term in a row, Council also approved the reappointment as required under the Libraries Act.