Council Meeting Highlights - October 5, 2026
Please note: Council highlights are not official meeting minutes. They provide a summary of decisions and information from Council meetings, offering a more accessible way for residents to stay informed about City of Camrose updates.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Highlights
View the October 5, 2026 Committee of the Whole Meeting Agenda
Introduction of New Staff (Verbal)
Council was introduced to two new staff members: Lan Zheng, who recently joined the City as Economic Development Officer, and Kayla Rathwell, the new Administrative Assistant in the Community Services department.
Virtual Presentation - Alberta Capital Airshed
Representatives from Alberta Capital Airshed gave a presentation that provided Council with an overview of ACA's air quality monitoring network, reporting tools, and community education initiatives, as well as the resources available to support municipalities in understanding and communicating local air quality conditions.
Community Transit Advisory Committee Chair Elliot Harder presented the Committee’s annual report and evaluation, highlighting strong transit ridership alongside ongoing concerns about service coverage, operating hours, affordability, and regional transit connections. He also noted growing demand for the Transit Token program and that the Committee continues to support exploring transit investments and improvements to better meet residents’ needs.
Lagoon Cell I Overflow Repairs Update
In April 2026, treated water from the City’s wastewater system overflowed from a storage area and affected a nearby slope and section of the ski trails. The cause of the overflow was identified and repaired, and the affected area has since been cleaned up and restored.
Airport Lighting Systems Replacement Project Update
The City cancelled the tender for the Camrose Airport lighting upgrade project after all bids came in over budget. Administration is now reviewing the project to see which upgrades can be postponed, with plans to issue a new tender later this year and move forward with the work in 2027 if costs can be brought within budget.
2026 Water Projects Overview
The City completed or continued a number of water system projects in 2026, including upgrades at the Water Treatment Plant, repairs to existing infrastructure, water main replacement work in areas such as Marler Drive and the 51 Avenue/52 Street corridor, and improvements to pumping and water storage facilities. Administration also carried out planning and assessment work, including infrastructure condition reviews, a Water Master Plan update, studies related to future water supply needs, efforts to reduce water loss, and work to meet provincial regulatory requirements and support future water system needs.
Regional Water Update
The City is exploring a new long-term source of drinking water to help ensure a reliable supply in the future. The recently completed Camrose & Wetaskiwin Regional Water Feasibility Study identified a preferred route for a potential regional water line and found that connecting to a larger regional water system could be the best long-term option for meeting future water needs.
Administration is recommending that the City apply for provincial funding through the Water for Life program to complete the next stage of design work. This planning would provide more detailed information about the route, costs, environmental requirements, and overall feasibility of the project. The City is also working with the Battle River Watershed Alliance on a water availability risk assessment to help support future planning and funding applications. No construction decisions have been made, and further funding and approvals would be required before the project could move forward.
Major Projects Update
Council received an update on several road and infrastructure projects across the city. Construction progress this year was significantly affected by a particularly wet summer, which caused major delays early in the construction season, as well as a change in concrete contractors.
Completed Projects
- Work on 65/66 Street (Marler Drive to Enevold Drive) has been completed, including concrete replacement and paving.
- Work on 50 Avenue, 50A Avenue, 65 Street, and 65A Street near the golf course has also been completed, including underground repairs, concrete replacement, and paving.
Projects Nearing Completion
- On 52 Street and 51 Avenue, underground utility replacements and sewer repairs have been completed, roads have reopened, and final concrete and paving work remains.
- On 48A Avenue and 51 Street, underground repairs and intersection improvements have been completed, with concrete work expected to finish by mid-October and paving planned for later in the month.
Projects Still Under Construction
- On Marler Drive (68 Street to east of 65 Street), underground utility installation is largely complete and road reconstruction is continuing in stages, with the remaining underground work expected to be finished by the end of October.
Future Work
- The 49 Street sidewalk project (52 Avenue to 53 Avenue) has been postponed until 2027 due to delays experienced during the 2026 construction season.
Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Bylaw
Council reviewed Administration’ proposed Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) Bylaw, which includes setting the board size to five members, continuing without term limits, and proposing compensation rates that align with those of the Assessment Review Board. The draft Bylaw will be brought forward to a future Council meeting for approval.
Camrose Public Library Lease Agreement Renewal
The City is proposing a new 10-year lease agreement that would allow the Camrose Public Library to continue operating in its current location through 2036. The new agreement does not change services or annual library funding, and mainly updates the lease to reflect current practices and clearly define responsibilities between the City and the Library Board.
2027 Annual Fees and Charges Bylaw: Safety Codes
Council provided feedback on proposed changes to Safety Codes permit fees and processes, including a new method for calculating permit fees, updated travel and reinspection charges, and new administrative service fees. Administration will use Council’s feedback to help inform updates to the 2027 Fees & Charges Bylaw.
Advocacy Topics Update
Since the Committee of the Whole Council last reviewed the Advocacy Topics report on September 8, 2026, the following updates were made:
- Topic 1 – Water Security:
- September 29 – Administration met with the Battle River Watershed Alliance to discuss potential Alberta Community Partnership grant application for the Battle River Watershed Road Map for Sustainable Water Management, which will include a water availability risk assessment for the Battle River including Driedmeat Lake and Coal Lake.
- September 28 – The final version of the Camrose & Wetaskiwin Regional Water Feasibility Study was circulated by the CRSWSC. Administration met with the CRSWSC and the City of Wetaskiwin to discuss the Water For Life grant application for preliminary design which is due by November 30.
- September 17 – The CRSWSC Board approved and finalized the Camrose & Wetaskiwin Regional Water Feasibility Study
- Topic 4 - Underpass within the Stoney Creek Valley:
- September 9 – Letter to Transport Canada regarding the submission of an application to the Railway Safety Improvement Program. Copies sent to Minister Olszewski and MP Poilievre.
- September 3 – Application to the Railway Safety Improvement Program submitted.
Watch the Committee of the Whole Meeting archived video here.
Regular Council Meeting Highlights
Subdivision Time Extension Policy
Council has approved the new Subdivision Time Extension Policy, which provides a clear and consistent process for reviewing requests to extend subdivision approvals beyond their initial one-year validity period. The policy outlines different requirements for first-time extensions and for second or subsequent extension requests, helping ensure decisions are transparent, fair, and based on clear criteria.
Public Engagement Policy
Council has approved a new Public Engagement Policy that updates how the City seeks public input on projects, plans, and issues that may affect the community. The policy provides clearer guidance on when public feedback should be gathered and reinforces Council’s commitment to making informed decisions in the community’s best interests.
2027 Property Tax Sale Date
Council has approved February 24, 2027, at 3:00pm as the date and time for the City’s 2027 Tax Sale. The sale may apply to five properties with unpaid property taxes if the outstanding balances are not paid before that date, and Administration will continue efforts to work with property owners and provide information about the tax recovery process.
Member at Large Resignations
Council accepted, with regret, the resignation of Natalie Lockhart as a Member-at-Large on the Camrose Public Library Board and the resignation of Mianna Popik as a Member-at-Large on the Camrose Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee.