Sturgeon County Council Recap | March 8, 2022

Here are the highlights from the March 8, 2022, Sturgeon County Council Meeting:

Mayor Hnatiw recognized Tuesday, March 8, 2022, as International Women’s Day and invited people to explore opportunities to #BreaktheBias. 

Off-site Levy Exemption request 

Sturgeon County heard a presentation from a resident requesting exemption of an off-site levy fee payment. The levy was triggered upon application of a development permit to build a single detached home. After considering the presentation from the applicant and the intent, Council voted in favour of waiving the levy. 

Debenture Borrowing for Construction Projects 

Council gave second and third reading to a number of bylaws allowing the County to borrow funds to complete the following road construction projects: 

• Bylaw 1574/22 – Meadowview Drive Phase 2 ($8 million) 

• Bylaw 1573/22 – Bridge File 2212: Meadowview Drive ($1.5 million) 

• Bylaw 1576/22 – Range Road 234 Reconstruction ($890,000) 

• Bylaw 1575/22 – Improvements to Range Road 11 ($500,000) 

• Bylaw 1578/22 – Sturgeon Crest Subdivision Road Rehabilitation ($1.2 million) 

• Bylaw 1577/22 – Range Road 252 Upgrade ($1.835 million) 

• Bylaw 1579/22 – Coal Mine Road ($3.53 million) 

The bylaws had received first reading on January 11, 2022.  

County explores Clean Energy Program 

Council gave first reading to a proposed new bylaw that would explore opportunities to provide financing to residential and commercial property owners interested in making energy efficient and renewable upgrades. This type of financing applies to the property, not the property owner, and the amount would be repaid as part of the property tax bill and would carry over with any change of ownership.  Council will consider second and third reading at a future meeting after receiving input from the public on the proposed program. 

Proposed redistricting from Agriculture to Recreational District - Meadowview 

Council gave first reading to a bylaw that proposes redistricting lands from Agriculture District to Recreational District. The applicants, who own Meadowview Golf & Country Club, are proposing a complementary development that would include a driving range and future mini-golf, batting cages, go-carting, and camping. A public hearing will be scheduled for the community to provide their input on the proposed redistricting. 

Sturgeon Valley Readiness Studies 

Council approved additional funding for technical analysis for infrastructure in support of future development of the Sturgeon Valley. The analysis would provide necessary detail on infrastructure costs, design requirements, and data necessary to support informed decisions for future development in the Valley. The total cost for analysis is approximately $1.1 million. 

Board and Committee Appointments 

Council approved amendments to the Appointment List for external boards and committees on which Council participates. This includes the EMRB Dispute Resolution Committee and Standing Committee, the Edmonton Region Waste Advisory Committee, and new appointments to Sturgeon Victims Services. 

County participation in 2022 Canadian Hydrogen Convention 

Sturgeon County continues to advance its leadership position in hydrogen through participation in the exhibition as part of the Canadian Hydrogen Convention taking place April 26-28 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Participation will help support and demonstrate the value of investing in the County for future hydrogen development. 

Next Council Meeting 

The next Sturgeon County Council meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. on March 22, 2022.  

Future agendas and past meeting minutes can be found online.