In 2020, members of the Manor Estates (Stage II) community asked Sturgeon County to explore the feasibility and costs for constructing a gravity sewer system in Manor Estates (Stage II).

As part of this request, Sturgeon County has launched a sewer study which could result in changes to the local sewer system, potentially eliminating the need for private septic tanks in the subdivision. Once this feasibility study is complete, the County will work with residents to find out how the community feels about this important decision.

Project Details

Phase 1: Project Tendering & Awarding

In 2020, members of the Manor Estates (Stage II) community asked Sturgeon County to explore the feasibility and costs for constructing a gravity sewer system in Manor Estates (Stage II). The project was sent to tender and awarded to a contractor.

Status: Completed Spring 2021

Phase 2: Feasibility Study

Sturgeon County has launched a sewer study which could result in changes to the local sewer system, potentially eliminating the need for private septic tanks in the subdivision. Once this feasibility study is complete, the County will work with residents to find out how the community feels about this important decision

Status: In-Progress Summer 2021

Phase 3: Community Feedback

In August 2021, Sturgeon County staff will be working with Manor Estates (Stage II) residents to share project information, answer questions and gather feedback (Phase III in Where We Are).

More information on these opportunities will be sent directly to the impacted residents and be available on this page.

Status: Not-Started Summer 2021

Phase 4: Potential Local Improvement Tax Petition

A local improvement tax is imposed on a specific area within a municipality to fund a service or improvement that benefits that particular area rather than the municipality as a whole. Some examples of local improvements are sidewalks, lane lighting, or paving. Local improvement taxes are applied to land. This means that the owner of the land is responsible for paying the local improvement tax. A local improvement tax is allocated as an annual charge but may be charged for a set number of years, typically 15.

If it moved ahead, what is the process for a Local Improvement Tax in the Manor Estates (Stage II) community?

The process for initiating a Local Improvement Tax has several steps that are required under Part 10, Division 7 (Sections 391 – 409) of the Municipal Governance Act. For the purposes of Manor Estates (Phase II), Sturgeon County is exploring the costs for drainage upgrades in the community. The Local Improvement steps would take place in Phase IV of Where We Are:

Step 1- County Prepares Local Improvement Plan

The Local Improvement Plan must include:

• Description of the local improvement with location
• List the properties and persons liable to pay
• How the tax rate will be established
• Estimated cost of the work
• Term of cost to the property owners
• How much of the project cost will be paid by:
  • County funds
  • Local Improvement Tax
  • Other revenue sources (Grants, etc)

Step 2- Local Improvement Notices and Plan Sent to Owners

Step 3- Bylaw is Prepared

Step 4- 30-Day Petition Period

For a petition (for or against) to be sufficient, it must have:

• Support from 2/3 of the property owners liable to pay LI tax AND must represent half (50%) of the assessed value
• Validity of the petition, determined by the CAO
  • The County will work with interested residents to understand what is required for a valid petition
• If it is determined to be a valid petition against the local improvement, the Council will not proceed with the LI

Step 5- Bylaw Passed by Council

If the Local Improvement Plan has survived the petition process, Council can impose the Local Improvement tax any time in the three years following the notice. Council can either pass the Bylaw before the final cost is determined or wait until the project is complete and the final costs are determined.

Step 6- Project Begins Construction

Step 7- Local Improvement Tax Levy is Imposed

Status: Not-Started TBD (If required)

Step 5: Potential Sewer Modernization Project

If the Local Improvement Tax Petition is successful, work will then begin on the project.

Status: Not-Started TBD (If required)