Here are the highlights from Sturgeon County Council’s regular meeting on March 11, 2025.
Proclamations
Council proclaimed Friday, March 21, 2025 as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Sturgeon County.
Bylaw 1672/25 – Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1385/17 – Data Processing Facility Technical Amendment – First Reading
Council gave first reading to Bylaw 1672/25, which would allow proposed Land Use Bylaw amendments clarifying matters pertaining to data processing facilities to proceed to a Public Hearing to receive feedback from the public.
Sturgeon County Agriculture Master Plan
Council approved the Sturgeon County Agriculture Master Plan as a guiding strategy to inform a long-term vision and desired outcomes for the County’s agricultural sector to ensure it continues to thrive and grow in Sturgeon County.
The master plan provides recommended actions to address key topics important to the local agriculture sector, including on topics such as agricultural land, small/specialty farms & value-added agriculture, infrastructure, agriculture & support services, and community & policy. This comprehensive strategy will be implemented over a 10-year period.
Sturgeon County Broadband Initiative – Phase 2
Council approved the Broadband Initiative – Phase 2 which will be funded through County funding and Government of Canada and Government of Alberta grants. The total overall project cost is approximately $15.7M (with grants covering over $8.6M of the total cost). This initiative will provide fibre-based broadband to approximately 982 homes and businesses in Sturgeon County.
Bylaw 1677/25 – Debenture Bylaw – Broadband Infrastructure Phase 2 – First Reading
Council gave first reading of Bylaw 1677/25, which will authorize the use of long-term borrowing of $6,810,744 (with $2,769,983 of interest charge) to fund phase 2 development of broadband infrastructure.
Financial Reserve Policy
Council approved an update to its Financial Reserve Policy. This policy requires clearer reserve categories to include purpose, history, responsibilities, and reserve schedules (now called the reserve register). It also adds sections on management, administration, target balances, adjustments, reporting, and review and amendment processes.
Approval to Expropriate Land for the Starkey Road Pathway and Pedestrian Bridge
Council approved a Resolution to Expropriate land for the Starkey Road Pathway and Pedestrian Bridge and directed Administration to proceed with registration of a Certificate of Approval. Acquisition of lands from River Lot 60 will facilitate the construction of a pedestrian bridge and pathway adjacent to Starkey Road that will cross the Sturgeon River into Bellerose Park.
Public Hearing – Bylaw 1669/24 – Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1385/17 (Redistricting a Portion of SE-34-56-26-4 from AG—Agriculture District to AG2—Agriculture 2 District)
Council held a public hearing for Bylaw 1669/24 to redistrict a portion of land at SE-34-56-26-4 from AG (Agriculture District) to AG2 (Agriculture District 2). This would facilitate a development permit for an event venue on a 5.12-acre parcel of land located approximately 4.5km southeast of Alcomdale. Council will consider the presentations made during the hearing and any written submissions registered and will make a decision at a future Council meeting.
Continuation of Non-Statutory Public Hearing – Starkey Hills Outline Plan
Council held a non-statutory public hearing for the Starkey Hills Outline Plan, which facilitates the development of approximately 39.20 hectares of River Lot 63. This non-statutory public hearing was extended from February 25, 2025, when the matter first appeared before Council.
The land use concept for the Outline Plan includes a mix of uses but is predominantly residential, with a future commercial area proposed in the east of the development adjacent to Starkey Road. The parcel in question is bound by Coal Mine Road to the north and west, Starkey Road to the east, and the existing community of Manor Pointe to the south.
Council will consider the presentations made during the hearing and any written submissions registered and will make a decision at a future Council meeting.
Closed Session – Intergovernmental Matter
Council directed the Mayor to provide a letter of response to the Government of Canada regarding Sturgeon County’s input on the Addition to Reserve process underway with Alexander First Nation.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Safe Communities Facilitator Year in Review
The Committee received the Safe Communities Facilitator Year in Review report as information. Sturgeon County’s Safe Communities Facilitator (a two-year pilot project) addresses the need for a proactive, community-based approach to public safety. Over the first year of the project, the role has introduced a higher level of service delivery, strengthened community relationships, and ensured residents are provided with tools and knowledge to enhance local safety.
Morinville RCMP Detachment Priorities and Quarterly Update
The Committee received the Morinville RCMP Detachment March 11, 2025 Quarterly Update as information.
Redwater RCMP Detachment Priorities and Quarterly Update
The Committee received the Redwater RCMP Detachment March 11, 2025 Quarterly Update as information.
Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Detachment Priorities and Quarterly Update
The Committee received the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Detachment March 11, 2025 Quarterly Update as information.
CLOSED SESSION – Assessment Complaints Update
Council discussed an assessment complaint update in closed session.
Letter from the Honourable Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs – Budget 2025
Council received a letter from the Honourable Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs, informing Council of the Government of Alberta’s 2025 budget.
Letter from the Honourable Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs – Provincial Priorities Act
Council received a letter from the Honourable Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs, informing Council of the passing of the Provincial Priorities Act.
Next Council Meeting
The next Sturgeon County Council meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on March 25, 2025. Future agendas and past meeting minutes can be found online.
Fast facts about land use bylaw amendments and public hearings
View our webpage about land use planning and community engagement.
- At Sturgeon County, before Council gets public feedback on a proposed land use bylaw amendment, it gives the proposed bylaw first reading. This does not mean Council supports the bylaw; this allows the proposed bylaw to go to the next stage of the bylaw process, which is gathering public input.
- Public hearings, along with other public notices, are promoted on the public notices page on the Sturgeon County website as well as in local newspapers, on social media, and on road signs in accordance with the Public Notification Bylaw.
- Public hearings are open to any members of the public to view or provide input.
- Viewing the public hearing: You can view the hearing in-person or via livestream at www.sturgeoncounty.ca/CouncilMeetings
- Making a written submission: you can provide a written submission by email up to the close of the public hearing.
- Speaking at the public hearing: you can provide a statement at the public hearing in person or via videoconference. You are encouraged to pre-register to speak in-person at the public hearing. If you wish to speak via videoconference, you must register at least 24 hours prior to the opening of the public hearing. Register by contacting Legislative Services at 780-939-8277.
- When considering public input, Council considers how and to what degree the person is impacted by the proposed amendment.
