Here are the highlights from Sturgeon County Council’s Regular Meeting on January 14.
Second Reading of Bylaw 1660/24
Council defeated Bylaw 1660/24 – Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1385/17 – Redistricting a Portion of SW-1-55-25-4 (25018 Highway 37) from AG – Agriculture District to I3 – Medium Industrial Unserviced District, which would have allowed redistricting of agricultural land for a company specializing in the manufacturing of crane and rig mats to relocate their existing operation to the parcel.
Bylaw 1666/24 – Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw – Second and Third Readings
Council gave second and third readings of Bylaw 1666/24 which repeals and replaces the existing Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw 1100/06. The bylaw updates language to reflect the Chief Administrative Officer title and allows the CAO to appoint inspectors for various Acts including the Agricultural Pests Act and Weed Control Act.
Homeland Housing – 22 St. Thomas Street Community Affordable Housing Project – Request for Letter of Support
Council directed the Mayor to provide a letter of support for Homeland Housing’s 22 St. Thomas Street Community Affordable Housing Project. Homeland Housing is proposing a mixed-income, 118 unit residential and commercial development in downtown St. Albert.
Creation of an Area Structure Plan for the Hamlet of Villeneuve
Council authorized up to $20,000 from the General Operating Reserve for contracted services to assist with exploring a series of future possibilities for the Hamlet of Villeneuve and area related to community amenities, growth, aspirations, and future community needs, the scope to be confirmed by Council and the results to be reported to Council no later than the July 15, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.
Cessation of the Imposition of Utility Penalties and Water Shut Offs for Residential Customers During the Canada Post Labour Strike
Council directed Administration to cease the imposition of penalties for non-payment of utility charges for residential customer classes until February 28, 2025. Council also directed Administration to refrain from shutting off water for non-payment of utility charges for residential customer classes until February 28, 2025.
Inclusion of Alexander First Nation Internal Roads on Sturgeon County Maps
Council directed Administration to include Alexander First Nation internal roads on Sturgeon County maps.
Sturgeon Public School Division Update
Council directed the Mayor to provide a letter of support to the Sturgeon Public School Division to advance a grant funding application in support of innovative Collegiate based skilled trades and aviation programming to Sturgeon County students.
Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB) Membership
Council directed that Sturgeon County inform the Minister of Municipal Affairs that it is opting not to participate as a voluntary member of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board.
Council Code of Conduct Sanction Update
Consistent with motions passed at the October 8, 2024 Regular Council Meeting that found Councillor McLennan in breach of section 10.2(a) of the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw, that sanctioned him by requiring him to attend privacy and confidentiality training as offered by Administration by December 31, 2024, and determined that, if the training is not completed by the specified date, a letter of reprimand be issued and published in the Council meeting minutes, Council directed the Mayor to issue a letter of reprimand to Councillor McLennan. The contents of the letter of reprimand will be included in the January 14, 2025 Regular Council Meeting minutes, once approved by Council at the January 28, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.
Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment Update
Council was provided an update on the status of the recruitment of a permanent Chief Administrative Officer.
Committee of the Whole
Proposed Pinnace Village Development Concept Plan
Committee accepted the Proposed Pinnace Village Development Concept Plan presentation as information. The development falls under the Sturgeon Valley Core Area Structure Plan.
2025 Corporate Events Calendar
Council accepted the 2025 Corporate Events Calendar as information. This sets Sturgeon County’s signature and department event dates for the 2025.
Economic Innovation and Growth Update
Council received an Economic Innovation and Growth Update and received the update as information.
Next Council Meeting
The next Sturgeon County Council meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on January 28, 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.
