Go Back To NewsHere are the highlights from the April 25, 2023, Sturgeon County Council Meeting:
2022 Audited Financial Statements
Council received a presentation from the County’s auditors, MNP LLP, outlining their findings and recommendations following their audit of the County’s financials. Following the presentation, Council approved the 2022 Audited Financial Statements. As part of the presentation, Administration noted there was an operating surplus of $5,003,593, which Council directed be transferred to the General Operating Reserve for future allocation.
Council Funding Summary and Reallocations
Council approved reallocation of 2022 capital project savings in the amount of $9,916,897 to fund additional 2023 capital projects in the amount of $6,691,125 with the balance of $3,225,772 to go into reserves. Administration noted that $65 million was spent in 2022, with 69 projects completed and four projects cancelled. As a result, the County was able to save $12.3 million, with $2.4 million in restricted funds, leaving a balance of $9.9 million available for reallocation or to flow back to its original reserve for future allocation.
Council also approved moving $4,476,885 from the 2024 capital budget to 2023 in order to complete two construction projects this year: expanding the road reconstruction project on Range Road 220 from Township Road 570 to Redwater at a cost of $4,200,000, and expanding the Township Road 564 reconstruction project to include replacement of the culvert for the existing bridge at a cost of $276,885 (Bridge File 00889).
Council also approved removing $400,000 in the capital budget for both 2023 and 2024 that had been earmarked for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program. Council agreed to remove these funds from the budget as future facility work is still being contemplated and considered by Council.
County Centre Upgrades
Council approved the proposed renovation design and budget for renovations to the Cardiff Room and front reception areas at Sturgeon County Centre, for a total of $608,457. The renovations will improve security, make public spaces more accessible, and modernize public spaces at the County Administration Building.Land Use Bylaw Amendments
- Council gave first reading of Bylaw 1627/23 which proposes to redistrict 9.5 acres in the northwest corner of E½ NW-34-54-25- W4M from AG – Agricultural District to RVS – Recreational Vehicle Storage District in order to accommodate a proposed RV Storage business adjacent to Highway 37. The application includes a concept plan outlining the storage of 45 recreational vehicles (RVs) and provides details for the proposed site grading and fill for the storage area, and where culverts will be placed for drainage purposes. A public hearing will be scheduled before Council considers the bylaw further. Details on the public hearing will be posted on the Public Notices page on the Sturgeon County website.
Next Council Meeting
The next Sturgeon County Council meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Future agendas and past meeting minutes can be found on the Sturgeon County website.
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.
- 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 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.