Sturgeon County Council Recap: July 14, 2026

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Public Hearing – Bylaw 1707/26 – Dynamic Demolition and Recycling Redistricting 

Council held a public hearing to receive submissions regarding Bylaw 1707/26, a proposed amendment to the Land Use Bylaw 1385/17 to redistrict a portion of 26431 Township Road 540 from AG (Agriculture) District to DC26 (Direct Control 26) District to better accommodate an existing aggregate recycling yard business. This would bring this section of land into compliance.

Council approved the Bylaw as amended, restricting the use to industrial sorting, handling, processing, consolidation and temporary storage of concrete and asphalt, which will allow the business to continue its current operations without expanding to other products. The amended DC26 district also time limits development permits to 5 years, after which a new development permit application will be needed.  

Public Hearing – Bylaw 1715/26 – Prairie Gardens Redistricting 

Council held a public hearing to receive submissions regarding Bylaw 1715/26, a proposed amendment to the Land Use Bylaw 1385/17 to redistrict Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm from AG (Agriculture) District to AG2 (Agriculture 2) District to accommodate an existing agriculture support service operation. The purpose of this redistricting application is to better align existing business operations, necessary infrastructure upgrades, and County policy and regulations.  

Council will consider the public submissions received and decide at a future Council meeting. 

Consolidated Contract Award Report – May 11, 2026, to July 6, 2026 

Council received the Consolidated Contract Award Report of May 11, 2026, to July 6, 2026, as information.  

Award of the 2026 Dale MacMillan Memorial Scholarship for Community Leadership 

Council awarded the 2026 Dale MacMillan Memorial Scholarship for Community Leadership to Madelyn Roe and Kylie McGuire.  

Dark Sky Policy Initiative Terms of Reference 

Council approved the Dark Sky Policy Initiative Terms of Reference with costs for stakeholder engagement to be funded through departmental reallocation of the existing 2026 Operating Budget.  

Land Management Policies and Bylaw 1720/26 – Repeal of Licence of Occupation Bylaw 955/02 and Temporary Road Lease Bylaw 610/87 

Council approved the Land Transactions Policy, Leases and Licences of Occupation Policy, Road Closure Policy, and Road Licence Policy. 

Council rescinded the Lease or Purchase of Environmental Reserve Policy, the Lease or Purchase of Municipal Reserve Policy, and the Municipal Reserve Cemetery Policy. The Lease or Purchase of Environmental Reserve Policy was specifically rescinded due to its redundancy with the Municipal Government Act.

Council approved Bylaw 1720/26, which would repeal Bylaw 955/02, and support consistent, transparent, and legislatively compliant decision-making for more than 4,000 acres of County-owned lands.  

Currently, land-related decisions are made through a combination of legacy policies, departmental processes, and legislative requirements, resulting in inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities to maximize long-term public value. 

Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan Submission Criteria – Sturgeon Valley South Policy 

Council approved the Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan Submission Criteria – Sturgeon Valley South Policy. This policy outlines when NASP’s (Neighbourhood Area Structure Plans) for Planning Areas 3 to 5 in the Sturgeon Valley South Area Structure Plan can be submitted for Council’s consideration.  

Bylaw 1713/26 – 2026 Event Venue Redistricting  

Council gave first reading of Bylaw 1713/26, 2026 Event Venue Redistricting, which would redistrict a portion of land within SE 13-55-23-4 from an AG (Agriculture) District to AG2 (Agriculture 2) District allowing the landowner to proceed with a development permit application for an event venue.  

The application will proceed to a Public Hearing to allow an opportunity for the public to provide input to Council. 

Broadband Program Construction Additions 

Council deferred consideration of new broadband fibre extension locations to the 2027 Capital Budget deliberations, at which time consideration can be given to a Phase 3 Broadband project.  

Regionalization of Fire and Emergency Services with the Town of Gibbons 

Council approved the motion that the Mayor will provide the Business Case for the regionalization of Fire and Emergency Services to the Town of Gibbons Council for its consideration. 

Council directed that, pending the response from the Town of Gibbons, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) be directed to advance discussions with the Town of Gibbons regarding the agreements necessary to implement the regionalization of fire and emergency service, substantially in accordance with the recommended cost sharing framework, with any final agreements to come forward to Council for final approval.  

Cardiff Golf and Country Club New Clubhouse Funding Request 

Council authorized up to $600,000 from the Municipal Tax Stabilization Reserve to the Cardiff Golf and Country Club for capital construction costs related to the foundation and septic system of the new clubhouse, and contingency, subject to validation of tender pricing and providing proof of expenses incurred.  

Emergency Access to the North Saskatchewan River 

Due to time constraints, Council postponed the Emergency Access to the North Saskatchewan River item to the August 25, 2026, Regular Council meeting.  

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 

Sturgeon Data Centre Update  

The Committee received the Sturgeon Data Centre presentation as information.  

2026-2029 Corporate Business Plan  

The Committee received the 2026–2029 Corporate Business Plan as information.  

Due to time constraints, the Committee postponed the following items to the August 25, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting: 

Privacy Management Program Update  
Governance Framework Review Phase 1 Update  
Operator Engagement on Agritourism and Agribusiness Review Report  

NOTICES OF MOTION

Councillors gave notice that they will introduce the following notices of motion at the August 25, 2026, Regular Council Meeting: 

Responsible Management of Ongoing and One-Time Municipal Revenues Generated by Forecasted Development and Infrastructure Investments (Councillor Boissonneault) 

That Administration bring forward a strategy for the responsible management of ongoing and one-time municipal revenues generated by forecasted development and infrastructure investments, including options for specific allocations to long-term reserves, new capital and community investments, annual reporting, and appropriate taxation levels that support competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and risk mitigation including mechanisms, ensuring that a portion of net new municipal revenue is directed toward long-term infrastructure and community benefit rather than being fully absorbed into ongoing operations. 

Review of Home-Based Business Regulations (Councillor Papadopoulos) 

That Administration undertake a review of the regulations for home-based business permits in the Land Use Bylaw, outline which land use districts they are allowed in, provide recommendation on any changes that might be required to address concerns of compatibility of home-based businesses with neighbouring properties, and report back to Council in Q4 2026. 

Municipal Reserve in the Sturgeon Valley (Councillor Papadopoulos)  

That Administration prepare a presentation to Council by Q4 2026 that explores how Municipal Reserve (MR) is acquired by the County, how it can be utilized, when cash-in-lieu of MR dedication is obtained, and the possible impacts of a policy of only allowing land dedication and not cash-in-lieu for MR in the Sturgeon Valley.