Go Back To NewsHere are the highlights from the March 28, 2023, Sturgeon County Council Meeting.
Mayor Alanna Hnatiw acknowledged that Sunday, April 9, 2023, is Vimy Ridge Day and noted the flags at Sturgeon County buildings will be flown at half-mast on that date.
Council received a presentation from James Betz requesting a waiver of a Development Permit Fee Penalty for Development Permit 305305-22-D0320. Administration will bring forward a recommendation for Council at a future meeting.
Council passed Bylaw 1615/23, which redistricts a portion of NE-5-55-24-W4M from Agriculture District to the new Agriculture 2 District. With this redistricting approved, the applicant can submit an application to establish an event venue. This is the first application for redistricting under the new Diversified Agriculture Bylaw.
Land Use Bylaw Amendments
- Council gave first reading of Bylaw 1621/23, which proposes to redistrict a portion of SW-28-54-27-W4M from AG –Agriculture District to RE – Resource Extraction District. The applicant is proposing to amend Land Use Bylaw 1385/17 to facilitate a natural resource extraction operation. The subject land is 61.13 hectares (151.05 acres) and has a residence located to the west of the parcel adjacent to Range Road 274. The applicant intends to redistrict approximately 25.75 hectares (63.63 acres) from AG – Agriculture District to RE- Resource Extraction District, which would create split zoning on the parcel. 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.
- Council gave first reading of Bylaw 1622/23, which proposes to redistrict lands within NE-27-54-27-4 and a portion within NE-27-54-27-4 from AG Agriculture District to RE – Resource Extraction District. The applicant is proposing to amend Land Use Bylaw 1385/17 to facilitate a natural resource extraction operation. The proposed redistricting mostly includes lands within NE-27-54-27-4; however, also includes a small portion of land within NW-27-54-27-4, totaling 6.19 hectares (15.30 acres). The subject area is currently districted AG – Agriculture and the applicant intends to redistrict to RE – Resource Extraction, which would create split zoning on the parcels. 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.
2023 Tax Rate recommended to be reduced to 2.9 per cent
Administration provided an update on the 2023 Assessment Update and Taxation Rates. During the presentation, Administration noted the finalized 2023 assessments resulted in approximately 7.12 per cent or approximately $764 million more assessment than what was anticipated. Following the presentation, Council directed the 2023 Taxation Rates Bylaw reflect a tax rate increase of 2.9 per cent, down from 3.9 per cent previously recommended. Council also directed that Administration not proceed with the proposed tax stabilization transfer from reserves in the amount of $1,168,144. The Tax Rate Bylaw will come before Council at the April 11, 2023 Council Meeting.
County to purchase three new graders
Council awarded the contract for the purchase of three 872GP motor graders to Brandt Tractor, at a contract price of $2,058,005.16 excluding GST. To facilitate the purchase, Council also authorized the budgeted amount of $1,860,000 to be increased by $198,005.16, and that the difference be funded by the Vehicle & Equipment Reserve.
Road Closure Bylaw – NE-16-54-26-W4M
Council gave first reading of Bylaw 1626/23 – Road Closure Bylaw regarding the proposed closure of an undeveloped road allowance located NE-16-54-26-W4M near Range Road 263 north of Highway 633. The closure is required due to a bridge repair conducted previously and is a procedural matter to fulfill Alberta Transportation requirements for road closures. 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.
2023 Alberta International Air Show
Following a closed session discussion, Council directed that additional resources be allocated to support the 2023 Alberta International Air Show including assisting with event planning with groundside initiatives and events, organizing and activating the VIP / Business Showcase area, and coordinating event access, parking, and traffic accommodations.
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.
Next Council Meeting
The next Sturgeon County Council meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. on April 11, 2023. Future agendas and past meeting minutes can be found online.