Here are the highlights from Sturgeon County Council’s regular meeting on May 27, 2025.
Council proclaimed June 2-8, 2025 as Seniors Week in Sturgeon County.
Council proclaimed June 2025 as Pride Month in Sturgeon County.
Bylaw 1680/25 – Amendment to Bylaw 1548/21 – Sturgeon Industrial Park Offsite Levy
Council held a public hearing to hear submissions for or against Bylaw 1680/25 which updates the County’s Offsite Levy Rates to ensure they remain current and in compliance with the latest requirements of the Municipal Government Act.
Council will consider the presentations made during the hearing and any written submissions registered and will make a decision at a future Council meeting.
Consolidated Contract Award Report
Council accepted the Consolidated Contract Award Report – April 16 – May 16, 2025 as information.
Bylaw 1676/25 – Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1385/17 – Edit Definition of Gas Processing Plant
Council gave second and third reading of Bylaw 1676/25 which allows for the redistricting of a portion of NE-29-57-25-4 from Agriculture (AG) to Rural Industry Support (I1) to allow for the proposed development of a carbon sequestration facility by Bison Low Carbon Ventures Inc.
Bylaw 1681/25 – Municipal Development Modernization
Council gave first reading of Bylaw 1681/25 which aims to update the County’s Municipal Development Plan Bylaw 1313/13. The proposal recommends repealing the existing bylaw and replacing it with Bylaw 1681/25. This MDP update aims to modernize the bylaw, align it with current regional and municipal priorities, improve clarity, and enhance public accessibility and understanding.
Bylaw 1684/25- Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan (Planning Area 1) – Sturgeon Valley South Area Structure Plan
Council gave first reading of Bylaw 1684/25 , which proposes the adoption of the Sturgeon Valley South Planning Area 1 Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan (NASP). This plan would build upon the existing framework and policies established by the Area Structure Plan (ASP), enabling developers to submit Outline Plans for their respective projects to the County. Outline Plans are non-statutory planning documents that provide more detailed information regarding land use and infrastructure requirements, and they address development at the scale of a multi-lot subdivision.
Bylaw 1686/25 – Amendment to Bylaw 932/02 – Utility Billing Update
Council accepted the Utility Billing Update as information, and gave first, second, and third readings of Bylaw 1686/25 (Amendment to Water Works Bylaw). This amendment allows Council to make temporary penalty and timeline changes in times of extraordinary circumstances (such as the possible upcoming Canada Post strike).
Bylaw 1687/25 – Amendment to Bylaw 1535/21 – 2025 Property Tax Mailing Update
Council accepted the 2025 Property Tax Mailing Update as information, and gave first, second, and third readings of Bylaw 1687/25 (Amendment to Property Tax Penalty Bylaw). The amendment allows Council to make temporary penalty and date changes in extraordinary circumstances (such as the possible upcoming Canada Post strike).
Small Business Incentive Policy
Council approved the Small Business Incentive Policy which will develop and implement small business incentive programs to encourage investment in local small businesses within Sturgeon County. This program is designed to provide financial support to small businesses that are implementing new equipment and technology, enhancing marketing efforts, diversifying their customer base, accessing training and education, or reducing the impacts of crime on their business.
2025 Municipal Election – Election Officer Appointments
Council approved the appointment of Melodie Steele as Sturgeon County’s Returning Officer and Becky Williams as Substitute Returning Officer for the 2025 general municipal election occurring on October 20, 2025.
Consideration of Tax Relief for Residential Properties Affected by the Redwater Recreation Area Wildfire (Councillor Berry)
Council approved a motion that Administration bring forward recommendations to Council, following the conclusion of the local state of emergency associated with the Redwater Recreation Area Fire, for consideration of tax relief for residential properties affected by the wildfire.
Waiver of Tax Penalties for Properties Affected by the Redwater Recreation Area Wildfire (Councillor Berry)
Council approved a motion directing Administration to waive penalties in 2025 for late payment of current taxes on properties located within the evacuation order area of the Redwater Recreation Area Wildfire.
CLOSED SESSION
Assessment Update
Council received an assessment update in closed session.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Morinville Community Library Presentation
Council accepted the Morinville Community Library presentation as information.
Next Council Meeting
The next Sturgeon County Council meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on June 10, 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.
View our interactive regulations map.
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 new Sturgeon County 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.
