Go Back To NewsHere are the highlights from the Nov. 14, 2023, Sturgeon County Council meeting:
Mayor Hnatiw proclaimed November 12 to 18 as Metis Week in Sturgeon County.
Johnny’s Store
Council allocated $30,400 from the general operating reserve to cover the costs of a survey and drainage assessment on Sturgeon County’s right of way near Johnny’s Store in Namao. Typically, landowners need to complete a survey and drainage plan to ensure proper drainage from the parcel. In this case, the survey and drainage plan are needed for County-owned lands adjacent to the business, which have historically been used for parking for Johnny’s Store and other Namao businesses.
Johnny’s Store is a small family-owned business that has been in the area since 1902. It changed ownership in 2021, and the new owners intend to reopen the business.
Land use matters
Council gave second and third readings of Bylaw 1634/23, approving the redistricting of approximately 3.26 acres (1.32 hectares) of land owned by the Alcomdale Community League from R4 – Hamlet Serviced Residential District to REC – Recreational District. The land – located at 302, 57000 Highway 44 – has historically been used for recreational purposes, dating back to the 1940s. Rezoning the parcel to REC – Recreational District brings the outdoor recreational uses, including a ball diamond, gazebo and playground, into compliance with the Land Use Bylaw.
Council gave first reading of Bylaw 1635/23, which proposes to redistrict 55013 Highway 825 near the Sturgeon Industrial Park from AG – Agriculture District to DC24 – Direct Control District 24. The applicant wishes to expand a trucking business. A public hearing will be scheduled and will allow adjacent landowners to provide their feedback before Council considers the proposed bylaw further. Details of the public hearing will be posted on the public notices page on the Sturgeon County website.
Technical amendments to the Land Use Bylaw
Council postponed first reading of Bylaw 1632/23 to the November 28, 2023, Council meeting.
Council gave first reading of Bylaw 1639/23, which proposes to redistrict three parcels to the correct land use districts. Sturgeon County assessed all parcels of land in 2021 to make sure they were zoned correctly, and 38 parcels were redistricted as a result. The three parcels included in Bylaw 1639/23 were subject to recent subdivision applications and were not captured by the previous audit. All landowners are aware of and in support of the proposed redistricting. A public hearing will be scheduled and will allow adjacent landowners to provide their feedback before Council considers the proposed bylaw further. Details of the public hearing will be posted on the public notices page on the Sturgeon County website.
Road closure for portion of Range Road 222
Council gave first reading of Bylaw 1638/23, which proposes to close a portion of Range Road 222 between Township Road 555 and Township Road 560 to enable Cando Rail and Terminals to expand its business. The road closure supports an expected $140 million expansion that will create 40 new jobs, and enables the safe storage and transportation of products to and from the terminal. As a result of the proposed road closure, Cando proposes to develop a bypass around its site. A public hearing will be scheduled and will allow adjacent landowners to provide their feedback before Council considers the proposed bylaw further. Details of 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 a.m. on Nov. 28, 2023. Future agendas and past meeting minutes can be found online.
Fast facts about land use bylaw amendments and public hearings
View the Land Use Planning & Community Engagement page(s).
- 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
- 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.