Sturgeon County Council Recap | October 10, 2023

Here are the highlights from the Oct. 10, 2023, Sturgeon County Council meeting:

Mayor Hnatiw proclaimed October 10 as Mental Health Day in Sturgeon County, and October 15 to 21 as Small Business Week in Sturgeon County.

Villeneuve Airport Area – Area Structure Plan approved

Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw 1594/22, which approves the Villeneuve Airport Area – Area Structure Plan (VAA-ASP). This marks the final step in the multi-year process to establish specific land use and infrastructure plans for the area that will facilitate key sectors in locating there, and further diversify the local economy. Learn more about the ASP.

Public hearing

Council held a public hearing for Bylaw 1633/23 so the public could provide input before Council considers the proposed bylaw further. The applicant would like to operate an event venue on their land at 56210 Range Road 253 (Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 1220583); this land is currently zoned as AG – Agriculture District. This parcel is located roughly two kilometres north of the Town of Morinville near Highway 2, with direct access via Range Road 253. To operate an event venue in Sturgeon County, land must be zoned AG2 – Agriculture 2 District. If the redistricting is successful, the applicant could then apply to develop an event venue. Council will consider the presentations and submissions and will make a decision at a future Council meeting.

Land Use Advisory Committee

Council directed Administration to provide information and options regarding establishing a Land Use Advisory Committee, which would include members of Council and the public and would provide advice to Council on land use matters in Sturgeon County. This information will be provided at a future Council meeting.

Next Council Meeting

The next Sturgeon County Council meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Oct. 24, 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 and 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
  • 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.