Here are the highlights from the Oct. 24, 2023, Sturgeon County Council meeting:
Organizational Meeting
- Council approved the 2024 calendar for regular Council, Committee of the Whole and 2025 budget meetings. Additional special or regular Council meetings can be scheduled, as needed.
- Council appointed Division 5 Councillor Deanna Stang as Deputy Mayor for the period of November 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. Council elects a Deputy Mayor twice per year to serve a six-month term. In the Mayor’s absence, the Deputy Mayor must perform the duties of the Mayor.
- Council approved the 2023/2024 appointments for boards, committees and commissions with amendments.
Public Presentation
Council heard a presentation from the owners of Johnny’s Store in Namao, AB. The store is a small family-owned business that has been in the area for over 100 years. It changed ownership in 2021, and the new owners intend to reopen the store. However, in discussions with Administration, it was discovered that the property lacked proper development permits and that the parking lot used by the store is on County land. The applicant is requesting that the County waive the parking requirement for a parking survey and grading plan or provide financial support to procure it. Council received the information and directed Administration to return to a future Council meeting in November with recommendations.
Public Hearing
Council held a public hearing for Bylaw 1634/23 so the public could provide input before Council considers the proposed bylaw further. The applicant proposes to redistrict approximately 3.26 acres (1.32 hectares) of land owned by the Alcomdale Community League at 302, 57000 Highway 44 from R4 – Hamlet Serviced Residential District to REC – Recreational District. This land has historically been used for recreational purposes, dating back to the 1940s. Rezoning the parcel to REC – Recreational District brings the outdoor recreational uses into compliance with the Land Use Bylaw. Due to an 80-year-old Land Titles registration error, there are two undeveloped road rights-of-way running through the land. Council will consider the presentations and submissions and will make a decision at a future Council meeting.
Land use matters
Council gave second and third readings of Bylaw 1633/23, approving the rezoning of 56210 Range Road 253 (Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 1220583) from AG – Agriculture District to AG2 – Agriculture District 2 so the property owner can apply to operate an event venue for weddings, family gatherings and other events. This parcel is located approximately two kilometres north of the Town of Morinville near Highway 2, with direct access via Range Road 253. Council’s decision considered input shared by the public at the October 10 public hearing. To operate an event venue in Sturgeon County, land must be zoned as AG2 – Agriculture 2 District before the applicant can apply for an event venue development permit.
Fast facts about land use bylaw amendments and public hearings:
- At Sturgeon County, before Council seeks public feedback on a proposed land use bylaw amendment, Council gives first reading of the proposed bylaw. This does not mean Council supports the bylaw, but that Council is agreeing for the proposed bylaw to proceed to the next stage of the bylaw process, being receipt of public feedback.
- Public hearings are open to any members of the public, but in considering feedback, Council must consider how and the degree to which the person making a written submission or speaking at a public hearing is affected by the proposal.
- Anyone wishing to provide comments on a proposed bylaw can submit them in writing in advance, attend the Council Meeting in person, or participate virtually.
- For more details and to register for a public hearing, call Legislative Services at 780-939-8277.
- Public hearings, along with other public notices, are posted on the Public Notices page on our website.
Next Council Meeting
The next Sturgeon County Council meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. on November 14, 2023.
Future agendas and past meeting minutes can be found online.
