Here are the highlights from Sturgeon County Council’s regular meeting on March 24, 2026.
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Hnatiw proclaimed April 11 and 12, 2026, as Alberta’s Get Outdoors Weekend in Sturgeon County.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Public Hearing – Bylaw 1694/25 – Closure and Disposal of a Portion of Range Road 222
Council held a public hearing to receive submissions regarding Bylaw 1694/25, a proposed closure and disposal of a portion of Range Road 222 to facilitate proposed development within the Industrial Heartland.
No public submissions were received on the proposed bylaw. The Bylaw will be sent to the Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors for approval. After that, Council will make a decision.
Consolidated Contract Award Report – January 15, 2026 to March 15, 2026
Council received the Consolidated Contract Award Report of January 15, 2026 to March 15, 2026 as information.
Bylaw 1682/25 – Redistricting a Portion of NE-31-54-26-4 from C1 and AG to I1 and AG
Council approved Bylaw 1682/25, the redistricting of a portion of NE-31-54-26-4 from Highway Commercial (C1) and Agriculture (AG) Districts to Rural Industry Support (I1) and Agriculture (AG) Districts, bringing the property into line with the rules for running a heater rental and crane mat business.
Debenture Bylaws for 2026 Capital Projects
Council approved Bylaw 1702/26, Bylaw 1703/26, and Bylaw 1704/26, allowing for the use of long-term borrowing to fund capital projects approved as part of the 2026 Capital Budget and the 2027 Capital financial forecast.
2026 Financial Update and Tax Rate Options
Council directed Administration to prepare the Taxation Rates Bylaw to reflect no change in the projected 0.73% tax rate increase for Residential, Farmland, Residential Vacant Reduced, and Residential Vacant; and a tax rate increase of 3.57% for Non-Residential, and Machinery and Equipment.
Council also directed Administration to provide options and recommendations for the allocation of the County’s 2025 operating surplus when they present the 2025 Audited Financial Statements.
2026-2029 Strategic Plan
Council approved the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan as presented. This is the highest-level document from which all Administration’s work flows, guided by three community outcomes supported by 4-year Council objectives; Planned Growth, Thriving Communities, and Environmental Responsibility.
Planned Growth focuses on guiding growth to priority areas in a financially sustainable way by coordinating land use, infrastructure, and services. It aims to strengthen the local economy, protect farmland, and invest in reliable infrastructure to keep the County a great place to live, work, and invest.
Thriving Communities centers around a strong quality of life, supported by safe neighbourhoods, accessible services and spaces, inclusive relationships, and active community participation, including respectful collaboration with Indigenous and neighbouring communities.
Environmental Responsibility emphasizes protecting land, water, air and ecosystems by integrating environmental considerations into planning, strengthening climate resilience, and reducing impacts through sustainable municipal practices.
Advancing Major Investment Infrastructure in the Industrial Heartland
Council approved funding in the amount of $75 million for infrastructure improvements in the Industrial Heartland, with any expenses being subject to collecting the cost from industry partners through a Cost Contribution Agreement.
Council also authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to enter into Cost Contribution Agreements for infrastructure development in the Industrial Heartland to facilitate completion of these infrastructure improvements.
Wetland Replacement Program – Memorandum of Understanding and Calahoo Wetland Project Approval
Council directed the Chief Administrative Officer to enter into a renewed Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas for the Wetland Replacement Program for 2026.
Council also approved the Calahoo Wetland Project for $1.4 million, to be fully funded by the Wetland Replacement Program.
Living Snow Fence Program Options
Council directed Administration to incorporate a Living Snow Fence Program into existing operations, adding education on living snow fences into the annual Shelterbelt Workshop and Tree Pruning Workshop, and on the Tree Program website.
Emergency Management Communications Options
Council directed Administration to proceed with the development and implementation of a County Public Notification System (PNS), employing Everbridge, with one-time project costs in 2026 estimated at $25,000 from the Protective Services operating budget, and ongoing operating costs of approximately $3,500 annually to be incorporated into the 2027 budget.
Fire Services Agreement Renewals
Council directed Administration to advance the proposal to renew five-year term Fire Services Agreements with the Towns of Legal, Bon Accord, and Redwater and the Summer Villages of Sandy Beach and Sunrise Beach as recommended.
CLOSED SESSION
Intergovernmental Update
Council received a closed session intergovernmental update.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Sturgeon County Parks Feasibility Study
The Committee recommended the Sturgeon County Parks Feasibility Study to Council to approve for planning purposes, incorporating comments provided at the March 24, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Sandy Lake Wilderness Area Concept Plan and Natural Area Management Plan
The Committee recommended the Sandy Lake Wilderness Area Concept Plan and Natural Area Management Plan to Council for planning purposes, incorporating comments provided at the March 24, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Sturgeon County 2025 Year in Review Report
The Committee received the Sturgeon County 2025 Year in Review Report as information. The report highlighted big wins of 2025 such as the successful launch of the YES Academy program, an event designed for youth ages 14 to 17 who are interested in emergency service careers. As well as a Fire Master Plan, a twenty-year strategic framework for fire services.
Northern Lights Library System Update
The Committee received the Northern Lights Library System Update as information.
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 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 780-939-8029.
When considering public input, Council considers how and to what degree the person is impacted by the proposed amendment.
