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.
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 28, 2023.
Future agendas and past meeting minutes can be found online.
