Tri-Municipal Regional Plan Update

Council was joined by Tantus Solutions for a presentation and update on the Tri-Municipal Regional Plan (TMRP) last night. In January of 2019, the Town, the City of Spruce Grove, and Parkland County signed a letter of intent signalling their commitment to working together for regional prosperity. Since the signing, work has progressed on the TMRP with the aim to improve governance, service delivery, fiscal capacity, and economic prosperity for the benefit of the citizens in the region.

The TMRP report is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2021 and will be available on the Town website.

Learn more about the Tri-Municipal Regional Plan in the agenda package on pages 6 – 22 and 46 - 48.

2021 Business License Fee Rebate

Council has approved a 50 percent business license fee rebate for the 2021 year. In 2020, a similar rebate was offered for resident businesses in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19. The rebate saw 99 businesses apply for a total of $4,325 in refunds.

As with the 2020 Business License Fee Rebate, this year’s rebate will not be issued automatically; all businesses in need of financial aid must apply. The rebate is available to local businesses only.

Find more information about the Business License Fee Rebate in the agenda package on pages 50 – 53.

Spring Budget Adjustments

Adjustments have been made to the Corporate Plan budget. The Corporate Plan 2021 – 2023 was approved in November of 2020. At the time of approval, the budget assumed COVID-19 would have little to no impact on 2021; however, after three months of monitoring this assumption, Administration has recommended adjustments to the spring budget.

Council has approved the transfer of up to $223,000 from the tax levy stabilization reserve to implement COVID-19 support. Additionally, a $55,000 transfer to the Life Cycle – Arena capital reserve has been approved.

To support residents financially impacted by the pandemic, Council has approved a property tax and utility penalty deferral for 2021. Residents and businesses will not be charged a property tax penalty for the failure to pay current property taxes between July 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021. A similar tax deferral program was initiated in 2020 which saw approximately 708 (8.6 percent) of total tax rolls take advantage of the waived penalties. Also, residents and businesses will not be charged utility late payment penalties or have utilities cut-off for a 90 day period enduing July 31, 2021.

Administration will continue to monitor the budget and provide Council with updates and information throughout the year.

Find more information on the budget adjustments in the agenda package on pages 55 – 59.

Downtown Redevelopment Update

With construction season nearing, preparations for Downtown Redevelopment work is underway. Earlier this year, ATCO informed the Town that line relocation work would not occur until June 7, 2021. This announcement combined with current frost conditions in the soil has impacted the 2021 construction schedule.

Currently, the project has a list of immediate, anticipated milestones for the coming weeks. The construction contractor is expected to deliver “notices of construction” to affected businesses on May 10 with crew mobilization expected for May 16 (weather dependent). The 50 Avenue and 50 Street intersection will be shut down with fencing in place. Construction will pause in June to allow TELUS and ATCO to perform necessary utility work in the area.

At this time, the anticipated completion date for Downtown Redevelopment is October 27, 2021. Residents can follow construction progress by visiting the Town website or subscribing to construction updates.

Learn more about Downtown Redevelopment in the agenda package on pages 61 – 64.

Strategic Plan and Corporate Plan QI 2021 Report

The first quarterly update of the year for the Strategic Plan and the Corporate Plan was brought to Council last night. Quarterly reports are presented to Council throughout the year to track the progress of strategic and developmental goals outlined in the Strategic Plan and the Corporate Plan.

The Strategic Plan and Corporate Plan Q1 2021 report will be available for viewing on the Town website. The Q2 report will be presented to Council in July.

Read the full Strategic Plan and Corporate Plan Q1 2021 report in the agenda package on pages 66 – 87.

Council Adopts Strategic Plan 2021 - 2024

The Strategic Plan 2021 – 2024 has been adopted. The Strategic Plan provides a framework to guide Council in their decision making process. It outlines priorities in the five foundations of the Town of Stony Plain's planning considerations: Governance and Partners; Economic Opportunity; Supportive Infrastructure; Community Development; and Environmental Responsibility.

The Strategic Plan can be viewed on the Town website. More details on the 2021 – 2024 Strategic Plan will be made available in the weeks ahead.

Find the Strategic Plan 2021 – 2024 in the agenda package on pages 89 – 103.

Land Management Update

Council was provided with an update on Land Management during last night’s meeting. As per the Land Management Policy, Administration presented a summary of current surplus land holdings, projected land requirements, and land transactions. The intent of presenting updates on land management is to ensure a transparent, accountable, and fair approach to land transactions and management of Town land.

A map of Town-owned land can be viewed virtually on the Town website.

Learn more about Land Management in the agenda package on pages 105 – 112.

Please note: This is not the official Town of Stony Plain council meeting minutes. Please refer to Agendas and Minutes for all supporting documents, and official meeting minutes that have been approved by Town Council.