Regular Council Meeting Highlights for March 11, 2024

Land Use Bylaw Update 2024 – Bylaw 2686/LUO/24 Receives Second and Third Readings

The Land Use Bylaw (LUB) undergoes annual updates to make administrative adjustments and put strategic plans into action. This year, the focus of the update is on administrative changes, including the consolidation and alignment of projections, the addition of previously undefined uses and the introduction of new provisions to regulate planning bylaw notice signs.

At the Regular Council Meeting on February 12, 2024, Council discussed the proposed updates and gave first reading to the Bylaw. After listening to public input during a Public Hearing at last night’s meeting, Council passed second and third readings for Bylaw 2686/LUO/24, formally adopting it as the new Land Use Bylaw.

Learn more in the agenda package on pages 312 - 315.

Spruce Grove Annexation Update Accepted for Information

On February 26, the City of Spruce Grove Council carried unanimously a resolution to start a formal annexation process for an area of the town. This area includes Boundary Road north of Highway 16A, along with lands between Boundary Road and the East Sanitary Trunk utility right of way, which contains the Atim Creek floodplain and undeveloped lands east of the creek.

Annexation is a provincially legislated process where a municipality changes or expands its jurisdictional boundaries, generally for the purpose of accommodating future population growth. Details on the process and rules for annexation are outlined in the Municipal Government Act. This process can be very complicated and timely, involving formal and informal negotiations with many different stakeholders.

Council accepted the update for information.

Learn more in the agenda package on pages 317 – 339.

Water Loss Update Accepted for Information

Administration has been actively working to reduce water loss within the Utility, with initial progress noted and ongoing projects planned for 2024 to continue this effort. The issue of water loss was brought to the Town’s attention in December 2021, subsequently reported to Council in March 2022 and July 2023. While water loss is a common challenge for municipalities, the Town's average loss from 2015 to 2020 was 9.74%, with recent reports showing higher figures in 2022 and 2023. The causes of water loss can vary, including infrastructure, operations, and measurement factors. Efforts have been made to detect leaks, monitor usage, and review utility accounts, with plans for further action if needed.

Council accepted the update for information.

Learn more in the agenda package on pages 340 – 352.

2023 Year End Operating Results

The Town of Stony Plain concluded 2023 with a surplus of $572,319 compared to the budget. This result is not yet audited and could change after the audit process. However, Administration doesn't expect major changes. The audited financial statements will be presented by Metrix Group LLP in April 2024.

Learn more in the agenda package on pages 353 – 365.

2024-2027 Strategic Plan Approved

Council reviews and updates the Strategic Plan annually. This allows for a renewed consideration of what has been accomplished and to contemplate what new strategic commitments and key actions are required to reach Council's vision for the community. This also allows for adjustment and nimbleness to evolving or new challenges and opportunities.

At last night’s meeting, Council approved the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan as presented.

Learn more in the agenda package on pages 366 – 406 or read the Official News Release.

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.