Municipal Sustainability Plan

Transcription

1 Municipal Sustainability Plan Revised April 26, 2011

2 Table of Contents Introduction 3 Why Sustainability? 3 Dimensions of Sustainability 4 History of Sustainability Funding 5 County Profile 6 Mission Statement & Goals 7 Statistics 8 County Map & Attractions 11 Environment 12 Society 15 Culture 17 Economy 18 Governance 21 Infrastructure 23 2

3 Introduction The Camrose County Sustainability Plan exhibits the County s commitment towards building a sustainable future. It provides a long-term vision, goals and strategies that will guide the County into a bright and prosperous future that utilizes all its assets while leaving future generations a wonderful place in that they are proud to call home. Sustainability Planning is a holistic approach that examines each of the individual pillars of sustainability and makes the connections to the health and well-being of the entire community. This plan reflects the desires of the community and reveals what is truly important to them in all aspects of their lives. It is a living document that can be expanded, revised, modified or amended over time influenced by factors such as available funding/revenue, inflation as well as ongoing relevancy, necessity, urgency and/or emergent issues. This Sustainability Plan lays the foundation and paves the way as a guiding tool and resource to assist in strategic planning. What is Sustainability? Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Brundtland Commission 1987 Why Sustainability? Planning for sustainability gives municipalities an opportunity to see how people, business, and organizations can work together to improve the health of both the individual and the community and to preserve the environment for future generations. Some of the typical benefits of creating and implementing a sustainability plan include: Clearer connections between economic development and other activities in the community, such as infrastructure projects, the environment and social programs. Anticipating potential issues affecting communities and presents ways to deal with them 3

4 Developing processes for finding the appropriate balance between potentially conflicting community objectives. Planning can identify directives for the future of the community and priorities for investment. Enabling a community to move quickly when an opportunity that fits the plan presents itself. Dimensions of Sustainability Professionals in the field promote and encourage municipalities to consider five dimensions when examining the sustainability of their communities. This plan will examine these five dimensions: social, cultural, environmental, economic and governance; along with adding a sixth dimension, infrastructure. One of the mandates of Camrose County is to provide the necessary infrastructure to sustain a healthy population and ensure growth. Environment Protecting and improving natural resources and biodiversity. Efficient use of resources now and in the future. Using natural resources in a way that minimizes the negative environmental impact and enhances a positive impact. Society Inclusive and harmonious. Allowing the growth of communities in a way that promotes stability, diversity, affordability and a high quality of life for all. Culture Identity and sense of place. Celebrating vibrant and festive communities for the expression and enhancement of a distinct identity and strong sense of place. Economy Diversity and local productivity. Create a flourishing and diverse local economy through decisions that create conditions conducive to economic development and communities in which people want to live and work. Governance Transparent and inclusive. Ensuring transparent, collaborative and inclusive decision making in which representation and leadership is accountable to the community. 4

5 Infrastructure The planning, development and maintenance of municipal infrastructure including utilities, transportation, municipal buildings, technology, parks and trails. History of Sustainability Funding In 2004, the Federal Government outlined a plan to give municipalities a portion of the federal gas tax. A pivotal aspect of this plan was the promotion and execution of environmental sustainability. It was in 2005 when the New Deal for Cities and Communities (NDCC) between Canada and Alberta was signed to transfer gas tax funding to Alberta municipalities. The NDCC provides financial assistance to municipalities to support the sustainability of capital municipal infrastructure. Funding under this program supports community capacity building, water and wastewater systems, solid waste management, community energy systems, and the development of public transit systems. For members of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties the funding can also go towards the rehabilitation of municipal roads and bridges that enhance sustainability outcomes. To receive these funds each municipality had to create an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan of their own that would guide their municipality into the future. In order to facilitate the creation of these plans the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association created a guidebook to streamline the process. They expanded on the requirements needed for an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan for federal funding and created the Municipal Sustainability Plan which takes a more in-depth look at how municipalities can adequately make sustainability a priority in their communities. In this case, Camrose County had already completed an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP). However, this Municipal Sustainability Plan expands upon the existing County ICSP and combines additional elements on the County level as well as integrates elements from the Municipal Sustainability Plans of the local Villages and Town within Camrose County. 5

6 County Profile Before 1870 the Hudson Bay Company owned most of the land west of Ontario, and was known as Rupert s land. The Battle River that flows through the County is named after a long time war over hunting in the area between the Cree and Blackfoot that inhabited this area prior to The first documented settlement was a mission along the south side of the Battle River established by Father Bellevaire, which he named Duhamel, after Archbishop Duhamel of Ottawa. Families where settling this area as early as 1870 to supply Fort Edmonton with buffalo meat and beaver pelts among other supplies. As the railroad made its way through Camrose County homesteads began to appear, which then grew into the farms and villages of Camrose County. Camrose County is located in the east central region of Alberta, with its north western boundary located about 40 kilometres southeast of Edmonton when travelling on Highway 21. From this point, the County covers an area approximately 80 miles long from the north to south by 30 miles wide. Within this area there is about 390,000 hectares of land classified as pasture, to very good arable soils throughout most of the district. This area is well known for its mixed farming attributes, as well as for its population of 7,577 people of mixed races originating from many different countries who live together in very harmonious and active communities. Within the boundaries of the County are, the City of Camrose, the Town of Bashaw and the Villages of Bawlf, Bittern Lake, Edberg, Ferintosh, Hay Lakes, New Norway and Rosalind as well as the Hamlets of Armena, Duhamel, Kelsey, Kingman, Meeting Creek, Ohaton, Pelican Point, Round Hill and Tillicum Beach. Camrose County offers many recreational opportunities; Miquelon Lake Provincial Park at the north end of the County, Red Deer Lake on the westerly border, Tillicum Beach Park adjacent to Dried Meat Lake just south of the City of Camrose and Pelican Point Park on Buffalo Lake at the south end of the County. There are numerous campsites in the Hamlets and Villages within the County. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy fishing for Northern Pike at Buffalo Lake and Dried Meat Lake. There are a number of challenging Golf Courses within the County of Camrose. Winter activities include groomed cross country ski trails at Miquelon Provincial Park, numerous snowmobile rallies throughout the County and outdoor skating is available at numerous skating rinks. 6

7 Camrose County Mission & Statement and Goals Mission Statement Camrose County is dedicated to efficiently provide the best quality municipal services through a democratic and responsive process that recognizes and balances the diversity of its people, land and economic resources, on behalf of the entire municipality. Statement of Goals The Municipality shall develop and maintain safe communities. The Municipality shall constantly examine better and more efficient methods of delivering services. The Municipality may facilitate human settlement patterns, as need for that settlement occurs, but shall take into account the need to preserve agricultural lands by limiting fragmentation and premature conversion of agricultural lands to others uses. The Municipality may encourage the planning and development of appropriate economic development initiatives in Camrose County to support sustainable human settlement patterns. The Municipality shall provide the best level of services at a reasonable cost. The Municipality shall monitor and communicate the services that are provided. The Municipality shall encourage the protection of resource extraction through the development of appropriate measures in forms of road use and haul agreements to mitigate any safety or nuisance factors. The Municipality shall promote and maintain an open and accessible form of local government. The Municipality shall promote the protection and sustainability of its water resources considering conservation practices and quality. 7

8 Vital Statistics Budget Allocations Population Camrose County *Camrose County census, 2008 Camrose County Population Hamlets 617 Rural 6960 Total

9 Hamlets *Camrose County census, 2008 Hamlet Population Armena 31 Duhamel 31 Kelsey 14 Kingman 79 Meeting Creek 30 Ohaton 135 Pelican Point 23 Round Hill 120 Tillicum Beach 154 Urban Municipalities within County Borders *Alberta Municipal Affairs, 2009 Municipality Population Town of Bashaw 868 Village of Bawlf 374 Village of Bittern Lake 232 City of Camrose 16,543 Village of Edberg 155 Village of Ferintosh 193 Village of Hay Lakes 429 Village of New Norway 323 Village of Rosalind 214 9

10 Labour Force Age 15+ Camrose County *Statistics Canada, 2007 Industry Males Females Total Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting ,325 Mining, Oil, and Gas Extraction Utilities Construction Manufacturing Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation and Warehousing Information and Cultural Industries Finance and Insurance Real Estate, Rental, Leasing Professional, Scientific & Technical Services Administrative and Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services Educational Services Health Care & social assistance Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Accommodation & Food Services Other Services Public Administration TOTAL 2,535 2,020 4,555 Value of Building Permits in Camrose County *Statistics Canada, Building Permits, Year Residential Industrial Commercial Institutional Total 2009 $22,444,000 $833,000 $649,000 $271,000 $24,197, $23,438,000 $1,267,000 $14,728,000 $507,000 $39,940, $19,057,000 $270,000 $2,448,000 $90,000 $21,865, $13,841,000 $920,000 $2,478,000 $0 $17,239, $9,506,000 $132,000 $413,000 $625,000 $10,676, $8,314,000 $40,000 $137,000 $12,000 $8,503, $7,005,000 $240,000 $241,000 $550,000 $8,036, $6,695,000 $40,000 $750,000 $140,000 $7,625, $4,806,000 $300,000 $120,000 $0 $5,226,000 10

11 Camrose County Map & Attractions 11

12 Environment To protect and preserve the natural environment for future generations. Promote and educate residents on the programs to increase the amount of trees and shrubs within Camrose County. Prioritize land preservation areas for natural vegetation, wildlife, agricultural practices and recreational purposes. Collaborate with local organizations when completing planning documents for future human settlement. Take a strong preventative approach to eliminate invasive plants, insects, diseases and pests. Promote and assist local producers in attaining soil and water conservation. To institute sustainable and forward thinking land use planning designs for new residential, commercial and industrial developments. Maintain current and up to date Area Structure Plans (ASP) for local Hamlets within Camrose County Identify potential opportunities for residential infill when completing any new Area Structure Plans. Promote suitable industrial and commercial activity within the County that will benefit the local residents and can be properly supported by local infrastructure. Identify the appropriate amount of growth local communities can adequately sustain. Ensure the County s Land-use Bylaw and Municipal Development Plans limit nonagricultural development that are best suited for agriculture. Provide leadership and support the development and maintenance of green spaces, pathways and trails in specific areas of the Municipality. 12

13 To maintain the high quality of natural assets within the County. Promote and support responsible stewardship of private lands. Lead by example for local residents by practicing responsible stewardship of public lands. o Investigate additional opportunities for land reclamation projects such as the Nature Conservation Centre. To provide all residents and visitors with clean, fresh and affordable potable water. Where economically feasible, complete any necessary infrastructure upgrades to support the distribution of potable water to County residents. Promote the effective use of manure from livestock operations to limit water contamination. Work with the Battle River Watershed Alliance to educate County residents on the importance of a healthy watershed and ways they can take action. To encourage and promote water conversation. Investigate water conversation programs such as incentives to purchase rain barrels, low flow toilets and xeriscaping. Engage and educate residents on the value of water conservation within their own homes and businesses. 13

14 To decrease the amount of energy used from non-renewable energy sources. Where practical, all new municipal buildings will be constructed to the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards that are economically possible. Identify possible energy retrofits that can be completed on municipal buildings. Establish an educational program to help facilitate change in resident s energy consumption behaviours. Investigate energy-savings programs that residents can participate in. Promote opportunities for alternative energy models and show case the Wood Biomass Boiler and Camrose County Sustainable Wood Energy Project. Investigate practicality and feasibility of a rural transit initiative to reduce CO2 omissions to increase the sustainability of local Hamlets. To enhance and promote the existing recycling program. Work with community stakeholders, the Province of Alberta and other municipalities to provide residents access to recycling depots and solid waste transfer and disposal sites. Expand the current recycling program for the Hamlets to include other urban municipalities within the County. Reduce waste going to landfills by the promotion of recycle, reuse and reduce principles to residents. 14

15 Society To support and foster a spirit of volunteerism. Empower community groups to find innovative ways to increase volunteerism. Support volunteer recognition programs and find additional ways to recognize and celebrate local volunteers. To create opportunities to engage youth in their communities and have them connected to their community in meaningful ways. Continue to offer and hold live public Council meetings in select school classrooms across the County to engage youth and lend them firsthand knowledge to how local government operates at the grass roots level. Support Camrose District Support Services in their endeavour to create and maintain youth programs. Investigate a youth mentorship program. Create a youth engagement strategy with local communities and service organizations. Offer scholarships and bursaries for local graduates who want to stay within and contribute to their local communities. Investigate the opportunity to have youth be involved in the development and implementation of their own youth programming within the County. The County s community organizations work together to achieve their common goals. Encourage local organizations to become sustainable entities. Encourage an increase in communication levels between local service groups. 15

16 Provide support for the communication of events, activities and news. Residents have adequate access to leisure recreation, sport and other activities. Continue to fund recreational programs and facilities within the County based on the current four class system for local communities. Complete regular needs assessments, with intensive community participation, on the recreational needs of residents living within Camrose County. Assist community organizations in their effort to obtain operational and capital funding support. Work in a collaborative effort with surrounding municipal recreation boards to share information and prepare listings of existing recreation facilities and future recreation projects. Empower community groups to develop sustainable recreation programs. Camrose County is a safe place for all residents to live, work and play. Continue to provide increased law enforcement services with a focus on building and maintaining working relationships and communication with local communities and other law enforcement agencies. To raise the profile and presence of municipal enforcement personnel in areas of Camrose County with higher population densities. Enhance enforcement services for public safety issues and vehicle monitoring. Maintain practical plans and training with all affected agencies and local governments to effectively prepare for the deployment of resources in the event of a disastrous incident. Continue to maintain fire agreement status with urban municipalities and neighbouring Counties. 16

17 Culture To expand the amount of opportunities to share in artistic and cultural activities. Discover innovative ways for local farmers to share their culture and lifestyle. Find additional ways to expose local talent within the community. Utilize community parks as potential venues for music and artistic events. Work with community groups to expand their cultural mandate and promote their activities and programs within local communities. Enhance communication about existing activities. To respect and encourage diversity, cooperation and inclusion within Camrose County. Take appropriate steps for all new residents to feel welcome, included and aware of their communities. Support and promote a variety of multi-cultural events. Encourage communities to create appropriate venues for seniors to share their own stories with the community to ensure a continued knowledge of historical and heritage background. To promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the County. Recognize historic cultural sites within the County. Market heritage attractions within the County and surrounding urban municipalities. 17

18 Economy To promote, provide and develop programs, policies and services to maintain and increase the quality of agricultural production in the County. Provide information and assistance for farm diversification into niche markets, livestock, and specialized crops. Demonstrate and transfer the technology of new agricultural practices, agronomic techniques and agricultural commodity production. Raise the profile of the County s Agriculture Services by attending community meetings, open houses, agricultural fairs and trade shows. Provide planning assistance, direction, decision tree resources and technical support for producers wishing to develop intensive livestock operations. Provide technical and/or agronomic advice and assistance in development of best management practices for farms. Network and partner with local agricultural producer groups to promote agricultural products. Develop a comprehensive directory of area producers and local products and where to purchase the products. To increase the amount the tourism industry contributes to the local economy. Collaborate with rural communities and other organizations to create and communicate a clear tourism strategy. Discover new markets to promote Camrose County s tourism opportunities. Discover creative ways in which to attract day tourists from larger municipalities such as Edmonton and Red Deer. 18

19 To increase the amount of commercial and industrial activity within Camrose County. Enhance the existing infrastructure to attract and retain businesses within Camrose County. Welcome potential businesses seeking to relocate in Camrose County. Investigate the possibility of hiring an economic development officer to work with Camrose County and its smaller urban municipalities. Support the diversification of its economic base. Promote and attract value-added opportunities to the County s existing economic base. Have an updated County community profile and agricultural profile readily available to potential investors. Create and communicate a clear competitive advantage to establishing a new business or development within Camrose County. Ensure an appropriate amount of suitable land is available for commercial and industrial development while preserving prime agricultural lands. Residents of the County have the opportunity to be engaged in fulfilling work. Work with local educational institutions to continually adapt their programs, courses and teaching methods to the local economy and industry. Investigate possible incentives for businesses that provide employment for skilled employees. Provide opportunities for recent graduates to stay and work locally through possible internships, mentorships and or other incentives. 19

20 To help increase the sustainability and profitability of existing businesses. Discover creative ways to showcase more locally produced goods and services. Create and distribute a comprehensive business directory for all businesses within Camrose County. Encourage private industry and do not duplicate services available through the private sector. Only venture into services that are traditionally accepted or are rapidly emerging as public domain. 20

21 Governance To continually enhance Regional partnerships. Maintain a strong commitment to regularly communicate with the urban municipalities within the County. Create synergies and economies of scale with municipal neighbours. Continue existing and actively pursue new Regional initiatives. o Mayors/Reeve/Administrators meetings o Chief Administrative Officers meetings o Emergency Management Services Liaison o Potable water initiatives o Water/Wastewater operator collaboration o Economic development o Infrastructure o Services o Joint planning & development o Intermunicipal Development Plans Council and other community organizations implement sustainable principles in decision making and reporting. Education on examining and applying the five dimensions of sustainability to local decision making and reporting methods. Council will review and revise the Municipal Sustainability Plan. 21

22 Local Administration is provided with the tools to effectively guide the County into a prosperous future. Support leadership and management training programs as well as computer software, customer service, verbal presentation, business writing and workplace safety programs. Support the health, safety, and wellness committee with a mandate to mitigate workplace risks by implementing both preventive and support measures. Develop an educational program for residents, County administration and Council on sustainability issues. Residents are educated and involved in the local decision making process. Commit to public participation through open houses, suggestion boxes, surveys, web page, open Council meetings and other innovative mediums. Explore the use of social media in connecting with residents. Continue to produce and distribute the County newsletter to keep residents informed of local initiatives. 22

23 Infrastructure To develop and implement a sustainable long term plan for maintaining and enhancing the Municipality s road network. Continue to provide year round road maintenance service to residents and businesses of Camrose County. Monitor road maintenance operations and review new opportunities, technologies and methods to deliver and enhance the existing program. To construct roads to help facilitate population growth, economic growth, and increase mobility of residents and visitors. o North Miquelon Lake Road (Hwy 617 to Hwy 833) o Spilstead Road (Rge 205 to Beaver County) o TWP Road 472 (39 th street to SH833) o TWP Road 462 (Hwy 56 to Aberhart Road) o TWP Road 472 (SH833 to Hwy 21) To ensure that effective storm water management practices are incorporated into land use planning. All planning documents will have the necessary provisions for effective storm water management to standards that are reasonable and practical in a rural setting from both an engineering and cost perspective. Infrastructure is adequately maintained for future generations. Complete historical costs and replacement costs for the County s capital assets. Develop replacement capital plans are in place to take care of the needs of future generations. 23

24 Ensure full cost accounting is done for all capital assets. To develop and deploy strategies for providing potable water, where practical and feasible, to Camrose County s communities in a manner that will comply with prescribed provincial environmental protection and water quality standards. Maintain a liaison with the City of Camrose, Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission, Highway 12/21 Regional Water Services Commission, Shirley McClellan Regional Water Services Commission and Capital Regional Southwest Water Services Commission. To develop and implement long term strategies for providing wastewater treatment systems to Camrose County s communities. Research wastewater methods and technologies. Remain open to delegations presenting wastewater alternatives. Advocate becoming a test pilot for a methodology available. Do due diligence to be a leader in this field and promote a suitable practice. Complete any necessary upgrades to existing wastewater systems (and examination of Regional Treatment facility). o Armena wastewater treatment and distribution o Duhamel wastewater treatment and distribution o Tillicum wastewater treatment and distribution o Pelican point wastewater treatment and distribution o Meeting creek wastewater treatment and distribution o Where practical, timely, warranted and beneficial, form alternative wastewater focus groups and conduct or stage associated meetings 24