TAMRMS#: B06
8.1
REQUEST FOR DECISION
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Environmental Advisory Committee 2026 Priorities
Presented by: Meghan Myers, Manager, Environment
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RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
That the following Environmental Advisory Committee 2026 priorities be approved:
1. Review and approve the 2026 Green Community Grant Program and review and recommend the Community Recognition Program (environmental stewardship category) recipients.
2. Provide advice on the update and review of the Environmental Advisory Committee Bylaw and the update of the Community Standards Bylaw to include
provisions on construction waste debris.
3. Provide advice on the Conservation Reserve Program.
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SUMMARY
The Environmental Advisory Committee Bylaw (EAC) 35/2015 requires that an annual report be submitted to Council. The annual report provides a summary of the Committee’s activities during the year and in non-election years, identifies priorities for the following year. On January 13, 2026, Council received the 2025 EAC Annual Report for information.
The proposed 2026 priorities are being presented for Council’s consideration and approval following finalization of the content of Council’s Strategic Plan.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
The EAC Bylaw 35/2015 requires that an annual report be submitted to Council.
On January 21, 2025, Council approved the following priorities for the EAC:
1. Review and approve the 2025 Green Community Grant Program and review and recommend the Community Recognition Program (environmental stewardship category) recipients
2. Provide advice on the update and review of the Sustainable Buildings Policy C-P&E-12
3. Provide advice on the Climate Adaptation Implementation Strategy.
4. Provide advice on the Natural Asset Management Project.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On January 13, 2026, the EAC Chair presented the 2025 Annual Report. The Annual Report provides a summary of the Committee’s activities during the year and in non-election years, identifies proposed priorities for the following year. The 2026 priorities were developed following the Council Strategic Planning Session.
These are the major environmental initiatives that are being developed by City Administration in 2026 that require in depth formal involvement from EAC and written advice to Council.
1. Review and approve the 2026 Green Community Grant Program and review and recommend the Community Recognition Program (environmental stewardship category) recipients.
2. Provide advice on the update and review of the Environmental Advisory Committee Bylaw and the update of the Community Standards Bylaw to include provisions on construction waste debris.
3. Provide advice on the Conservation Reserve Program.
a. A Conservation Reserve Program includes the development of a Council Policy and subsequent processes that would enhance the protection of lands identified as Conservation Reserve within the City of St. Albert.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
The EAC reviewed their 2026 priorities at their March 26, 2026 meeting.
The EAC includes seven representatives from the public and one Councillor. Non-voting representatives from various agencies, by invitation of the Committee, attend meetings and provide input and subject matter expertise. The EAC has a webpage on the City website which includes links to the EAC Bylaw, the minutes of meetings, and links to their Annual Reports.
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
The 2026 priorities are aligned with the scheduled work of the Environment Branch. If the priorities are significantly changed from what is proposed, this could impact the programs and services provided by the Environment Branch.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
The EAC provides the public perspective on how particular environmental and sustainability issues impact the community. The EAC’s feedback in the 2026 priorities mitigates the risk of overlooking the public perspective when developing and implementing administrative policies, plans, and initiatives.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Initiative aligned with Strategic Plan:
Not Applicable
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
• Environmental Strategy and Policy Development
• In partnership with related agencies, environmental strategies, policies, and actions are developed to protect the environment.
• Environmental Awareness
• Provision of public education campaigns to support conservation of the environment.
• Community Granting
• Provision of funding to eligible applicants in the areas of special events, sport and culture development, environmental initiatives, operational funding, and capital renovations and development.
IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendation, the following alternatives could be considered:
ALTERNATIVE 1: Do not accept the recommended Environmental Advisory Committee priorities. Remove or add priorities with input from Council.
Financial:
N/A
Compliance & Legal:
N/A
Program or Service:
The 2026 priorities are aligned with the scheduled work of the Environment Branch. If the priorities are significantly changed from what is proposed, this could impact the programs and services provided by the Environment Branch.
Organizational:
N/A
Risks
The EAC provides the public perspective on how particular environmental and sustainability issues impact the community. The EAC 2026 priorities were identified with this objective in mind. If the EAC priorities change, there is risk of overlooking the public perspective when developing and implementing administrative policies, plans, and initiatives.
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Report Date: May 5, 2026
Author(s): Meghan Myers
Department: Government/Indigenous Relations and Environment
Department Director: Trevor Duley
Managing Director: N/A
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher