The Village of Empress

UPDATE: Land Use Bylaw Review

An update is available on the Land Use Bylaw Review landing page. Included in the update are next steps regarding the Land Use Bylaw Review, as well as new documents: What We Heard Report, Responses to the “What We Heard” Report, and a Request for Decision – What We Heard Report.

Empress ATB Agency closing on Jan. 29, 2025

The Empress ATB Agency, operated out of the Village Office, will be permanently closing on January 29, 2025 at noon. This is not a decision that was made lightly by either ATB or the Village. The ATB will maintain normal operating hours until the closure. Accounts with ATB will remain open and there is nothing that clients must do regarding this transition. ATB will be reaching out to those affected with more information. Branches in Acadia Valley and Oyen remain open to support ATB Clients, as well as online banking options.

Holiday Hours & Garbage Pick up

The Village of Empress Administration Office and ATB Bank will be closed from December 24 until December 26 for Christmas Break and will reopen on December 27, 2024.

Garbage pick-up will be moved from December 25 to December 27, 2024.

Website Updates

• November 11, 2024 Unapproved Minutes have been added
• October 29 Special Council Minutes have been updated
• October 16 Regular Council Minutes have been updated
• October 16 Organizational Minutes have been updated
• Q3 Oyen RCMP Policing Report has been added
• NEW Bylaw 2024-04, Record Retention and Disposition Bylaw, has been added
• NEW Councillor Remuneration & Expense Policy, 24-01, has been added
• Snow Removal Policy 32-02 has been added

Land Use Bylaw Open House – Nov 26, from 5-8pm

Council and Administration are seeking your feedback on the Land Use Bylaw rewrite. Information on the Land Use Bylaw can be found on the landing page. We will be holding an open house on Tue Nov 26 at the Empress Community Hall. We have extended the hours from 5pm to 8pm to ensure that everyone has a chance to provide feedback. Please note that this is an OPEN HOUSE, not a town hall. There will be displays set up and an opportunity for you to speak with the CAO and Palliser Municipal Services (Land Use Bylaw Consultant). After the Open House and surveys are compiled, we will draft a “what we heard” report and suggest changes to Council prior to first reading. A public hearing will be held at a later date to allow an opportunity for more formal feedback.

Oyen & District Food Bank requests assistance

The Oyen & District Food Bank is finding that donations of both food and money are down from previous years. The Food Bank is requesting those who are able to donate. Donations can be left at the Oyen FCSS office, located at 313 3rd Street, Oyen. They are open Mon thru Thu from 10am to 4 pm. For more information call Imogene at 403-664-9676.

Empress receives $877,444 in additional funding

Due to inflation and a change of scope, the Village of Empress requested additional grant funding, through the Alberta Municipal Water and Wastewater Program for the new Water Reservoir and Pump House Upgrade Project. We are pleased to announce that Ministers Dreeshen and Horner have granted our request with an additional $877,444 in funding. This funding is critical to ensuring the success of the project and the continued supply of safe drinking water for the Village. The letter from Minister Dreeshen can be found here. The Village thanks the Ministers for listening to our needs and assisting the Village.

Mayor Martin interviewed by the Cross Border Network Podcast

Mayor Martin’s interview can be found here.

Land Use Bylaw Review Update

The DRAFT Land Use Bylaw and proposed Zoning Map is now available for review. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the documents and complete the associated SURVEY. More information can be found on the Land Use Bylaw Review Landing Page.

Special Council Meeting, October 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Mayor Martin has called a Special Council Meeting on October 29, commencing at 6:30 p.m. at Council Chambers, located in the Village office, for the purpose of making decisions regarding the Water Reservoir Replacement and Pump Station Upgrade Project. The meeting agenda can be found here.