FAQs

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General Inquiries

How do I get help with a problem or request service from the Town Administration?

What do I do if my dog has gone missing?

My neighbour is causing a nuisance - what do I do?

How do I know if there is a fire ban in Bruderheim or Lamont County?

How can I become a volunteer firefighter?

Do I need a fire permit?

Will Bruderheim make a donation to our event?

What do I do if I find a dog wandering the streets?

Is there gopher control in Bruderheim?

Does the Town have any outdoor ice rinks for public use?

I'm planning an event. What facilities are available for rent?

 


Utilities

How can I pay my utility bill?

How is my water bill calculated?

How do I set up a bulk water account?

Who are Bruderheim's utility service providers?

When will my garbage be picked up?

What can be recycled under Bruderheim's blue bag program?

Where can I purchase blue bags?

My garbage and recycle tote is missing. Should I try to find it?

Should I call the Town if the wheels and/or axle of my garbage tote is broken?

Do the garbage and recycle totes need to be clear of obstructions around it?

When do we have large item pick up?

If I smell natural gas in my house, should I call the Town?

My sewer is backing up, should I call the Town?



Planning & Development

How high can my fence be?

Do I need a permit for a shed?

Do I require a license to operate a small business from my home?

What is the zoning on my property?

 


Taxes

What do I get for my taxes?

How are my taxes calculated?

Assessment - how does it work?

What percentage of my taxes goes to the Town?

What are total household taxes?

How do our tax rates compare to other municipalities?

How do our business taxes compare?

What are tax penalties?

What is Tax Free for Three?

Why do I pay for school taxes when I don't have children going to school?

Do seniors have to pay education property taxes?

How do I order a tax certificate?

What information does the tax certificate include?

 


Town Council

When is the next Bruderheim election?

What happens at a Council meeting?

Why is part of the Council meeting closed to the public?

I have a concern or project that requires Town Council's approval. What opportunities are there to speak with Council?

Are there topics that cannot be discussed with Council?

How is the budget set?

 


Bylaws

What is a Bylaw?

What is a Bylaw "reading?"

Does the public have opportunity for input?

How can people find out about Bylaws being considered?

How are policies and procedures different from Bylaws?

 


General Inquiries

 

How do I get help with a problem or request service from the Town Administration?

  1. Come in to the Town Office and inquire at the front desk.
  2. Check our directory, find the appropriate department, and call.
  3. Print off our complaint form and drop it off at the Town Office or in the Library drop box, both located at 5017 Queen Street.

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What do I do if my dog has gone missing?

First, contact the Town Office at 780-796-3731 - another resident may have found the dog and called the Town to report it.  Then contact Bylaw Services at 780-449-0170.

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My neighbour is causing a nuisance - what do I do?

Please contact the Bylaw Liaison at the Town Office (780-796-3731; 5017 Queen Street) to obtain a copy of the Nuisance Bylaw for clarification as to what exactly is considered a nuisance. Then you can contact Bylaw Services at 780-449-0170.

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How do I know if there is a fire ban in Bruderheim or Lamont County?

You can contact:

Bruderheim Town Office at 780-796-3731

Lamont County at 780-895-2233

or go to http://www.albertafirebans.ca/

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How can I become a volunteer firefighter?

Contact the Bruderheim Fire Department or drop by the fire hall Tuesdays at 7:00pm. Application forms can also be picked up at the Town Office (5017 Queen Street).

In Person: 4920 49 Avenue

Phone: 780-796-3966

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Do I need a fire permit?

If you would like to build a fire pit in your back yard, you will require a fire pit permit, which can be purchased for $10 at the Town Office (780-796-3731; 5017 Queen Street).  Please pick up or download a copy of the application and guidelines before installation of your fire pit. The Fire Chief must inspect your fire pit before the first use (please call the Fire Department at 780-796-3966).

A burn permit, which is free of charge and available at the Town Office or through Lamont County (780-895-2233), is required for rural fires (such as brush or wood piles). A permit is required for each burn and is valid for 10 days.

Already have a burn permit? Need to burn? Please call (780) 895-7674 to let us know!

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Will Bruderheim make a donation to our event?

Bruderheim tries to accommodate all promotional item requests subject to availability.  We request that one month notice be provided to allow time for preparing promotional items.

Send your written requests to:

Judy Love

Administrative Assistant

Town Office, PO Box 280 T0B 0S0

In Person: 5017 Queen Street

Phone: 780-796-3731

Email: Judy.Love@bruderheim.ca

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What do I do if I find a dog wandering the streets?

Call Bylaw Enforcement at 780-449-0170.

Call 9-1-1 if the situation is an emergency, or 780-998-6100 if the dog is vicious.

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Is there gopher control in Bruderheim?

Yes, Public Works has a 'Gopher Specialist' working hard to minimize the number of gophers in Bruderheim.

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Does the Town have any outdoor ice rinks for public use?

Yes, our brand new outdoor rink, located at the north end of Queen Street, is available for public use free of charge.  For scheduling, please contact:

Rob Komarniski

Phone: 780-819-4625

Email: Rob.Komarniski@bruderheim.ca

 

Please ensure that proper safety equipment is worn while using the ice. The Town assumes no liability for injuries.

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I'm planning an event. What facilities are available for rent?

The Town of Bruderheim has the following facilities and items available for rent:

  • The Bruderheim Community Centre: Available for weddings, meetings, community events, etc.
  • Bruderheim Arena: Ice and meeting room rental
  • Portable Road Sign: Community announcements and event advertising
    • Available free of charge to local, non-profit groups if space is available
    • $18.90 per day
  • 100 Cup Coffee Urn
  • Santa Suit
    • $28.35 per day

Please contact the Town Office at 780-796-3731 for more information on bookings and rentals.

The Old Walker School and Seniors Centre also offer space rentals. For more information, contact the Agricultural Society (Old Walker School) and the Bruderheim Seniors Club (Seniors Centre).

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Utilities

How can I pay my utility bill?

  • In person
    • Pay with cash, cheque, money order or debit at the Town Office (5017 Queen Street; Monday to Friday 8:00am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 4:00pm)
    • Sorry, we do not accept credit card payments

 

  • By Mail
    • Mail a cheque or money order (no cash please) to:

Town of Bruderheim, Box 280, Bruderheim, AB T0B 0S0

 

  • Library Drop-Box
    • You may drop your check or money order, along with the bottom portion of your utility bill, in a sealed envelope marked 'Town of Bruderheim' into the Metro Kalyn Community Library drop-box (5017 Queen Street)
    • Town Administration staff check the library drop-box every weekday morning
    • Please be sure to include your account number

 

  • Online / Telephone Banking       
    • Payments can be made through CIBC, Bank of Nova Scotia and ATB

     

For utility billing inquiries, hook ups or disconnects please contact:

Elaine Milliken

Bylaw/Development Liaison

Phone: 780-796-3731

Email: Elaine.Milliken@bruderheim.ca

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How is my water bill calculated?

Water meter readings are taken every second month. Every other month, estimates are used to calculate your water charges - this is why actual water usage is shown for two months on your bill.

Meter Read Months: January, March, May, July, September, November

Estimate Months: February, April, June, August, October, December

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How do I set up a bulk water account?

Prepaid Bulk Water Accounts can be set up at the Bruderheim Town Office, and the fill station is located at the Public Works office.  After completing the appropriate form, an access code will be provided to you, and the account will require a 4 digit pin number.  The access code and pin number will be your responsibility, so please keep this information in a safe place.

Cost: $2.50 per cubic meter.

Fill Station Location:

5324 - 52 Avenue

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Who are Bruderheim's utility service providers?

Water

  • Bruderheim gets its water from the Vegreville Water Corridor.
  • The Town does not have a treatment facility, but rather has a 2,273 cubic meter capacity reservoir with distribution pumps. The 44 hydrants within the Town are serviced twice per year. Chlorine levels within the water are tested each working day, and four samples per month test for bacteria content.

Sewer

  • Wastewater is treated with a lagoon system, which utilizes natural processes
  • Lagoons are maintained by Public Works under regulations set out by the Alberta Environment Wastewater Code of Practice
  • Lagoon effluent is tested and released once per year each spring

 

Other Local Utility Companies

Telus (phone, internet, cable) 310-2255

Shaw (phone, internet, cable) 780-490-3555

Epcor (electricity) 310-4300

Direct Energy (natural gas) 1-866-374-6299

Fortis (street lights) 310-WIRE

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When will my garbage be picked up?

Stand-Stone Waste Services is contracted by Bruderheim to pick up garbage and recycling items within Town limits.

Pick Up Schedule:

  • Residential garbage and recycle pick up: every Thursday
  • Commercial garbage pick up: every Wednesday
  • Please note: Your garbage and recycling totes need to be on the curb by 7:00am to ensure pick up

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What can be recycled under Bruderheim's blue bag program?

Please see Standstone's garbage and recycling instructions for more information.

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Where can I purchase blue bags?

You can pick up complimentary (free) blue bags at the Town Office (5017 Queen Street), or you can purchase them from Bruderheim BigWay.

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My garbage and recycle tote is missing. Should I try to find it?

Yes, homeowners are responsible for their garbage and recycling totes. Each tote has a specific number linked to your address, so the Town Office may be able to assist you in your search. Damaged or missing totes can be replaced at a cost of $100 to the homeowner. Contact us at:

In Person: 5017 Queen Street

Phone: 780-796-3731

 

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Should I call the Town if the wheels and/or axle of my garbage tote is broken?

Yes, missing wheels and broken axels should be reported to the Town Office, and they will be replaced on location at no cost.

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Do the garbage and recycle totes need to be clear of obstructions around it?

Yes, garbage and recycling totes are picked up by a mechanical arm, and require a minimum of 3 feet of clear space on both sides.

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When do we have large item pick up?

Bruderheim Administration arranges large item pick up twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.  Residents are notified of the dates via the Town Newsletter and the Town signs at least two weeks in advance.

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If I smell natural gas in my house, should I call the Town?

No, you need to contact Atco Gas at 1-800-511-3447 (24 hr).

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My sewer is backing up, should I call the Town?

When your sewer is backing up, a plumber is the best person to determine where and why a blockage is occurring, and to fix the problem.  If it is a recurring problem, we suggest you contact us at 780-796-3731 to arrange for a video inspection of the service line to your home.

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Taxes

What do I get for my taxes?

It is the Town Administration's mandate to provide quality of life to the residents of Bruderheim.  People often ask what this means and "what do we get for our taxes"?  It is good for residents to understand that not a day goes by without receiving value for your tax dollars. A comprehensive list is found below, but here are a few examples:

Every day you:

  • Have access to roads that have had repairs
  • Are protected from fire
  • Have police to protect your property
  • Can utilize the walking trail system
  • Enjoy the cut grass and weed control
  • Can access family programs and attend community events
  • Have snow cleared when required
  • Have Bylaws enforced
  • Can go for a skate on the outdoor rink
  • Can watch your kids play on a soccer field, baseball diamond, or in the hockey arena
  • Can access seniors programs, such as Seniors Walk & Talk

These are just a few examples of your tax dollars at work for you every day in Bruderheim!

Monthly Costs explained:

Fire, Disaster and Policing $17.01
Roads and Sidewalks $59.72
Planning Services $11.26
Community Social Programs $7.52
Economic Development and Tourism $3.05
Parks and Green Space Maintenance $36.45
Community Facilities $21.60
Bylaw $0.69
Recreation Services $5.63
Legislative Services $16.68
Library $4.76
Total $184.37

 

 

 

 

 

Here's a list of what you get for your tax dollars:



Fire,  Disaster,  Policing Services

Roads and Sidewalks

Planning Services

Community Social Programs

Economic Development & Tourism

Includes:

 

  • Part-time, full service fire department

 

  • Urban response within 10 minutes

 

  • Full daytime coverage

 

  • Fire prevention and investigation

 

  • Covers 180 square miles of rural area

 

  • Disaster planning, emergency preparedness

 

  • Industrial emergency response plan review

 

  • Liaison with RCMP

 

Includes:

 

  • Major road maintenance - e.g., overlays

 

  • Crack repairs

 

  • Pothole repair, dust suppression

 

  • Street sweeping

 

  • Sign placement and repair

 

  • Planning for new roads and sidewalks

 

  • Traffic signal repair and planning

 

  • Crosswalk safety monitoring

 

  • Snow removal and ice control

 

  • Alley and gravel road grading

 

Includes:

 

  • Development permits

 

  • Subdivision and rezoning applications

 

  • Permits for new residential units

 

  • Zoning and planning policies

 

  • Coordination of sustainable community initiatives

 

  • Water, sewer and road planning for new growth

 

  • Long term capital planning to maintain town infrastructure assets

 

Includes:

 

  • Family and individual counselling

 

  • Teen program

 

  • Adult learning

 

  • Moms & Tots program

 

  • Volunteer appreciation

 

  • Family Day and other community events

 

  • Town Newsletter

 

 

 

Includes:

 

  • Attraction programs - e.g., Tax Free for Three

 

  • Town-wide Garage Sale

 

  • Branding and signage

 

  • Promotional ads

 

  • Town craft sale

 

  • Website development and hosting

 

  • Tradeshows, brochures, promotional items

 

  • Community Services Directory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost per month:

$17.01

Cost per month:

$59.72

Cost per month:

$11.26

Cost per month:

$7.52

Cost per month:

$3.04

Based on an average residential property

Based on an average residential property

Based on an average residential property

Based on an average residential property

Based on an average residential property

 

Parks and Green Space Maintenance

Community Facilities

Recreation Services

Legislative Services

Library

Includes:

 

  • Field and boulevard grass cutting

 

  • Weed control and inspection

 

  • Tree planting and care

 

  • Tree and flower watering

 

  • Communities in Bloom program support

 

  • Trail system maintenance

 

 

 

Includes:

 

  • Full service hockey arena

 

  • Ice making and maintenance

 

  • Community hall

 

  • Town meeting room

 

  • Soccer field

 

  • Baseball diamonds

 

  • Outdoor ice rink

 

 

 

 

 

Includes:

 

  • Subsidies and support for hockey, t- ball

 

  • Summer floor hockey and spin-line hockey

 

  • Canada Day event

 

  • Aikido support

 

  • Fireworks events

 

  • Ag Day support

 

  • Town-wide Garage Sale

 

  • Family recreation events

 

 

Includes:

 

  • Governance

 

  • Council meetings secretariat

 

  • Elected officials budget

 

  • Freedom of Information expertise

 

  • Records management

 

  • Election planning

 

  • Municipal Government Act

 

  • Boards and committees

Includes:

 

  • Accessible reading material

 

  • Education opportunities

 

 

Cost per month:

$38.21

Cost per month:

$22.64

Cost per month:

$5.90

Cost per month:

$17.48

Cost per month:

$4.99

Based on an average residential property

Based on an average residential property

Based on an average residential property

Based on an average residential property

Based on an average residential property

Bylaw

 

Includes:

  • Dog Control

 

  • Unsightly Premises Control

 

  • Parking Control

 

  • Traffic and Speeding Control

 

  • Bylaw research

 

 

Cost per month:

$0.69

 

Based on an average residential property

 


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How are my taxes calculated?

The budget process develops the cost of all services provided to the residents of Bruderheim.  Your Town Council reviews all services and directs Administration as to the levels of service that are adequate to ensure that residents are well served.

The costs of the services residents want and enjoy determine the taxes required!

The total tax dollars required are then divided by the total property values in Bruderheim to determine the "tax rate".  This rate is applied to all assessed values to determine taxes payable.  The main increase in taxes is typically due to inflation on the services provided.  Alberta municipalities have seen double digit inflation over the last 5 years, making it challenging to provide services at a low cost.

Example:

Assessed Value ($300,000) x Tax Rate (7.3747) = Taxes Payable ($2,212.41)

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Assessment - how does it work?

Assessment (market value) of your home determines taxes payable. Your taxes payable is dependent on how your home compares to the 'average' home in Bruderheim (e.g., $300,000). If your house value is higher than the average, you pay more tax.  If the value is less than the average, you pay less tax.

One misconception about taxes is the belief that when a home's market value goes down, taxes will go down.  They do not for 2 reasons:

  1. The revenue required to provide the mandated services does not decrease.
  2. The 'average' home price has decreased also, making the change relative for all residents.

Imagine if taxes went up with market value!  The last 5 years would have seen taxes triple.

The 'comparison to average' calculation method ensures that taxes stay consistent and reasonable each year and maintains fairness among taxpayers.

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What percentage of my taxes goes to the Town?

Only a portion of your tax bill goes to the municipality (approximately 74%). There are three tax rates on your tax bill:

  1. Municipal Operating (74%) - Used to generate the revenue required to pay for the many valued services provided to residents.
  2. Education Requisition (23%) - Used to generate the revenue required by the Province to run schools in the region.
  3. Lamont Seniors (3%) - Used to generate the revenue required to support the Lamont Seniors Foundation to subsidize seniors lodging.

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What are total household taxes?

Residents are taxed by three different levels of government - Federal, Provincial and Municipal.  While Federal and Provincial governments have many sources of taxation, such as Income Tax, GST, Oil Royalties, and Liquor and Tobacco Taxes, municipalities have only property taxes to generate revenue.  Only 5% of all government-generated taxes go to municipalities, yet municipalities provide the most direct services to residents everyday!  Road maintenance, snow clearing, grass cutting, and fire services are a few of the key services provided.

Approximate Taxes Paid Per Household:

Federal      65%

Provincial  35%

Municipal   5%

Municipalities get the least amount of the tax revenue pie, yet they provide the services that are used by people everyday!

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How do our tax rates compare to other municipalities?

Bruderheim has the lowest taxes in the Lamont County region!

2010 mill rates and an example of a $300,000 home:

Town

House Assessment ($)

2010 Mill Rate

Total Municipal Taxes

Per Month Cost

Bruderheim

300,000

7.3747

$2,212.41

$184.37

Lamont

300,000

8.8850

$2,665.50

$222.13

Chipman

300,000

11.9000

$3,570.00

$297.50

Andrew

300,000

12.1075

$3,632.25

$302.69

Vegreville

300,000

9.3439

$2,803.17

$233.60

Fort Saskatchewan

300,000

3.7915

$1,137.45

$94.79

Strathcona County

300,000

4.1964

$1,258.92

$104.91

Bruderheim residents enjoy the lowest taxes among towns in the region, and receive what many consider the highest level of service!

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How do our business taxes compare?

Again, Bruderheim has the lowest taxes in the region compared to towns its size.  The practice of many municipalities is to employ a high 'split' mill rate, which means that businesses typically pay more.  As a great supporter of our local businesses, Bruderheim does not do this.

Example:

Town

Business Assessment ($)

Non Residential Mill Rate

Total Municipal Taxes

Per Month Cost

Bruderheim

300,000

7.3747

$2,212.41

$184.37

Lamont

300,000

12.4390

$3,731.70

$310.97

Chipman

300,000

17.5500

$5,265.00

$438.75

Andrew

300,000

10.6419

$3,192.57

$266.05

Vegreville

300,000

23.6419

$7,092.57

$591.05

Fort Saskatchewan

300,000

7.0541

$2,116.23

$176.35

Strathcona County

300,000

7.7748

$2,332.44

$194.37

Compared to other towns, Bruderheim maintains the lowest business taxes in the region!

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What are tax penalties?

Under the Municipal Government Act, municipalities are required to levy a penalty for late tax payments. Ours is 18%, which is typical for municipalities.  Many of the services provided by Bruderheim are legislated by the Province, meaning that we have no choice but to provide the services.  If tax revenues are not received in a timely fashion, our municipality's ability to pay for essential services, such as fire response and snow clearing, is at risk.

Over 90% of Bruderheim residents have historically paid their taxes on time.  Unfortunately, those residents' tax dollars go towards subsidizing the 10% of the taxes that are unpaid. Thus, a high penalty is levied to ensure prompt payment and lower the burden on residents who have paid on time.  This also ensures that the municipality will have the financial resources  -  on time  -  to provide the services required and enjoyed by residents.

Administration's financial review this year found $260,000 in unpaid taxes to the Town.  The Town is actively working towards collecting those taxes.  Unfortunately, a municipality must levy high penalties or risk the investment in services by the vast majority of residents, and ultimately, the Town's financial sustainability.

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What is Tax Free for Three?

Tax Free for Three is a tax incentive policy that Bruderheim created to encourage developers and families to invest in the Town. The policy will provide an opportunity to build new houses, commercial businesses, and industrial facilities without having to make Municipal Property Tax payments for the first three years.

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Why do I pay for school taxes when I don't have children going to school?

Provincial legislation specifies that the funds for schools are to be collected by municipalities. The province and separate school boards requisition revenue they require from the Town and the total levy is distributed among taxpayers through their property tax bills based on School Support Declaration. People who do not own property contribute indirectly through their rental or lease payments.

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Do seniors have to pay education property taxes?

Yes. Seniors who own property must pay education property taxes. In recognizing the concerns raised by senior homeowners about year-to-year increases in the education portion of their property taxes, the Education Property Tax Assistance for Seniors Program was introduced. The program provides an annual rebate to senior homeowners who have an increase in the education portion of their property taxes. For more information, seniors can contact Alberta Seniors and Community Supports toll-free at 1.800.642.3853 or 780.427.7876 in Edmonton. You may also visit the Ministry's website for more information on the program and:

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How do I order a tax certificate?

Requests for tax certificates are required in writing via fax to 780-796-3037 for a fee of $20. A photocopy of the cheque for the fees must be included with the request in order for Administration to process your request.  A copy of the requested tax certificate will be faxed back to you within 3 business days, and the original will be mailed on the day it is completed.

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What information does the tax certificate include?

Tax certificates will provide the roll number, owners, legal description, civic address, levy, current balance, arrears, and utility account balance. It is highly recommended to request a tax certificate when purchasing a property.

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Town Council


What happens at a Council meeting?

Council members meet in the Town Office Council Chambers, located at 5017 Queen Street, to conduct formal meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of each month (7:00 - 9:00 pm). The Mayor (or Deputy Mayor if the Mayor is absent), acts as chairperson for the meeting, and leads the group through items on the agenda. Council listens to presentations about important issues, then discusses and makes decisions about those issues. It may seem like meetings move at a very fast pace, but rest assured that Council has had time to review all information available to them regarding the issues they're voting on.

Citizens are invited to attend meetings after 8:00pm, and to give their opinions or ask questions about any item on the agenda during the question period after Administrative and Council business is complete.. Citizens may also stay and talk to members of the Council about other issues after the formal meeting.

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Why is part of the Council meeting closed to the public?

All Council meetings are open to the public with the exception of the In-Camera, or Closed, sessions, which run from 7:00 - 8:00pm on meeting nights. Council uses this time to discuss matters that are confidential for any number of reasons. For example, any matters that:

  • Are confidential under provision of federal laws or provincial rule,
  • Constitute an invasion of individual privacy,
  • Describe the tactics and techniques used for protecting public safety and public property, if their disclosure could impair such protection.

 

The public is invited to attend during the Open session, which runs from 8:00 - 9:00pm on scheduled meeting nights.

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I have a concern or project that requires Town Council's approval. What opportunities are there to speak with Council?

You may contact a member of Town Council by phone or email with any concern or idea that you may have. If you would like to have your item considered during a Council meeting, you may:

  • Provide a written statement,
  • Verbally address Council, or
  • Make a presentation

 

For more information on how to do this, or to contact a Council member, contact the Legislative Services Director at the Town Office (780-796-3731). Anyone wishing to bring an item to Council's attention is asked to complete a Council Agenda Item Form for consideration. Forms may be submitted to the Legislative Services Director at least one week before the scheduled Council meeting.

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Are there topics that cannot be discussed with Council?

While most topics can be openly discussed at public meetings with Council, there are a few that cannot. These include:

  • Matters that require confidentiality under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (e.g., personnel matters),
  • Education matters that have not first been referred to and discussed by the appropriate school division, and
  • Decisions of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board or the Assessment Review Board

If you are wondering whether your topic can be discussed, please check with the Legislative Services Director.

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How is the budget set?

The Town budget is set annually by Council.  Town Administration presents the budget to Council in the fall, which includes all programs and services provided to the residents of Bruderheim.  The municipal budget consists of an operating budget and a capital budget, and includes recommended funding sources.

  • The operating budget provides for ongoing services that residents enjoy every day such as snow clearing, grass cutting, and road maintenance
  • The capital budget provides for the replacement of essential infrastructure and equipment necessary for support of municipal services

The budget represents the resources required to provide services to residents and determines the taxes required from residents.  The budget is the process from which Council provides direction to Administration as to the services provided.  It allows Council's vision for the Town to be implemented through actions that are reflected in the budget.

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Bylaws

 

What is a Bylaw?

The term 'Bylaw' has an interesting history. The prefix 'by' is actually an Old Norse word for 'town' or 'village'. The word 'Bylaw' relates to the creation of town laws  -  laws that apply only within the limits of the municipality. The Municipal Government Act authorizes cities and towns to create and enforce Bylaws to maintain the health, safety and wellness of Alberta communities.

Some Bylaws are mandatory. For example, every municipality in Alberta must pass a Land Use Bylaw. Other Bylaws are created only if a municipality wants to carry out a certain type of activity or resolve specific issues. In some cases, Bylaws can be used to customize provincial statutes to allow for local enforcement.  Common Bylaws include vehicle parking regulations, animal control, building and construction, licensing, noise, zoning and business regulation, and management of public recreation areas.

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What is a Bylaw "reading?"

You may have heard of a Bylaw receiving or passing 'readings'.  All proposed Bylaws must undergo three separate readings, or stages of consideration, before they can become law.  This means that Council has three different opportunities to consider the pros and cons, and to vote, on a particular Bylaw.  This ensures that each Bylaw is carefully considered before it is passed.

The first reading is similar to a test, to see if Council wishes to consider the issue at all. The second reading gives Council a chance to debate the issue and make amendments to the Bylaw. The third reading is the final opportunity for debate and changes.

During each reading, Council members vote on whether or not to move the proposed Bylaw to the next reading. If, by number of votes, the Bylaw fails any of the readings, it dies. Alternatively, if a Bylaw reaches the third reading and by majority of votes is carried, the Bylaw is considered passed and adopted.

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Does the public have opportunity for input?

In some cases, such as for proposed Land Use Bylaws, municipalities are required to hold a public hearing after the first reading has passed and before the second reading is considered. After the public hearing, Council will call for a second reading and debate the Bylaw, propose changes, and ultimately vote on whether or not it should pass.

Sometimes Council may consider holding a public hearing or gain public input in other ways, even when it is not required by legislation. This typically happens after the second reading, after Council has had a chance to debate the issue and determine if they need more input before continuing.

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How can people find out about Bylaws being considered?

The local newspaper advertises public hearings for a minimum of two weeks before the hearing.  The Lamont Leader and the Fort Record often contain news about surveys and calls for public input.  Bylaws under consideration and Council agendas are posted on this website.  Contact Council for more information about providing your input, or contact the Development/Bylaw Liaison at the Town Office at 780-796-3731.

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How are policies and procedures different from Bylaws?

Bylaws are the fundamental governing documents for the Town. They clearly state the rules and regulations for a number of issues and activities related to the municipality. Policies and procedures, on the other hand, dictate the day-to-day decisions and operations for Town staff and committee and board members. Policies answer the questions WHY? and WHAT? For example, why does the Subdivision and Appeal Board exist? Procedures answer the question HOW? by providing the steps for implementation and turning policies into action.

Policies and procedures can be considered 'living' or 'fluid' documents, as they can change quite often in response to new issues, circumstances, needs, or concepts. Bylaws are much more 'static', as they rarely change and require Council's approval to do so. All policies and procedures, as well as the committees and actions that result from them, must be consistent with the Bylaws.

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Planning & Development


How high can my fence be?

Fences in residential areas do not require a development permit if the following guidelines are met:

a) 1.0 m (3.28 ft) in the front yard, or

b) 2.0 m (6.56 ft) in the side up to the front of the house or rear yard

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Do I need a permit for a shed?

Any shed over 10 m² (100 square feet) requires a development permit.  All sheds must be 3.3 feet from any fence, overhang, bay window, or other structure.

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Do I require a license to operate a small business from my home?

A business license is required for all home-based businesses.  Development permits are also required if any of the following apply to your business:

  • if the hiring of staff is required
  • if product is sold from house (impacts parking on your street)
  • if outside storage of equipment is required
  • if alteration to the building for your business is required
  • if there will be a high level of noise and/or the creation and accumulation of dust/dirt
  • if licensed commercial vehicles and/or vehicles with ads will be parked on or near the business
  • if greater than 30 square meters (323 sq ft) of space within the home is utilized for the business

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What is the zoning on my property?

All properties within Bruderheim have a land use designation. Check our land use map or stop by or call the Town Office (5017 Queen Street; 780-796-3731) to find out your property's designation.

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