Sturgeon County was a member of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB) to coordinate regional growth and development. However, in November 2024, the Government of Alberta announced it would cut funding to the EMRB in the 2025 budget. In January 2025, member municipalities passed three motions confirming the dissolution of the EMRB, effective March 31, 2025.

Statutory plans (like Area Structure Plans) approved under the EMRB Growth Plan will remain in effect, and each municipality has autonomy to amend them as needed.

Pending market conditions and approval of private applications, the population of Sturgeon Valley could increase as follows:

Sturgeon Valley South could increase by about 2.1% each year, with:

  • approximately 80 dwellings per year initially, increasing to 235 dwellings in later years
  • a potential population increase of up to 8,300 residents over 25 years

Sturgeon Valley Core could increase by about 2.1% each year, with:

  • approximately 65 dwellings per year initially, increasing to 80 dwellings in later years
  • a potential population increase of up to 5,500 residents over 25 years

Development in Sturgeon Valley will occur gradually over decades, based on market conditions and developer interest.

In the Sturgeon Valley Core:

  • Most existing neighbourhoods have densities ranging between 2-10 units per net residential hectare, consisting of large single detached homes
  • Future Development will be complementary to current development

In Sturgeon Valley South:

  • Average planned density is 35 units per net residential hectare.
  • Higher-density areas (near Edmonton and Anthony Henday Drive) will go up to 45 units per hectare
  • Development will include transitional buffers to respect the scale of existing homes

Most existing residents will see minimal change, except for improved roads and new trails and green space access.

Those living closest to new development areas may notice some construction activity.

Densities for new developments in the Sturgeon Valley Core can be built within a density range of 2-20 units per net residential hectare.

In addition, new development:

  • must complement surrounding neighbourhoods
  • must incorporate transitional densities, meaning:
    • Adjacent lots must match the density of existing homes
    • Smaller lots may be allowed away from existing backyards or streets

This approach ensures a gradual and respectful integration of new housing in Sturgeon Valley.

Sturgeon Valley has been growing over more than 60 years. Land in the Sturgeon Valley Core and Sturgeon Valley South is owned by private landowners, and some want to develop their land for residential subdivisions.

The Valley remains desirable for residential development due to its proximity to cities for jobs and services, coupled with a country lifestyle that appeals to many residents.

Guiding growth locally helps Sturgeon County:

  • Retain control over land use decisions
  • Plan infrastructure and services proactively
  • Prevent annexation of undeveloped lands by surrounding municipalities
  1. Private landowners/developers must develop Outline Plans for new neighbourhoods in the Sturgeon Valley Core that detail proposed housing types, road networks, and community trails and parks.
  2. Developers must hold public engagement sessions before applying to the County for approval. These sessions are promoted through mail, newspapers, and County communications (website and social media).
  3. The County holds a public hearing for each proposed rezoning bylaw that is supported by an Outline Plan. Council must consider public input and the rules and regulations in the Municipal Government Act and Area Structure Plans when making a decision.

Residents can share input by participating in:

  • Open houses hosted by developers
  • Public engagement sessions regarding Outline Plans
  • County-led public hearings

All public hearings are promoted through:

  • Newspapers
  • Sturgeon County’s website
  • Social media channels

Sturgeon County is committed to supporting agriculture, agribusiness, and agritourism.

  • The vast majority of undeveloped lands in the Sturgeon Valley are currently zoned AG – Agriculture
  • Council must approve a rezoning bylaw for the land to be zoned from AG - Agriculture
  • The Valley Core Area Structure Plan resulted in a 42% reduction in developable land, preserving significant land for agriculture

The presence of higher-density homes does not automatically impact the value or taxes of surrounding residential properties.

Property assessment is based on the market value of the land, and municipal taxes are levied based on a property’s proportional share of assessment.

Undeveloped lands are more likely than developed lands to be annexed by another municipality. Urban municipalities typically annex rural municipality lands to:

  • expand boundaries to accommodate development outside of existing borders
  • support industrial or commercial development, potentially increasing urban municipality tax base
  • plan for long-term expansion, including transportation networks and infrastructure servicing

Expansion of Country Residential Estate zoning is not contemplated by current policy. However, Council has the discretion to direct Administration to pursue changes to residential policies within the Sturgeon Valley.