On April 17, representatives from Camrose County, the City of Camrose and Cargill gathered at the City of Camrose council chambers for the official signing of separate agreements that symbolize a positive step forward in working collaboratively for building futures in the Camrose region.

The agreements are as follows:
The Revenue Sharing Agreement, between the City of Camrose and Camrose County ensures that the City and the County will share property tax revenues associated with specific industrial lands East of the City, which currently contain the Cargill Canola Crush Plant.

The existing Recreation Agreement, between the City of Camrose and Camrose County states that Camrose County provides a contribution towards recreation services. This Extension Agreement extends the term of the Recreation Agreement by five years.
The Water Services Agreement between the City of Camrose and Cargill, replaces the existing agreement to provide water and wastewater services to Cargill.

The Temporary Non-Compliance Agreement, between the City of Camrose and Cargill provides Cargill with a three-year term to achieve progressive levels of compliance with the City’s Wastewater Bylaw on specific water quality parameters.

The Cooperation Agreement, between the City of Camrose, Camrose County and Cargill, captures the intent for the three parties to cooperate in terms of licensing and development.

City of Camrose manager Malcolm Boyd welcomed dignitaries and guests to the event and on behalf of the city and council, expressed excitement and pride on the prospect of working with the County to support economic development opportunities in the region. “This package of agreements that we are presenting today represents strong collaboration and I think is an indication of great things to come.”

Camrose County Reeve Cindy Trautman spoke on behalf of County administration and council. “The agreements that we are signing mark a commitment on both the City of Camrose council and Camrose County council to foster more collaborative relationships for the benefit of all of our residents and the business community.

“Our region has become an even more attractive location for investment because of the positive relationship the City and the County are achieving. As municipalities we are fortunate to have many industries in this region poised for growth, including our partner in the Cooperation Agreement, Cargill. Let us celebrate this achievement today and look forward to the future of business development.”

Mayor PJ Stasko spoke on behalf of the City of Camrose administration and council. “I would like to say how excited and proud we are to lay the groundwork for future development with the city and county of Camrose.

“This will show the development community that our two municipalities will work together to facilitate development and growth that will not only benefit both municipalities, but also the developers.
“Thank you to Cargill for being the impetus for the Cooperations Agreement, but also for choosing the Camrose region to do business with and we look forward to years of continued partnership.”

“I would be remiss if I did not mention our appreciations to Reeve Trautman and Camrose County Council for the hard work and diligence in order to come to such a land breaking agreement,” said City of Camrose Mayor PJ Stasko. “As well to County and City administration for the hours and hours of work that made this come to fruition.

“The City of Camrose is excited and we look forward to a long partnership with the County of Camrose in order to better both of our municipalities. And as Reeve Trautman stated, ‘We are stronger together.’”

Cargill Plant manager Tom Hill spoke on behalf of Cargill.

“Cargill has been associated with the Camrose community for over 40 years and we are very proud of that. We are pleased to have this opportunity to stand alongside representatives of both the City of Camrose and Camrose County as we finalize these agreements today.

“Our team is a part of this community. They and their families live, work, shop and go to school here.  Our team members themselves are active in the community as well, out there flipping pancakes during Jaywalkers’ and helping direct traffic during Big Valley Jamboree Kick’n Country Parade.”

Hill noted that along with Cargill’s volunteer contributions the organization also has a fiscal fund that they are able to contribute to this community. “Over the years, we have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Camrose community and we are very proud to be able to do that,” said Hill, noting that some of the recipients of donations include the Camrose Women’s Shelter, The Open Doors and the University of Alberta Augustana Campus Indigenous Speaker series. “And what I will be able to share with you today is that Cargill has made a commitment  to sponsor the Mirror Lake Express train over the summer, making it free for our community as well.

“True to our history, we are pleased to work to support an agriculture region serving a local farming community. We recognize how important this collaboration is between the City of Camrose and Camrose County, to support future growth and development in the region.”