Bentley Eyes Southeast Expansion, Council Advances New Sign Rules for Downtown
Bentley Town Council unanimously voted to schedule a public hearing for a major southeast expansion plan and gave initial approval to a new bylaw regulating temporary signs along 50th Avenue.
Southeast Expansion Plan Moves to Public Hearing
The proposed Southeast Area Structure Plan (ASP) outlines future development for a large parcel of land on the edge of town. The plan will guide future zoning, infrastructure placement, and land use for years to come.
Council voted 5-0 to schedule a public hearing on the ASP. This gives residents a formal opportunity to review the proposal and voice their opinions directly to council before any final decisions are made.
This plan sets the stage for how Bentley will grow. It will influence the types of housing built, where roads and utilities will go, and the overall character of the new development.
New Sign Rules Proposed for 50th Avenue
Council also gave its first of three required approvals to Bylaw 256/2025. The bylaw aims to regulate the use of temporary signs, such as A-frames and sandwich boards, on boulevards in the downtown commercial district.
If passed, the bylaw would establish rules for the size, placement, and duration these signs can be displayed. The goal is to balance business advertising with public access and street aesthetics.
The decision passed first reading with a 5-0 vote. No opposition was recorded during the meeting.
The Debate
All major agenda items, including the ASP hearing date and the first reading of the sign bylaw, were passed unanimously without recorded debate among councillors. The meeting minutes did not note any public delegations or comments on these matters.
Other Decisions
Council also took action on several other items:
* Regional Water Partnership: Council approved a motion to partner with Lacombe County to apply for provincial "Water For Life" funding. The grant would finance a feasibility study for regional water and wastewater services, a critical step for long-term infrastructure planning.
* Library Board: A motion to approve a revised list of appointments to the Library Board was passed unanimously.
* Land Matter: Council held a portion of the meeting "in-camera," or closed to the public, to discuss a land matter. The closed session was held to protect the personal privacy of a third party related to a permit or license, as permitted by provincial law.
What’s Next
For the Expansion Plan: The public hearing for the Southeast Area Structure Plan is now officially scheduled for the council meeting on November 25, 2025. Residents who wish to speak on the plan should attend.
For the Sign Bylaw: The bylaw has only passed its first reading. It must pass two more readings at future council meetings before it becomes law. Further discussion is expected before a final vote.