Bylaws and Policies
Bylaws and Policies are needed to help guide how development takes place, how the County provides services to residents and we all interact together.
Athabasca County Council works with County Administration to keep policies and bylaws in the municipality relevant by reviewing them on a periodic basis.
This review helps us provide services that are pertinent to the current needs of residents and businesses.
Policies
Policies are created by Athabasca County Councillors in conjunction with Administrative Staff to help it provide services to residents in an efficient and timely manner.
Councillors exercise the powers of the municipality through decisions made at council meetings and define the policies and direction that municipal administration will put into action.
Section 154 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), prescribes the general duties for all locally elected councillors.
Bylaws
A bylaw is a law made by Athabasca County in accordance with the powers delegated to it under the authority of the Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA).
A municipal bylaw is no different than any other law of the land, and can be enforced with penalties, challenged in court and must comply with higher levels of law.
In order for a bylaw to be passed by Council three readings of the proposed bylaw must be held. In addition, a notice about the proposed bylaw, and a public hearing to gather comments from member of the public, must be advertised prior to the bylaw being adopted.
