Strathcona County Annual Report to the Community 2007

open for prosperity for all of the people of this great region.

We are truly heartened by our outstanding community—our residents, businesses, industry partners, municipal staff and volunteers. You are key in setting this community on fi rm ground, on a foundation that secures a bright future.

On behalf of Strathcona County Council, it’s our commitment to ensure our fi scal base remains sound, the services you depend upon come through, and the vision that residents have articulated for this community remains attainable.

— Cathy OlesenMayor

Strathcona CountyLivingona Counona CouJune 2007

Strong foundations...strong communityMessage from County Council

This edition of Strathcona County Living presents our Report to the Community, a capsule of our key accomplishments of the last year, and progress into 2007.

Whether you look back at what we have accomplished over the past year as a municipality, or what we have achieved and built as a community over our history, the one over-arching goal we have realized and will maintain is a high quality of life for residents and business.

2006 marked a year where several signifi cant municipal strategies, plans and projects were in development that will set the foundation and guide how Strathcona County will grow and meet future service expectations.

It’s been important work, and we’ve valued resident input and involvement on each endeavour. It’s work that will truly be measured when our children’s children enjoy an even better quality of life than we do today.

In addition to our diligence in planning, there are many exciting projects soon to break ground.

You’ll see the Centre in the Park continuing to take shape. The Prairie Walk will emerge, and we are very excited about the new library and Community Centre that will complete Centre in the Park, and create and celebrate the heart of our community.

The location for our much-needed new hospital has been affi rmed. The Emerald Hills Urban Village, to be built in the vicinity of the hospital, promises to be an exceptional development that will lead in being a green, integrated and liveable community. And there’s much more on the go.

It’s an extraordinary time... a time for opportunity... a time to be responsible—economically, socially and environmentally.

Looking at relationships with our neighbours, your County Council will continue to foster Strathcona County as strong municipality within a strong region.

This is how we will remain open for business,

Contents

Annual Report to the Community

Foundations that laid the way … capturing and celebrating Strathcona’s history

Heritage Legacy ProjectStrathcona County aims to capture and

showcase the community’s history through the Heritage Legacy Project.

In 2006, an initial survey of archival records resulted in over 150 entries, considerable groundwork for future research. The project

also supports efforts of the Strathcona County Museum and Archives in the processing of its

archives. In 2007, staff will continue to convey Strathcona’s past and contact individuals who would like to share their collections.

2006 marked Emergency Services’ 50th Anniversary

Strathcona County Emergency Services was fi rst established as a volunteer fi re brigade in November 1956, operating out of a member’s private garage with donated equipment.

Much has changed since then. Today, Strathcona County Emergency Services is a professional, fully integrated municipal fi re, rescue, emergency medical services department.

It was the fi rst to be registered under the

International Standards Organization (ISO) for the provision of EMS and 9-1-1 in Canada, and is now ISO registered in Rescue, with plans to add Fire ISO in the near future.

In 2006, the department celebrated 50 years of what

is considered to be exemplary community service. With a complement of nearly 200 full- and part-time staff responding out of fi ve stations located throughout the County, Emergency Services’ mission to serve and protect with integrity and courage through focus and commitment is upheld each and every day.Ardrossan Train Station, circa 1910

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Foundations that laid the way

... capturing and celebrating Strathcona’s history . . .1

Laying strong foundations

... in how our community grows,

improves and connects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Founded on a committment to excellence

... acknowledgement from others . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Delivering quality services

... a fundamental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Managing for a sound f iscal base

… fi nancial highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Strathcona County Council (clockwise from front centre) Mayor Cathy Olesen, Councillors Linda Osinchuk, Brent Jewell, Alan Dunn, Glen Lawrence, Peter Wlodarczak, Jacquie Fenske and Ken Lesniak

2 Strathcona County Living June 2007

Traffi c Safety Committee recommendations foundation for strategic plan

In October 2006, the Traffi c Safety Committee concluded its report, providing 14 recommendations to County Council to further Strathcona County in its vision to become a leader in traffi c safety education, advocacy, enforcement and engineering practices.

From the report’s recommendations, administration will develop a strategic plan aimed at improving traffi c safety in the municipality.

The Traffi c Safety Committee, made up of interested community members, was established in June 2005 to provide information and advice on traffi c safety issues, and address concerns and perceptions about unsafe roads and road user behaviours within the County.

Laying strong foundations ... in how our community grows, improves and connects

Municipal Development Plan Review

In 2006, the creation of a new Municipal Development Plan for Strathcona County continued. In February, a fi rst draft of the Plan was released for public review, and in August, a second draft

that incorporated feedback and changes was completed and shared for further public input.

On May 22, 2007, County Council passed Municipal Development Plan Bylaw1-2007. It replaces the Municipal Development Plan that was adopted in 1998.

This statutory document guides development over the long-term. The Municipal Development Plan contains policies that guide:• sustainability and growth management • agricultural, residential, commercial and

industrial development • environmental management• parks and recreation • safety• institutional and community facilities• social development • economic development• transportation • utility systems

Now that the plan has been approved, work focuses on aligning other existing municipal documents to the new policy direction.

Creation of a growth management strategy for Strathcona County is a key piece of work that will be undertaken over the next two to three years. Sustainable growth will be emphasized.

The growth management strategy will determine how lands east of Highway 21 and north of Highway 16 that are now designated as Urban Reserve will be developed over the long term. The strategy will examine various aspects of development such as density, what the area will look like, and how it will evolve.

The growth management strategy will also determine development for lands on the western edge of Strathcona County that are south of Township Road 522, north of Highway 14 and west of Highway 21. This area has been designated a Rural/Urban Transiton Policy Area. The area will provide for diverse forms of housing.

Consultation with area residents and others is an integral part in shaping any community. Strathcona County thanks all community members who contributed their views during the Municipal Development Plan review process.

Find the new Municipal Development Plan at www.strathcona.ab.ca or at Planning and Development Services. Questions? Call 464-8080.

Social Sustainability Framework

Social sustainability is one of three key elements in Strathcona County’s Strategic Plan, along with economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. Strathcona County’s

Family and Community Services has led the development of a Social Sustainability Framework, a plan to guide the way services for people are delivered.

Comprehensive research and community consultation, which included a social values survey, community roundtable and focus group discussion, were completed in 2006. Recently, County Council approved the Social Sustainability Framework. It is designed to help decision makers and service providers in Strathcona County determine the impact of their decisions on social sustainability.

The framework aims to foster a community of caring where respectful and responsible citizens feel safe and included ... have a sense of neighbourhood ... and enjoy a broad range of opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices.

Open Space and Recreation Facility StrategyInitiated in the spring of 2006, the Open Space and Recreation

Facility Strategy will identify the long-term needs of County residents for parks, natural spaces and indoor recreational facilities. The strategy will build on the quality services already

provided, with an eye towards meeting new demands as our community evolves and grows. The strategy is being developed through extensive planning research, needs assessment, and public

and user group consultation. The strategy is expected to be completed in 2007 and address needs in Sherwood Park, the rural hamlets, country residential and agricultural areas.

Transit Service Level ReviewIn its commitment to meeting the evolving

needs of transit users in our growing community, Strathcona County initiated a comprehensive review of Strathcona Transit’s operations and services in 2006. The number of transit rides provided in 2006 rose to over 2.1 million.

Consultation with various focus groups, and an extensive review of the on-road and internal operations is being completed to identify needs within the transit system. The fi nal report, with recommendations for improved service, is expected to be complete in June 2007.

Our VisionStrathcona County is a safe, caring and autonomous community that treasures its unique blend of urban and rural lifestyles while balancing the natural environment with economic prosperity; and through strong, effective leadership is a vibrant community of choice.

June 2007 Strathcona County Living 3

• underground parking• the LEED® Gold standard (LEED or

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is an internationally recognized rating of the environmental impact of buildings) More information: The Canada Green Building Council - www.cagbc.orgConstruction is expected to start late in 2007,

with completion in 2010.

Community Energy Centre delivers — The new community energy system

began heating County Hall, Festival Place, Kinsmen Leisure Centre, Sherwood Park Arena and Sports Centre and the Recreation Administration buildings in November 2006. The system also supplies construction heat to Festival Estates, Christenson Developments’ fi rst residential building in Centre in the Park.

Community energy is a system that delivers heat to a number of buildings from a central source. Strathcona County’s system uses hot water heated by boilers in the Energy Centre and delivered through underground insulated pipes to heat individual buildings. The hot water is heated by natural gas.

The highly effi cient system is estimated to reduce greenhouse gases by 1,100 tonnes, or 18 per cent, per year compared with a conventional heating system. Future municipal and commercial buildings in Centre in the Park will connect to system.

Community Energy Centre

Strathcona County’s Centre in the Park is a multi-use area that will become a place where people live, work and spend their leisure time. Its concept includes residential buildings, retail services, walkways, a central plaza and inviting public spaces.

The development of Centre in the Park moved forward on many fronts in 2006. Christenson Developments’ residential condominiums rose onto Sherwood Park’s horizon, and Strathcona County’s work toward creating a heart for our community gained substantial momentum.

Volunteer Plaza named — As a tribute to this community’s strong

volunteer spirit, in 2006, Strathcona County Council approved the name Volunteer Plaza as the offi cial name for the central civic plaza that will be built in Centre in the Park.

Volunteer Plaza will be located at the east end of the Prairie Walk. The Prairie Walk is a uniquely designed walkway that will feature elements refl ecting Strathcona County’s history, culture and natural environment. It will connect Festival Place and Volunteer Plaza, and link to the trail system.

The naming coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Information and Volunteer Centre.

Volunteer Plaza concept. The plaza’s design and the volunteer commemorative feature will be finalized as part of the design work underway for the next phase of Centre in the Park.

Innovative study on alternative water supply for Heartland industries

Sturgeon County and Strathcona County are working together in a new study to determine if it is feasible to supply industry in the Heartland area with non-potable water for their industrial process requirements.

The study looks at three options:• a single intake to provide raw untreated river

water • a water treatment plant to provide process

(non-potable) water to industry • a closed-looped water system that would

provide industry with process water and would include a system where the water is returned from industry back to the treatment plant where it is treated and re-circulated back for useExamining these options is an important and

environmentally responsible step in preparing for the growth in the Heartland area. The study

will look at which option could best decrease the amount of water that industry would need, and in turn, could decrease the amount of water taken from the river. The study, expected to be complete mid-2007, will recommend options that include the cost and benefi ts associated with each option.

Centre in the Park takes shape, exciting components proceed

Community Centre approved — In November 2006, Strathcona County

Council gave approval to the Community Centre project, which will create a civic centre on a six-acre County-owned site in the Centre in the Park development in Sherwood Park.

The multi-purpose Community Centre will become a year-round hub for community events, cultural activity and learning, as well as offering convenient public access to library and municipal services.

Community Centre - design concept, modifications may occur

The Community Centre will include:• a new library• fl exible indoor and outdoor space, including a

large covered area known as an agora. These spaces will accommodate a wide range of community activities.

• space for Family and Community Services• new municipal space including meeting rooms

and offi ces

Prairie Walk - artist's concept

Multi-Purpose Building Library,

Municipal and Community space

BookmobileOpen Public

Space ExistingCounty Hall

UndergroundParkade

Agora(community space)

Flexible Use SpaceFamily and Community Services

photo credit: North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance


Gearing up for 2007 Western Canada Summer Games Ever since Strathcona County initiated the

bid for the 2007 Western Canada Summer Games in 2003, Recreation, Parks and Culture and other municipal departments have been working to ensure these Games are best ever.

In 2006, with a year’s count down to the Games, the planning and preparation pace picked up, including municipal contributions. A Municipal Services Team was created to coordinate all County services in support to the Games’ Host Society.

Now in only a few short months, from August 3 – 11, the 2007 Western Canada Summer Games will bring together over 2,300 athletes, coaches, offi cials, and performers from the four western provinces and three northern territories. For nine days, Canada’s future Olympic hopeful athletes will perform and shine in 17 sports.

Laying strong foundations… in how our community grows, improves and connectsLaying strong foundations (continued)

... in how our community grows, improves and connects

Hospital location announced, construction to start in 2007

In November 2006, Capital Health announced the site for Strathcona County’s new 72-bed hospital. The hospital will be located in Sherwood Park, just south of the Yellowhead Highway and west of Clover Bar Road on the future Emerald Drive. Construction is expected to begin in 2007, and be completed in 2009.

Strathcona County established a local municipal hospital project team to assist Capital Health in obtaining necessary zoning and development approvals, and support coordination of servicing requirements such as roads and utilities.

Provincial funding approval for the hospital was announced in October of 2005.

Emerald Hills Urban Village – fi rst pilot project in CanadaTrue

sustainability is synonymous with one planet living. It is about lifestyles for living within our ecological

limits. Sustainable neighbourhood development is a key incremental step towards achieving that outcome.

The Emerald Hills Urban Village was selected by the Sustainable Buildings and Communities group of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to be the site for the fi rst Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood (SUN) Pilot Project in Canada. Signifi cant funding through Christenson Developments, the lead developer, NRCan and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has been provided to ensure this urban village becomes a model of sustainable neighbourhood and infrastructure development success.

Over the past year, the Emerald Hills Urban Village stakeholder team, which includes Strathcona County, has been guided through a

collaborative planning and design process by the Design Centre for Sustainability at University of British Columbia (UBC).

During that time, a number milestones relating to the Emerald Hills Urban Village have been achieved:• a “Charrette” planning process where

municipal staff, developers, architects, engineers and others collaborated to create and support a buildable, sustainable neighourhood plan

• the Master Concept Plan has been completed• Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood Guidelines

are being fi nalized • the Emerald Hills Area Concept and Area

Structure Plans, and the Urban Village Land Use Bylaw have been amended

• Sustainability and Sustainable Development Guidelines have been integrated into Strathcona County’s Municipal Development Plan

• alignment with Strathcona County’s Social Sustainability FrameworkDetailed design for the Emerald Hills Urban

Village is currently underway with construction to commence early in the fall.

Strathcona County and Vung Tau partners on steps of Vung Tau City Hall on the final day of the Mission visit in Vietnam.

Strathcona partners in international cooperation

In February 2006, Strathcona County was selected to participate in the Municipal Partnership Program with the City of Vung Tau, a port city in the south of Vietnam.

The partnership program is an initiative of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities together with funding sponsor, the Canadian International Development Agency. The Municipal Partnership Program is based on the idea that through long-term relationships, two parties can share their experiences and work together to fi nd solutions to practical problems and challenges.

After initial reciprocal visits in 2006 to defi ne the areas of cooperation, the focus of this partnership will be Census Development in Vung Tau. Over the next two years, the partnership will offer Strathcona County an exciting learning opportunity to extend assistance to another community, as well as gain from working with people of a different culture.

Waste Management PlanThe Waste Management Plan was reviewed in

2006. A survey, focus groups and waste audit were conducted to help determine residents’ current attitudes about waste management. The plan will guide the County on how to best manage waste. Recommendations for future Strathcona County waste management initiatives will be made in 2007 for introduction in 2008.

www.2007westerncanadasummergames.caphone: 780 702 2007

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Laying strong foundations… in how our community grows, improves and connectsFounded on a committment to excellence ... acknowledgement from others

2006 Minister’s Award for Municipal Excellence Strathcona County Community Drug and Alcohol Strategy

The Strathcona County Community Drug and Alcohol Strategy Committee received the 2006 Minister’s Award for Municipal Excellence in the Partnership category. The award recognizes the committee’s work in developing a comprehensive strategy that addresses drug and alcohol issues through prevention, early intervention, treatment and enforcement. The award is a credit to the strong community partnership established through this committee and its grassroots approach to dealing with substance abuse.

2006 Terry Cavanagh Junior Lifeguard Award Recreation, Parks and Culture

Strathcona County Recreation, Parks and Culture was awarded the Terry Cavanagh Junior Lifeguard Award in 2006. The Lifesaving Society presents this award to an affi liate member that accumulates the highest point total in operating the Junior Lifeguard Club program.

Premier’s Award of Merit for Healthy WorkplacesHeartWorks program

Strathcona County earned a 2006 Premier’s Award of Merit for Healthy Workplaces for its HeartWorks program, an annual awareness and education employee event with a special emphasis on heart health. As part of the Alberta government’s Healthy U @ Work initiative, the Premier’s Awards for Healthy Workplaces celebrates employers who encourage their staff to make healthy eating choices and incorporate active living into their workday.

2006 Emerald Award - Environmental EducationStrathcona Wilderness Centre

The Strathcona Wilderness Centre was chosen as a 2006 Alberta Emerald Foundation Award winner for excellence in environmental education. The centre has been providing environmental education programs since 1985, incorporating hands-on experience, games, wilderness exploration, observation and drama to educate students in a fun, meaningful way. Hundreds of thousands of young people from Strathcona County and Edmonton-area schools have been enriched through this unique style of outdoor recreation programming.

2006 Consumer’s Choice Award for Business ExcellenceMillennium Place

For the fourth consecutive year, Millennium Place was awarded the Consumer’s Choice Award for Business Excellence in the category of Health and Fitness, in the Greater Edmonton by the Consumers’ Choice Institute. Receiving this award continues to be an important tribute as the winners are determined by customer opinion. The award acknowledges Millennium Place for its high standard of quality, customer focus, and innovation.

2006 Economic Developers Association of Alberta Awards

In 2006, Strathcona County Economic Development and Tourism (EDT) received two Economic Developers Association of Alberta Awards of Excellence.

Alex Metcalfe Award For efforts in bringing Costco to the community

Best General Purpose Brochure Award For Visit the Country, a regional marketing guide

left to right: Gerry Gabinet, Erica Thomas and Kyle Reiling

2006 Environmental Awareness AwardCommunity of Strathcona County

Waste Management of Canada and Communities in Bloom named the Strathcona County community as the 2006 recipient of the Environmental Awareness Award handed out at the Communities in Bloom national conference. The award recognized Strathcona County for its environmental planning initiatives for waste, water reduction and integrated pest management.

Honourable Rob Renner, Minister, Municipal Affairs, presents Partnership Award to Her Worship Cathy Olesen (Strathcona County) and members of the Strathcona County Community Drug and Alcohol Strategy Committee.

Millennium Place


Laying strong foundations… in how our community grows, improves and connectsDelivering quality services ... a fundamental

Service delivery by the numbers — 2006

With input annually from residents, Strathcona County works to balance and meet the service demands in our growing community. Here are just a few of the service and program highlights and successes from 2006.

Economic indicatorsStrathcona County recorded:

• $16.7 billion worth of major projects • 6,991 businesses and organizations • 1,165 new jobs and 124 new businesses• 54,000 customer contacts - Planning and

Development Services general inquiries/advice

• 2,308 development permits• 1,288 new residential unit permits• 139 subdivision and rezoning applications• $380 million value in commercial,

industrial and residential construction

2006 censusPopulation: 82,511

• 56,845 Sherwood Park• 25,666 Country residential, farms and

rural hamlets 14.6 per cent increase in population from 2001 to 2006

Safe and sound The Strathcona RCMP Detachment received

funding for seven additional police resources.• Four new general duty uniformed members

will bolster front line response. • Two other members have been dedicated to

create Strathcona County’s fi rst ever Drug Enforcement Unit, which has already been very successful in identifying and charging several illegal drug traffi ckers in our community.

• By the summer of 2007, our community will see its own police service dog patrolling our community and assisting our front line members. The Strathcona County Canine Unit will be staffed with a RCMP offi cer and trained canine partner.

• Also, the RCMP Drug Abuse Resistance and Education Unit continues to lead the Province with its education programs. Three dedicated School Resource Offi cers teach youth in well over 100 classrooms, and programs have been expanded to junior high schools. As well, visible and personal positive police contact continues with youth at all high schools.

• The RCMP’s 11-man plain clothes GIS section offi cers investigates serious crime in Strathcona County, providing investigative expertise, skill and knowledge to solve any type of crime, regardless of its severity or complexity. In fact, policing circles throughout “K” Division and the Province recognize this team as one of the most successful serious crime units in Alberta.

• In 2006, Strathcona County RCMP & Enforcement Services stepped up patrol of off-highway vehicles. Two offi cers dedicated to enforcing off-highway vehicle legislation operate either marked snowmobiles or quads in their duties throughout the year.

• Strathcona County’s Emergency Services Communication Centre provides 911 call answer and dispatch for all of the County, as well as to over 250,000 people in 50 other municipalities.

• In 2006, Emergency Services responded to a total 4,653 calls:

Fire 723 Rescue 384 Ambulance (Emergency Medical Services) 3,427 Dangerous Goods 119

• The Strathcona County Coordinated Community Response to Relationship Violence and Bullying Committee was established to address these social issues.

Roads, walks, watermains and roundups• Transportation Engineering managed a $25

million capital program aimed to ensure roads meet the needs of the present and future. Phase one of the $12 million Lakeland Drive, connecting Broadmoor Boulevard and Sherwood Drive, and in future to Highway 21 was a notable accomplishment.

• 16 Country Residential subdivision roads were repaired and resurfaced, and nearly 50 kilometres of rural grid roads were resurfaced.

• The three-year Main Boulevard rehabilitation project began with work that included a new roundabout near Clover Bar School at Marion Drive. In 2007, the next phase picks up at

Main Terrace, extending west to Broadmoor Boulevard.

• Over 579 kilometres of sidewalks and roadside trails were maintained.

• 1,800 signs were repaired, 250 new signs were installed, 6,000 tonnes of sweepings were collected, and 326 kilometres of line painting was completed.

• Over 3,140 kilometres of roadside ditches were mowed as part of the Vegetation Control Program.

• Water projects included the Ardrossan water reservoir and pumphouse upgrade; water transmission main along Sherwood

Drive, from Lakeland Drive to Centennial Park; design of a new water reservoir within Sherwood Park to strengthen the water system and supply.

• Thanks to residents using the two urban and three rural recycling stations, 7,500 tonnes of waste were collected and diverted from going to landfi ll.

• The semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste Roundup & Paint Exchange, held May and September in 2006, saw 20,000 litres of hazardous waste collected, a 31 per cent increase over 2005. Bonus: over $3,000 and 999 pounds of food were collected for the Strathcona Food Bank.

Constable Attila Toldy and police service dog, Riff


Gallery in the A.J. Ottewell Community Centre at 590 Broadmoor Boulevard, which it operates on behalf of the arts community.

• Recreation, Parks and Culture has created a virtual arts gallery at www.strathcona.ab.ca that showcases over 130 artworks of local artists, collected over the last 20 years.

• A commissioned legacy tile project in Broadmoor Lake Park commemorated the 2007 Western Canada Summer Games. Stop and enjoy it next time you are at the park.

• Strathcona Transit provided Park and Ride services to many special events in 2006, including the Trade Fair, Canada Day and New Year’s Eve festivities, and many other major events in the region.

Fun and enrichment• Parent Link met the demands of a growing

preschool population, serving over 2,300 children and their parents.

• Over 60 parents took advantage of the Parent Leadership program focused on fostering confi dent, successful kids.

• The 6th Women’s Wellness Conference appealed to 450 participants who described the day as informative, entertaining, inspiring and fun.

• With County support, the Art Society of Strathcona County opened its new Loft

Did you know...Effective with the October 2007

municipal election, ward boundaries from which councillors are elected will change to include eight wards, up from the current seven. Strathcona County Council will consist of nine members, the Mayor and eight Councillors.

In establishing ward boundaries, population, municipal plans and the urban and rural make-up within the municipality are all taken into account to ensure effective Council representation for all residents.

For information about the 2007 municipal election call 410-6550 or visit www.strathcona.ab.ca.

Strathcona County Council in action: (left to right) Brent Jewell (Ward 1), Ken Lesniak (Ward 2), Peter Wlodarczak (Ward 4), Jacquie Fenske (Ward 5), Mayor Cathy Olesen, Linda Osinchuk (Ward 3), Alan Dunn (Ward 6), Glen Lawrence (Ward 7)

Reaching out …brightening communities through partnerships and volunteerism

Strathcona County has established numerous partnerships, past and present, which have added to the richness of our community, and sometimes others. Here are just two projects that demonstrate the strength in partnering and giving.

First annual Light Up Heartland Hall Last December, Heartland Hall, a satellite

of County Hall and its services serving North Strathcona was aglow. A special light-up event saw an 18-metre (60-foot) high tree adorn the fi re hall tower. Hundreds of energy-effi cient LED lights illuminated Heartland Hall during this festive season.

Several community partners made the light up possible. Working with Strathcona County, sponsors included: BA Energy Inc., the Josephburg Agricultural Society, Shell Canada Limited and Shell Chemicals Canada Ltd. The Alberta Community Initiatives Program provided matching grant funds.

Strathcona County’s North Strathcona Contact Offi ce, Fire Hall Station # 4 and RCMP offi ces are all housed in Heartland Hall located at 55305 Range Road 214, south of Highway 15, on the east side of Secondary Highway 830.

Recycling on a grand scale … with benefi t internationally

Behind the scenes in 2006 and into 2007, a volunteer effort was underway to move an older County playground to Juayua (hwhy-you-ah), El Salvador for the benefi t of children in that community. Sixteen County staff successfully worked with a local service club there to install the playground in early February of 2007.

Here’s how it worked. The County has a number of older playgrounds that fail to meet CSA Guidelines for safe playgrounds in Canada. A few minor changes and the playgrounds become safe. Since the playgrounds have to come out to make way for new equipment, the older pieces can be upgraded by volunteers and shipped to locations of need, in this case Central America.

The cost per volunteer was as much as $2,500. Without the help from local businesses and individuals who were very generous towards the cause, this project would have proved daunting. Thanks to everyone involved!

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ElectionSTRATHCONA 2007


2006

Contact usVisit the Strathcona County website often for news and information about the County’s programs and services.

Comments on this publication can be sent to [email protected] or call 464-8023.

Strathcona County2001 Sherwood Drive,

Sherwood Park, Alberta

464-8111

www.strathcona.ab.ca

[email protected]

printed on recycled paper

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Own Sources and Other

Government Grants

User Fees and Charges

Utility User Rates

Property Taxes

per cent

$93.0

$84.2

$26.0

$23.2

$28.0

$25.8

$22.4

$12.2

$21.8

$27.4

$0 $25 $50 $75 $125$100 $150

2006 2005

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Laying strong foundations… in how our community grows, improves and connectsManaging for a sound f iscal base ... 2006 fi nancial highlights

Did you know...In 2006:• The average household paid approximately

$110 per month to support municipal services in Strathcona County.

• $132.7 million was spent for municipal, utility and library operations

• $59.4 million went toward the purchase and construction of capital assets (roads, utilities, facilities, equipment and fl eet, etc.)

Where the money comes from Municipal programs and services are funded from several sources. In 2006, residential property taxes provided only 24 per cent of the County’s total operating revenues.

Agriculture 3.0¢

Family & CommunityServices 2.0¢

Public Transit 13.0¢Recreation, Parks & Culture 23.0¢

Fire, Ambulance and Police 26.0¢

Economic Development & Tourism 1.0¢

Roads 31.0¢

Planning and Development 1.0¢

Where your 2006 municipal property tax dollar was spent70 cents of every municipal tax dollar supported roads, public transit, fi re, ambulance and police

Note: Utility operations (water, sewer and waste collection) are entirely self-sustaining; no property taxes are used to support Utility operations.

How your property tax dollar was distributed58.5 per cent of the total 2006 residential property taxes supported municipal services

Seniors Management Services 0.4%

Provincial Education Taxes 39.4%

Library Taxes 1.7%

Municipal Taxes 58.5%

2007 Budget• $147.1 million to fund municipal services • $162.3 million to fund capital projects

• $5.3 million to enhance and maintain facilities

• $23 million for roadways• $25 million for utility projects• $95.1 million investment for new

Community Centre• General tax dollar increase is 6.96 per cent. For example: Municipal property taxes

would increase by about $92, less than $8 monthly, on a single family residential property assessed at $320,400 and which has an average annual change in property market value.

[The Municipal Price Inflation (MPI), a price index that projects increases for municipal goods and services, indicated an 11.6 per cent average increase for 2007.]

• Utility fees for water, wastewater, storm sewer and solid waste collection increase by approximately $52 per year for the average Sherwood Park residential customer.

Strathcona CountyLivingna Counna Coun

Transportation (roads) 30.5¢Fire, ambulance, police 24.1¢Recreation, parks and culture 22.3¢Public transit 13.6¢Planning and development services 3.0¢Agriculture 2.8¢Family and community services 2.7¢Economic development 1.0¢

Planned distribution of municipal property tax dollar

Key County contactswww.strathcona.ab.ca

Emergency, Fire, Ambulance, Police 911Information all departments and services 464-8111Planning and Development 464-8080Recreation, Parks and Culture 464-2211Roads, streets and drainage 417-7100Transit 464-RIDE (7433) Waste collection 449-5514Water and sewer 467-7785

The 2006 Annual Report prepared by Financial Services can be found on the County’s website or call 464-8088 to obtain a copy.

Strathcona County Annual Report to the Community 2007

Documents