Keeping you informed December 2012

Strathcona County

Strathcona CountyLiving 1

Message from your Mayor and County CouncilA season to reflect and celebrate

Open for businessStrathcona County is open for business, so I was pleased in September to share that Sasol had reached an option to purchase agreement with Total E&P Canada on their site in the County. Sasol is now evaluating the opportunity to build Canada’s first gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.

Strathcona County and Alberta’s Industrial Heartland have worked tirelessly over the past two years to help Sasol understand the merits and advantages of developing their next facility in our region. We will continue to do so until that decision is made sometime in 2014.

Should Sasol choose to build here, their investment will create a new industry for Canada, diversify the Alberta economy and create new employment opportunities. A GTL facility would create more than 500 new, permanent skilled jobs once in operation and employ over 5,000 other individuals during peak construction periods.

In Strathcona County, being open for business includes hosting national and international sporting events. In addition to bringing revenue into our community, these events are valuable in shining a light on our world-class recreational facilities, and on our community’s energy and spirit.

For the first time, Canada hosted the 2012 Women’s World Wrestling Championships in September. This is a sport in which Canada is a leading country. Millennium Place in Sherwood Park was chosen as the host site for this world event.

We were also pleased to announce that we had been selected to host the Canada 55+ Games in August 2014. This is the first time the games have been hosted in Alberta since 1998. In addition to bringing our community an estimated economic benefit of $4 million, these games will allow us to showcase our love of sport, community and wellness on a national stage.

And, we hosted the 2012 Pan American Junior Badminton Championships at Millennium Place in July. This event brought over 300 young athletes (8 to 18) from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, United States, and Venezuela, just to name a few, to compete in badminton singles and doubles matches.

As another year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on our County’s many accomplishments, and about the challenges and opportunities ahead. Certainly, if the last three months are any indication, we have a lot to celebrate, and can look forward to exciting times ahead.

Below is a short list of what has taken place.

Chief Commissioner In October, I had the pleasure of introducing a new Chief Commissioner to our community. Robert Coon joined our municipality on November 26, coming to us from Rocky View County. He has more than 20 years’ experience serving Alberta’s municipal sector – from county manager of Rocky View County, Red Deer County and Saddle Hills County, to experience as Business and Public Affairs Coordinator (Parkland County) and Supervisor of Planning and Development (Athabasca County).

It speaks well of Strathcona County that we were able to attract a candidate of Rob’s calibre to our community. Council is putting his strong background and relevant experience to good use as we work to develop a new strategic plan and implement recommendations arising from the organizational review.

Rob is passionate about municipal governance and has embraced the challenges of the position eagerly. His energy is a great addition to our team.

On behalf of Council, I would like to extend our appreciation to Kevin Glebe, for ably supporting us as interim chief commissioner during the six months leading up to Rob’s appointment.

LIVING. REFINED.

Merry Christmas from (l-r): Vic Bidzinski, Ward 1; Peter Wlodarczak, Ward 4; Linda Osinchuk, Mayor; Jason Gariepy, Ward 8; Roxanne Carr, Ward 2; Brian Botterill, Ward 3; Clinton Alexander, Ward 5; Bonnie Riddell, Ward 7, and Linton Delainey, Ward 6.

Mayor Linda Osinchuk (left) with Jessica MacDonald-Bondy, Canadian gold medal winner (centre).

Efforts rewardedOur efforts in other areas – from innovative planning to community creativity and spirit – were recognized by others outside of our community this year. I would like to mention two of these.

Strathcona County’s planners received a 2012 Award of Planning Merit in the Education or Special Study category from the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) for their Sustainable Plan-it program.

Sustainable Plan-it teaches students about sustainable neighbourhood planning. The program guides students through conversations about how neighbourhoods can be sustained over time, considering vital elements such as water, well-being and waste. Students also learn how these relate to the three pillars of sustainability – environmental, social, and economic – which Strathcona County has adopted.

Our County also received the top national award in the Class of Champions during the Communities in Bloom National Awards Ceremonies in October.

We received a five-bloom rating (highest score) recognizing the Beaver Hills Moraine for its unique vision and initiative. Strathcona County competed in the large community category against City of Barrie, Ontario; City of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; City of Fort St. John, British Columbia; City of Lethbridge, Alberta, and the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Christmas greetings All considered, we have a great deal to be thankful for in Strathcona County and I truly believe we’ll have even more good things to look forward to in 2013. We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that Strathcona County remains an economic force and one of the best places to live and raise a family in Alberta.

I hope that you will join me in this season of celebration, in reflecting on our accomplishments and opportunities. Together, we can achieve anything we set our collective minds to achieving. On behalf of Council, I wish you and yours the very best of the Christmas season. May your days be filled with the warmth of family and friends.

Mayor Linda

We hope you enjoy this editionThere’s more news inside… from a profile of the Facilities Services Department to details on the Pride of Strathcona Awards and News Year’s Eve celebrations.

LIVING. REFINED.

2 Strathcona CountyLiving December 2012

The New Year’s FUN continues! Join us January 1 for free skating, hot chocolate and fun activities at the Sherwood Park Sports Centre, or plan to start the New Year on the right foot by enjoying cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Activities include toonie ski lessons (1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.) and toonie snowshoe ramble at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. The campfire will be going from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Upcoming Events

New Year’s Eve FestivalJoin us for an evening of safari-themed fun!

Emergency notification in Strathcona CountyIn the event of a disaster, Strathcona County residents will be notified through the Alberta Emergency Alert system. This will be the first place information will be posted.Alberta Emergency Alert can issue warnings to Facebook, Twitter and RSS feed subscribers. All residents are encouraged to subscribe for alerts. Sign up today at www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca Residents can also call the Strathcona County switchboard (780-464-8111), open between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. After hours, phone 2-1-1. When warranted, information will also be posted to the Strathcona County Facebook www.facebook.com/strathcona.county and Twitter www.twitter.com/strathcocounty pages. Strathcona County is currently researching ways to expand the public notification system.

Other sources for emergency notificationPhone the industry’s UPDATEline (1-866-653-9959) for information on current industrial site activities in the region that you may be curious about, such as unusual loud noises or alarms; prolonged flares; smoke or fire; traffic levels coming to and from a plant; or smells that are prolonged. Industry is responsible for posting information about training or drills that may affect surrounding neighbourhoods.Did you know you can also subscribe for RSS feeds from Environment Canada to receive weather warnings? Visit www.weatheroffice.gc.ca and once you’ve selected the Edmonton region, sign up under “Warning RSS” at the bottom of the webpage.

County initiatives

Strathcona County is home to many people who go above and beyond to make our community a great place to live. Recognize someone you know… for that achievement that inspires… or the contribution which adds to our community’s “can-do” spirit and success. Nominate them for a Pride of Strathcona Award.

Deadline for nominations:

February 28, 2013

ride of

trathconawards

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trathconawards

CategoriesCommunity Service• inimprovingthequalityoflifeforothers

(volunteerism, good citizenship, acts of heroism or bravery, humanitarian efforts, environmental protection)

Arts, Culture and Heritage• inliterary,visual,performing,filmor

video arts; or in preserving and sharing local culture and history

Agricultural Leadership New ! • inagriculturalstewardship,innovationand

promotion that reflect positively on Strathcona County

Professional Achievement• inaprofessionalcapacitythathasreflected

positively on Strathcona County

Nominateand let’s celebrate… an individual, group or team!

Further information and nomination forms:www.strathcona.ca/pride

780-410-6595info@strathcona.ca

in a great community… deserve great applause.

Youth• ofindividualyouth(21yearsoryounger)who

have brought recognition to Strathcona County or improved our quality of life

Seniors• ofindividualseniors(65yearsandbetter)who

have brought recognition to Strathcona County or improved our quality of life

Sports and Recreation

Athletic Achievement

• incompetitionforfirst-,second-orthird-place standing at a national or international competition that has taken place within 13 months of the nomination deadline

Development

• ofindividualswhohavemadeapositivedifference to recreation and sports as a leader, mentor or volunteer, fostering healthy life skills and good sportsmanship

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4 p.m - 8 p.m.

Broadmoor Lake Park, the Community Centre and Festival Place will be transformed for a fabulous family fun evening on New Year’s Eve. Ring in 2013 with a night of FREE family fun and entertainment for the whole family. At 8 p.m., the New Year’s Eve festivities end with a bang, during the Family Fireworks (presented by Sherwood Park Mall) at Broadmoor Lake.This year, there are plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy, including:• MagicalIcelandPlayground,presentedby

the Sherwood Park Elks. Check out a unique, unforgettable experience for the entire family on a playground made of ice. Make sure you check out the jungle slide by the picnic shelter at Broadmoor Lake Park

• Human-sizedbowlingonice!Bringyourskatesand helmets for a game of ice-bowling at the Sherwood Park Arena ice. Enjoy the Sherwood Park Figure Skaters’ performance from 7 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

• Skating*–enjoyafamilyskateonBroadmoorLake or on the sports centre ice at the Sherwood Park Arena from 4 p.m. – 7:50 p.m.

• Tobogganing*andhotchocolate–bringyour sleds for some winter fun at Broadmoor Lake Park, then warm up with some free hot chocolate at the picnic shelter

• Fireperformances–besuretowatchtheamazing fire performances at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. at Festival Place, or at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Community Centre, and later at 7:30 p.m. at Broadmoor Lake Park

• Snowpainting*andcampfirecooking*–havesome fun painting the snow and enjoying some campfire cooking on Prairie Walk (located between Festival Place and the Community Centre)

• Horse-drawnsleighrides($1perticket)–havefun on an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride at Festival Place

• Snowshoeing*–laceupsomesnowshoesjustoutside Festival Place

For indoor fun, feel free to warm up enjoying the following activities:• Madagascarshow,featuringAlextheLion

from Madagascar 3 at Festival Place at 5 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at County recreational facilities

• FacepaintingatFestivalPlaceandCommunityCentre

• Pettingzoo,crafts,jugglingatFestivalPlace• Blacklightzone(paintingbubbles&hulahoops)

at Festival Place• Aerialartistshandingoutglowsticks(4:15p.m.,

5:15 p.m, 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m.)• PhotoboothintheCommunityCentre• Mascotsandpuppetshowsat6p.m.and7p.m.

at the Community Centre

• Familyfunzonethatincludesgiantinflatables,building zone, plasma cars and crafts in the Community Centre Agora

• FestivehaircreationsintheCommunityCentreAgora

*some activities are weather dependent.

Free Park ‘N Ride • SherwoodParkTransitCentretoBroadmoor

Lake starts at 4 p.m. and runs every half hour. • BroadmoorLaketoSherwoodParkTransit

Centre starts at 4:15 p.m. Departs in front of Festival Place and runs every half hour. Last shuttle is at 8:45 p.m.

Further information780-467-2211

December 2012 Strathcona CountyLiving 3

Community initiatives

County hosts waste-free lunch contest at EIPS

Mayor Linda Osinchuk helps one of the students from Mills Haven Elementary School put up a footprint.

Department profileFacility Services – meeting a range of needsFrom the friendly voice who helps you when you call the County Hall switchboard… to the faces who greet you when booking a meeting room at the Community Centre … to senior project managers who add their expertise in major building construction such as Fire Station # 6 and Millennium Place – these are some of the responsibilities of the Facility Services Department.

Add to this, mail and print services, telecommunications and purchasing guidance for the organization, plus facility maintenance for County facilities, and you have the full spectrum of the work of Facility Services.It’s a small but mighty team who keep all of these services going to support both public and internal needs, and contribute to the smooth running of County operations.

Key contact numbersFacility Services Department

780-464-8403facilityservices@strathcona.ca

Community Centre / County Hall Events and Bookings

780-410-8505ccbookings@strathcona.ca

Strathcona County Switchboard780-464-8111

Facility Services by the numbersSome service stats based on 2011. • 2millionsquarefeetofpropertymaintained• 27,000preventivemaintenancetasks

completed per year• $50millionincapitalprojectsand

life-cycle work• 330,000envelopesstuffed• 525,000“post”mailprocessed• 28,000callsansweredatswitchboard• over2,000telephone,mobileradioand

cellular devices managed• 67,000onvendorlist• 11,420hoursoftimebookedfor

Community Centre and County Hall public meeting rooms

• 16,300attendeesat54specialevents

Recycling is now available in all Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS). In celebration of this ‘waste diversion’ initiative, the County hosted a contest in October for kindergarten to grade six students. “During the contest week kids were encouraged to bring their lunch in reusable containers (no baggies). When they did, they got a ticket,” says Erin Wildeboer, program coordinator, Utilities. “The more times they brought a waste-free lunch, the better their chances of winning were.”“Fourteen schools were involved in the contest, which means 5,500 students now know how to bring a waste-free lunch,” says Mayor Linda Osinchuk. “Programs like this support the Green Routine’s philosophy that ‘by each of us making a small change, together we make a big difference’.”During the contest, teachers collected the tickets and posted their class totals on a scoreboard. At the end of the week there were draws from the tickets for prizes. The contest’s top three schools also got a cash prize to be used towards environmental education; the first place school got $750, second-$500, third-$250. The top class in each school also got a pizza lunch. “Each classroom got a footprint sticker for all students to sign. They then took 500 footprints and put them up in Millennium Place,” adds Wildeboer. “The stickers show how EIPS and the County are walking together, one step at a time, to a greener future.” Students from the winning school (Mills Haven Elementary) put up 250+ footprints at Millennium Place.

Winter travelWhen travelling roads in the County this winter, here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:• Packanemergencykit,particularlywhen

travelling in rural areas. • Learnandpracticewinterdrivingtechniques

before you need them. • Planyourtrip,checkroadandweather

conditions. • Removeallsnowfromyourvehiclebefore

each trip. • Giveyourselfextratraveltimeinbadweather.• Avoidusingoverdriveandcruisecontrolon

slippery roads. • Travelwithafully-chargedcellphone.• Slowdownandexpectlongerstopping

distances – a little caution can go a long way.

Family Day Unplugged This year 17 municipalities in the Capital Region have once again joined together in a challenge to encourage residents to unplug on Family Day, February 18, 2013.

Why is it important for families to unplug from technology? In our busy society we may find it difficult to slow down and make personal connections with one another. Movement, touch and connection to other humans are critical factors for healthy physical and psychological child development and it is important for families to provide opportunities to do these things. When families disconnect from technology and start interacting with each other they also have stronger, more cohesive relationships. Studies show that 73 per cent of kids would rather play with their parents than watch TV or use the Internet (IKEA: Play Report, 2010). Teens who have more than three family dinners per week are more likely to get better grades in school (Casa, 2009).Although we may be communicating through technology, it is most often short and limited to a few phrases. It also lacks the face to face aspect that allows us to read body language and expressions. Unplugging periodically during the day allows us to pay full attention to the people in our lives and pick up on the full range of their emotions and stories.Getting outside and walking or interacting with friends, family, and neighbours increases our physical and mental health, and also makes us feel more connected and safer in our communities. Residents in connected neighbourhoods also have a greater quality of life (Shields, 2008).Ways you can CONNECT this Family Day:• Helpaneighbourshoveltheirwalkorinvite

them over for coffee• Cookdinnerorbakecookiestogetherasafamily• Haveafamilygamenightorplayhide-and-seek• Gosledding,skatingorplayinthesnow• ReadabookormeetafriendforcoffeeVisit www.strathcona.ca/fcs for more ideas.

This Family Day, DISCONNECT from technology and CONNECT with each other. The next day, February 19, log the hours you and your family unplugged on Family Day by going to www.fcssaa.ab.ca or fill out and drop off a logging form at participating schools and various Strathcona County locations: recreation facilities, Community Centre, Parent Link, Family and Community Services or the Strathcona County Library.

LIVING. REFINED.

4 Strathcona CountyLiving December 2012

Twitter: @StrathcoCounty

Facebook: facebook.com/strathcona.county

YouTube: youtube.com/strathconacounty

eNewsletters: strathcona.ca/enewsFSC logo

2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8A 3W7

780-464-8111www.strathcona.cainfo@strathcona.ca

It’s winter. Slow down. Stay safe.Keeping roads and streets clear and safe through the winter is a priority for the County. During storms or in windy conditions, visibility can be reduced. It’s better to be a few minutes late and get to your destination safely.Keep these tips in mind when you encounter snow clearing equipment:• Slowdownandkeepbackfromsnowclearingequipment. The recommended distance is a minimum of 15 metres (about three car

lengths) to leave plenty of room for equipment to work.• Staybackfromspreadertrucks. When a sand spreader truck is applying salt or sand to the road surface, slow

down and stay away from the spreader truck to prevent your vehicle from being hit with salt or sand.

• Bevisibleandkeepheadlightsonatalltimeswhentravelling. These machines may cause snow clouds that reduce visibility• Bepreparedtostop. Snow clearing equipment moves at much slower speeds than other vehicles,

and operators also stop frequently to assess the areas they are clearing. Freshly plowed streets can also be slippery until sand/salt trucks have applied the appropriate material.

• Donotpassontherighthandsideoftheequipment. Often snow and debris are plowed to the right and pose a hazard to motorists.• Becautiouswhenapproachingsnowclearingequipmentfrombehind. These machines often make several passes over the same area, which requires

travelling in reverse. Vehicles travelling too close are at risk of damage or collision with the machinery.

• Makeeyecontact. If you are unsure of what a piece of equipment is about to do, wait and make

eye contact with the operator – they may finish the task, or if safe to do so, they may stop and wave you through before continuing their work.

• Avoiddrivingthroughwindrows. These machines often make several passes to clear a roadway. If you drive

through a windrow, you may risk getting stuck in the snow and ice, possibly damaging your vehicle, or you may scatter the snow, creating a hazard for other motorists.

Be sure to call and let us know about conditions that need attention – for example, icy roads, snow removal, or downed traffic signs or traffic lights that aren’t working.

Further informationTransportation and Agriculture Services780-417-7100

The county’s website, www.strathcona.ca/tas, is updated on a regular basis so residents know when clearing will take place in their neighbourhood.

AnthonyHenday

Drive

SherwoodPark

Freeway

Lafarge (780-466-5084)

Edmonton (3-1-1)

Warren Thomas (Josephburg) AerodromePriority 1

Priority 1

Priority 2

Priority 3

Priority 4

AntlerLake

Wye Road

Ardrossan

Rang

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22

HalfMoonLake

SH 629

Rang

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Carillion Canada (1-800-390-2242)

Township Road 550

RR 2

14

RR 2

15

Josephburg

SouthCooking

LakeHighway 14

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Highways Government of Alberta contractors maintain all highways.

Carillion Canada at 1-800-390-2242 or

Lafarge at 780-466-5084

Priority 1 Major industrial roadways, aerodrome

Within 12 hours following an accumulation of 2 to 5 cm of snow

Priority 2 Thoroughfares Within 12 hours following an accumulation of 5 to 7 cm of snow

Priority 3 All remaining grid roads Within 72 hours following an accumulation of 5 to 7 cm of snow, after the completion of the most recent Priority 2 clearing

Priority 4 Country residential and hamlet roads

Within 48 hours following an accumulation of 5 to 7 cm of snow, after the completion of the most recent Priority 3 clearing

Rural snow clearing prioritiesDescriptions Snow is cleared…

AnthonyHenday

Drive

SherwoodPark

Freeway

Lafarge (780-466-5084)

Edmonton (3-1-1)

Warren Thomas (Josephburg) AerodromePriority 1

Priority 1

Priority 2

Priority 3

Priority 4

AntlerLake

Wye Road

Ardrossan

Rang

e Ro

ad 2

22

HalfMoonLake

SH 629

Rang

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ad 2

20

Carillion Canada (1-800-390-2242)

Township Road 550

RR 2

14

RR 2

15

Josephburg

SouthCooking

LakeHighway 14

Rang

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22

Priority 1 Warren Thomas (Josephburg) Aerodrome

Yellowhead Trans Canada Highway Highway 16

Baseline Road

Petroleum Way

Township Road 534

Wye Road

Sherwood Park Freeway

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Granada BoulevardSherwood Drive

• School drop-off zones Within 72 hours following an accumulation of 5 to 7 cm of snowTransit stop zones are cleared after school drop-off zones

Priority 1 Major thoroughfares Within 12 hours following an accumulation of 2 to 5 cm of snow

Priority 2 Arterial roads Within 12 hours following an accumulation of 5 to 7 cm of snow

Priority 3 Collector roads, public transit routes

Within 8 days snow is windrowed and removed following an accumulation of 15 to 21 cm of snow

Priority 4 Residential streets (not included in the above categories)

Within 12 days when there is 10 cm of compacted snow — windrowing and removal of snow in cul-de-sacs Within 12 days if there is 7 cm of compacted snow on the streets as of January 1 of any year — windrowing and removal of snow piles in cul-de-sacs (After March 1, snow may be windrowed and left to melt.)

Sherwood Park prioritiesDescriptions Snow is cleared

Highways Government of Alberta contractors maintain all highways. Carillion Canada at 1-800-390-2242 or Lafarge at 780-466-5084