Ward 8 News - 5

Certain retailers in our community are doing a brisk trade in selling bongs and pipes. These clear glass pipes with a bulbous head can be used for inhaling tobacco, but according to police, they are more frequently purchased for smoking marijuana and crack cocaine.

Under current laws, bongs and pipes are only illegal when police find traces of drug residue in them. Otherwise, they are legal to sell and display in stores. I brought attention to this issue in an editorial I wrote for The Sherwood Park News. Here’s what I said:

“I refuse to support these businesses. I will not buy a single stick of gum from them. Wallets are powerful economic tools. If enough residents choose to take their business elsewhere, the owners will face a clear choice: support the drug trade or provide a service to the community.”

A local convenience store owner who sells drug paraphernalia took offence to my position and sent an email to the media. They were all over the story, including the CTV Evening News, the Dave Rutherford Show, and a high profile article featured in The Edmonton Sun. The overwhelming majority of residents who have contacted me support my position that bongs and pipes should not be advertised and, if they are sold, should be restricted to people 18 years and older. A recent Sherwood Park News poll showed that over 70 per cent of respondents believed that drug paraphernalia should not be allowed to be sold. The most vocal opposition appears to be coming from Edmonton, where I’ve been called “a scary human being,” told “to leave retailers alone and get back to my real job,” and credited with bringing our community “back to the 15th century.”

What I don’t understand is how recent provincial legislation has banned tobacco power walls and other promotional displays in retail outlets and not pipes and bongs. Does it make sense to hide tobacco products behind dividers and to sell drug paraphernalia out in the open for

everyone to see? At one store, the cash register sits on top of a glass display case where the pipes and bongs are openly promoted and sold. Kids buying slushes and ice cream see these decorative, colourful, and attractive items for sale and it sends an implicit message to them — that society condones its usage for illegal purposes.

It is amusing to watch store owners squirm when they are asked whether pipes and

bongs are purchased for illegal purposes. I am not fooled by claims that their products are harmless. They are making a business decision to sell products intended for drug use. The almighty dollar is all that matters.

Colin Rogucki, owner of Shell Shock, an Edmonton-based pipes and bongs store, summed it up best when he said, “I don’t think your kid should walk in to buy a chocolate bar and be bombarded with a bong right in front of him.”

Do these store owners care about what impact their

merchandise has on our community? Drugs and crime are interlinked. When cars are broken into, people are assaulted or killed because of bad drug debts, and families are ripped apart by drug addiction, understand that these stores played a role by selling these items. They are supporting the drug trade.

We cannot ignore that each one of us is impacted by drug abuse. Sometimes the effects are subtle, like not feeling safe while walking alone after dark. Sometimes they are overt, like dealing with a child who is addicted and violent.

Ward 8 resident Yasmin Lemmerick has concerns about the close proximity of a pipes and bongs store to elementary and high schools.

“The children of our community should not have to be exposed to these owners’ poor choices of drug paraphernalia inventory in their store,” she says. “Are there any zoning rules in Sherwood Park regarding what can be sold this close to schools? If there aren’t, can this be proposed? It is our responsibility to look after our community and if we don’t, no one else will.”

As a councillor, I will not support store owners who disguise their operations as a convenience store when they are actually selling drug paraphernalia to teenagers in our community.

Welcome to the Bong ShowCouncillor questions whether local stores support the drug trade

Meet Jason

On the first Monday of the month, Jason invites you to join him for tea at Sherwood Park Mall from 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in and say hello!

- April 6 - July 6- May 4 - August 10- June 1 - September 14

6 - Ward 8 News

Councillor Jason Gariepy speaks to reporters about his decision to boycott stores that sell pipes and bongs to teenagers in Sherwood Park.

“The children of our community should not have to be exposed to these owners’ poor choices of drug paraphernalia inventory in their store.”

Ward 8insid

eSpring 2009

Residents Powered Up Over Transmission Lines

Flaws Found in Noise Study

Word on the Street

Strathcona County Gets Turfed

Welcome to the Bong Show

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Contact Information:Councillor: Jason GariepyPhone: 780.464.8158E-mail: gariepy@strathcona.ab.ca

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Ward 8

NewsCraigavon | Forrest Greens | Foxboro | Foxhaven | Heritage Hills | Heritage Point | Regency Park | The Ridge

The Heritage Hills wetland is one of the jewels of Ward 8. The protected area supports biodiversity and provides a home for plants, birds, mammals, and fish. Not only does the wetland beautify the community, it filtrates and removes impurities from our water as well.

The Heritage Hills wetland has been a protected natural area since the early 1990s. A gravel trail system was built to allow residents to enjoy the wetland year round but over time, the trail’s quality has been compromised due to vegetation growth, runoff from yards, periodic flooding, and extensive use. In the spring and summer, the trail often becomes inaccessible during wet periods.

“One only has to look at photos on Goggle Earth in comparison with current aerial photos to see that the vegetation growth has exploded,” said Jim Weiss a Heritage Hills resident and trail user. “This vegetation has in turn slowed the current in the wetlands which has allowed the sediment to fall out much earlier and the water depth to decrease.”

With the approval of Strathcona County’s Open Spaces and Recreational Facility Strategy (OSRFS) in the 2009 budget, Councillor Jason Gariepy said the wetland’s trail will be revitalized.

“The wetland and trail system were suffering,” explained the Ward 8 Councillor. “The longer

we waited, the more damage would occur to the trail and to the bed and shore.Eventually, the trail system would have to be closed down and the area would have gone from being a treasure to an eye sore.” Local residents couldn’t

be happier with the decision.

“We are in favour of revitalizing the Heritage Hills wetland, especially refurbishing gravel paths and possibly adding boardwalks in the low areas that are affected by flooding,” said Patrick and Lorna Martin. “At the same time, we hope that the area can remain

as natural as possible as it is a real treasure.”Upgrades to the trail system will include:• Refurbishing the existing gravel trail system in areas that are muddy or impassable. This may include gravel trail redevelopment or construction of short sections of boardwalks where necessary; and,

• Reviewing existing interpretive signage and providing additional signs to the area.

“Wetlands are Mother Nature’s water system,” Gariepy said. “We must take steps to preserve our wetlands for the benefit of our environment and enjoyment of our residents.”

In order to preserve the wetland for years to come, education is the key. Residents are encouraged to minimize their use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Continued on pg. 3

Although these products are aimed at bugs and weeds they

Revitalizing the Heritage Hills Wetland

Where Your Municipal Tax Dollars Go

Strathcona County Gets Turfed

In 2009, your municipal tax dollar is projected to support these services. For more information, contact 780-464-8230 or visit www.strathcona.ab.ca.

Strathcona County is taking an important step towards installing an artificial turf field for sports play in our community this year. Preliminary design and costing for artificial turf will be completed in 2009 in order to bring the project forward for funding as part of the 2010 budget.

As sites in Sherwood Park are being considered, the Strathcona Athletic Park (SAP) appears to be a front runner to receive the artificial turf field if approved. As a premier sports field and athletic hub in our community, SAP has the right amenities such as bleachers, lighting, a scoreboard and parking to support an upgraded turf field.

Artificial turf fields are becoming more common in the region. This would

be the first artificial field installed in Strathcona County. While grass provides a natural playing surface, overuse can result in holes and an uneven playing surface. Artificial turf is stable, uniform and predictable, and places less stress on knees and ankles. Turf can be used by sports teams in the spring, summer and fall, and is not limited by rain, snow or drought. A single artificial turf field is equivalent to four grass fields because more events can be hosted, without damage to the surface.

“Player health and safety can be at jeopardy when they are not playing on an even playing surface,” said Strathcona County Minor Football Association President, Tracy Aiello, who is also a trainer and registered nurse. “We feel that turf is superior to play on and we will be able to attract higher quality tournaments to our community.”

The field is part of Strathcona County’s Open Space and Recreation Facility Strategy, a 15-year plan to invest in a healthy, active and green community. The County has allocated $42.7 million to planning and construction on a number of projects that will be completed in 2009-2011. The majority of funding is through the provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative grant program.

Above left: Residents review playground options for The Ridge/Foxboro Park. Above right: Strathcona County Transit is test-driving a double-decker bus. These buses offer many benefits and advantages over traditional single-deck and articulating buses. No decision has been made on whether to acquire the buses for our fleet

Strathcona Athletic Park has the right amenities such as bleachers, lighting, a scoreboard and parking to support an upgraded turf field.

Above: Wetland trails will be refurbished in areas that become muddy and impassable.Below: Whether you are a nature lover, birdwatcher, or enjoy the outdoors, the Heritage Hills wetland has something for everyone.

Planning services

Transit

Recreation, parks and culture

Fire, ambulance, police, bylaw

Roads and streets

Economic development

AgricultureCommunity social programs2¢ 3¢

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16¢

22¢

Councillor Jason Gariepy tours the con-struction of the Community Centre. Crews are working on main floor meeting rooms for community events and the second floor will be for offices.

Residents in Ward 8 may have received a flyer in the mail about a group named Responsible Electricity Transmission for Albertans or RETA. This is a dedicated group of citizens who are spearheading a fight over the placement of a 500kV power line in Strathcona County. This line is being designed to service the Industrial Heartland as well as Fort McMurray. It will be the largest transmission line ever constructed in Alberta and RETA’s flyer indicates that a possible route for this power line is Highway 21.

Highway 21 is an unlikely candidate for a 500kV transmission line. The population density around Highway 21 is too high, there is limited land available to construct the transmission towers, and the cost would exceed other route options. At a RETA meeting on March 5, MLA Dave Quest confirmed that “a transmission line will not be built along Highway 21.”

There are other routes through Strathcona County being considered by Alta Link and Epcor. A westerly route is through the Transportation Utility Corridor that parallels Highway 216 on the west side of Sherwood Park. This appears to be the route receiving the most serious consideration.

Strathcona County Council recently passed a resolution opposing an above ground 500Kv transmission line through our community. Council does support a below ground line that would address

concerns related to the health and safety of residents and impacts on the environment.

For information on the transmission line and to voice your concerns, contact RETA at www.reta.ca. RETA is very organized and have amassed considerable information on their web site.

Residents Powered Up Over Transmission Lines

Ward 8 resident, Dave Keyes, is leading a group of homeowners who are concerned about the implications of twinning Highway 21. The Highway 21 group recently reviewed the engineering report that was completed by Patching Associates Acoustical Engineering Ltd. and found some fundamental omissions. No actual sound levels were collected and no topographical data used. These points are obviously critical if the intent of the study was to project future sound levels as you can not determine an accurate baseline without these. What data the firm had was placed into a software program that then makes the “projections” based on certain criteria. The missing inputs are the current sound level readings and the topographical information. These omissions were not intentional on behalf of the contracted engineering firm, but were due to a two-week time frame that was imposed by the Province. The highway21.ca group in no way holds the engineering firm responsible for the missing information as they worked with what they were given.

With the support of Strathcona County and our respective Councillors Gariepy, Dunn and Wlodarczak, the highway21.ca residents group has received the necessary funding to complete a comprehensive sound

level analysis from Secondary 522 to Highway 16. We have contracted the services of ACI Acoustical Consulting. Dr. Faulkner will be heading up the project. Interestingly, Dr Faulkner’s company, ACI Acoustical, was first approached by the Province to conduct the original study. ACI Acoustical declined the project due to the time constraints and was of the opinion that there simply was not enough time to compile accurate data and the requested report.

With the funds provided we have also begun the process of setting up a web page that will help residents stay informed of our progress. highway21.ca will be functional in mid-April. The site will have related links and information as well as tips on letter writing to our elected officials, which will be critical as the process advances.

According to Dave Keyes, those who travel Highway 21 know and understand that it needs to be twinned. For the safety of all who use this route and for those whose properties are directly impacted, it needs to be done responsibly.

Flaws Found in Noise Study Market Value and Tax AssessmentsProvincial legislation requires all municipalities to establish new market value assessments for all properties. Market values have been relatively volatile and for the first time in many years, residential property values have generally decreased; however this does not mean a decrease in residential property taxes.

For 2009, municipal, library, Seniors Management Services and education budget revenue requirements are expected to increase; this does mean there will also be a corresponding need to increase residential property taxes. Individual residential property assessments that have stayed relatively the same as last year or that have increased will experience an above average total 2009 property tax increase.

The Assessment & Tax Department is available to answer any questions you may have on your particular property and can be reached at 780-464-8196 or e-mail assess@strathcona.ab.ca. Alternatively, visit their department web page at www.strathcona.ab.cavimber of new residents served: 3,376Number of new stops: 22

2 - Ward 8 News Ward 8 News - 3

Did you know?

Did you know that of the residential property tax paid in Strathcona County in 2008, 62% funded municipal services (roads, fire, police, recreation and parks, and transit) and 34% went to fund provincial education? The rest of the funds went towards the library and to pay for senior’s housing.

Ward 8 News - 4

Word on the streetResidents were asked to share their thoughts on Strathcona County’s proposed ban on cell phones while driving. Do you support the bylaw? Will a cell phone ban increase safety and reduce traffic collisions or is the bylaw unnecessary?

“Absolutely ban cell phone use while driving. I was very close to being hit by a one-ton truck because the driver was dialing his cell phone. I just laid on my horn and was very lucky he looked up just in time and got back into his lane. I was upset and angry that I came so close to being killed because of that guy’s stupidity.” Lois (Foxboro)

“I do not support this bylaw as sufficient laws already exist provincially to deal with a broad range of traffic issues. I find that our County has a difficult time enforcing existing bylaws let alone move towards creating more unmanageable ones.” Rick (Heritage Hills)

“It is unfortunate that we even need to consider a bylaw. If common sense prevailed the public would understand the need for their full attention while driving. What is even scarier is the driver who is texting, which requires both hands and attention to a tiny screen.” Gail (Heritage Hills)

“This bylaw is unnecessary. It is only a minor problem.” Jim (Craigavon)

“I do support the cell phone bylaw because in my experience I see too many drivers with cell phones preoccupied with the conversation instead of concentrating on the road and the traffic. I especially note this when they are turning corners.” Bob (Foxhaven)

“While I support the banning of cell phone use when driving, I feel it should be legislated at a provincial level and not by the County.” Lee (Heritage Hills)

“With today’s busy and, often hurried, lifestyles, why throw another distraction into the mix? Operating a vehicle of any sort requires concentration and awareness of one’s surroundings at all times. Holding onto and conversing on a cell phone can only take away from that. We fully support the banning of cell phones while driving.” Vic and Julie (Foxhaven)

“I do not support such a bylaw as I believe it is unnecessary, hard to enforce only in Sherwood Park, and already partly in place in a better format under the provincial Traffic Act.” Patrick (Foxboro)

“We do support the cell phone ban as several times we’ve been cut off in traffic by people using cell phones who are just not paying attention.” Rae and Roxanne (Foxhaven)

Did you know that there are 212 sport fields and ball diamonds in Strathcona County. There are 142 playgrounds, 19 tennis courts, 85 kilometres of trails, and over 28,000 trees.

The Challenges of Getting Around

In the last part of the 19th century, residents in the region expected the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) would make its way west through the Edmonton area. Dreams were dashed when the decision was made to build the line through Calgary. The line reached Calgary in 1882, and a line did not reach the town of Strathcona (which became south Edmonton) until 1891. The rumour mill started up again when in the early 1900s residentsspeculated the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway would build its line north of Cooking Lake. This turned out to be true.

According to an account by Frank Smeltzer, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway line was originally planned to run through the Salisbury district, which is now largely Sherwood Park. However, the elevation at Salisbury was about 200 feet above that of Edmonton, and the locomotives of the day did not have the power to make the steep grade. Rather, the line was built through from Tofield to Clover Bar, where the railway bridge was built to cross the North Saskatchewan River. Steel for the railway was laid through the Clover Bar district in the summer of 1909, 100 years ago.

For many years, dirt trails and trains were the most common means to travel. Even though there are records of the first motor car arriving in the area in about 1908, roads were uncommon. When the time came, residents provided their own labour along with teams of horses or oxen to clear bush and to build roads. This offering was in lieu of taxes.

Much of this information is from a book titled Strathcona County, A Brief History. This book is available for $10 at Strathcona County Museum and Archives, 914 Ash Street, Sherwood Park. Call 780-467-8189 for museum hours. You can also check out www.strathcona.ab.ca/history for more on Strathcona County’s past.

The Highway 21 group recently reviewed the engineering report that was completed by Patching Associates Acoustical Engineering Ltd. and found some fundamental omissions. No actual sound levels were collected and no topographical data used.

Jason’s ListeningQuestion: Do you think stores should be allowed to sell drug paraphernalia? Should Strathcona County amend the Land Use Bylaw to prohibit public advertisement of drug paraphernalia on public property? Send your opinion to gariepy@strathcona.ab.ca.

also harm native plants, fish, and birds. Fertilizers running off into the wetland have resulted in vegetation over-growth. Signage and information will be provided to residents on how the wetland benefits their community and what simple steps they can take to care for the natural water system.

Residents will be invited to attend a wetland-focused Open House to share their comments and to learn more about the revitalization project. For more information, please contact 780-464-8279.

Wetland Benefits• Remove carbon from CO2 and release oxygen• Storage of fresh water• Reduce the effects of drought and soil erosion• Reduce water treatment costs by naturally filtrating the water• Protecting private properties by reducing flooding

Wetlands..(continued)

This is what the towers would look like as you come in to the Westboro subdivision (just north of Wye Road, north of Village on the Lake on the east side of Sherwood Park).

Photo courtesy of Strathcona County Museum and Archives

Residents used their own teams of horses to break ground for one of the first roads built in Strathcona County (circa 1922). The road is now known as the Yellowhead Trans-Canada Highway 16.

Community Centre RisingThe large cranes in the skyline are a reminder of the construction activity involving Strathcona County’s Community Centre.

The original County Hall was built over 30 years ago and has served our community well. But as our municipality has grown there has been a need for added space for a range of activities.

Linked to County Hall, the Community Centre will include a new library on two floors; flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for community activities; a new expanded space for Family and Community Services; and new meeting rooms and offices.

The Community Centre is progressing on budget with a scheduled opening date of November 1, 2010. The parkade has been constructed and crews are building the superstructure, which includes elevators and stairwell cores as well as the concrete slab for the second floor of the library and administrative offices.

A model of environmental innovations, the Community Centre has 850 tones

of reinforcing steel that has been made from 100% recycled steel. It would take approximately 657 cars to make up the reinforced steel used so far. In addition, all the stormwater runoff from the building’s roof is directed to underground storage tanks. The water is then filtered and used for purposes in the building, such as flushing toilets.

The Community Center will be a signature landmark that builds upon Strathcona County’s identity, adds to our quality of life, and creates a lasting legacy for future generations. For more information, visit www.strathcona.ab.ca or call 780.464.8030.

Residents in Ward 8 may have received a flyer in the mail about a group named Responsible Electricity Transmission for Albertans or RETA. This is a dedicated group of citizens who are spearheading a fight over the placement of a 500kV power line in Strathcona County. This line is being designed to service the Industrial Heartland as well as Fort McMurray. It will be the largest transmission line ever constructed in Alberta and RETA’s flyer indicates that a possible route for this power line is Highway 21.

Highway 21 is an unlikely candidate for a 500kV transmission line. The population density around Highway 21 is too high, there is limited land available to construct the transmission towers, and the cost would exceed other route options. At a RETA meeting on March 5, MLA Dave Quest confirmed that “a transmission line will not be built along Highway 21.”

There are other routes through Strathcona County being considered by Alta Link and Epcor. A westerly route is through the Transportation Utility Corridor that parallels Highway 216 on the west side of Sherwood Park. This appears to be the route receiving the most serious consideration.

Strathcona County Council recently passed a resolution opposing an above ground 500Kv transmission line through our community. Council does support a below ground line that would address

concerns related to the health and safety of residents and impacts on the environment.

For information on the transmission line and to voice your concerns, contact RETA at www.reta.ca. RETA is very organized and have amassed considerable information on their web site.

Residents Powered Up Over Transmission Lines

Ward 8 resident, Dave Keyes, is leading a group of homeowners who are concerned about the implications of twinning Highway 21. The Highway 21 group recently reviewed the engineering report that was completed by Patching Associates Acoustical Engineering Ltd. and found some fundamental omissions. No actual sound levels were collected and no topographical data used. These points are obviously critical if the intent of the study was to project future sound levels as you can not determine an accurate baseline without these. What data the firm had was placed into a software program that then makes the “projections” based on certain criteria. The missing inputs are the current sound level readings and the topographical information. These omissions were not intentional on behalf of the contracted engineering firm, but were due to a two-week time frame that was imposed by the Province. The highway21.ca group in no way holds the engineering firm responsible for the missing information as they worked with what they were given.

With the support of Strathcona County and our respective Councillors Gariepy, Dunn and Wlodarczak, the highway21.ca residents group has received the necessary funding to complete a comprehensive sound

level analysis from Secondary 522 to Highway 16. We have contracted the services of ACI Acoustical Consulting. Dr. Faulkner will be heading up the project. Interestingly, Dr Faulkner’s company, ACI Acoustical, was first approached by the Province to conduct the original study. ACI Acoustical declined the project due to the time constraints and was of the opinion that there simply was not enough time to compile accurate data and the requested report.

With the funds provided we have also begun the process of setting up a web page that will help residents stay informed of our progress. highway21.ca will be functional in mid-April. The site will have related links and information as well as tips on letter writing to our elected officials, which will be critical as the process advances.

According to Dave Keyes, those who travel Highway 21 know and understand that it needs to be twinned. For the safety of all who use this route and for those whose properties are directly impacted, it needs to be done responsibly.

Flaws Found in Noise Study Market Value and Tax AssessmentsProvincial legislation requires all municipalities to establish new market value assessments for all properties. Market values have been relatively volatile and for the first time in many years, residential property values have generally decreased; however this does not mean a decrease in residential property taxes.

For 2009, municipal, library, Seniors Management Services and education budget revenue requirements are expected to increase; this does mean there will also be a corresponding need to increase residential property taxes. Individual residential property assessments that have stayed relatively the same as last year or that have increased will experience an above average total 2009 property tax increase.

The Assessment & Tax Department is available to answer any questions you may have on your particular property and can be reached at 780-464-8196 or e-mail assess@strathcona.ab.ca. Alternatively, visit their department web page at www.strathcona.ab.cavimber of new residents served: 3,376Number of new stops: 22

2 - Ward 8 News Ward 8 News - 3

Did you know?

Did you know that of the residential property tax paid in Strathcona County in 2008, 62% funded municipal services (roads, fire, police, recreation and parks, and transit) and 34% went to fund provincial education? The rest of the funds went towards the library and to pay for senior’s housing.

Ward 8 News - 4

Word on the streetResidents were asked to share their thoughts on Strathcona County’s proposed ban on cell phones while driving. Do you support the bylaw? Will a cell phone ban increase safety and reduce traffic collisions or is the bylaw unnecessary?

“Absolutely ban cell phone use while driving. I was very close to being hit by a one-ton truck because the driver was dialing his cell phone. I just laid on my horn and was very lucky he looked up just in time and got back into his lane. I was upset and angry that I came so close to being killed because of that guy’s stupidity.” Lois (Foxboro)

“I do not support this bylaw as sufficient laws already exist provincially to deal with a broad range of traffic issues. I find that our County has a difficult time enforcing existing bylaws let alone move towards creating more unmanageable ones.” Rick (Heritage Hills)

“It is unfortunate that we even need to consider a bylaw. If common sense prevailed the public would understand the need for their full attention while driving. What is even scarier is the driver who is texting, which requires both hands and attention to a tiny screen.” Gail (Heritage Hills)

“This bylaw is unnecessary. It is only a minor problem.” Jim (Craigavon)

“I do support the cell phone bylaw because in my experience I see too many drivers with cell phones preoccupied with the conversation instead of concentrating on the road and the traffic. I especially note this when they are turning corners.” Bob (Foxhaven)

“While I support the banning of cell phone use when driving, I feel it should be legislated at a provincial level and not by the County.” Lee (Heritage Hills)

“With today’s busy and, often hurried, lifestyles, why throw another distraction into the mix? Operating a vehicle of any sort requires concentration and awareness of one’s surroundings at all times. Holding onto and conversing on a cell phone can only take away from that. We fully support the banning of cell phones while driving.” Vic and Julie (Foxhaven)

“I do not support such a bylaw as I believe it is unnecessary, hard to enforce only in Sherwood Park, and already partly in place in a better format under the provincial Traffic Act.” Patrick (Foxboro)

“We do support the cell phone ban as several times we’ve been cut off in traffic by people using cell phones who are just not paying attention.” Rae and Roxanne (Foxhaven)

Did you know that there are 212 sport fields and ball diamonds in Strathcona County. There are 142 playgrounds, 19 tennis courts, 85 kilometres of trails, and over 28,000 trees.

The Challenges of Getting Around

In the last part of the 19th century, residents in the region expected the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) would make its way west through the Edmonton area. Dreams were dashed when the decision was made to build the line through Calgary. The line reached Calgary in 1882, and a line did not reach the town of Strathcona (which became south Edmonton) until 1891. The rumour mill started up again when in the early 1900s residentsspeculated the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway would build its line north of Cooking Lake. This turned out to be true.

According to an account by Frank Smeltzer, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway line was originally planned to run through the Salisbury district, which is now largely Sherwood Park. However, the elevation at Salisbury was about 200 feet above that of Edmonton, and the locomotives of the day did not have the power to make the steep grade. Rather, the line was built through from Tofield to Clover Bar, where the railway bridge was built to cross the North Saskatchewan River. Steel for the railway was laid through the Clover Bar district in the summer of 1909, 100 years ago.

For many years, dirt trails and trains were the most common means to travel. Even though there are records of the first motor car arriving in the area in about 1908, roads were uncommon. When the time came, residents provided their own labour along with teams of horses or oxen to clear bush and to build roads. This offering was in lieu of taxes.

Much of this information is from a book titled Strathcona County, A Brief History. This book is available for $10 at Strathcona County Museum and Archives, 914 Ash Street, Sherwood Park. Call 780-467-8189 for museum hours. You can also check out www.strathcona.ab.ca/history for more on Strathcona County’s past.

The Highway 21 group recently reviewed the engineering report that was completed by Patching Associates Acoustical Engineering Ltd. and found some fundamental omissions. No actual sound levels were collected and no topographical data used.

Jason’s ListeningQuestion: Do you think stores should be allowed to sell drug paraphernalia? Should Strathcona County amend the Land Use Bylaw to prohibit public advertisement of drug paraphernalia on public property? Send your opinion to gariepy@strathcona.ab.ca.

also harm native plants, fish, and birds. Fertilizers running off into the wetland have resulted in vegetation over-growth. Signage and information will be provided to residents on how the wetland benefits their community and what simple steps they can take to care for the natural water system.

Residents will be invited to attend a wetland-focused Open House to share their comments and to learn more about the revitalization project. For more information, please contact 780-464-8279.

Wetland Benefits• Remove carbon from CO2 and release oxygen• Storage of fresh water• Reduce the effects of drought and soil erosion• Reduce water treatment costs by naturally filtrating the water• Protecting private properties by reducing flooding

Wetlands..(continued)

This is what the towers would look like as you come in to the Westboro subdivision (just north of Wye Road, north of Village on the Lake on the east side of Sherwood Park).

Photo courtesy of Strathcona County Museum and Archives

Residents used their own teams of horses to break ground for one of the first roads built in Strathcona County (circa 1922). The road is now known as the Yellowhead Trans-Canada Highway 16.

Community Centre RisingThe large cranes in the skyline are a reminder of the construction activity involving Strathcona County’s Community Centre.

The original County Hall was built over 30 years ago and has served our community well. But as our municipality has grown there has been a need for added space for a range of activities.

Linked to County Hall, the Community Centre will include a new library on two floors; flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for community activities; a new expanded space for Family and Community Services; and new meeting rooms and offices.

The Community Centre is progressing on budget with a scheduled opening date of November 1, 2010. The parkade has been constructed and crews are building the superstructure, which includes elevators and stairwell cores as well as the concrete slab for the second floor of the library and administrative offices.

A model of environmental innovations, the Community Centre has 850 tones

of reinforcing steel that has been made from 100% recycled steel. It would take approximately 657 cars to make up the reinforced steel used so far. In addition, all the stormwater runoff from the building’s roof is directed to underground storage tanks. The water is then filtered and used for purposes in the building, such as flushing toilets.

The Community Center will be a signature landmark that builds upon Strathcona County’s identity, adds to our quality of life, and creates a lasting legacy for future generations. For more information, visit www.strathcona.ab.ca or call 780.464.8030.

Residents in Ward 8 may have received a flyer in the mail about a group named Responsible Electricity Transmission for Albertans or RETA. This is a dedicated group of citizens who are spearheading a fight over the placement of a 500kV power line in Strathcona County. This line is being designed to service the Industrial Heartland as well as Fort McMurray. It will be the largest transmission line ever constructed in Alberta and RETA’s flyer indicates that a possible route for this power line is Highway 21.

Highway 21 is an unlikely candidate for a 500kV transmission line. The population density around Highway 21 is too high, there is limited land available to construct the transmission towers, and the cost would exceed other route options. At a RETA meeting on March 5, MLA Dave Quest confirmed that “a transmission line will not be built along Highway 21.”

There are other routes through Strathcona County being considered by Alta Link and Epcor. A westerly route is through the Transportation Utility Corridor that parallels Highway 216 on the west side of Sherwood Park. This appears to be the route receiving the most serious consideration.

Strathcona County Council recently passed a resolution opposing an above ground 500Kv transmission line through our community. Council does support a below ground line that would address

concerns related to the health and safety of residents and impacts on the environment.

For information on the transmission line and to voice your concerns, contact RETA at www.reta.ca. RETA is very organized and have amassed considerable information on their web site.

Residents Powered Up Over Transmission Lines

Ward 8 resident, Dave Keyes, is leading a group of homeowners who are concerned about the implications of twinning Highway 21. The Highway 21 group recently reviewed the engineering report that was completed by Patching Associates Acoustical Engineering Ltd. and found some fundamental omissions. No actual sound levels were collected and no topographical data used. These points are obviously critical if the intent of the study was to project future sound levels as you can not determine an accurate baseline without these. What data the firm had was placed into a software program that then makes the “projections” based on certain criteria. The missing inputs are the current sound level readings and the topographical information. These omissions were not intentional on behalf of the contracted engineering firm, but were due to a two-week time frame that was imposed by the Province. The highway21.ca group in no way holds the engineering firm responsible for the missing information as they worked with what they were given.

With the support of Strathcona County and our respective Councillors Gariepy, Dunn and Wlodarczak, the highway21.ca residents group has received the necessary funding to complete a comprehensive sound

level analysis from Secondary 522 to Highway 16. We have contracted the services of ACI Acoustical Consulting. Dr. Faulkner will be heading up the project. Interestingly, Dr Faulkner’s company, ACI Acoustical, was first approached by the Province to conduct the original study. ACI Acoustical declined the project due to the time constraints and was of the opinion that there simply was not enough time to compile accurate data and the requested report.

With the funds provided we have also begun the process of setting up a web page that will help residents stay informed of our progress. highway21.ca will be functional in mid-April. The site will have related links and information as well as tips on letter writing to our elected officials, which will be critical as the process advances.

According to Dave Keyes, those who travel Highway 21 know and understand that it needs to be twinned. For the safety of all who use this route and for those whose properties are directly impacted, it needs to be done responsibly.

Flaws Found in Noise Study Market Value and Tax AssessmentsProvincial legislation requires all municipalities to establish new market value assessments for all properties. Market values have been relatively volatile and for the first time in many years, residential property values have generally decreased; however this does not mean a decrease in residential property taxes.

For 2009, municipal, library, Seniors Management Services and education budget revenue requirements are expected to increase; this does mean there will also be a corresponding need to increase residential property taxes. Individual residential property assessments that have stayed relatively the same as last year or that have increased will experience an above average total 2009 property tax increase.

The Assessment & Tax Department is available to answer any questions you may have on your particular property and can be reached at 780-464-8196 or e-mail assess@strathcona.ab.ca. Alternatively, visit their department web page at www.strathcona.ab.cavimber of new residents served: 3,376Number of new stops: 22

2 - Ward 8 News Ward 8 News - 3

Did you know?

Did you know that of the residential property tax paid in Strathcona County in 2008, 62% funded municipal services (roads, fire, police, recreation and parks, and transit) and 34% went to fund provincial education? The rest of the funds went towards the library and to pay for senior’s housing.

Ward 8 News - 4

Word on the streetResidents were asked to share their thoughts on Strathcona County’s proposed ban on cell phones while driving. Do you support the bylaw? Will a cell phone ban increase safety and reduce traffic collisions or is the bylaw unnecessary?

“Absolutely ban cell phone use while driving. I was very close to being hit by a one-ton truck because the driver was dialing his cell phone. I just laid on my horn and was very lucky he looked up just in time and got back into his lane. I was upset and angry that I came so close to being killed because of that guy’s stupidity.” Lois (Foxboro)

“I do not support this bylaw as sufficient laws already exist provincially to deal with a broad range of traffic issues. I find that our County has a difficult time enforcing existing bylaws let alone move towards creating more unmanageable ones.” Rick (Heritage Hills)

“It is unfortunate that we even need to consider a bylaw. If common sense prevailed the public would understand the need for their full attention while driving. What is even scarier is the driver who is texting, which requires both hands and attention to a tiny screen.” Gail (Heritage Hills)

“This bylaw is unnecessary. It is only a minor problem.” Jim (Craigavon)

“I do support the cell phone bylaw because in my experience I see too many drivers with cell phones preoccupied with the conversation instead of concentrating on the road and the traffic. I especially note this when they are turning corners.” Bob (Foxhaven)

“While I support the banning of cell phone use when driving, I feel it should be legislated at a provincial level and not by the County.” Lee (Heritage Hills)

“With today’s busy and, often hurried, lifestyles, why throw another distraction into the mix? Operating a vehicle of any sort requires concentration and awareness of one’s surroundings at all times. Holding onto and conversing on a cell phone can only take away from that. We fully support the banning of cell phones while driving.” Vic and Julie (Foxhaven)

“I do not support such a bylaw as I believe it is unnecessary, hard to enforce only in Sherwood Park, and already partly in place in a better format under the provincial Traffic Act.” Patrick (Foxboro)

“We do support the cell phone ban as several times we’ve been cut off in traffic by people using cell phones who are just not paying attention.” Rae and Roxanne (Foxhaven)

Did you know that there are 212 sport fields and ball diamonds in Strathcona County. There are 142 playgrounds, 19 tennis courts, 85 kilometres of trails, and over 28,000 trees.

The Challenges of Getting Around

In the last part of the 19th century, residents in the region expected the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) would make its way west through the Edmonton area. Dreams were dashed when the decision was made to build the line through Calgary. The line reached Calgary in 1882, and a line did not reach the town of Strathcona (which became south Edmonton) until 1891. The rumour mill started up again when in the early 1900s residentsspeculated the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway would build its line north of Cooking Lake. This turned out to be true.

According to an account by Frank Smeltzer, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway line was originally planned to run through the Salisbury district, which is now largely Sherwood Park. However, the elevation at Salisbury was about 200 feet above that of Edmonton, and the locomotives of the day did not have the power to make the steep grade. Rather, the line was built through from Tofield to Clover Bar, where the railway bridge was built to cross the North Saskatchewan River. Steel for the railway was laid through the Clover Bar district in the summer of 1909, 100 years ago.

For many years, dirt trails and trains were the most common means to travel. Even though there are records of the first motor car arriving in the area in about 1908, roads were uncommon. When the time came, residents provided their own labour along with teams of horses or oxen to clear bush and to build roads. This offering was in lieu of taxes.

Much of this information is from a book titled Strathcona County, A Brief History. This book is available for $10 at Strathcona County Museum and Archives, 914 Ash Street, Sherwood Park. Call 780-467-8189 for museum hours. You can also check out www.strathcona.ab.ca/history for more on Strathcona County’s past.

The Highway 21 group recently reviewed the engineering report that was completed by Patching Associates Acoustical Engineering Ltd. and found some fundamental omissions. No actual sound levels were collected and no topographical data used.

Jason’s ListeningQuestion: Do you think stores should be allowed to sell drug paraphernalia? Should Strathcona County amend the Land Use Bylaw to prohibit public advertisement of drug paraphernalia on public property? Send your opinion to gariepy@strathcona.ab.ca.

also harm native plants, fish, and birds. Fertilizers running off into the wetland have resulted in vegetation over-growth. Signage and information will be provided to residents on how the wetland benefits their community and what simple steps they can take to care for the natural water system.

Residents will be invited to attend a wetland-focused Open House to share their comments and to learn more about the revitalization project. For more information, please contact 780-464-8279.

Wetland Benefits• Remove carbon from CO2 and release oxygen• Storage of fresh water• Reduce the effects of drought and soil erosion• Reduce water treatment costs by naturally filtrating the water• Protecting private properties by reducing flooding

Wetlands..(continued)

This is what the towers would look like as you come in to the Westboro subdivision (just north of Wye Road, north of Village on the Lake on the east side of Sherwood Park).

Photo courtesy of Strathcona County Museum and Archives

Residents used their own teams of horses to break ground for one of the first roads built in Strathcona County (circa 1922). The road is now known as the Yellowhead Trans-Canada Highway 16.

Community Centre RisingThe large cranes in the skyline are a reminder of the construction activity involving Strathcona County’s Community Centre.

The original County Hall was built over 30 years ago and has served our community well. But as our municipality has grown there has been a need for added space for a range of activities.

Linked to County Hall, the Community Centre will include a new library on two floors; flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for community activities; a new expanded space for Family and Community Services; and new meeting rooms and offices.

The Community Centre is progressing on budget with a scheduled opening date of November 1, 2010. The parkade has been constructed and crews are building the superstructure, which includes elevators and stairwell cores as well as the concrete slab for the second floor of the library and administrative offices.

A model of environmental innovations, the Community Centre has 850 tones

of reinforcing steel that has been made from 100% recycled steel. It would take approximately 657 cars to make up the reinforced steel used so far. In addition, all the stormwater runoff from the building’s roof is directed to underground storage tanks. The water is then filtered and used for purposes in the building, such as flushing toilets.

The Community Center will be a signature landmark that builds upon Strathcona County’s identity, adds to our quality of life, and creates a lasting legacy for future generations. For more information, visit www.strathcona.ab.ca or call 780.464.8030.

Ward 8 News - 5

Certain retailers in our community are doing a brisk trade in selling bongs and pipes. These clear glass pipes with a bulbous head can be used for inhaling tobacco, but according to police, they are more frequently purchased for smoking marijuana and crack cocaine.

Under current laws, bongs and pipes are only illegal when police find traces of drug residue in them. Otherwise, they are legal to sell and display in stores. I brought attention to this issue in an editorial I wrote for The Sherwood Park News. Here’s what I said:

“I refuse to support these businesses. I will not buy a single stick of gum from them. Wallets are powerful economic tools. If enough residents choose to take their business elsewhere, the owners will face a clear choice: support the drug trade or provide a service to the community.”

A local convenience store owner who sells drug paraphernalia took offence to my position and sent an email to the media. They were all over the story, including the CTV Evening News, the Dave Rutherford Show, and a high profile article featured in The Edmonton Sun. The overwhelming majority of residents who have contacted me support my position that bongs and pipes should not be advertised and, if they are sold, should be restricted to people 18 years and older. A recent Sherwood Park News poll showed that over 70 per cent of respondents believed that drug paraphernalia should not be allowed to be sold. The most vocal opposition appears to be coming from Edmonton, where I’ve been called “a scary human being,” told “to leave retailers alone and get back to my real job,” and credited with bringing our community “back to the 15th century.”

What I don’t understand is how recent provincial legislation has banned tobacco power walls and other promotional displays in retail outlets and not pipes and bongs. Does it make sense to hide tobacco products behind dividers and to sell drug paraphernalia out in the open for

everyone to see? At one store, the cash register sits on top of a glass display case where the pipes and bongs are openly promoted and sold. Kids buying slushes and ice cream see these decorative, colourful, and attractive items for sale and it sends an implicit message to them — that society condones its usage for illegal purposes.

It is amusing to watch store owners squirm when they are asked whether pipes and

bongs are purchased for illegal purposes. I am not fooled by claims that their products are harmless. They are making a business decision to sell products intended for drug use. The almighty dollar is all that matters.

Colin Rogucki, owner of Shell Shock, an Edmonton-based pipes and bongs store, summed it up best when he said, “I don’t think your kid should walk in to buy a chocolate bar and be bombarded with a bong right in front of him.”

Do these store owners care about what impact their

merchandise has on our community? Drugs and crime are interlinked. When cars are broken into, people are assaulted or killed because of bad drug debts, and families are ripped apart by drug addiction, understand that these stores played a role by selling these items. They are supporting the drug trade.

We cannot ignore that each one of us is impacted by drug abuse. Sometimes the effects are subtle, like not feeling safe while walking alone after dark. Sometimes they are overt, like dealing with a child who is addicted and violent.

Ward 8 resident Yasmin Lemmerick has concerns about the close proximity of a pipes and bongs store to elementary and high schools.

“The children of our community should not have to be exposed to these owners’ poor choices of drug paraphernalia inventory in their store,” she says. “Are there any zoning rules in Sherwood Park regarding what can be sold this close to schools? If there aren’t, can this be proposed? It is our responsibility to look after our community and if we don’t, no one else will.”

As a councillor, I will not support store owners who disguise their operations as a convenience store when they are actually selling drug paraphernalia to teenagers in our community.

Welcome to the Bong ShowCouncillor questions whether local stores support the drug trade

Meet Jason

On the first Monday of the month, Jason invites you to join him for tea at Sherwood Park Mall from 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in and say hello!

- April 6 - July 6- May 4 - August 10- June 1 - September 14

6 - Ward 8 News

Councillor Jason Gariepy speaks to reporters about his decision to boycott stores that sell pipes and bongs to teenagers in Sherwood Park.

“The children of our community should not have to be exposed to these owners’ poor choices of drug paraphernalia inventory in their store.”

Ward 8

insid

e

Spring 2009

Residents Powered Up Over Transmission Lines

Flaws Found in Noise Study

Word on the Street

Strathcona County Gets Turfed

Welcome to the Bong Show

2

3

4

5

6

Contact Information:Councillor: Jason GariepyPhone: 780.464.8158E-mail: gariepy@strathcona.ab.ca

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NewsCraigavon | Forrest Greens | Foxboro | Foxhaven | Heritage Hills | Heritage Point | Regency Park | The Ridge

The Heritage Hills wetland is one of the jewels of Ward 8. The protected area supports biodiversity and provides a home for plants, birds, mammals, and fish. Not only does the wetland beautify the community, it filtrates and removes impurities from our water as well.

The Heritage Hills wetland has been a protected natural area since the early 1990s. A gravel trail system was built to allow residents to enjoy the wetland year round but over time, the trail’s quality has been compromised due to vegetation growth, runoff from yards, periodic flooding, and extensive use. In the spring and summer, the trail often becomes inaccessible during wet periods.

“One only has to look at photos on Goggle Earth in comparison with current aerial photos to see that the vegetation growth has exploded,” said Jim Weiss a Heritage Hills resident and trail user. “This vegetation has in turn slowed the current in the wetlands which has allowed the sediment to fall out much earlier and the water depth to decrease.”

With the approval of Strathcona County’s Open Spaces and Recreational Facility Strategy (OSRFS) in the 2009 budget, Councillor Jason Gariepy said the wetland’s trail will be revitalized.

“The wetland and trail system were suffering,” explained the Ward 8 Councillor. “The longer

we waited, the more damage would occur to the trail and to the bed and shore.Eventually, the trail system would have to be closed down and the area would have gone from being a treasure to an eye sore.” Local residents couldn’t

be happier with the decision.

“We are in favour of revitalizing the Heritage Hills wetland, especially refurbishing gravel paths and possibly adding boardwalks in the low areas that are affected by flooding,” said Patrick and Lorna Martin. “At the same time, we hope that the area can remain

as natural as possible as it is a real treasure.”Upgrades to the trail system will include:• Refurbishing the existing gravel trail system in areas that are muddy or impassable. This may include gravel trail redevelopment or construction of short sections of boardwalks where necessary; and,

• Reviewing existing interpretive signage and providing additional signs to the area.

“Wetlands are Mother Nature’s water system,” Gariepy said. “We must take steps to preserve our wetlands for the benefit of our environment and enjoyment of our residents.”

In order to preserve the wetland for years to come, education is the key. Residents are encouraged to minimize their use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Continued on pg. 3

Although these products are aimed at bugs and weeds they

Revitalizing the Heritage Hills Wetland

Where Your Municipal Tax Dollars Go

Strathcona County Gets Turfed

In 2009, your municipal tax dollar is projected to support these services. For more information, contact 780-464-8230 or visit www.strathcona.ab.ca.

Strathcona County is taking an important step towards installing an artificial turf field for sports play in our community this year. Preliminary design and costing for artificial turf will be completed in 2009 in order to bring the project forward for funding as part of the 2010 budget.

As sites in Sherwood Park are being considered, the Strathcona Athletic Park (SAP) appears to be a front runner to receive the artificial turf field if approved. As a premier sports field and athletic hub in our community, SAP has the right amenities such as bleachers, lighting, a scoreboard and parking to support an upgraded turf field.

Artificial turf fields are becoming more common in the region. This would

be the first artificial field installed in Strathcona County. While grass provides a natural playing surface, overuse can result in holes and an uneven playing surface. Artificial turf is stable, uniform and predictable, and places less stress on knees and ankles. Turf can be used by sports teams in the spring, summer and fall, and is not limited by rain, snow or drought. A single artificial turf field is equivalent to four grass fields because more events can be hosted, without damage to the surface.

“Player health and safety can be at jeopardy when they are not playing on an even playing surface,” said Strathcona County Minor Football Association President, Tracy Aiello, who is also a trainer and registered nurse. “We feel that turf is superior to play on and we will be able to attract higher quality tournaments to our community.”

The field is part of Strathcona County’s Open Space and Recreation Facility Strategy, a 15-year plan to invest in a healthy, active and green community. The County has allocated $42.7 million to planning and construction on a number of projects that will be completed in 2009-2011. The majority of funding is through the provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative grant program.

Above left: Residents review playground options for The Ridge/Foxboro Park. Above right: Strathcona County Transit is test-driving a double-decker bus. These buses offer many benefits and advantages over traditional single-deck and articulating buses. No decision has been made on whether to acquire the buses for our fleet

Strathcona Athletic Park has the right amenities such as bleachers, lighting, a scoreboard and parking to support an upgraded turf field.

Above: Wetland trails will be refurbished in areas that become muddy and impassable.Below: Whether you are a nature lover, birdwatcher, or enjoy the outdoors, the Heritage Hills wetland has something for everyone.

Planning services

Transit

Recreation, parks and culture

Fire, ambulance, police, bylaw

Roads and streets

Economic development

AgricultureCommunity social programs2¢ 3¢

1¢

32¢

21¢

3¢

16¢

22¢

Councillor Jason Gariepy tours the con-struction of the Community Centre. Crews are working on main floor meeting rooms for community events and the second floor will be for offices.

Ward 8 News - 5

Certain retailers in our community are doing a brisk trade in selling bongs and pipes. These clear glass pipes with a bulbous head can be used for inhaling tobacco, but according to police, they are more frequently purchased for smoking marijuana and crack cocaine.

Under current laws, bongs and pipes are only illegal when police find traces of drug residue in them. Otherwise, they are legal to sell and display in stores. I brought attention to this issue in an editorial I wrote for The Sherwood Park News. Here’s what I said:

“I refuse to support these businesses. I will not buy a single stick of gum from them. Wallets are powerful economic tools. If enough residents choose to take their business elsewhere, the owners will face a clear choice: support the drug trade or provide a service to the community.”

A local convenience store owner who sells drug paraphernalia took offence to my position and sent an email to the media. They were all over the story, including the CTV Evening News, the Dave Rutherford Show, and a high profile article featured in The Edmonton Sun. The overwhelming majority of residents who have contacted me support my position that bongs and pipes should not be advertised and, if they are sold, should be restricted to people 18 years and older. A recent Sherwood Park News poll showed that over 70 per cent of respondents believed that drug paraphernalia should not be allowed to be sold. The most vocal opposition appears to be coming from Edmonton, where I’ve been called “a scary human being,” told “to leave retailers alone and get back to my real job,” and credited with bringing our community “back to the 15th century.”

What I don’t understand is how recent provincial legislation has banned tobacco power walls and other promotional displays in retail outlets and not pipes and bongs. Does it make sense to hide tobacco products behind dividers and to sell drug paraphernalia out in the open for

everyone to see? At one store, the cash register sits on top of a glass display case where the pipes and bongs are openly promoted and sold. Kids buying slushes and ice cream see these decorative, colourful, and attractive items for sale and it sends an implicit message to them — that society condones its usage for illegal purposes.

It is amusing to watch store owners squirm when they are asked whether pipes and

bongs are purchased for illegal purposes. I am not fooled by claims that their products are harmless. They are making a business decision to sell products intended for drug use. The almighty dollar is all that matters.

Colin Rogucki, owner of Shell Shock, an Edmonton-based pipes and bongs store, summed it up best when he said, “I don’t think your kid should walk in to buy a chocolate bar and be bombarded with a bong right in front of him.”

Do these store owners care about what impact their

merchandise has on our community? Drugs and crime are interlinked. When cars are broken into, people are assaulted or killed because of bad drug debts, and families are ripped apart by drug addiction, understand that these stores played a role by selling these items. They are supporting the drug trade.

We cannot ignore that each one of us is impacted by drug abuse. Sometimes the effects are subtle, like not feeling safe while walking alone after dark. Sometimes they are overt, like dealing with a child who is addicted and violent.

Ward 8 resident Yasmin Lemmerick has concerns about the close proximity of a pipes and bongs store to elementary and high schools.

“The children of our community should not have to be exposed to these owners’ poor choices of drug paraphernalia inventory in their store,” she says. “Are there any zoning rules in Sherwood Park regarding what can be sold this close to schools? If there aren’t, can this be proposed? It is our responsibility to look after our community and if we don’t, no one else will.”

As a councillor, I will not support store owners who disguise their operations as a convenience store when they are actually selling drug paraphernalia to teenagers in our community.

Welcome to the Bong ShowCouncillor questions whether local stores support the drug trade

Meet Jason

On the first Monday of the month, Jason invites you to join him for tea at Sherwood Park Mall from 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in and say hello!

- April 6 - July 6- May 4 - August 10- June 1 - September 14

6 - Ward 8 News

Councillor Jason Gariepy speaks to reporters about his decision to boycott stores that sell pipes and bongs to teenagers in Sherwood Park.

“The children of our community should not have to be exposed to these owners’ poor choices of drug paraphernalia inventory in their store.”

Ward 8

insid

e

Spring 2009

Residents Powered Up Over Transmission Lines

Flaws Found in Noise Study

Word on the Street

Strathcona County Gets Turfed

Welcome to the Bong Show

2

3

4

5

6

Contact Information:Councillor: Jason GariepyPhone: 780.464.8158E-mail: gariepy@strathcona.ab.ca

HeritageHills

Foxhaven

ForrestGreen

RegencyPark

Craigavon

Foxboro

RegencyPark Estates(The Ridge)

GRANADA

BLVD

W Y E R D

BASELINE RD

HW

Y2

1

CLO

VE

RB

AR

RD

HW

Y2

1

COLWILL BLVD

CLO

VE

RB

AR

RD

REGENCY DR

CRA

IGA

VON DR

HIGHLAND WY

FOXBORO DR

FOXHAVEN DR

HIG

HC

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Ward 8

NewsCraigavon | Forrest Greens | Foxboro | Foxhaven | Heritage Hills | Heritage Point | Regency Park | The Ridge

The Heritage Hills wetland is one of the jewels of Ward 8. The protected area supports biodiversity and provides a home for plants, birds, mammals, and fish. Not only does the wetland beautify the community, it filtrates and removes impurities from our water as well.

The Heritage Hills wetland has been a protected natural area since the early 1990s. A gravel trail system was built to allow residents to enjoy the wetland year round but over time, the trail’s quality has been compromised due to vegetation growth, runoff from yards, periodic flooding, and extensive use. In the spring and summer, the trail often becomes inaccessible during wet periods.

“One only has to look at photos on Goggle Earth in comparison with current aerial photos to see that the vegetation growth has exploded,” said Jim Weiss a Heritage Hills resident and trail user. “This vegetation has in turn slowed the current in the wetlands which has allowed the sediment to fall out much earlier and the water depth to decrease.”

With the approval of Strathcona County’s Open Spaces and Recreational Facility Strategy (OSRFS) in the 2009 budget, Councillor Jason Gariepy said the wetland’s trail will be revitalized.

“The wetland and trail system were suffering,” explained the Ward 8 Councillor. “The longer

we waited, the more damage would occur to the trail and to the bed and shore.Eventually, the trail system would have to be closed down and the area would have gone from being a treasure to an eye sore.” Local residents couldn’t

be happier with the decision.

“We are in favour of revitalizing the Heritage Hills wetland, especially refurbishing gravel paths and possibly adding boardwalks in the low areas that are affected by flooding,” said Patrick and Lorna Martin. “At the same time, we hope that the area can remain

as natural as possible as it is a real treasure.”Upgrades to the trail system will include:• Refurbishing the existing gravel trail system in areas that are muddy or impassable. This may include gravel trail redevelopment or construction of short sections of boardwalks where necessary; and,

• Reviewing existing interpretive signage and providing additional signs to the area.

“Wetlands are Mother Nature’s water system,” Gariepy said. “We must take steps to preserve our wetlands for the benefit of our environment and enjoyment of our residents.”

In order to preserve the wetland for years to come, education is the key. Residents are encouraged to minimize their use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Continued on pg. 3

Although these products are aimed at bugs and weeds they

Revitalizing the Heritage Hills Wetland

Where Your Municipal Tax Dollars Go

Strathcona County Gets Turfed

In 2009, your municipal tax dollar is projected to support these services. For more information, contact 780-464-8230 or visit www.strathcona.ab.ca.

Strathcona County is taking an important step towards installing an artificial turf field for sports play in our community this year. Preliminary design and costing for artificial turf will be completed in 2009 in order to bring the project forward for funding as part of the 2010 budget.

As sites in Sherwood Park are being considered, the Strathcona Athletic Park (SAP) appears to be a front runner to receive the artificial turf field if approved. As a premier sports field and athletic hub in our community, SAP has the right amenities such as bleachers, lighting, a scoreboard and parking to support an upgraded turf field.

Artificial turf fields are becoming more common in the region. This would

be the first artificial field installed in Strathcona County. While grass provides a natural playing surface, overuse can result in holes and an uneven playing surface. Artificial turf is stable, uniform and predictable, and places less stress on knees and ankles. Turf can be used by sports teams in the spring, summer and fall, and is not limited by rain, snow or drought. A single artificial turf field is equivalent to four grass fields because more events can be hosted, without damage to the surface.

“Player health and safety can be at jeopardy when they are not playing on an even playing surface,” said Strathcona County Minor Football Association President, Tracy Aiello, who is also a trainer and registered nurse. “We feel that turf is superior to play on and we will be able to attract higher quality tournaments to our community.”

The field is part of Strathcona County’s Open Space and Recreation Facility Strategy, a 15-year plan to invest in a healthy, active and green community. The County has allocated $42.7 million to planning and construction on a number of projects that will be completed in 2009-2011. The majority of funding is through the provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative grant program.

Above left: Residents review playground options for The Ridge/Foxboro Park. Above right: Strathcona County Transit is test-driving a double-decker bus. These buses offer many benefits and advantages over traditional single-deck and articulating buses. No decision has been made on whether to acquire the buses for our fleet

Strathcona Athletic Park has the right amenities such as bleachers, lighting, a scoreboard and parking to support an upgraded turf field.

Above: Wetland trails will be refurbished in areas that become muddy and impassable.Below: Whether you are a nature lover, birdwatcher, or enjoy the outdoors, the Heritage Hills wetland has something for everyone.

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Councillor Jason Gariepy tours the con-struction of the Community Centre. Crews are working on main floor meeting rooms for community events and the second floor will be for offices.