Collaboration and celebration focus of agenda in coming months

Just three months in and 2012 is already shaping up to be an exciting year.

Strong growthStrathcona County is now the third largest

municipality in Alberta, after Edmonton and Calgary (based on population figures of legally recognized municipalities). Our population – as reported in the 2011 Federal Census – is 92,490. That is 64,733 residents living in Sherwood Park and 27,757 in rural Strathcona. The County has grown 12.1 per cent over the past five years, compared to Canada, which grew 5.9 per cent during the same period; Alberta 10.8 per cent; Calgary 10.9 per cent, and Edmonton 11.2 per cent.

This is due, in part, to our industrial base. In my work as chair of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA), I have come to truly appreciate our role as leaders in petrochemical and energy processing, and as a growing economic force in Alberta. This is good news for all, fuelling innovative programming, and a high quality of services and infrastructure.

International exchangeMy role with the AIHA took me to Qatar

this winter to attend the World Petroleum Congress. While there, I had the privilege of sharing internationally the good news about our successful industry and business climate.

This past summer, our community was visited by a delegation from the Ukraine to learn more about how we do business here. I was also invited to visit Kiev, as part of a delegation of

Strathcona County Living

Keeping you informed March 2012

MessagefromyourMayorandCountyCouncil

12 Canadian municipalities exploring trade and business opportunities. While there, I had the privilege of presenting on industry, women in the labour force and economic development in Strathcona County. Our relationship with the Ukraine is ongoing, and we expect another visit to the Edmonton region this spring.

Local collaborationThe exchange of information and talent

internationally is important to our future growth. As important are our efforts to strengthen relationships with our neighbours. Strathcona County is engaged in two projects to better manage its mutual boundaries with neighbouring communities.

Strathcona County is developing a new inter-municipal cooperation protocol with the City of Fort Saskatchewan to strengthen the positive relationship that exists between our two municipalities. As neighbours, we often deal with the same or interconnected matters — planning and development, liaison on provincial roadway work and industrial growth. Creating this protocol will help to address growth pressures with a common understanding. It will also help develop common solutions or responses to broader issues that affect the joint boundaries.

The protocol, to be completed in April, is being funded through a grant from the Alberta Municipal Affairs - Regional Collaboration Program.

We are also conducting a Joint Planning Study (JPS) with the City of Edmonton, with whom we share a 40 kilometre municipal boundary. There are a variety of land uses, as well as major transportation corridors and drainage basins

Strathcona County Council met with delegates from the Ukraine last summer as part of an exchange arranged by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities; from left: Oleksandr Svitlychniy, Linton Delainey (Ward 6), Vic Bidzinski (Ward 1), Solomiya Rozhko, Mayor Linda Osinchuk, Galyna Vasylchenko, Volodymyr Proskurnin, Jacquie Fenske (Ward 5), Bonnie Riddell (Ward 7), Brian Botterill (Ward 3) and Peter Wlodarczak (Ward 4).

along this shared border. In an effort to create a common understanding on risk management, land use, transportation and drainage, both municipalities agreed to complete a JPS extending approximately 1.6 kilometres on either side of that border.

This study will create an agreed upon plan for the area and generate a much needed understanding of our different approaches, particularly to risk management. With such a plan, the area could begin to thrive rather than being constrained by its proximity to a municipal boundary. The importance of the study has been recognized by both municipalities, evidenced through reference in both Municipal Development Plans.

The JPS is imperative to creating a seamless interface between the two municipalities that will benefit the residents and businesses of the two participating municipalities, as well as the region. The JPS area includes a vital economic corridor that is critical to the success of the Capital Region; and developing an environment of certainty and consistency will only help this area to thrive in the future.

CelebrationsAlong the way we are taking time to

celebrate our community, its residents and their accomplishments. Following are just a few of the upcoming events of particular interest to your Mayor and Councillors.

State of the County Address and Luncheon April 11, Community Centre Agora Hosted by the Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce - call 780-464-0801 for tickets.

Everyone is welcome to attend this public event. In addition to outlining our achievements of the past year, I plan to share a vision of this community, municipal organization and some personal areas of focus. I will also provide an update on Strathcona County’s new brand, so I hope to see as many as possible there.

Pride of Strathcona Awards Monday, June 11 - 7 p.m. - Festival Place

This special evening pays tribute to individuals, groups and teams for outstanding achievement and contributions to our community. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the award presentations and applaud the 2012 honourees.

Communities in Bloom (CIB) National Awards and Symposium, October 10 - 13

Strathcona County will host a Mayor’s Reception and Flag Exchange as part of the 2012 event, which is being organized and hosted by an Edmonton regional partnership. Guests

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Spring

2 Strathcona County Living March 2012

CountyInitiativesStrathcona County breaks ground for Fire Station #6

Shovels hit the ground December 16, 2011 to mark the start of construction on Strathcona County’s sixth fire station. Budget for the design, land, building and vehicles is approximately $20.8 million, with just over half of the funding coming from the Alberta government’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative grant.

The construction of Fire Station #6 responds to emergency call volumes increasing by seven to 10 per cent annually. With the new fire station, response times will shorten and give emergency responders the extra few minutes that can make a difference in saving a life.

Strathcona County’s newest fire station is scheduled to open in early 2013, and will be located at 915 Bison Way, Sherwood Park, next to the RCMP station.

In addition to being fully operational, Fire Station #6 will be a training facility for Strathcona County fire fighters. It will also serve as home base for the management and administrative teams, as well as the Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Investigation, and Occupational Health Safety and Training programs. A minimum of seven fire fighters – emergency medical technicians/paramedics and officers will work each shift.

Unique features of the fire station, which is being built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver standard, include:

• atraining/hosetower(4.5storeysandabasement) for training purposes

• adelugeanddecontaminationshower,withcollection system

• asecuredevidenceroomforfireinvestigations

• adedicatedspaceforpublicsafetytraining,including first aid and CPR classes

• abuildingdesignthatcomplementsneighbouring architecture, while still capturing traditional aspects of a fire station appearance

Residents can call 780-467-5216 or email emergencyservices@strathcona.ca for more information.

Artist’s rendering of completed building

RuralresidentsencouragedtobeFireSmart

If you live in rural Strathcona, Emergency Services wants to work with you to FireSmart your property. By reducing the risks around your home, you will help reduce the risk of wildfire affecting your property. FireSmart measures include ensuring your roof is free of needles and leaves, and storing firewood a minimum of 10 metres from any structure.

To pick up a copy of the Home Owners FireSmart manual, visit: Fire Station #1 (1933 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park) or Fire Station #4 (Heartland Hall, 55305 Range Road 214).

Always use extreme caution when burning outdoors. Households may require a fire permit if they live in rural Strathcona County. Refer to www.strathcona.ca/sces or call 780-467-5216 for more details.

CommunityInitiativesOpen Space and Recreation Facility Strategy – investing in community

Since 2008, the Open Space and Recreation Facility Strategy has set the path for investment in Strathcona County’s park, natural areas and recreational facilities.

The vision for open space and recreation facilities revolves around three key concepts:

• Investment in people: The creation of a system of indoor and outdoor community gathering places to provide residents of all ages with a high quality of life and opportunity for improved health and wellness.

• Carefully planned infrastructure investment strategy, built with the community: Revitalize existing infrastructure before building new facilities. Work with a variety of partners (not-for-profit groups, for-profit groups, healthcare, school boards, other municipalities, etc.) to develop assets in a more timely fashion.

• Investment in a healthier environment: Conserving and maintaining natural heritage, and ensuring development has reduced ecological footprints. This demonstrates the County’s commitment to a sustainable community.

There are several indoor and outdoor projects that have been identified as priorities under the Open Space and Recreation Facility Strategy.

To find out more information, visit www.strathcona.ca/revitalize or call 780-464-8117.

Profile on Ardrossan The Ardrossan Community Recreation Master

Plan is an example of how multiple recreation needs can be met by integrating indoor and outdoor spaces.

Ardrossan’s plan, which is a piece of the overall County’s Open Space and Recreation Facility Strategy, shows how a community’s vision is transformed from a conversation to construction.

The Ardrossan Community Recreation Master Plan is based on resident and community groups’ vision of the public spaces and outdoor recreational facilities in Ardrossan.

The plan addresses four separate themes:1. Create a walkable community2. Have places for community gathering3. Have places for specialized activities and

youth4. Support team sportsOne of the more obvious outcomes of the

strategy is the revitalization of the Ardrossan Recreation Complex. Once complete, it will offer a new arena, wellness centre and fitness track, group fitness classes, recreational skating and indoor playground opportunities.

Ardrossan Recreation Complex open houseJune 16, 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Come out and see what the new facility has to offer!

To find out more about the Ardrossan Community Recreation Master Plan, including the exciting changes at the Ardrossan Recreation Complex, visit www.strathcona.ca/revitalize and click on current projects, or call 780-467-2211.

will include mayors in the region; symposium delegates; and international, national, provincial and local CIB supporters and sponsors.

This is the first time the group of municipalities has been selected to promote CIB and their respective municipalities. A flag exchange will provide an opportunity for delegates from across Canada, Europe and the US to enjoy the hospitality of our community, to share ideas, and to discuss the services and benefits that their communities enjoy as a result of their involvement in CIB and similar horticultural and community development organizations. Delegates will also be offered the opportunity to participate in a community tour as a part of the symposium offering. There are four tours being organized, including one in Strathcona County.

Mayor Linda

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March 2012 Strathcona County Living 3

DepartmentprofileUtilities — Working behind the scenes for a sustainable future

When you are thirsty and head to the tap to fill up a glass of water, do you ever wonder where it comes from or how it got there? The Utilities department in Strathcona County is responsible for services such as providing water that residents, like you, use every single day. Utilities’ employees work behind the scenes to ensure these essential services are there when you need them.

The Utilities department consists of the following branches:

• Wastemanagement• Water• Wastewater• Communityenergy• Utility-basedengineeringFocused on sustainability, Utilities is

constantly striving to be an innovative environmental leader. One of the most obvious examples of this innovation occurred in 2009 when the Green Routine was introduced. Now in its fourth year, the Green Routine enables residents to divert a significant amount of waste from landfills.

This year, Utilities has two especially exciting environmentallly based projects on the horizon. The first is to relocate the recycling station on Bethel Drive to Broadview Road. In addition to relocating the recycle bins, approval has been granted for the

construction of a full-service recycling station. This recycling station will be similar to the City of Edmonton’s eco-stations and will offer year-round collection of material normally only accepted at Enviroservice events. In the future, residents will be able to take all household hazardous waste, electronics, appliances and other toxic materials to this station. Planning for the project has already started with construction scheduled for 2013.

The second project is the addition of a biomass system to the Community Energy Centre on Sherwood Drive. The system will utilize waste wood (pallets) and cereal crop residue (oat hulls and straw) for fuel. Construction on the project has already begun and Utilities hopes to have it up and running by the end of March. The biomass system is a two-year pilot project to test these alternative energy sources as well as measure and monitor emissions, ensuring there is no negative environmental or health impact. This exciting project, which has the potential to reduce an additional 1,200 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year, will contribute greatly to Strathcona County’s sustainability goals.

Questions? Contact Utilities 780-449-5514scutilities@strathcona.ca

Did you forget to renew?The deadline to renew your dog licence is March 31. Renewal notices are being mailed in March.

All dogs are required to have a valid licence; dog licences are valid for one year. The licence year runs from April 1 to March 31. •Ifyouhaveanewdog,youarerequiredtoobtainalicencewithin15daysofacquiringit.

• Ifyounolongerhaveadogthatwaspreviouslylicensed,itisimportanttonotifyusofthechange.

•Eachnewownerofaspayedorneutereddogreceivesthefirstlicenceyearfreeforthatdog.

•Ownersofdogsundersixmonthsofagereceivetheirfirstlicenceyearfree.

What is the free “return to owner” program?AcurrentlicenceallowsanEnforcementServicesofficerto

contacttheownertoreturnthelostdog,andownersarenot

chargedthe$175fineforadog-at-large.Afree return is

offered to each dog once per year.

It’s easy to purchase or renew a dog licence•StrathconaCountyEnforcementServices

•HeartlandHallContactOffice

•StrathconaCountyHall(AssessmentandTax)

Further information StrathconaCountyRCMPandEnforcementServices 911BisonWay,SherwoodPark 780-449-0170 info@strathcona.ca www.strathcona.ca/dogs

Love your dog...Love your dog...

License your dog

Love your dog...Love your dog...

License your dog

Love your dog...Love your dog...

License your dog

Love your dog...Love your dog...

License your dog

DogsloveDeermoundDeermound was the name given for a post

office established in the Hillsdale area in 1911 and is now the name of the County’s only dog off-leash park. Dogs definitely enjoy this popular spot as they run freely through curvy, forest-styled paths. Their owners like the addition of educational interpretive signage, a new gravel trail, and benches to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

Revitalizing this beautiful natural area in 2010-2011 also included the clean-up and removal of the dirt in the pond on the west side of the park and the addition of mulch to the internal trails. The park has two enormous open fields for throwing balls and running free.

Deermound is located three kilometres south of Wye Road on Highway 21. Turn west onto Township Road 522 and watch for off-leash area signs. Ample parking ensures you and your four-legged buddy can hop out of the vehicle and head straight into the field.

Upcoming eventsGet Prepared, Strathcona

When disaster strikes in a community, everyone has a role to play. Do you know what yours is?

Learn how Strathcona County and its many partners are prepared to handle a disaster and what you can do to prepare your family for an emergency. In a trade show-like atmosphere, there will be the opportunity to hear from a number of guest speakers about topics such as the new Alberta Emergency Alert system and how your family can get prepared to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours.

Sunday, April 22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.Agora, Community Centre

501 Festival Avenue, Sherwood ParkThere is no admission charge, and underground

parking is free during the event hours.

Further information:www.strathcona.ca/sces780-410-8550

4 Strathcona County Living March 2012

For more information about the Community Heritage Legacy Initiative, go to www.strathcona.ca/history, or call 780-416-6762.

Strathcona County2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8A 3W7780-464-8111 www.strathcona.ca info@strathcona.caTwitter: @StrathcoCountyFacebook: facebook.com/strathcona.countyYouTube: youtube.com/strathconacountyENewsletters: strathcona.ca/enews

CommunityHeritageLegacyA glimpse into the life of James Charles Chatterton BremnerStrathcona County pioneer

When Charlie Bremner arrived in Edmonton on the Calgary-Edmonton stagecoach in October 1885, he got right to business. Within days he filed on a homestead – a quarter section of land at Clover Bar. Pioneer settlement had begun on the south side of the North Saskatchewan River not five years earlier.

When Bremner arrived, at only 18 years of age, he was accepting an invitation from his family’s long time friend, Archie Boag, who had encouraged Charlie to come. Archie himself immigrated to Canada in 1882; his homestead was near that of Charlie’s.

Between 1890 and 1914, Alberta experienced an unprecedented boom. Alberta’s population increased over 400 per cent, from 73,000 in 1901 to 374,000 in 1911. The establishment of the Royal North-West Mounted Police, the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the land survey, telegraph service, and settlement of the aboriginal population on reserves – it was all in place for settlement of the west.

Governments struggled to keep up with the population growth. In his first 20 years here, Charlie lived under the government of the North-West Territories. Then, with the rapidly increasing population, the federal Department of the Interior in 1905 established the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

It didn’t take Charlie long to establish himself. In 1886, his first year on the homestead, Charlie broke six acres. In 1887 he broke another three acres and cropped nine. In 1888, he broke another five acres and cropped 14. By October 1889 he had broken 23 acres and cropped 19. He owned four horned cattle, 40 horses, 30 sheep. He claimed his homestead was worth $200 on which he had four stables and a 30-foot well worth $500.

While Charlie worked hard, he did have the ever helpful advantage of money. It is estimated that at the time of his emigration from Britain, he had inherited a

nice sum of about $375,000 in today’s dollars. By 1893, Charlie was fairly successful when he married Edith Lillian Fielders.

While most settlers, especially those living in the parkland belt, practiced mixed farming by growing grain, raising a herd of beef and/or dairy cattle, and keeping hogs and poultry, Charlie raised draught, carriage and saddle horses, and sheep. He had a purebred Clydesdale stallion that repeatedly took prizes at the Edmonton Exhibition.

For Charlie Bremner and other settlers, Alberta was a land of opportunity, free of many social, economic, political and religious restrictions. Charlie took opportunity to get involved. He joined the Northern Alberta Pioneers and Old Timer’s Association, and was able to be nominated for membership in the prestigious Edmonton Club, both places where he could network. He also played on the Clover Bar cricket and the Edmonton rugby teams. He was active on the Board of the Edmonton Agricultural Society and the Edmonton Exhibition Society. These connections would be useful as he established himself as a supplier of horses and sheep to new and local farmers.

Charlie also speculated in land — buying scrip, school and CPR lands. Money made on land deals and his farm income probably put him in a very comfortable financial position by 1912, when he decided to build a new home, befitting his sought-after position in society. This house, now 100 years old, has been designated a municipal historic resource. Last summer, Strathcona County Council hosted a reception at the house for David Bremner and his wife, Susan. David is the great-great nephew of Charlie Bremner.

Councillor Vic Bidzinski and Mayor Linda Osinchuk welcome

David Bremner and his wife, Susan, to Bremner House. David’s

great-grandfather was a brother to Charlie Bremner.

Charlie and Edith Bremner (seated) with friends

Credit: Provincial Archives of Alberta, B414

New Community calendar of events now available

Strathcona County recently launched an improved events calendar on its external website, www.strathcona.ca, as a public service. As the event calendar is intended as a local events listing, events posted must be open to members of the public, be held in a physical location that is easily accessible, take place within the County, and/or be for the benefit of Strathcona County residents.

The event calendar is unavailable for: • retailpromotioneventsandcommercial

notices, including events hosted by retail stores, advertising of a business, sidewalk sale, store sale, store liquidation or dining specials and garage sales

• politicalnotices,includingnoticesofpartisan political gatherings, nomination meetings and constituency events. Non-partisan and/or community events hosted by an elected official or recognized political party will be reviewed and posted at the discretion of the calendar administrator

• weeklyreligiousservicesEvents will not be posted if they promote

hatred or disrespect of any group; or discriminate on any grounds covered by the Alberta Human Rights Act including (but not limited to) race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or handicap.

Construction2012 — Our growing community!

Each construction season a variety of projects are on the go to keep you on the move now and into the future.

“This year we will invest $45 million on infrastructure in the County – a blend of urban and rural projects,” says Peter Vana, Associate Commissioner, Infrastructure and Planning Services division. “Some of the more complex projects will take place over a two-year window.”

The County is responsible for constructing new roadways, rehabilitating and upgrading existing roadways, performing intersection upgrades and installing interchanges.

“The 2011 realignment in Infrastructure and Planning Services put us in a better position to maintain our existing infrastructure, while planning for future growth in the County,” adds Vana. “And through it all we take great pride in providing the same high level of service our residents expect.”

For details about the 2012-2013 construction projects, please visit www.strathcona.ca.

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Add your voice to Strathcona’s survey of historic sites

Strathcona County’s rich legacy of historic buildings and natural landscapes provides a “sense of place” that reflects Strathcona’s past. In 2012, the County is conducting a survey of such historic sites and we are looking for input from the community.

The purpose of the survey is to identify historic buildings and landscapes that are (or will soon be) 50 years old. These places may be buildings in Sherwood Park, or in rural areas, they may be farm sites, a country church, a modest cabin or a section of a long forgotten trail.

The Heritage Resources Management Plan, approved by Council in 2008, provides an integrated approach to heritage resource management. This 2012 survey and a subsequent inventory are recommendations coming from the plan.

Are you interested in old buildings? Are you aware of old structures, trails and special landscapes that reflect important aspects of our history? Let us know what sites you think should be included on Strathcona County’s Places of Interest list.

Contact Yolande Shaw at yolande.shaw@strathcona.ca or at 780-410-8556.