citypulseSUMMER 2018 Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove
Be a PAW-SITIVE pet owner! page 25
CONNECT THE DROPS Save water and money this summer page 22 CANADA DAY RECYCLING, CELEBRATION! ORGANICS, JOIN US JULY 1 page 14 TRASH, OH MY! Sort your waste like a pro page 33
A LOOK BACK AT 2017: YEAR IN REVIEW – PAGE 37 CITY OF SPRUCE GROVE Phone: 780-962-2611 Emergency Numbers City Directory Police, Fire, Ambulance 911 Fax: 780-962-2526
Animal Control 780-962-7586 Mayor and Council 780-962-7604 Arena/Agrena 780-962-2031 Parks Maintenance 780-962-7584 Building Permits 780-962-7582 Permit Inspections Hotline 780-962-7576 Business Licences 780-962-7588 Pioneer Cemetery 780-962-7584 City Hall Ticket Centre 780-962-8995 Planning and Development 780-962-7582 Compliance Requests 780-962-7582 Public Library 780-962-4423 Dangerous Goods Routes 780-962-4496 RCMP Development Complaints 780-962-7582 • Administration 780-962-2289 Development Permits • Complaints 780-962-2222 • Commercial 780-962-7582 Recreation Services 780-962-7579 • Residential 780-962-7634 ext 173 Residential Waste 780-962-7584 Districting/Zoning 780-962-7582 Roads and Drainage 780-962-7584 Economic Development 780-962-7608 Seasonal Sports Field Hotline 780-962-7602 Enforcement Services Specialized Transit Service (STS) 780-962-2456 • Complaints 780-962-7586 • Inquiries 780-962-7585 Street Light Repairs (Fortis) 780-310-9473 Engineering 780-962-7582 Taxes 780-962-7634 ext 119 Facility Bookings 780-962-7579 TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre 780-960-5080 Family and Community Support Transit (ETS Bus Link – 24 hour) 780-442-5311 Services (FCSS) 780-962-7618 Tourism/Visitor Information 780-962-2561 Fire Services – Administration 780-962-4496 Utility Billing 780-962-7597 Human Resources 780-962-7634 ext 107 Utility Hook Ups 780-962-7597 Lot Grading 780-962-7634 ext 174 Water and Sewer Trouble (24 hour) 780-962-7584
Stay in touch [email protected] @CitySpruceGrove @CityofSpruceGrove www.sprucegrove.org/citypulse facebook.com/sprucegrove youtube.com/CityofSpruceGrove
2 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 Fun in the sun
Summer is officially in full bloom in Spruce Grove! Look for our Pop-Up Playground at a park near you The warm weather and longer days are here, making in July and August and cool off at the Ken Morrison/ it easy to shed those winter layers, slip on your REMAX Excellence Spray Park in Jubilee Park. With sandals and explore our growing community. more than 50 interactive features, change rooms and a dry seating space, it’s sure to be a family favourite! With plenty of local activities and amenities to keep And don’t forget about our Canada Day Celebration you busy, including dozens of parks, an expansive trail on July 1 with live music, family-friendly activities and network and a variety of events to attend, it’s easy an impressive fireworks display to cap off the night. to enjoy summer in our city! But if you’re looking for suggestions, we have a few ideas to get you started. Or, you could always create your own adventure at home! Go for a bike ride, take a walk in your neighbourhood Why not try hosting a summer block party? It’s a fun way or install a backyard fire pit for roasting marshmallows to get to know other families who live on your street (just remember to get a free fire pit permit first!). and build community spirit. Or if bargain hunting is more your style, you may want to go searching for new-to-you However you choose to spend your summer, it’s a treasures using the City’s garage sale program. We’ve wonderful time of year to connect with family and friends. even made some enhancements to the online map Take advantage of all that’s happening in the city this of the garage sale listings, so it’s now mobile friendly year—there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Spruce Grove! and more interactive (just don’t read and drive!).
Check out our 2017 Year in Review on page 37
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 3 Contents Cityscape
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20 33
In Every Issue
7 City Minute 8 Open Books A quick look at what’s happening around The City’s financial data is being made public Spruce Grove. through a new online portal.
18 City facility rentals 18 FoOtlights Summer Drama Classes and Director’s Cut Summer Film Camp Planning a party or other type of event? The City has rental facilities for events Camps for kids to explore their inner actor both big and small. or director.
32 Waste collection 28 Construction season Find out how and when to place your carts Learn about upcoming summer road and blue bags out for pickup. construction projects.
30 Beware The Clog! 19 16 What you flush may come back to haunt you.
33 Trash it – properly! Take the guesswork out of sorting waste.
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4 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 Home & Life 28 10 Pop-Up Playground 28 We’re coming to a playground near you!
14 Canada Day Celebration Join the party at Jubilee Park!
19 Rep your city 28 Get involved with our Spruce Grove model call.
22 Connect the drops Save water and money this summer. Upcoming events Free-cycle 24 Permit your pit June 9–10 www.sprucegrove.org/freecycle Ensure your backyard fire pit is installed according to City guidelines. Large item pickup June 11–15 25 Take the lead www.sprucegrove.org/largeitem Simple steps to ensure you and your pets are paw-sitive citizens of the city. E-roundup Saturday, June 16 www.sprucegrove.org/eroundup
Features Shred-4-Free June 16 www.sprucegrove.org/shred 20 Mapping our community Down to the last detail. Canada Day Celebration July 1 37 Year in Review Jubilee Park A look back at 2017 in Spruce Grove. www.sprucegrove.org/celebrate
Tri-Municipal Region’s Registration Fair Aug. 23 37 25 6 – 8:30 p.m. TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre www.sprucegrove.org/infofair
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 5 Serving the community of choice
Pictured left to right: Councillor Wayne Rothe, Councillor Erin Stevenson, Councillor Dave Oldham, Meet your council Mayor Stuart Houston, Councillor Michelle Gruhlke, Councillor Chantal McKenzie, Councillor Searle Turton
Meetings to go Council meeting dates 2018 Interested in attending a Spruce Grove City Council at a glance meeting or Committee of the Whole meeting, but not Spruce Grove City Council meetings and Committee of able to make it to City Hall? We’ve got you covered. the Whole meetings typically occur on Monday evenings The City posts podcasts of every meeting online the (or Tuesday, if the Monday is a statutory holiday), starting day following the meeting. Depending on your browser at 6 p.m. in council chambers on the third floor of City Hall. type and viewing device, the podcast file will either be All council meetings are open to the public. Dates can downloaded directly to your desktop or streamed over change so for the most up-to-date council meeting the Internet. For more information and the three most calendar, visit www.sprucegrove.org/calendar. recent podcasts, visit www.sprucegrove.org/podcast.
Mayor and Council – 780-962-7604 [email protected]
6 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 CITY Serving the MINUTE community of choice Meet & greet Host a block party this summer Garage sales and meet your neighbours while helping to build community spirit! Do you love finding a great deal? And when you register your event Or do you need to clear out with the City’s Block Party program, your closet (or kids’ toy room you will also receive a helpful kit or basement or office)? Either full of tips and tools to make your way, check out the City’s free party a success. garage sale advertising program to promote and find garage sales www.sprucegrove.org/blockparty in Spruce Grove. www.sprucegrove.org/garagesales
Summer storage If you own a recreational vehicle, you are permitted Home improvements to park it on an authorized driveway in your front Thinking of sprucing up your or side yard between May 1 and Oct. 31. backyard with a new deck The RV must be safely parked and or building a shed to store can’t project onto the sidewalk, street your seasonal tools? Before or alley, or create a negative impact you head to the home on your neighbours’ enjoyment improvement store, stop of their property. by the City’s Planning and www.sprucegrove.org/RVstorage Development department to determine what, if any, permits you may require for your project. www.sprucegrove.org/permits Keep cool Stay cool this summer with a trip to the Ken Morrison/REMAX Grass cycling Excellence Spray Park at Jubilee Park. The spray park is When mowing your lawn, consider leaving your expected to open on June 1 and grass clippings on the ground instead of bagging with more than 50 interactive them. Not only does this reduce yard waste, and integrated play features, but it also helps retrain moisture, which can save it’s a great place to spend you money on your water bill. If you do want a sunny day in Spruce Grove! to dispose of your clippings, place them in your green organics cart for collection. www.sprucegrove.org/spraypark www.sprucegrove.org/organics
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 7 Open Books
The City is opening its books to the public through a new online portal that provides access to both monthly and annual financial data. The Open Books tool allows users to explore the City’s financial information in a variety of ways, using charts and graphs to explore historical trends and comparison to budget for revenues and expenses. “Open Books enables us to demonstrate accountability for public funds in a way that is both accessible and understandable,” says Chief Financial Officer Louise Frostad. “We provide the City’s financial statements on a quarterly basis, but we realize those are technical documents. Through Open Books, we’re able to provide the same information in a more user-friendly way.” The information will be updated every three months to coincide with the presentation of quarterly financial results to city council. The two main reports that will be available are: 1. Current Year Results – Monthly. This report captures the City’s revenue and expenses by month. It also shows the types of activities as well as the department that is spending the money and compares to the budget. 2. Historical Results – Annual. This report shows the City’s revenues and expenses by year and is a good way to identify trends over time. No account set up or log in is required to access Open Books and data can be viewed in one of five graph formats: a percentage graph, a stacked graph, a line graph, a pie graph, and a bar graph. To access specific information, users simply hover over an area of the graph or click on a section of the graph to drill down to the next level of detail. There are pre-set views for popular reports and a variety of filters that can be applied to the data as well. Users can also download copies of the graphs as an image or a spreadsheet, or share the reports through their social media accounts. For more information visit www.sprucegrove.org/openbooks.
8 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 9 Pop-Up Playground We’re coming to a playground near you!
If you’re looking for ways to fill your summer days, the City’s annual Pop-Up Playground is back and a great way to enjoy summer in the city—for free—with your friends and family. Geared primarily towards children ages five and up, Pop-Up Playground takes place throughout the parks of Spruce Grove and features a variety of games and crafts. Designed for kids to attend with friends, parents or caregivers, it offers daily activities that connect to a weekly theme. “We created this program as a way to encourage community members to get out and explore the city,” says Helen Meyer, Open Spaces Coordinator with the City. “It has a drop-in format with no pre-registration or commitment required, so you can pop-in when it best suits your schedule.” Facilitated by staff from Spruce Grove’s Summer in the City program, Pop-Up Playground will run from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on weekdays between July 3 and Aug. 23 (with the exception of holidays or in the event of inclement weather). “We’re looking forward to another great season in the community,” Meyer says. “It’s a great way to keep the kids active and outdoors during the summer months.” www.sprucegrove.org/popup
10 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 When and where Monday–Friday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Mondays: Woodhaven Middle School playground Tuesdays: Living Waters Christian Academy playground Wednesdays: Jubilee Park playground Thursdays: Century Crossing playground Fridays: Jubilee Park playground Toddler Tent July 3–6...... School’s Out For Summer A favourite feature for parents and July 9–13...... Bubbles young tots! Visit the Toddler Tent to July 16–20...... Summer Games enjoy toys and games appropriate for July 23–27...... Going Green younger children who want to join in the fun, but aren’t quite ready for the July 30–Aug. 3...... Power Play big leagues of Pop-Up Playground. Aug. 7–10...... Mega Mystery Make a craft or play with outdoor Aug. 13–17...... Gold Rush toys suitable for wee ones. Aug. 20–23...... Jumbo Jubilee Every day at Jubilee Park
Please keep in mind: • This program is loosely structured so Leaders in Training children can come and go as they please. • The recommended age for participants Each year, Leaders in Training help run is five and up; however younger children Pop-Up Playground and other Summer in the are welcome to attend as long as they are City programs through July and August. accompanied by a parent or guardian. Volunteers must be at least 13 years of age or older • Parents are responsible for their children and have completed Grade 7. Participants who at all times. Due to the drop-in format of complete 35 hours of volunteering will receive the program, staff do not collect personal a certificate of completion and reference letter. information that could be used to contact For complete eligibility details and to apply, visit parents in case of emergency. www.sprucegrove.org/leaders. • If the weather decides to be less than cooperative on any particular day, the program may be cancelled.
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 11 Aspenglen Park Calahoo Road and Grove Drive
12 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 CALLING ALL BARGAIN HUNTERS!
The City’s FREE garage sale advertising program is back for another season! • Submit your sale information online to have it advertised on the City’s website • Access an online, interactive and mobile-friendly map of garage sale listings in Spruce Grove
How it works: • You can submit your garage sale advertising request a maximum of 10 days before your sale is scheduled at www.sprucegrove.org/garagesales. Request forms are also available at City Hall. Advertising requests will not be accepted over the phone. The deadline to provide sale information is Wednesday at 2 p.m. for sales occurring that weekend. • An online list of garage sales, including an interactive map, is posted on the City’s website by noon each Thursday. A printable map is also available. • Only garage sales that are being held within City limits can be advertised through the program.
The garage sale program will end the last full weekend in September.
Rep your city!
Get involved with our We’re looking for: Spruce Grove model call • Community members of all ages and backgrounds • Single people, couples and families Are you a big fan of our community? • Households with furry family members We may not have an official team jersey, but we are looking for Spruce Grove residents who want to rep You also need a sense of adventure, as you never the city by participating in some local photo shoots. know what we may ask you to do! Enjoy a picnic in the park, take your dog for a walk in the trail system or go We want to set up photo shoots with local individuals for coffee with your partner. With so many ways to rep and families to capture those everyday moments that Spruce Grove, the options are endless! make living in Spruce Grove great. Help us promote the city and highlight some of the great features in our Visitwww.sprucegrove.org/garagesales www.sprucegrove.org/modelcall for full details! community and have fun doing it!
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 13 SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2018 Jubilee Park, 510 Grove Dr.
www.sprucegrove.org/celebrate
Getting there The Canada Day Celebration is held at Jubilee Park, Park and ride located at 510 Grove Dr., east of Spruce Village. A free park and ride service will run approximately There is no on-site parking and parking in the every 20 to 30 minutes. The school buses will be able nearby residential areas is discouraged (and could to accommodate and store strollers for the ride. result in a tow and a ticket!). There are several No animals, with the exception of service dogs, are alternate ways you can get to the celebration. permitted on the buses. Public park and ride locations are: Walk • Agrena – 9 Agrena Rd. Enjoy the many trails that lead to Jubilee Park • Spruce Grove Composite High School – or park in Greystone Centennial Middle School’s 1000 Calahoo Rd. transit lot, located at 130 Greystone Dr., and walk • NEW! – Woodhaven Middle School – 475 King St. to the celebration. • St. Marguerite School/St. Thomas Aquinas High School – 381 Grove Dr. On two wheels • St. Peter the Apostle Catholic High School – Hop on a bike and wheel into the manned bike 10 Harvest Ridge Dr. lock up or use one of many bike racks on site. • TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre – 221 Jennifer Heil Way Canada Day volunteers are invited to park and ride Accessible parking at Brookwood School, located at 460 King St. Accessible parking with shuttle service will be The drop off location at Jubilee Park will be in the available in front of Greystone Centennial Middle Greenbury neighbourhood, along Greenbury School. A limited amount of wheelchairs are Boulevard. Bus departures from Jubilee Park available on site. will be located along Grove Drive.
14 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 Volunteer! Be part of the excitement! Volunteers make great events possible and we need you to assist with Spruce Grove’s Canada Day Celebration. There are opportunities for individuals and non-profit organizations to take part. Volunteer opportunities include: • Site maintenance • Helping with activities • Host teams Non-profit groups have an opportunity to earn funds for volunteering through the Community Service Partnership Program, an initiative that allows groups to donate time in exchange for an honorarium. For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.sprucegrove.org/CDvolunteer.
Planning your day Have a safe and enjoyable time at the Canada Day Celebration. When planning your day, please keep these tips in mind: • All events are outdoors; check the weather forecast before leaving, dress appropriately and be prepared. • Dog owners are strongly encouraged to leave pets at home. • Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas. • Alcohol is not permitted outside the designated beverage tent. • Fire pits will be closed for the day of the celebration. • Bring cash and/or your bank card. Most vendors only take cash; ATMs will be on site. • Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up on site.
Giving back Canada Day Everyone is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the Parkland Food Bank. Donation boxes will be available Celebration Guide near the information tents. Together we can make a big difference! Watch for the Canada Day Celebration Guide, arriving in mailboxes in mid-June. It will have all the information you need to celebrate with us in Jubilee Park!
MORE!
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 15 What’s happening this year? Jubilee Park will be brimming with a range of activities this year, including many of our popular favourites, as well as some new additions to the mix!
Pancake breakfast Heritage Tent Orbis Sports 9–11 a.m. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Fuel up for the day with a $3 pancake Celebrating different cultures that make Orbis Sports is hosting a hub of activities breakfast provided by the Knights of up our country. Meet people from our in AdventureZone including Bubble Columbus. Breakfast will be available Indigenous beginnings and experience Sports, Lazer Tag and Archery Tag. for the first 2,000 people. activities typical to the ethnic groups Bubble Sports and Lazer Tag are suitable represented in the tent. for all ages, while Archery Tag is best for ages 12 and up. Exhibitor Tent 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Aerials Gymnastics Enter draws, collect information, meet Tumble your way to fun with Aerials local groups, charities, clubs and Gymnastics! Enjoy activities, games businesses. and enter a draw to win a great prize. Spray park Commemorative craft Community Stage 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Spark your creative talents with Spruce Grove Public Library staff 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Bring your swimsuits and splash around at the Ken Morrison/REMAX Excellence who will encourage you to create Enjoy live entertainment by local musicians, Spray Park. Just be sure to bring a towel a unique masterpiece. dance groups, cheer teams and a magician and dry clothes to play on the inflatables who is sure to mesmerize young and after splashing! Fireworks old alike! 11 p.m. Inflatable bouncers Warriors Ravens United Always a crowd favourite, a thrilling 10 a.m.–8 p.m. fireworks show will cap off the evening. Volleyball Tournament Navigate through obstacle courses, slides Bus departures following the fireworks 9:30 a.m. and more. Participants must meet height are from Grove Drive. Rally your friends for a fun 2’s grass requirements to play on the bouncers. tournament! Categories are U15, U16, U17 and adult. For costs and to register online Pop-Up Playground Children’s entertainment visit www.sprucegrove.org/celebrate. and Toddler Tent Sheldon Casavant Rally for Fun 10 a.m.–8 p.m. 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Pop-Up Playground is a free drop-in 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. program with fun activities, crafts and One grass volleyball court will be on the Community Stage games that pop-up throughout the parks designated for spontaneous play Imagine a mind-bending experience of Spruce Grove in July and August. throughout the day. where borrowed objects vanish and And for those not quite ready for the reappear, float through the air and big leagues of Pop-Up Playground, the Paint It challenge your perceptions of reality. Toddler Tent is a favourite feature for Laughter, amazement and excitement: 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. (two sessions) parents and wee ones. Join in during this Sheldon Casavant’s light-hearted Celebrate Canada Day by painting a sneak-peek event to see what all the fun magic show will leave you with canvas with friends. No previous painting is about! memories that will last a lifetime. experience is required to attend, but participants must be 16 years of age or Face painting older. To pre-register visit www.letsrelax.ca. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Circus workshop tent Join in the fun of a new look! Talented face painters will be on hand to create 10 a.m.–6 p.m. beautiful art with you as their canvas. Spin plates, juggle, walk a tightrope, Choose a small or large design, priced it’s all possible in the circus tent! Learn accordingly. Cash only. from the best with hands on activities throughout the day.
For a FULL list of all the great entertainment, exhibitors, as well as the food and product vendors that will be on site, visit www.sprucegrove.org/celebrate.
16 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 Canada Day Mainstage entertainment Wrap up your Canada Day festivities by enjoying some fantastic entertainment on the Beaverbrook Mainstage from 7–11 p.m.
Red Moon Road Boxcar Campfire Folk-Rock Country Blues with a Touch of Cabaret 7–7:45 p.m. 8–8:45 p.m. Red Moon Road makes Boxcar Campfire was originally a much bigger sound created by Cousin Harley lead than one would Paul Pigat as a way for him expect from a trio. to “bring it down a bit”. It has In an impressive since taken on a life of its well-choreographed own, with a new recording show they incorporate and a touring project that impeccable three-part allows a more reflective harmonies, a roots drum and insular shade of Pigat’s kit split entertainingly creativity to come into play. between two band members, and an acoustic guitar rigged to Those with sharp ears will hear also be a bass. A moustached man plays mandolin, lap steel, snatches of everything from banjo and organ, and subtle technological wizardry whirls Debussy to Jimmy Roger blues as the unmistakable soulful voice of one of Canada’s premiere inflections thrown into the mix, but — as always — the sounds songstresses floats above it all. Honed in house concerts and Pigat creates are all his own. With long gone days of railroad main stage festival appearances alike, Red Moon Road is a steam trailing out back of his head as he sings of possums tapestry of song, masterful storytelling and spontaneous banter, in the pot and holes in his heart, this music gets you in the woven seamlessly into something truly exceptional. mood to hit the open road. Presented by the Horizon Stagelighters Presented by the Horizon Stagelighters
Madeline Merlo Country Music 9:45–11 p.m. Hailing from Maple Ridge, B.C., Madeline Merlo is an award-winning artist, with four Top 15 singles under her belt, who has opened for Keith Urban, Dean Brody and Paul Brandt. After winning CCMA Rising Star in 2015 and BCCMA Female Artist of the Year two years in a row, Madeline released a series of successful singles including “Whatcha Wanna Do About It”, “War Paint”, which was the #1 Most Added country song in Canada in its debut week, and the soulful breakup ballad “Over & Over”. Her latest single, “Motel Flamingo,” is a vibrant, upbeat track that flew up the charts and landed in the Top 10 on Canadian Country Radio. Also a talented actress, in 2017 Madeline played lead role in the musical film Country Crush. Madeline has always had eclectic taste, and in her music you’ll hear the influence of classic country artists like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, R&B greats Etta James and Billie Holiday, and modern superstars such as Miranda Lambert. She is a champion of local artisans with a passion for promoting new designers and a free-spirited style that is as unique as her sound. Presented by Horizon Stage
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 17
FoOtlights Director’s Cut SUMMER DRAMA CLASSES Summer Film Camp Lego/Clay Animation (ages 7–10) Acting I (ages 6–7) Dates: July 16–20 Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Cost: $100 Dates: July 23 – 27 Time: 9 a.m. –4 p.m. Cost: $280 Jam-packed with a variety of games and basic drama Participants will work in small crews to storyboard, build exercises suitable for younger children, Acting I a script, design mini sets and characters with Lego or is a five-morning drama camp where kids will be clay, and then capture their film through the art of stop encouraged to play, pretend and let their sillies out. motion animation. In post-production, sound effects, Acting II (ages 8–9) music, voice overs, and titles will be added! Hollywood Dates: July 16–20 Time: 1–4 p.m. Cost: $130 A List activities will be included as part of the week This five-afternoon drama camp will use a variety of drama and family and friends will be invited to a red carpet games and techniques to encourage kids to explore and popcorn film festival on Friday afternoon. Students will expand their acting skills. Throughout the week, Acting II receive copies of their finished movies to share with the students will work on a short showcase piece that they world! Participants must bring a peanut-free bagged lunch will present at Horizon Stage on the last day of camp. each day and may be asked to provide their own Lego.
Acting III (ages 10–13) Dates: Aug. 13–17 Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Cost: $200 Acting III is a more intense, full-day camp that will use Location drama games, improvisation techniques, character All classes will be held at the Border Paving Athletic Centre, and scene work to help students delve deeper into located at 9 Tri Leisure Way, unless otherwise noted. their acting abilities. Throughout the week they will work together to create a showcase piece to present For information or to register: at Horizon Stage on the last day of camp. Participants • Call 780-962-8995 must bring a peanut-free bagged lunch each day. • Visit horizonstage.com Need space? We’ve got you covered
The City of Spruce Grove provides a variety of facilities and smaller spaces to rent. • Wedding receptions • Anniversary celebrations • Birthdays • Programs and meetings • Ball diamonds • Arenas • Sports fields • And more!
Visit www.sprucegrove.org/facilityrentals or call 780-962-7579.
18 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 Rep your city!
Get involved with our We’re looking for: Spruce Grove model call • Community members of all ages and backgrounds • Single people, couples and families Are you a big fan of our community? • Households with furry family members We may not have an official team jersey, but we are looking for Spruce Grove residents who want to rep You also need a sense of adventure, as you never the city by participating in some local photo shoots. know what we may ask you to do! Enjoy a picnic in the park, take your dog for a walk in the trail system or go We want to set up photo shoots with local individuals for coffee with your partner. With so many ways to rep and families to capture those everyday moments that Spruce Grove, the options are endless! make living in Spruce Grove great. Help us promote the city and highlight some of the great features in our Visit www.sprucegrove.org/modelcall for full details! community and have fun doing it!
PLEASE NOTE: We will contact you directly if we require additional information. Any photos that are taken as part of this model call may be used for marketing and promotional purposes. This is a voluntary program with no monetary compensation. Selected participants will receive copies of any photos and a special “Spruce Grove” thank you gift.
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 19 Mapping our community Down to the last detail
Ever wondered how your mobile device knows where the closest coffee shop, gas station or grocery store is located in comparison to where you are, and precisely how far away it is? The answer is Geographic Information System—or GIS—technology. It uses an extensive inventory of data, which is collected using GPS equipment, computer-generated drawings and aerial photos, to find and analyze location-based information. And while you may use it to get your morning caffeine fix, GIS technology is being used at the City to catalogue information — everything from how It has also been used to generate many kilometres of paved and gravel hundreds of different maps that trails are in the community to specific illustrate, track and help determine how addresses and road names. Spruce Grove is growing. For City staff, It has also been used to build an online that information is indispensable as interactive map, which is available to the they work on a variety of projects, from public at www.sprucegrove.org/GIS. short-term plans to long-term needs. Using this map, residents can check For instance, the data helps determine the assessment value of not only where to build new roads or locate their property, but every property in new green spaces. It assists with transit Spruce Grove. The map also contains planning, including where future bus additional information about local routes and stops may be required. For infrastructure, including the number staff who work on the City’s annual and location of sanitary lines and census, it helps define enumeration stormwater ponds in the city. areas and analyze local growth trends. “We’re using GIS technology to “The GIS data we collect is a tool that create a digital blueprint of Spruce benefits our residents and helps save Grove by mapping what’s above the City time and money while carrying ground and what’s below,” says Don out its day-to-day business,” says Hemakumara, GIS Supervisor with Hemakumara. “But for me, the most the City. “As a result, we can pinpoint exciting part is that this technology is the exact coordinates of any location constantly evolving, so there will always in the community and report useful be more data to collect and we will information pertaining to that spot.” continue to find new ways to apply it.”
20 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 The GIS data we collect is a tool that benefits our residents and helps save the City time and money while carrying out its day-to-day business – Don Hemakumara
The City’s GIS data has catalogued: 175 km of water mains 220.13 km of roads 6.6 km of highway 25.19 km of arterial roads 36.24 km of collector roads 97.23 km of local roads 1.68 km of ramps 10.62 km of private roads 42.57 km of alleys 67.42 km of trails 46.52 km asphalt 14.17 km concrete 1.63 km gravel 5.1 km shale 1,142 fire hydrants 970 City-owned 172 privately-owned
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 21 Connect the drops Save water and money this summer The summer weather is here and your instincts are saying, “Water the lawn. Wash your vehicle. Let’s run through the sprinkler with the kids!” But using more water costs more money – and it can be a waste of both. Avoid these water wasting pitfalls to help save water and reduce your utility bill at the same time.
22 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 X DON’T Over water your lawn ✓ INSTEAD Use a rain gauge to track the total amount of water your lawn gets, including rainfall. Your lawn only X needs 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) DON’T of water each week to grow. Rain gauges are available at local home Water before a rainfall improvement stores. ✓ INSTEAD Watch the weather forecast and X let Mother Nature water your DON’T lawn or garden for you! Water during the peak of the day ✓ X INSTEAD DON’T Water your lawn in the early Wash your morning or late in the vehicle at evening so you don’t lose home ✓ as much to evaporation. INSTEAD Take your vehicle to a local car wash to conserve water and prevent chemical runoff from entering the City’s stormwater sewer system.
X DON’T Use water for entertainment
✓ X INSTEAD Have fun at the spray park or a splash DON’T pad in Spruce Grove. All of the water Waste rain used at the spray park in Jubilee Park water is recycled through a re-circulating water system, making it both water ✓ and energy efficient. INSTEAD Collect rain water in a rain barrel and use it to water your lawn and gardens.
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 23 Permit your pit
Enjoying a backyard hotdog roast is a summer tradition for Fire Services will conduct a free inspection of your many area residents, but before you break out the buns fire pit to ensure it is located in a safe place and once and condiments, you need to add one thing to the top of approved, your permit will remain valid as long as no your list – getting a permit for your backyard fire pit. changes are made to its structure. If you have moved to a home with an existing fire pit, you are required to In Spruce Grove, residential fire pits and outdoor fireplaces have it re-inspected and changed over to your name. require a permit and must be installed according to the City’s guidelines. So, if you’re adding open flames For complete fire pit guidelines and to submit a free to your backyard this summer, make sure you review permit application, visit www.sprucegrove.org/firepit. the guidelines and submit a free permit application to Spruce Grove Fire Services for approval.
Backyard fire pit safety • Never leave your fire unattended. • Keep children and pets a safe distance from the fire. • Consider weather conditions; high wind speeds may send smoke or sparks long distances. • Make sure there is a good supply of water close by. • A fire pit screen is not mandatory, however it is an excellent spark inhibitor. • Fire pits must be at least 10 feet from any property line, fence or structure.
ROAST THE PERFECT MARSHMALLOW + = PREPARE: ROAST: EAT: Place your marshmallow on a Carefully rotate your marshmallow so Carefully remove your marshmallow metal skewer and find a spot it roasts evenly on all sides and have from the skewer (it will be hot!) and approximately six inches away patience. The slower it roasts, the gooier enjoy. Kick it up a notch by adding from the bottom of your fire for the centre will become. You’ll know it’s some graham crackers and chocolate cooking. Look for low, even heat reached roasted marshmallow perfection to make the perfect s’more. Sharing instead of a roaring flame. when the outside turns golden brown. is optional, but encouraged!
Questions? Call Spruce Grove Fire Services at 780-962-4496..
24 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 Take the lead Be a responsible pet owner
If your household includes members of the furry and four-legged variety, there are some simple steps you can take this summer to ensure both you and your pets are paw-sitive citizens of the city.
www.sprucegrove.org/pets
LOST AND FOUND If you’ve lost or found a dog in Spruce Grove, contact Spruce Grove Enforcement Services at 780-962-7586 to file a missing pet report or have a Community Peace Officer take it to the Parkland County Animal Shelter. DOGGY ID Residents are also permitted to take lost and found If your dogs are off your animals directly to the Parkland County Animal Shelter, property, they are required by located at 2700–48 St. in Stony Plain. the City to wear a dog tag on their collar or harness that displays your current phone number. If they get lost, their doggy ID will help reunite your family. USE A LEASH Your pets can enjoy most public spaces in Spruce Grove, but you must keep them on a leash at all times. This includes playgrounds, the Heritage Park trail system, Central Park and Jubilee Park. BEAT THE HEAT Animals can experience heat stroke and other harmful effects of the warm weather. Help keep them comfortable and hydrated SCOOP THAT POOP Pet owners in Spruce Grove must with lots of water and never clean up after their animals when leave them unattended in a using public spaces. Failure to do vehicle or in extreme heat. so can result in a fine, so remember to always carry pet waste bags when you’re out in the community.
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Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 25 This is our community too
You’ve probably seen us, in our bright orange and yellow, as we do our jobs. Mowing the sports fields where your kids play soccer. Emptying the garbage cans along the path where you walk your dog. Watering the flower planters that brighten your drive to work. Fixing a water main line so you can have a hot shower. Repairing the streets that get you where you need to go. We work here, but many of us live here too. We care about this community and all the people who call it home. When you see us this summer, please slow down and give us room to work. It’s the courteous and the safe thing to do – for everyone involved.
Let’s work together so we can all go home at the end of the day.
26 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 A LOOK BACK AT 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW
2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Don’t be a noisy neighbour With longer daylight hours during the summer months, it’s normal to spend more time working and playing outside, but be cognizant of how much noise you are making. If you are having people over and spending time outdoors, try and keep the noise to a reasonable level. The City’s noise bylaw permits the use of domestic equipment, which includes items like lawn mowers, weed trimmers and garden tillers, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. If you need to file a noise complaint, call Enforcement Services SEE PAGE 37 at 780-962-7585. www.sprucegrove.org/bylaws
Join our team! If you’re looking for a welcoming and rewarding place to work, consider joining the City of Spruce Grove! We are truly the “employer of choice,” offering excellent benefits and a friendly, family-oriented culture.
Some of the many perks of working with us include: We value our employees and demonstrate this daily • A comprehensive health benefit plan in how we do business. • Defined benefit pension plans For current employment opportunities, visit www.sprucegrove.org/careers. Applications are • A safe working environment only accepted online. • Employer-supported employee wellness and social activities Join us and see why we’re the • Prime parking organization of choice! • Training and development • Casual Fridays
www.sprucegrove.org/careers
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 27 HIGHWAY 16 HIGHWAY 16
Construction season GROVE DRIVE
It’s often said that summer is construction season and Spruce Grove is no exception with road work planned in several areas of the city.
Regular maintenance In addition to the large road construction projects, City crews also conduct regular maintenance and repairs on JENNIFER HEIL WAY streets and CALAHOO ROAD
sidewalks throughout the community, PIONEER ROAD including: • Crack sealing CENTURY ROAD CENTURY • Street sweeping • Line painting • Pothole repairs • Asphalt repairs • Concrete repairs and maintenance • Traffic light repairs and maintenance • Drainage maintenance HIGHWAY 16A HIGHWAY 16A
Slow down! When driving through construction zones, drivers are reminded to slow down, obey all posted speed limits, and watch for portable traffic signs or flag people who may be in place to manage traffic flow. And please give crews room to work so everyone can get home safely at the end of the day. CAMPSITE ROAD GOLDEN SPIKE ROAD
28 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 HIGHWAY 16 HIGHWAY 16
GROVE DRIVE
Road resurfacing projects Anticipated start date: May 15 Anticipated completion date: End of August
• Several streets in the Broxton Park neighbourhood will be resurfaced, specifically: Gosset Place, Oatway Street, Collingwood Avenue and Bristow Crescent. • Golden Spike Road will be resurfaced from Diamond Avenue to the CN Rail line.
Water main replacement A water main replacement project will occur in the Broxton Park neighbourhood along Arlington Street, Berkeley Street, Dorchester Road, Linthorpe Road and JENNIFER HEIL WAY Linden Street North. CALAHOO ROAD PIONEER ROAD Impact: Households that will be impacted by this work will receive advance notice. At some point in the project, each home CENTURY ROAD CENTURY will be connected to an alternate water feed. During construction, street access and parking in the area will be limited. Anticipated start date: Mid-May Anticipated completion date: End of August Storm system upgrades A storm system upgrades project will occur in the Broxton Park neighbourhood on Bristow Crescent and Collingwood HIGHWAY 16A Avenue. HIGHWAY 16A Impact: Households that will be impacted by this work will receive advance notice. Pioneer Road extension During construction, street access and Pioneer Road will be extended from Grove Drive parking in the area will be limited. to Highway 16A. Traffic signals will also be Anticipated start date: installed at the intersection of Grove Drive Beginning of June and Highway 16A. Anticipated completion date: Impact: There is no anticipated impact to End of June N residents or traffic during this construction work. Anticipated start date: Currently underway Anticipated completion date: End of November CAMPSITE ROAD GOLDEN SPIKE ROAD
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 29 30 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 Beware The Clog! What you flush may come back to haunt you
Think that facial tissue or piece of floss you flushed down your toilet isn’t a big deal? Be wary of products that claim to be Think again. “flushable”. The Municipal Enforcement The City’s sewer system, like all municipal sewer systems, Sewer Use Group estimates Canadians spend is only designed to handle the three Ps – pee, poo and toilet $250 million annually to clean up clogs paper – and a regional campaign is working to educate caused just by flushable wipes. Despite the residents about the risks of flushing anything else. branding, the fact is wipes don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper; instead, they act like To avoid a nasty and expensive encounter with The Clog, the Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission, which a net that catches other solids including things is comprised of 13 municipalities including Spruce Grove, like hair, facial tissues and paper towel, slowly is reminding residents not to use their toilets as a building until they form one big clog. garbage disposal. To be safe, throw all wipes, including pet, baby or cleaning wipes, in the trash. “We want to help make people aware of proper wastewater management,” explains Mark Hussey, the City’s Director of Engineering. “When items other than the three Ps are disposed of through the sewer system, they can and will dam up the line. Eventually this will result in a clog and that sewer water will have nowhere to go but back where it came from – which is usually someone’s home.” To avoid an encounter with In some cases, improperly disposed of products can also corrode the sewer lines, which impacts the long-term The Clog, never flush: viability of the sewer system. • Feminine hygiene products “Sewer line repair work is a timely and expensive job,” • Small toys says Hussey. “You have to isolate the blockage, clean • Rags up the mess, assess the damage and then repair the • Pet, baby, or cleaning wipes (all line, and that all comes with a substantial price tag.” wipes should be trashed) For individual homeowners, a sewer backup can cause • Fats, oils or greases significant property damage and come with a pricey • Condoms or wrappers repair bill. • Cotton balls or swabs Residents can reduce the risk of a visit from The Clog, • Prescription medication and help extend the life of the City’s sewer lines, by • Cigarette butts making sure they are properly disposing of waste items. • Bandages “It may not seem like it would do any harm to flush the • Dental floss odd cotton ball or plastic bandage down your toilet, • Cat litter but it all adds up,” says Hussey. “Please do your part to keep the City’s sewer system working efficiently by • Disposable diapers disposing of garage where it belongs – in the trash.” • Hair For more information visit www.theclog.ca.
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 31 WASTE COLLECTION
Weekly collection days BLUE BAGS
Recyclables HIGHWAY 16 HIGHWAY 16 Weekly collection (year-round) Includes: • Aluminum cans MONDAY Acreages in city Linkside • Cardboard Fieldstone Prescott • Magazines Greenbury Spruce Village FRIDAY Hilldowns Stoneshire • Newspapers Deer Park Kenton Tonewood • Office paper Harvest Ridge Hawthorne Heatherglen • Toilet paper rolls GROVE DRIVE Spruce Ridge • Telephone books Sprucewood Villas • Hard plastic bottles/containers THURSDAY TUESDAY Aspenglen Grove Meadows City Centre Lakewood Creekside WEDNESDAY Woodside GREEN CART Jesperdale Brookwood Legacy Park Broxton Park Organics McLaughlin Woodhaven Millgrove Weekly collection: Mobile City Estates Westgrove
April 9 – Nov. 16, 2018 PIONEER ROAD Monthly collection:
December to March in the ROAD CENTURY JENNIFER HEIL WAY second full week of the month ROAD CALAHOO Includes: HIGHWAY 16A • Food waste • Yard waste • Soiled paper and cardboard Space your waste! 1m BLACK CART Garbage Weekly collection (year-round) 1m 1m 1m Includes: • Aluminum foil • Bubble wrap • Cleaning/baby wipes • Disposable diapers Cart lids must be completely closed for pick up and out by 7 a.m. on your collection day. • PlasticTRIM wrap TRIM • StyrofoamYOUR YOUR • Food bagsTRASH (one-time use plastic) Statutory holiday TRASH Holiday Date Collection moves to Spruce Grove’s Spruce Grove’scollection dates: Ultimate Guide to Ultimate Guide to What Goes Where What Goes WhereIf your regular waste collection day falls on a statutory holiday, please put your cart(s) and blue bags out TRIMNot sureTRIM what YOUR TRASHon the date indicated. YOUR Spruce Grove’s Ultimate Guide to What Goes Where goes where? TRASH TRIM YOUR TRASH Spruce Grove’s Spruce Grove’s Ultimate Guide to What Goes Where Ultimate Guide to DownloadWhat Goes Where the Spruce Grove Trim Your Trash app today! Eco Centre More information The Eco Centre is located at 50 Diamond Ave. Report a broken or damaged cart or missed Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. collection: 780-962-7584 Sunday: Closed General waste reduction inquiries: Statutory holidays: Closed 780-962-7634 ext. 194 www.sprucegrove.org/ecocentre APPLE ANDROID Visit www.sprucegrove.org/waste
32 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 Trash it – properly!
Take the guesswork out of sorting waste
Do you know what plastic bags, disposable paper coffee cups and cardboard have in common? They’re among the top items searched on Trim Your Trash, the City’s online guide to what goes where, and are frequently misunderstood by area residents when it comes to knowing how to dispose of them properly. But there’s no reason for them—or any other item—to stump you! CONTINUED ON PAGE 35
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 33 Sort with success
These are some of the most frequently searched items on the City’s Trim Your Trash app – and this is where they should be going for proper disposal!
Plastic bags Disposable coffee cup Cardboard
Styrofoam and styrene products Dog waste (in a compostable bag) Metal can
Aluminum foil, aluminum pie or foil plate Pizza box Plastic container
Black waste cart Green organics cart Blue recycling bag
34 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 On average, 42 items are searched each day through the City’s Trim Download Your Trash app. – Caitlin Van Gaal the app!
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 The City’s waste sorting app is easy to use Launched in April 2017, the City’s Trim Your Trash app and FREE for any iOS and Android device. takes the guesswork out of sorting waste. Residents can use the app to search for specific waste items • Download the Spruce Grove Trim and learn if they should go in the green organics Your Trash app through the App Store cart, blue recycling bag or black waste cart. or Google Play. Over the last year, more than 15,500 items— including Styrofoam products, dog waste and • Search for a specific waste item. plastic containers—have been searched. • Learn if it belongs in your green organics “On average, 42 items are searched each day through cart, blue recycling bag, black waste cart, the City’s Trim Your Trash app,” says Caitlin Van Gaal, at the Eco Centre or the bottle depot. Environment Advisor with the City. “Whether Spruce Grove residents use it when they tidy up after dinner or clean out the garage, it’s great that people are searching specific items to properly sort their waste.” For area residents who have not yet downloaded the app, Van Gaal asks: Why wait? “It’s a simple way to keep this information at your fingertips,” she says. “If you have it handy, APPLE ANDROID you are more likely to sort with success.” That’s important for two reasons: first, it means less waste is heading to landfill; and second, it reduces the risk of contamination. When incorrect items are placed in blue bags or green organics carts—even by accident—it can contaminate the recyclable or organic materials, leading to higher disposal costs. And so you know for next time – a plastic bag should be placed in your black cart, disposable paper coffee cups go in your green organics cart and cardboard is recyclable. www.sprucegrove.org/trimyourtrash
Did you know the City’s Trim Your Trash app also features a fun waste sorting game? Test your knowledge by sorting specific items and build a virtual park as you complete game levels.
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove 35 36 citypulse l SUMMER 2018 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 37 Vision statement
Our Vision As outlined in Building an Exceptional City, the City’s 2015–2035 Strategic Plan, the vision for the future of Spruce Grove is that it is the best place to live, to raise an active, healthy family and to grow a strong, successful business.
Where people choose to live: A dynamic city with an exceptional quality of life Through high quality municipal services, Spruce Grove is a safe, dynamic urban centre with an exceptional quality of life and is a welcoming regional gathering place Where people choose to raise a family: A leading leisure, recreation and sports community Spruce Grove provides exceptional, diverse and high quality leisure, recreation and sports opportunities, complemented with a respected arts and culture environment
Where people choose to grow a business: A strong, diversified regional business Through innovative and supportive business development, Spruce Grove is a prosperous, self-sustaining regional economic home to competitive, successful commercial and industrial companies Our Mission Our mission is to build an exceptional city through innovation, leadership and committed public service. Our Core Values These values guide our commitment to moving forward as an organization to realize our vision for the future of Spruce Grove: • Leadership • Openness and responsiveness • Service excellence • Accountability • Honesty and integrity Our Underlying Principles • Sustainability through sound economic development • Leadership in affordable quality service delivery • Affordability through prudent fiscal management • Leadership in collaboration to ensure best value for all • Building a complete community for all
38 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Table of contents
A look inside Mayor’s message...... 40 City Manager’s message...... 41 City profile...... 42 2017 snapshot...... 44 Where people choose to live...... 46 Spruce Grove votes...... 46 Hometown Hockey...... 47 Ride on!...... 47 There’s an app for that!...... 48 Going green...... 49 All aboard...... 50 Wheels in motion...... 51 Modern and mobile...... 51 Where people choose to raise a family...... 52 2017 census findings...... 54 Continued growth...... 55 Spruce Grove celebrates Canada 150...... 56 Cool summer fun...... 58 Where people choose to grow a business...... 60 Sweet Life Found...... 61 Blueprint for business...... 62 Going up!...... 63 Continued growth...... 64 2017 financial summary...... 65
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 39 MAYOR’S MESSAGE Stuart Houston
Spruce Grove is a community that Sisters Shireen and Chelsea Keith Spruce Grove’s business community cares. Time and again I have seen first- recently moved to Spruce Grove and for many years. But don’t let its small hand how our residents care not only couldn’t be happier with their decision. size fool you – all you need to do is for the city, but each other as well. It’s They are enjoying the many urban take a few steps inside to see owner one of the reasons why Spruce Grove amenities we have to offer, including Sharon Yeast’s passion and commitment is such a great place to call home – great dining and shopping options, but to her customers. She has a true love there is a genuine passion amongst also appreciate the benefits that come for the community, giving back through those who live here to make our city with living in a smaller, established city. fundraisers and volunteerism, and a welcoming and inviting community. For these two young newcomers to our can’t imagine having a business community, Spruce Grove is exceeding anywhere else. And that passion is shared by myself their expectations as a place to live. and my colleagues on Spruce Grove It fills me with a great deal of pride City Council, as well as City Crystal and Kervin Tuazon never when I hear stories like this from our Administration and staff. It’s at the expected to be raising their two community members. It shows that not core of what we do and why we have children in Spruce Grove, but after only are we a community that cares, a long-term strategic plan to help their home was destroyed by the but that we are also on the right path us build Spruce Grove into an wildfire that devastated Fort McMurray for achieving our long-term vision for exceptional city. in 2016, the young family was evacuated Spruce Grove. I know there are more to our city. Overwhelmed by the stories like this in the community and As you flip through our annual Year outpouring of kindness and generosity they are truly our motivation to keep in Review, you will see several of our from the community, when they were moving forward. As a council, we accomplishments from 2017 that are deciding where to raise their family, understand that building an exceptional helping us achieve our vision for the they quickly agreed they didn’t need city is a big undertaking, but we also city. You will also hear – in their own to look any farther than Spruce Grove! have confidence in our residents, in words – stories from local residents our staff and in ourselves that we can who have moved here, are raising Located in a heritage home along one work together to achieve our goal of their family here, and are running of the main highways through our city, making Spruce Grove the Community a successful business here. Gifts and Gadgets has been part of of Choice.
40 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE Robert Cotterill
On behalf of the City of Spruce Grove, still providing our residents with quality Administration. Council develops the I am pleased to present our 2017 service levels. For example, we expanded “big picture” vision for Spruce Grove Year in Review, which highlights many our transit service (see page 50), and staff use that vision to create our of the City’s accomplishments and our launched a new website (see page 51) annual corporate plan, which is our financial position from last year. and updated our Economic Development guiding document for governance, Strategy to focus on making Spruce community development and service As an organization we develop our Grove an attractive place for new delivery. It’s how we take council’s projects and programs to align with business (see page 62). vision and turn it into projects like Spruce Grove City Council’s vision building a new spray park (see page for the community, which is captured It was also a year of celebration 58) or launching a new app to help in our strategic plan Building an and connection in our community, residents effectively sort their waste Exceptional City. This plan is our as we celebrated Canada 150 with (see page 48), as well as manage the 20-year roadmap for the city. It helps an incredible event at Jubilee Park daily tasks of running a municipality. guide and inform our decisions on an (see page 56). Our community annual basis so we can move forward spirit was also on full display as we I am proud of what we achieved last with purpose both today and in welcomed the Roger’s Hometown year and I would encourage you to the future. Hockey Tour (see page 47) to review some of those accomplishments Spruce Grove and despite freezing in this Year in Review. And while we It’s certainly a task that comes with temperatures, the crowds came out should celebrate our successes, we challenges – both anticipated and to enjoy the festival and celebrate also need to plan for tomorrow. With unexpected – but thanks to our our country’s favourite pastime. council’s continued leadership and long-term planning and future-focused enthusiasm, I am confident we will approach to managing City operations, We are able to achieve these continue to make Spruce Grove an I’m pleased to say Spruce Grove is successes thanks to the collaborative exceptional city we are proud to on an upward trajectory. We are and respectful working relationship call home. continuing to experience growth while between council members and City
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 41 CITY The City of Spruce Grove is a vibrant, dynamic community PROFILE of more than 34,000 people. Located just 11 kilometres west of Edmonton, the City offers housing options for everyone, excellent schools, sports, culture, and recreation facilities and a mix of businesses ranging from national retailers, locally owned shops, restaurants and professional services.
42 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW The City’s plans, services and ongoing operations are carried out by a workforce of more than 300 employees who are overseen by three general managers and a Chief Administrative Officer who reports to Spruce Grove City Council.
Mayor and Council
The City of Spruce Grove is governed by an elected council program coordination, website/database/City network of a mayor and six aldermen. Spruce Grove City Council administration, technical support, GIS administration, is responsible for identifying the overall vision for the human resource management, labour and community and developing a long-term strategic plan employee relations. for the city. Council also reviews and approves new or amended policies, procedures, and bylaws and approves the annual corporate plan, which is the City’s principal Community and Protective Services guiding document for providing residents with a high Community and Protective Services is comprised of quality of life at an affordable rate, while also staying several areas: Family and Community Support Services the strategic course of municipal economic sustainability. and Social Planning, Recreation Services, Cultural Services, Protective Services and RCMP administration. Corporate Office Responsibilities include preventative social programming, counselling, indoor and outdoor facility management, The Corporate Office includes the Chief Administrative open space planning, community events, Horizon Stage, Officer (CAO) who is responsible for the overall volunteer development, Enforcement Services and administration of the City of Spruce Grove and provides integrated Fire/EMS. In addition, Community and a key administrative leadership role to the organization. Protective Services works as the City’s administrative The CAO acts as a liaison between Spruce Grove liaison to the Spruce Grove Public Library, RCMP Officer City Council and Administration and ensures the in Charge, TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre, Specialized Transit implementation of City policies and programs. Service, Yellowhead Regional Library and Allied Arts Corporate Communications and Economic and Business Council, and facilitates a number of boards and committees Development are also part of this area. Corporate including the Community Police Advisory Committee, Communications leads communications planning Horizon Stage Theatre Advisory Board and the Joint and consulting, branding and visual identity, writing Use Committee. and editing, issues management and media relations for the organization and supports the communication needs of other departments within the City. Economic Planning and Infrastructure and Business Development is responsible for facilitating Planning and Infrastructure is responsible for approvals and programs and services intended to help local businesses permits relating to construction of homes and businesses, prosper and grow, and attract new business and urban planning, relations with the land development investment to Spruce Grove. industry, long-term capital works planning, project management and construction, the monitoring of Corporate Services construction of new infrastructure by private interests, and the ongoing maintenance of most of the City’s Corporate Services is comprised of several areas: traditional servicing infrastructure and physical assets. Asset Management, City Clerk’s Office, Corporate It also manages long-range planning, community Planning, Finance, Human Resources and Information visioning, and defining and implementing the City’s Systems. The focus of Corporate Services is legislative Sustainable Development Initiative. Furthermore, and policy administration, information management, it is responsible for providing a number of primary insurance and legal administration, election/census services through contact arrangements, including administration, financial and capital management, commuter transit service, solid waste and recyclable budget and reporting, corporate planning administration, materials collection, and all building, plumbing, asset management coordination, customer service electrical and gas inspections for new construction.
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 43 2017 SNAPSHOT POPULATION 34,881
ONE YEAR POPULATION 568 GROWTH: 3.7% TOTAL HOURS OF DROP-IN RECREATION TOTAL PROGRAMS HOUSEHOLDS: 7,700 13,206
TICKETS SOLD FOR HORIZON STAGE SEASON PERFORMANCES
TREES295 PLANTED
GARBAGE325 RECEPTACLES
CURBSIDE COLLECTIONS (TONNES)
ORGANICS: 2,606 OVERALL WASTE RECYCLING: 1,240 40% DIVERSION RATE WASTE: 6,460
44 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 453,307 WEBSITE
SPRUCE GROVE VISITS 33 ENFORCEMENT SERVICES BLOCK RESPONSES: PARTIES 2,836 7,065 FACEBOOK FANS 5,571 TWITTER FOLLOWERS 1,016 INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS
INCIDENTS RESPONDED TO BY SPRUCE GROVE FIRE SERVICES (WITHIN SPRUCE GROVE): 405 2,657
GARAGE SALES PROMOTED THROUGH THE CITY’S GARAGE SALE ADVERTISING PROGRAM
FIRE1,142 HYDRANTS PARK245 BENCHES
ANNUAL RIDERS WHO HOUSING STARTS: 333 INCREASE TOOK TRANSIT TOTAL BUILDING PERMITS: IN TRANSIT FOR FREE ON 756 RIDERSHIP: CLEAN AIR DAY: TOTAL BUILDING PERMIT VALUE: $135.5M TOTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMITS: 814 17% 380 TOTAL SAFETY CODE PERMITS: 2,415 ACTIVE BUSINESSES LICENSED: 1,882 107,567TOTAL TRANSIT RIDERS
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 45 Where people choose to live: A dynamic city with an exceptional quality of life
SPRUCE GROVE VOTES!
Spruce Grove residents went to the polls last year to elect one mayor and six aldermen (now referred to as councillors) on Oct. 16, 2017. • 2 candidates for mayor • 12 candidates for alderman Sisters Shireen and Chelsea Keith recently moved to • 4 advance voting opportunities Spruce Grove and have found the city to be an ideal • 3 institutional voting opportunities place to hang out with friends, take their dog for a walk, • 4 voting stations on Election Day and enjoy plenty of urban amenities without losing that with extended hours feeling of living in a caring and connected community. • 25,187 eligible voters (estimated) Q: What made you decide to look at Spruce Grove • 7,125 actual voters during the house hunting process? • 28.29% voter turnout A: We wanted to live somewhere with a small town vibe outside of the city that still offered everything we were looking for. Q: Why did you ultimately decide you purchase your first home in Spruce Grove? A: We looked at a few different houses in various areas but really liked the character and charm of the house we purchased. Q: What do you enjoy about living in this community? A: It’s a quiet, established community and is close to everything we were looking for with walking trails, parks and amenities. We enjoy being outside, taking our dog for a walk and exploring the Spruce Grove area. Q: What does Spruce Grove have to offer that makes this a great place for you to call home? A: It’s is a nice smaller city with everything you need, away from the chaos of a big city, giving it a quieter, homey feel.
46 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW HOMETOWN HOCKEY
Wickedly cold weather didn’t keep residents from bundling up and celebrating their love of Canada’s national pastime, as the Roger’s Hometown Hockey Tour pulled into Spruce Grove on Dec. 30-31, 2017. The two-day festival, which was held near the Agrena and Central Park, featured live entertainment, including music by The Northern Pikes, and appearances by NHL alumni Kevin Lowe and Ryan Smyth. There was also outdoor street hockey games, opportunities for photos with mascots Hometown Hank and Hunter from the Edmonton Oilers, and plenty of games and giveaways. The festival concluded with a live viewing party of two NHL game broadcasts – Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Vegas Golden Knights (in Las Vegas), followed by the Winnipeg Jets versus the Edmonton Oilers (in Edmonton) – on Dec. 31, with Ron MacLean and Tara Slone hosting live onsite from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio. Spruce Grove was one of 24 stops on the 2017-18 Hometown Hockey Tour.
RIDE ON! Hundreds of professional cyclists wheeled their way ending in Central Park. through Spruce Grove on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, Stage 1 was held in as they competed in the ATB Tour of Alberta. Jasper National Park, Competitors from across the globe competed in while Stages 3 and 4 the four-stage race, with Stage 2 both starting occurred in Edmonton. and finishing in Central Park in Spruce Grove. An outdoor fan festival was also held at Central Park, Stage 2 was a 139 kilometre course that started in the giving area residents an opportunity to participate city and travelled through Parkland County before in free activities and cheer on the riders.
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 47 THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT! City launches Trim Your Trash app for iOS and Android devices
Residents now have waste sorting information at their fingertips with the launch of the City’s Trim Your Trash app in April 2017. Free to download on any iOS and Android device, the app is an online guide that allows residents to look up specific waste items and learn if they belong in their green organics cart, black waste cart or blue recycling bag, or if they should go to the Eco Centre or bottle depot. The app also features a sorting game where users are challenged to correctly sort specific waste items and can build a virtual park as they complete game levels. To download the app, search Spruce Grove Trim Your Trash through Google Play or the App Store. www.sprucegrove.org/trimyourtrash
App analytics from 2017 The Eco Centre was a busy spot in 2017, with residents using the facility • 10,053 items searched to drop off the following items: • 39 items searched on average per day 571 tonnes of waste • 688 game plays 220 tonnes of compost Popular items searched through Trim Your Trash 193 tonnes of recycling • Plastic bag 57,050 litres of paint • Styrofoam/styrene products 21,715 litres of cleaners, detergents, • Dog waste pesticides and other toxic chemicals • Disposable paper coffee cups 1,075 litres of antifreeze • Cardboard 24,218 feet of light tubes 3,260 kilograms of CFL bulbs 7,110 aerosol cans Let’s talk trash! 1,601 tires In 2017, a waste diversion pilot program was conducted 631 batteries in the Hilldowns neighbourhood to ask residents to use their green organics cart to dispose of food waste. As a result 88% 502 propane tanks committed to putting food waste in their green organics carts. 73 tonnes of e-waste, such as computers
48 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Where people choose to live: A dynamic city with an exceptional quality of life GOING GREEN
Last year Spruce Grove joined a handful of other Alberta municipalities in completing the Partners in Climate Protection program. Designed to help municipalities reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the five step program was created by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. Thanks to a variety of initiatives, including supporting sustainable neighbourhoods and implementing various “green” policies and standards into everyday City operations, between 1996 and 2015, Spruce Grove decreased its total greenhouse gas emissions (on a per capita basis) by 21 per cent and saw a reduction in residential greenhouse gas emissions (on a per capita basis) by 43 per cent. The award was presented to the City during the FCM Annual Conference, held in June 2017.
USING WATER WISELY Last year Spruce Grove’s residential water consumption was an average of 162 litres of water per day. Residential consumption is the water consumed by single family homes and multifamily complexes divided by population. This is a decrease of 10 per cent from 2016. Way to go!
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 49 ALL ABOARD City enhances transit service with new commuter route The City expanded its commuter transit service last year with the addition of Route 562, providing riders with service to the Acheson Industrial Park, West Edmonton Mall and the South Campus/Fort Edmonton Park LRT station. The new route, which started operating in February 2017, joined Route 560 and 561 in providing peak time weekday transit service. “As the community grows, so does the demand for transit services,” says Patrick Inglis, Manager of Environmental Science and Transit with the City. “Adding a third route was a significant enhancement that allowed us to offer expanded destinations to our riders.” Travelling around Spruce Grove on Century Road, Grove Drive, Jennifer Heil Way and McLeod Avenue, Route 562 makes 14 local stops before heading to the Acheson Industrial Area (south) and into Edmonton. In total, Route 562 served 11,567 transit riders last year. Meanwhile, additional trips were added to Route 560— three in the morning and three in the afternoon—in October 2017 to help accommodate an increase in ridership. Route 560, which served 94,678 riders in 2017, provides transit to NAIT, Grant MacEwan University and downtown Edmonton, while Route 561 stops in the Acheson Industrial Park and the Westmount/Kingway Mall areas of Edmonton.
www.sprucegrove.org/transit
Bus stop upgrades Total transit riders in 2017: 107,567 Last year, 15 bus pads were paved in Spruce Grove through September, October and November were the a partnership involving the busiest months for Spruce Grove transit with federal government’s Public an average boarding of 12,300 per month. Transit Infrastructure Fund, the 17% increase in transit ridership Government of Alberta and the City of Spruce Grove. 72% of riders live in Spruce Grove 62% of riders use the service to commute to work 18% or riders use the service to attend school
50 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Where people choose to live: A dynamic city with an exceptional quality of life WHEELS IN MOTION Six new transit buses on the road in Spruce Grove
Spruce Grove’s commuter transit service expanded with the addition of six new City buses last year. Purchased with the assistance of GreenTRIP and Municipal Sustainability Initiative funding from the Government of Alberta, the new buses cost $3.6 million and have been part of Spruce Grove’s transit service since February 2017. Since their arrival, the new buses have been used on Routes 560 and 562, which provide weekday transportation to Edmonton and Acheson during peak morning and afternoon hours. All of the City’s buses are maintained and operated through a contract with Edmonton Transit Service.
MODERN AND MOBILE City unveils website redesign The City brought a new, modern digital experience to residents when it launched its new website in November 2017. Making it easier to find information from any desktop, tablet or phone, the site features a mobile friendly, responsive design as well as improved navigation, quick links on popular topics, a robust search feature, a comprehensive events calendar and a clean, attractive appearance. The site was designed after extensive research and public consultation, which included surveys and focus groups. Additionally, City staff were consulted throughout the re-design project.
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 51 Where people choose to raise a family: A leading leisure, recreation and sports community
52 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Crystal and Kervin Tuazon’s life took a drastic shift in 2016 when the couple and their young son Peter were evacuated from Fort McMurray during the wildfire that wiped out entire sections of the northern Alberta city. Temporarily re-homed in Spruce Grove, the family decided they liked it so much here, they wanted to stay and have since welcomed their daughter Jasmine.
Q: Why did you choose Spruce Grove as the place to raise your family? A: During the Fort McMurray wildfire, our family was evacuated here. The people of this community were so generous to us and we experienced many acts of kindness. We were simply blown away by the way this community pulled together for complete strangers. As we were discussing the next steps for our family, we realized that we didn’t want to leave Spruce Grove. We couldn’t imagine leaving the community behind because it was everything we had hoped for in the past. We knew it was a wonderful place to raise our family and we wanted to settle here. We’ve been here ever since and we look forward to the future that’s in store for us in Spruce Grove!
Q: What do you think Spruce Grove has to offer your family? A: Spruce Grove is a great community for all ages, but especially young families like ours. There are so many beautiful parks here; we try to go to a different one each time, but our favourite has to be Jubilee Park! There are events, like farmers’ markets and the Canada Day Celebration, and many family friendly activities as well. Some we have enjoyed are swimming lessons at the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre, dance lessons and story time at the local library. There are also a vast amount of churches here to attend. That was important for us as we planted our roots here and we are thrilled to have been able to find our new church home at Engage City Church. Spruce Grove is a fast growing community with so much potential for more great things to join our city.
Q: What are some activities you enjoy doing Q: What do you enjoy about living in this community? together as a family in Spruce Grove? A: We enjoy the sense of community you can feel in Spruce A: We like to go park hopping! We try to go to a different Grove. We automatically felt like we belonged here park each time because there are so many great ones and that this was home because of the overwhelming to choose from. We also love to take our kids for walks amount of kindness and love showered on us from our through the beautiful trails and paths. We enjoy swimming fellow residents. We enjoy all of the amenities that are at the Tri Leisure Centre and just checking out all of the readily available here for us; we don’t have to travel local events happening right here in our own backyard. far to find something new and exciting to enjoy!
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 53 2017 CENSUS FINDINGS
Each year, the City of Spruce Grove conducts a municipal census to determine an official door-to-door count of the number of people living in Spruce Grove.
34,881 – OVERALL POPULATION 3.7% – INCREASE IN POPULATION FROM 2016 49.7% ARE MALE AND 50.3% ARE FEMALE 2.64 – AVERAGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE PER HOUSEHOLD 27.5% – HOUSEHOLDS WHO HAVE FOUR OR MORE PEOPLE IN THEM 52.3% – HOUSEHOLDS WHO COMPLETED THE 2017 CENSUS ONLINE 13,206 – OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES
TOP THREE LARGEST AGE GROUPS IN SPRUCE GROVE ARE: 1 30 34 years 2 35 39 years 3 5 9 years www.sprucegrove.org/census
54 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Where people choose to raise a family: A leading leisure, recreation and sports community
CONTINUED HOUSING STARTS 333 total housing starts in 2017 GROWTH • 140 single detached • 158 semi detached • 35 rowhouse RESIDENTIAL Top 5 neighbourhoods for DEVELOPMENT PERMITS housing permits in 2017: • Harvest Ridge: 9% • 155 single detached • Spruce Ridge: 19.2% • 149 semi-detached • McLaughlin: 12.7% • 18 multi-family • Jesperdale: 9% • 210 improvements/alternations • Greenbury: 12.1% • 18 garages Total = 550 residential development permits in 2017
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS • 149 single detached • 148 semi-detached • 14 multi-family (for total of 27 units) • 315 residential improvements • 48 garages Total = 674 residential building permits in 2017 Total residential building permit value = $88.9 million
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 55 SPRUCE GROVE CELEBRATES CANADA 150
In July 2017, a blanket of red and white covered Spruce Grove as the community prepared for the 150th anniversary of Confederation and the City’s annual Canada Day Celebration in Jubilee Park. Thousands of people turned up on July 1 to enjoy a fun-filled day, packed with activities for all ages, a variety of vendors, top-notch Mainstage entertainment, fireworks and more. New activities, including a Toddler Tent, Paint It event and orienteering, were added to the party, while popular favourites, like the inflatable bouncers and face painting, were once again crowd pleasers. For details on this year’s celebration, visit www.sprucegrove.org/celebrate.
56 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Where people choose to raise a family: A leading leisure, recreation and sports community
CANADA 150 BY THE NUMBERS
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citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 57 COOL SUMMER FUN Spray park opens in Spruce Grove
Residents of Spruce Grove cooled off last summer at the new Ken Morrison/REMAX Excellence Spray Park, which officially opened to the public during the City’s Canada Day Celebration on July 1, 2017. Located in Jubilee Park at 510 Grove Dr., the spray park features more than 50 interactive components, a plaza with seating space, and a pavilion with change rooms, outdoor showers, bathrooms and a staff kiosk. “There was a significant amount of planning and preparation that went into this project,” says Ken Luck, Director of Recreation Services with the City, “so it was great to see the community embrace it and make it one of our most popular outdoor destinations for families in our community last summer.” “We saw people really make a day of it,” he adds. “Many rode their bikes to the park, packed an afternoon picnic and cooled off in the water.” The spray park was open from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. in July and August, with on-site staff assisting with day-to-day operations, programming, cleaning and sanitation. Designed to use 100 per cent recycled water, the spray park’s re-circulating water system filters roughly 20,000 gallons of water every hour, making the park both water and energy efficient.
www.sprucegrove.org/spraypark
58 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Where people choose to raise a family: A leading leisure, recreation and sports community
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 59 Where people choose to grow a business: A strong, diversified regional business
It may not be an obvious location to have a business, but Sharon Yeast knew the 1956 heritage home was the perfect spot to open her business Gifts and Gadgets in 1995. With every nook and cranny filled with quality kitchen and bath items, as well as general giftware, Yeast and her staff have become well known in the community for their unique location, extensive inventory and commitment to customer service.
60 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW SWEET LIFE Q: Why did you want to open up this type of business? FOUND A: We had just recently moved to the area and my lifetime dream was to have my own store and be an entrepreneur. Having been an avid shopper for A marketing campaign highlighting the “sweet kitchen and household related items, it seemed life” that can be found in Spruce Grove that it would be the thing for me to do. received an award from the international business community last year. Q: Why did you decide to open a business in Spruce Grove and what do you enjoy about Undertaken in partnership between the City owning and operating a business here? and several major area residential developers, the Sweet Life Found campaign highlighted A: When we decided that we were making Spruce Grove both new neighbourhoods and community our home, I started looking for business opportunities. amenities to entice people to find the sweet There were a couple of gift type shops for sale, but I life in Spruce Grove. It also featured stories and really liked the idea of setting up in our current location interviews with local families who shared their as the charm in the building would play on the inventory experiences about living in the city and why they we wanted to have in the store. And I love our customers. decided to make Spruce Grove their home. Over the years, I have made many “business” friends who truly are a blessing. I also love networking The award was presented to the City by with other business owners in the community. Business Retention & Expansion International, a professional association that represents the Q: What are some of the changes you’ve seen economic development field across the globe, in the community over the years? during its annual conference in June 2017. A: It has been great to see the community continue to grow and become a hub outside of Edmonton. We offer a wide The Sweet Life Found campaign was recognized range of services and products, which means people in the category of Outstanding Single Community will “shop local” and do not have to go to elsewhere to with a Population between 20,000 and shop. We have all worried about “box” stores coming in, 50,000, which is a prestigious award in the but I think in some ways it makes the “ma and pa” stores economic development and business world. sharper retailers. We can offer more unique products and provide outstanding customer service. Myself, as well as my staff members, have a passion for what we do and sell and we all have a love for the community we live in. Q: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting or growing their business in Spruce Grove? A: You have to give to receive. Spruce Grove is a very supportive community to start or grow your business and we have great customers who have supported us since the beginning, but we have also given back in many ways. We give our time by way of volunteering in many capacities in the community and help out the sports teams, schools and many charitable fundraising functions. You have to be involved in your community to really appreciate all it has to offer.
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 61 BLUEPRINT FOR BUSINESS
City updates Economic Development Strategy Action Plan 2017–2022
Building a diverse and competitive business community was a top priority for Spruce Grove City Council last year as they approved the City’s updated Economic Development Strategy in June 2017. The strategy, which will act as a blueprint for economic development in Spruce Grove for the next five years, focuses on supporting a range of investment opportunities while making the community an attractive place for new business and ready for development. “Our updated strategy is forward thinking and an important guiding document that will help prepare us for the future,” says Dave Walker, Manager of Economic and Business Development with the City. “It also recognizes the connection between creating a quality place to live and doing business.” The strategy identifies five goals, 13 objectives and 57 action items, which together support two key priorities: to continue growing the City’s non-residential tax base, and to expand and diversify the local employment base within the City. Led by the Economic Development Advisory Committee, which includes members of Spruce Grove’s local business community and members of city council, the strategy updates began in 2016 and were based on a number of factors, including an extensive public engagement process. In total, the City received 350 responses from its business and community stakeholders. To read the full plan, visit www.sprucegrove.org/EcDevStrategy.
62 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Where people choose to grow a business: A strong, diversified regional business
Looking ahead City looks to approve City Centre Area Redevelopment Plan Creating a master plan for the revitalization of Spruce Grove’s downtown area is the focus of the City Centre Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP), which was approved by City Council as part of the 2017–19 Corporate Plan. Directly supporting the City’s updated Economic Development Strategy, the City Centre ARP will outline how to re-energize the downtown area as a gathering place and focal point in the community by addressing four main components: 1. Required infrastructure improvements 2. Urban design and form 3. Policy and bylaw changes 4. Program support Public engagement and feedback will be incorporated into the City Centre ARP, which will be presented to Spruce Grove City Council for approval by fall 2018. The City Centre ARP is a joint initiative between the City of Spruce Grove and the Spruce Grove City Centre Business Association. For more information, visit www.sprucegrovecitycentre.org.
Going up! Last year saw several new buildings go up and businesses set up shop in Spruce Grove’s Westwind Centre development. Located in the northwest corner of the community, with visibility and access from both the Yellowhead Highway and Century Road, Westwind Centre welcomed a new gas station and office buildings in 2017, with news that a No Frills grocery store will also be opening in the area. The overall vision for Westwind Centre is to develop a major regional commercial, hospitality and entertainment destination that would have a variety of retailers, offices, hotels, restaurants and residential development.
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 63 Where people choose to grow a business: A strong, diversified regional business
CONTINUED GROWTH
Commercial, industrial Commercial, industrial and institutional and institutional building permits development permits • 12 commercial buildings • 5 new commercial • 43 commercial • 55 commercial improvements improvements • 4 industrial buildings • 5 new industrial • 11 industrial • 30 industrial improvements improvements • 4 institutional buildings • 1 new institutional • 8 institutional • 7 institutional improvements improvements
Total = 82 commercial, Total = 103 commercial, industrial and institutional industrial and institutional building permits in 2017 development permits in 2017 Total building permit value = $46.6 million
www.sprucegrove.org/permitactivity
64 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 FINANCIAL SUMMARY
This financial summary is intended to assist with understanding the management of the City of Spruce Grove’s resources. It provides an overview and highlights of the 2017 financial results for City operations, excluding the Spruce Grove Public Library and TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre.
The City’s 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements, which include the operations of the Spruce Grove Public Library and a share of the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre are available on the City’s website at www.sprucegrove.org/financialreports.
How was the $26.6m Planning and money spent? Infrastructure The City of Spruce Grove collects municipal property taxes from all $25.2m Community and property owners within city limits. Protective Services These tax dollars, along with grants and user fees, fund the $16m City’s projects and services. Utilities The City’s 2017 operations include $80.7 million in expenses, as outlined in the chart. $9.8m Corporate Services
$2.5m Corporate Office
$0.6m Council
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 65 City revenue sources
The City of Spruce Grove’s revenue comes from a variety of sources: • Property taxes: Paid by Spruce Grove residents and businesses to help cover the costs of the municipal services they use. Levies are collected through taxes on behalf of the Province of Alberta for education and on behalf of the Meridian Foundation for local seniors housing. The City does not set or control these levies and passes this revenue directly to both the Province and the Meridian Foundation. • Sales and user fees: Includes utility charges, franchise fees, fines, permits and facility rentals. • Government transfers: Funds the City receives from the provincial and federal governments, as well as neighbouring municipalities. • Developers: Includes contributed tangible capital assets and contributions. Contributed tangible capital assets are items like roads and sewers that are constructed by developers and then handed over to the City to own and manage. Contributions are funds developers pay directly to the City.
2017 revenues ($ millions)
$41.2m Sales and user fees
$35.6m Property taxes
$16.4m Contributed capital assets
$10.7m Government transfers
$6.0m Developer contributions
$0.4m Other
66 citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Financial position At the end of 2017, future revenues of $9 million are required to pay for past transactions or events. Surplus funds have accumulated over the history of the City to $485 million. Virtually all surplus funds ($469 million) have been used to buy or build roads, utilities, buildings and other capital assets used to deliver municipal services.
Financial position ($ millions) 2017 2016
Financial assets 57 57
Liabilities 66 66
Net debt -9 -9
Non-financial assets 494 467
Accumulated surplus 485 458
Financial Financial activities ($ millions) Budget 2017 2016 activities Revenue – operations 81 80 80 The City’s financial activities include Expenses – operations 88 81 83 revenue, operating expenses and capital Annual deficitfrom operations -7 -1 -3 projects. The result of 2017 operations is an annual surplus of $29 million, Revenue – capital 21 30 34 and $44 million was used in the acquisition of capital assets. Annual surplus 14 29 30 The budget tries to predict actual results as accurately as possible. Capital asset aquisitions -47 -44 -49 Both 2017 operations and capital Net debt projects were under budget. Change -20 0 -4
Opening -9 -5
Closing -9 -9
citypulse l 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 67 City Hall 315 Jespersen Ave. T7X 3E8 Phone: 780-962-2611 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. www.sprucegrove.org
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