Strathcona

Keeping you informed December 2012 Message from your Mayor and County Council A season to reflect and celebrate Open for business Efforts rewarded Strathcona County is open for business, so I was Our efforts in other areas – from innovative planning pleased in September to share that Sasol had reached to community creativity and spirit – were recognized an option to purchase agreement with Total E&P by others outside of our community this year. I would on their site in the County. Sasol is now like to mention two of these. evaluating the opportunity to build Canada’s first Strathcona County’s planners received a 2012 Award gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility in ’s Industrial of Planning Merit in the Education or Special Study Heartland. category from the Alberta Professional Planners Strathcona County and Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Institute (APPI) for their Sustainable Plan-it program. have worked tirelessly over the past two years to Sustainable Plan-it teaches students about sustainable help Sasol understand the merits and advantages of neighbourhood planning. The program guides students developing their next facility in our region. We will through conversations about how neighbourhoods continue to do so until that decision is made sometime can be sustained over time, considering vital elements in 2014. Merry Christmas from (l-r): Vic Bidzinski, Ward 1; such as water, well-being and waste. Students also learn Peter Wlodarczak, Ward 4; Linda Osinchuk, Mayor; Should Sasol choose to build here, their investment how these relate to the three pillars of sustainability Jason Gariepy, Ward 8; Roxanne Carr, Ward 2; will create a new industry for Canada, diversify – environmental, social, and economic – which Brian Botterill, Ward 3; Clinton Alexander, Ward 5; the Alberta economy and create new employment Strathcona County has adopted. Bonnie Riddell, Ward 7, and Linton Delainey, Ward 6. opportunities. A GTL facility would create more than Our County also received the top national award in As another year draws to a close, I find myself 500 new, permanent skilled jobs once in operation the Class of Champions during the Communities in reflecting on our County’s many accomplishments, and employ over 5,000 other individuals during peak Bloom National Awards Ceremonies in October. and about the challenges and opportunities ahead. construction periods. Certainly, if the last three months are any indication, We received a five-bloom rating (highest score) In Strathcona County, being open for business we have a lot to celebrate, and can look forward to recognizing the Moraine for its unique includes hosting national and international sporting exciting times ahead. vision and initiative. Strathcona County competed in events. In addition to bringing revenue into our the large community category against City of Barrie, Below is a short list of what has taken place. community, these events are valuable in shining a Ontario; City of Charlottetown, Prince Edward light on our world-class recreational facilities, and on Island; City of Fort St. John, British Columbia; City Chief Commissioner our community’s energy and spirit. of , Alberta, and the City of , In October, I had the pleasure of introducing a new Alberta. Chief Commissioner to our community. Robert Coon joined our municipality on November 26, Christmas greetings coming to us from . He has All considered, we have a great deal to be thankful for more than 20 years’ experience serving Alberta’s in Strathcona County and I truly believe we’ll have municipal sector – from county manager of Rocky even more good things to look forward to in 2013. View County, and Saddle Hills We will continue to do everything in our power to County, to experience as Business and Public Affairs ensure that Strathcona County remains an economic Coordinator () and Supervisor of force and one of the best places to live and raise a Planning and Development (). family in Alberta. It speaks well of Strathcona County that we were able to I hope that you will join me in this season of attract a candidate of Rob’s calibre to our community. Mayor Linda Osinchuk (left) with Jessica MacDonald- celebration, in reflecting on our accomplishments Council is putting his strong background and relevant Bondy, Canadian gold medal winner (centre). and opportunities. Together, we can achieve anything experience to good use as we work to develop a new For the first time, Canada hosted the 2012 Women’s we set our collective minds to achieving. On behalf strategic plan and implement recommendations arising World Wrestling Championships in September. of Council, I wish you and yours the very best of the from the organizational review. This is a sport in which Canada is a leading country. Christmas season. May your days be filled with the Rob is passionate about municipal governance and Millennium Place in was chosen as warmth of family and friends. has embraced the challenges of the position eagerly. the host site for this world event. His energy is a great addition to our team. We were also pleased to announce that we had been On behalf of Council, I would like to extend our selected to host the Canada 55+ Games in August appreciation to Kevin Glebe, for ably supporting us 2014. This is the first time the games have been hosted as interim chief commissioner during the six months in Alberta since 1998. In addition to bringing our Mayor Linda leading up to Rob’s appointment. community an estimated economic benefit of $4 million, these games will allow us to showcase our love of sport, community and wellness on a national stage. And, we hosted the 2012 Pan American Junior Badminton Championships at Millennium Place in We hope you enjoy this edition July. This event brought over 300 young athletes (8 There’s more news inside… from a profile of the to 18) from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, United Facilities Services Department to details on the LIVING. REFINED. States, and Venezuela, just to name a few, to compete Pride of Strathcona Awards and News Year’s Eve in badminton singles and doubles matches. celebrations.

Strathcona County Living 1 Upcoming Events New Year’s Eve Festival Join us for an evening of safari-themed fun! Saturday, December 31 • Snow painting* and campfire cooking* – have 4 p.m - 8 p.m. some fun painting the snow and enjoying some campfire cooking on Prairie Walk (located between Festival Place and the Community Broadmoor Lake Park, the Community Centre and Centre) Festival Place will be transformed for a fabulous family fun evening on New Year’s Eve. Ring in 2013 • Horse-drawn sleigh rides ($1 per ticket) – have with a night of FREE family fun and entertainment fun on an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride for the whole family. At 8 p.m., the New Year’s at Festival Place Eve festivities end with a bang, during the Family • Snowshoeing* – lace up some snowshoes just Photography David Doyle © 2010 Fireworks (presented by Sherwood Park Mall) at outside Festival Place • Family fun zone that includes giant inflatables, Broadmoor Lake. building zone, plasma cars and crafts in the Community Centre Agora This year, there are plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy, including: • Festive hair creations in the Community Centre Agora • Magical Iceland Playground, presented by *some activities are weather dependent. the Sherwood Park Elks. Check out a unique, unforgettable experience for the entire family on a playground made of ice. Make sure you Free Park ‘N Ride check out the jungle slide by the picnic shelter at • Sherwood Park Transit Centre to Broadmoor Broadmoor Lake Park Lake starts at 4 p.m. and runs every half hour. • Human-sized bowling on ice! Bring your skates • Broadmoor Lake to Sherwood Park Transit For indoor fun, feel free to warm up enjoying the Centre starts at 4:15 p.m. Departs in front of and helmets for a game of ice-bowling at the following activities: Sherwood Park Arena ice. Enjoy the Sherwood Festival Place and runs every half hour. Last Park Figure Skaters’ performance from 7 p.m. – • Madagascar show, featuring Alex the Lion shuttle is at 8:45 p.m. 7:45 p.m. from Madagascar 3 at Festival Place at 5 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be Further information • Skating* – enjoy a family skate on Broadmoor purchased at County recreational facilities 780-467-2211 Lake or on the sports centre ice at the Sherwood Park Arena from 4 p.m. – 7:50 p.m. • Face painting at Festival Place and Community Centre The New Year’s FUN continues! • Tobogganing* and hot chocolate – bring Join us January 1 for free skating, hot chocolate your sleds for some winter fun at Broadmoor • Petting zoo, crafts, juggling at Festival Place ride of and fun activities at the Sherwood Park Sports Lake Park, then warm up with some free hot • Blacklight zone (painting bubbles & hula hoops) Centre, or plan to start the New Year on the chocolate at the picnic shelter at Festival Place right foot by enjoying cross-country skiing and • Aerial artists handing out glow sticks (4:15 p.m., • Fire performances – be sure to watch the trathcona snowshoeing at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre 5:15 p.m, 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m.) amazing fire performances at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Activities include toonie p.m. at Festival Place, or at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. at • Photo booth in the Communitywar dsCentre ski lessons (1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.) and toonie the Community Centre, and later at 7:30 p.m. • Mascots and puppet shows at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. snowshoe ramble at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. The campfire at Broadmoor Lake Park at the Community Centre will be going from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Emergency notification County initiatives in Strathcona County of In the event of a disaster, Strathcona County residents ride will be notified through the Alberta Emergency Alert system. This will be the first place information will be posted. trathcona in a great community… Alberta Emergency Alert can issue warnings to wards Facebook, Twitter and RSS feed subscribers. All deserve great applause. residents are encouraged to subscribe for alerts. Sign up today at www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca Strathcona County is home to many people who go above and beyond to make our community a great Residents can also call the Strathcona County place to live. Recognize someone you know… for that Nominate switchboard (780-464-8111), open between 8:30 achievement that inspires… or the contribution which and let’s celebrate… an individual, group or team! a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. After hours, adds to our community’s “can-do” spirit and success. phone 2-1-1. When warranted, information will also Further information and nomination forms: be posted to the Strathcona County Facebook Nominate them for a Pride of Strathcona Award. www.strathcona.ca/pride www.facebook.com/strathcona.county and Twitter Deadline for nominations: 780-410-6595 www.twitter.com/strathcocounty pages. [email protected] Strathcona County is currently researching ways to February 28, 2013 expand the public notification system. Categories Youth • of individual youth (21 years or younger) who Other sources for emergency Community Service have brought recognition to Strathcona County notification • in improving the quality of life for others or improved our quality of life Phone the industry’s UPDATEline (1-866-653-9959) (volunteerism, good citizenship, acts of for information on current industrial site activities heroism or bravery, humanitarian efforts, Seniors in the region that you may be curious about, such as environmental protection) • of individual seniors (65 years and better) who unusual loud noises or alarms; prolonged flares; smoke have brought recognition to Strathcona County Arts, Culture and Heritage or fire; traffic levels coming to and from a plant; or or improved our quality of life smells that are prolonged. Industry is responsible for • in literary, visual, performing, film or Sports and Recreation posting information about training or drills that may video arts; or in preserving and sharing local affect surrounding neighbourhoods. culture and history Athletic Achievement • in competition for first-, second- or third- Did you know you can also subscribe for RSS feeds Agricultural Leadership New ! place standing at a national or international from Environment Canada to receive weather • in agricultural stewardship, innovation and competition that has taken place within 13 warnings? Visit www.weatheroffice.gc.ca and once promotion that reflect positively on Strathcona months of the nomination deadline you’ve selected the region, sign up under County “Warning RSS” at the bottom of the webpage. Development Professional Achievement • of individuals who have made a positive LIVING. REFINED. • in a professional capacity that has reflected difference to recreation and sports as a leader, positively on Strathcona County mentor or volunteer, fostering healthy life skills and good sportsmanship 2 Strathcona County Living December 2012 Department profile Facility Services – meeting a range of needs From the friendly voice who helps you when you call the County Hall switchboard… to the faces who greet you when booking a meeting room at the Community Centre … to senior project managers who add their expertise in major building construction such as Family Day Unplugged Fire Station # 6 and Millennium Place – these are This year 17 municipalities in the Capital Region some of the responsibilities of the Facility Services have once again joined together in a challenge to Department. encourage residents to unplug on Family Day, February 18, 2013. Why is it important for families to unplug from technology? In our busy society we may find it difficult to slow down and make personal connections with one Facility Services by the numbers another. Movement, touch and connection to other Some service stats based on 2011. humans are critical factors for healthy physical and psychological child development and it is important • 2 million square feet of property maintained for families to provide opportunities to do these things. • 27,000 preventive maintenance tasks When families disconnect from technology and start completed per year interacting with each other they also have stronger, • $50 million in capital projects and more cohesive relationships. Studies show that 73 per life-cycle work cent of kids would rather play with their parents than Add to this, mail and print services, • 330,000 envelopes stuffed watch TV or use the Internet (IKEA: Play Report, telecommunications and purchasing guidance for the • 525,000 “post” mail processed organization, plus facility maintenance for County 2010). Teens who have more than three family • 28,000 calls answered at switchboard dinners per week are more likely to get better grades facilities, and you have the full spectrum of the work • over 2,000 telephone, mobile radio and in school (Casa, 2009). of Facility Services. cellular devices managed Although we may be communicating through It’s a small but mighty team who keep all of these • 67,000 on vendor list technology, it is most often short and limited to a services going to support both public and internal few phrases. It also lacks the face to face aspect that needs, and contribute to the smooth running of • 11,420 hours of time booked for allows us to read body language and expressions. County operations. Community Centre and County Hall Unplugging periodically during the day allows us to public meeting rooms pay full attention to the people in our lives and pick • 16,300 attendees at 54 special events up on the full range of their emotions and stories. Getting outside and walking or interacting with Key contact numbers friends, family, and neighbours increases our physical Facility Services Department and mental health, and also makes us feel more 780-464-8403 connected and safer in our communities. Residents in [email protected] connected neighbourhoods also have a greater quality Community Centre / County Hall of life (Shields, 2008). Events and Bookings Ways you can CONNECT this Family Day: 780-410-8505 • Help a neighbour shovel their walk or invite [email protected] them over for coffee Strathcona County Switchboard • Cook dinner or bake cookies together as a family 780-464-8111 • Have a family game night or play hide-and-seek • Go sledding, skating or play in the snow • Read a book or meet a friend for coffee Community initiatives Visit www.strathcona.ca/fcs for more ideas. County hosts waste-free lunch contest at EIPS This Family Day, DISCONNECT from technology and Recycling is now available in all Elk Island Public CONNECT with each other. The next day, February 19, Schools (EIPS). In celebration of this ‘waste diversion’ log the hours you and your family unplugged on Family initiative, the County hosted a contest in October for Day by going to www.fcssaa.ab.ca or fill out and drop kindergarten to grade six students. off a logging form at participating schools and various “During the contest week kids were encouraged Strathcona County locations: recreation facilities, to bring their lunch in reusable containers (no Community Centre, Parent Link, Family and Community baggies). When they did, they got a ticket,” says Erin Services or the Strathcona County Library. Wildeboer, program coordinator, Utilities. “The more times they brought a waste-free lunch, the better their chances of winning were.” “Fourteen schools were involved in the contest, which means 5,500 students now know how to bring a waste-free lunch,” says Mayor Linda Osinchuk. “Programs like this support the Green Routine’s philosophy that ‘by each of us making a small change, Winter travel together we make a big difference’.” When travelling roads in the County this winter, During the contest, teachers collected the tickets and here are some tips to keep you and your family safe: posted their class totals on a scoreboard. At the end of • Pack an emergency kit, particularly when the week there were draws from the tickets for prizes. travelling in rural areas. The contest’s top three schools also got a cash prize • Learn and practice winter driving techniques to be used towards environmental education; the first before you need them. place school got $750, second-$500, third-$250. The • Plan your trip, check road and weather top class in each school also got a pizza lunch. conditions. “Each classroom got a footprint sticker for all • Remove all snow from your vehicle before students to sign. They then took 500 footprints and each trip. put them up in Millennium Place,” adds Wildeboer. “The stickers show how EIPS and the County are • Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather. walking together, one step at a time, to a greener • Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on future.” slippery roads. Students from the winning school (Mills Haven • Travel with a fully-charged cell phone. Elementary) put up 250+ footprints at Millennium • Slow down and expect longer stopping Mayor Linda Osinchuk helps one of the students from Mills Haven Place. distances – a little caution can go a long way. Elementary School put up a footprint. December 2012 Strathcona County Living 3 It’s winter. Slow down. Stay safe.

Keeping roads and streets clear and safe through the winter is a priority for the • Avoid driving through windrows. County. During storms or in windy conditions, visibility can be reduced. It’s better These machines often make several passes to clear a roadway. If you drive to be a few minutes late and get to your destination safely. through a windrow, you may risk getting stuck in the snow and ice, possibly Keep these tips in mind when you encounter snow clearing equipment: damaging your vehicle, or you may scatter the snow, creating a hazard for • Slow down and keep back from snow clearing equipment. other motorists. The recommended distance is a minimum of 15 metres (about three car Be sure to call and let us know about conditions that need attention – for example, lengths) to leave plenty of room for equipment to work. icy roads, snow removal, or downed traffic signs or traffic lights that aren’t working. • Stay back from spreader trucks. Further information When a sand spreader truck is applying salt or sand to the road surface, slow Transportation and Agriculture Services down and stay away from the spreader truck to prevent your vehicle from 780-417-7100 being hit with salt or sand. The county’s website,www.strathcona.ca/tas , is updated on a regular basis so • Be visible and keep headlights on at all times when travelling. residents know when clearing will take place in their neighbourhood. These machines may cause snow clouds that reduce visibility • Be prepared to stop. Snow clearing equipment moves at much slower speeds than other vehicles, and operators also stop frequently to assess the areas they are clearing. Freshly South Range Road 22 2 plowed streets can also be slippery until sand/salt trucks have applied the Range Road 22 2 appropriate material. Ardrossan High w ay 14 • Do not pass on the right hand side of the equipment.

Often snow and debris are plowed to the right and pose a hazard to motorists. South Range Road 22 2 Range Road 22 2 Cooking • Be cautious when approaching snow clearing equipment from behind. Lake Ardrossan Highw ay 14 Half These machines often make several passes over the same area, which requires Moon Lake

travelling in reverse. Vehicles travelling too close are at risk of damage or RR 21 4 Township Road 550 SH 629 collision with the machinery. Range Road 22 0 • Make eye contact. Half Moon Lake

If you are unsure of what a piece of equipment is about to do, wait and make RR 21 5 RR 21 4 Township Road 550 SH 629 eye contact with the operator – they may finish the task, or if safe to do so, Range Road 22 0 they may stop and wave you through before continuing their work. Josephburg Township Road 534 RR 21 5

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Sherwood Park Freeway Brentwood Blvd Wye Road Rural snow clearing priorities Sherwood Park priorities Priority 1DescriptionsWarren Thomas (Josephburg)Snow isAerodrome cleared…

Descriptions Snow is Rng Rd 233 cleared PriorityPriority 1 1Major industrial roadways, Within 12 hours following an accumulation of aerodrome 2 to 5 cm of snow Priority 1 Major thoroughfares Within 12 hours following an accumulation of 2 to 5 cm of snow Priority 2 PriorityPriority 1 Warren1 Warren Thomas Thomas (Josephburg) (Josephburg) Aerodrome Aerodrome Priority 3 Priority 2 Arterial roads Within 12 hours following an accumulation of 5 to 7 cm of snow Priority 2 PriorityThoroughfares 1 Within 12 hours following an accumulation of Priority 4 5 to 7 cm of snow Priority 2 School drop-off zones PriorityCarillion 3 CanadaAll remaining (1-800-390-2242) grid roads Within 72 hours following an accumulation of 5 to 7 cm of • Within 72 hours following an accumulation of 5 to 7 cm of snow Priority 3 snow, after the completion of the most recent Priority 2 clearing Transit stop zones are cleared after school drop-off zones Lafarge (780-466-5084) Priority 4 PriorityCountry residential 4 and Within 48 hours following an accumulation of 5 to 7 cm of Priority 3 Collector roads, Within 8 days snow is windrowed and removed following an Edmontonhamlet (3-1-1) roads snow, after the completion of the most recent Priority 3 clearing Carillion Canada (1-800-390-2242) public transit routes accumulation of 15 to 21 cm of snow Government of Alberta contractors maintain all highways. Highways Lafarge (780-466-5084) Priority 4 Residential streets Within 12 days when there is 10 cm of compacted snow — Carillion Canada at 1-800-390-2242 or (not included in the windrowing and removal of snow in cul-de-sacs EdmontonLafarge at (3-1-1) 780-466-5084 above categories) Within 12 days if there is 7 cm of compacted snow on the streets as of January 1 of any year — windrowing and removal of snow piles in cul-de-sacs (After March 1, snow may be windrowed and left to melt.) Twitter: @StrathcoCounty 2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8A 3W7 Highways Government of Alberta contractors maintain all highways. 780-464-8111 Carillion Canada at 1-800-390-2242 or Lafarge at 780-466-5084 Facebook: facebook.com/strathcona.county www.strathcona.ca [email protected] LIVING. REFINED. YouTube: youtube.com/strathconacounty

FSC logo eNewsletters: strathcona.ca/enews

4 Strathcona County Living December 2012