Strathconaona CounCouCounty

2009 Annual Report recap ReportLiving to the Community July 2010

Message from your Mayor and Council staying the strategic course… in uncertain times In this edition of Strathcona In 2009, Council updated ’s County Living, we present Strategic Plan. This plan has, and will continue to our Report to the Community guide us in creating and maintaining a prosperous, — a digest of some of our sustainable community, based on applying balanced key accomplishments of the social, economic and environmental perspectives to last year, and progress into our planning and decision making. 2010. This issue complements We continue to consult with our residents and Mayor Cathy Olesen the Strathcona County businesses across our sphere of responsibilities and 2009 Annual Report, which work proactively to put in place, maintain and presents Financial Statements for the year ended improve the services, infrastructure and facilities Strathcona County , December 31, 2009. we need in balance with growth and demand. The world recession of 2008-2009 was certainly felt We are also working closely with neighbouring here in Alberta. In Strathcona County, businesses municipalities at coordinating planning and select and individuals have been affected to varying services to improve the quality of life in the County degrees. While still somewhat of a roller coaster on and the region. the global front, things are beginning to look up at All in all, Strathcona County’s fi nancial outlook staying the strategic course… in uncertain times home and economic recovery has begun. remains strong and continues to position the County For the most part, Strathcona County was able to well for the future. The following pages highlight weather the economic storm. We can attribute our several achievements in our efforts to serve the resilience partly to the momentum we had going residents of Strathcona County.

with construction of the Shell upgrader expansion — Cathy Olesen 2009 Annual Report and numerous industrial, commercial and civic Mayor projects. In addition, our municipality’s strong Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 strategic and fi scal foundation buoyed us during turbulent times. You can find the full 2009 Annual Report at www.strathcona.ca, or call 780-464-8053 to obtain a copy.

Awards County in the top 10 for business Communities in Bloom Award – International Cross-country ski operator of the year In 2009, Strathcona County was named as one of In 2009, Strathcona County won The Strathcona Wilderness the top 10 places (number three) to do business in the large category International Centre was named 2009 Alberta, by Alberta Venture magazine. Competition with an overall score Cross-country Alberta Ski Using data and testimony from municipalities, of 89.9 per cent and received a Facility Operator of the businesses, developers, landlords and individual business fi ve-bloom rating. It competed with City of Aberdeen, Year. The honour recognized people, Alberta Venture compared 25 municipalities Scotland; City of Charlottetown, PEI; Edogawa City, the centre for demonstrating across Alberta on the basis of fi ve criteria: Japan; Minatozaka Community Shingu-machi, Japan; excellence in its programs • costs • market access and Chapelfi eld Norwich, Norfolk UK. The County and service to the public, schools and community • taxes, regulation and • labour pool was also recognized for the Emerald Hills Partnership groups. bureaucracy • special considerations. initiative, with its environmental and sustainability Green Routine a win again The 2009 magazine article said, “No community initiatives. offers everything to every business, but Strathcona The Green Routine County comes pretty close.” Communities Choosewell overall high achiever won the 2009 3Rs Strathcona County has been recognized as the award for In the 2010 results, recently released, Strathcona Overall High Achiever for Northern Alberta municipalities. The County was again named as one of the top 10 for its progress and achievement towards a award recognizes — making it the fourth consecutive year our healthy community in the latest -wide outstanding municipality has received this recognition. Communities Choosewell initiative. contributions to waste reduction, recycling and resource conservation in Alberta. Highlights of our progress …helping guide the way Environmental Sustainability Framework Cultural Services Policy charts exciting path Affairs and resulted in two addendums submitted approved In 2009, the County conducted a comprehensive on October 31, 2009 and December 31, 2009. In June 2009, Strathcona review of its 2002 Cultural Policy with input from The plan was built on two principles: County Council approved our community stakeholders and the public. This • reduce the development footprint by focusing the Environmental new approved policy charts an exciting path for arts, growth Sustainability Framework, culture and heritage development. • create a region that will be economically, socially a strategic foundation Older Adults Plan approved and environmentally sustainable into the future that sets priorities and The board’s most signifi cant work focused guides planning and programs to improve our Strathcona County’s Older Adults Plan was approved by Council in on the future growth of the region and the environment. The framework sets out 10 development of a land use plan. Key questions recommendations including: June 2009. The plan promotes aging well, with the independence that were addressed such as the location of growth, • create an integrated transportation master plan residents desire. It emphasizes population densities, employment centres, housing, to address effi cient multi-modal travel providing the right programs, services and necessary transportation and transit links, buffers and • develop a water conservation plan related to supports to meet the needs of the spectrum of older environmental areas. County practices adults. Two of the plan’s fi rst initiatives were the pilots On March 11, 2010, the Government of Alberta • develop a greenhouse gas inventory and for Snow Busters, a snow removal program for announced its formal acceptance of the the Capital management plan low-income seniors, and an outreach program for Region Growth Plan. It aligns very well with • establish a waster management policy vulnerable older adults and their families. Strathcona County’s Municipal Development Plan The framework establishes guiding statements that (MDP), approved in 2007. describe success relating to fi ve themes: land, air Census 2009 emissions, energy, water and material use. To measure The 2009 Municipal Census was Community Heritage Legacy Framework progress in these areas, specifi c goals and indicators conducted on May 1, 2009. The approved have been established to evaluate and achieve greater County’s offi cial population is In December 2009, environmental sustainability for our community. 87,998, with 61,660 residents in Council adopted Strathcona County’s new Economic Sustainability Framework , and 26,338 Community Heritage Strathcona County wants residents in the County’s rural areas, a 2.9-per-cent Economic Legacy Framework to a healthy, innovative and population growth between 2008 and 2009. promote efforts that sustainable economy — For the fi rst time, residents were given the option increase awareness of our one that complements of completing a census form online. This option distinct past. The plan social responsibility and proved a popular choice with 56.6 per cent of engages the community in capturing and the environment. In 2009, households using this method. Feedback was very conveying its history and heritage, and identifi es Strathcona County began work on an Economic positive from the 48 per cent of the people who tools to do so. Two key partners are the Sustainability Framework to guide decisions that responded online. Common responses included: Strathcona County Museum & Archives and will foster and sustain a healthy economy that convenient, excellent, quick and easy. Strathcona County Library. benefi ts residents, business and industry. Capital Region Board The Economic Sustainability Framework, together This framework focuses on intangible cultural Alberta’s Capital Region Board (CRB) was offi cially with the Social Sustainability Framework approved heritage, which includes customs, traditions, established on April 15, 2008, consisting of mayors in 2007, and the Environmental Sustainability knowledge and skills, such as traditional farming and reeves from the 25 municipalities in the Alberta Framework approved in 2009, will complete methods, preserving and preparing food, plus Capital Region. The board was created to jointly Strathcona County’s triple-bottom-line approach to community activities. The idea is to have those develop a long-range regional growth management guide sustainability. people who are the “carriers” of this form of heritage plan, which was submitted to the province on demonstrate it and share it with the next generation. The Economic Sustainability Framework is March 31, 2009. On June 11, 2009, a preliminary expected to be presented to Council for approval response was provided by the Minister of Municipal in late 2010. …safety and access in transportation Bus replacement New local transit pass for seniors Urban Priority 4 road snow clearing As part of a three-year plan (2007-2009), the In 2009, a new bus pass became available to In September 2009, County purchased 10 new clean-burning diesel qualifying seniors for free travel on Strathcona Council approved a and 10 hybrid electric buses to replace 20 aging County Transit within Sherwood Park. The pass is slight change to the and less fuel-effi cient buses. The $11.7 million valid during off-peak travel times: Monday through Winter Maintenance cost was made possible through a $6 million grant Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and after 6 p.m., plus all Policy to achieve more provided by the Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural service times on weekends and holidays. fl exibility as to when Infrastructure Fund (CAMRIF), coupled with a snow clearing for Traffic, Road Inventory System replaced Strathcona County allocation of $5.7 million. The Priority 4, the The County’s Collision, Traffi c and Road arrival of the fi nal instalment of these buses was residential streets in Inventory System, an important tool to track celebrated this spring. Sherwood Park, could start. If there is seven rural road conditions, traffi c counts and collision Also, the national New Deal for Transit bus centimetres of compacted snow as of January 1 information, was replaced. The system supports replacement grant program provided funding to (versus February 1) of any year, snow clearing will many departments involved with the Traffi c Safety replace four more old buses with new low-fl oor buses. be completed within 12 days (subject to weather Strategic Plan. forecast). Everybody Rides Strathcona County also started the Everybody Rides program to provide qualifying low-income residents an unrestricted bus pass for $20 per month.

2 2009 Annual Report recap …protecting and fostering a safe community Delivery of emergency medical services Intersection safety devices introduced to Over 70 persons were charged in 2009 with drug In 2009, Strathcona County Emergency Services monitor speeding traffi cking, being in possession of proceeds of crime entered into an agreement with Alberta Health Effective July 1, 2009, Strathcona County increased and weapons offences. Also, over $150,000 from Services to allow the County to continue to its use of intersection safety devices at six major drug traffi ckers was seized, and multiple kilograms provide emergency medical services (ambulance) intersections in Sherwood Park to monitor and of illicit narcotics were taken off the streets. to our residents, businesses and visitors. issue speed violation tickets to motorists who travel Reducing the impact of break and enters over the speed limit during any traffi c control Dispatch services to over 120 municipalities In 2009, the RCMP detachment was successful in signal phase: on red, amber or green. reducing reported property crime by 10 per cent, Another agreement with Alberta Health Services and break and enters by 6.7 per cent. allows Strathcona County Emergency Services RCMP and Enforcement Services — to provide emergency medical services (EMS) three key priorities In addition to these priorities, the RCMP handled dispatch to select Alberta municipalities. Strathcona County’s several serious cases, such as the 2008 CN train Strathcona County Emergency Services now RCMP addressed all derailment that involved an act of criminal mischief provides fi re and EMS dispatch services to three of its top policing by two persons and ended in several million dollars over 120 Alberta municipalities, up from priorities for 2009: in damage to public and private property. approximately 50. Renovations were made to Improving traffi c safety The Strathcona County detachment scored very Strathcona County Emergency Services Station An increase in the high across the entire country when Stats Canada #1 to expand and upgrade the 9-1-1 Emergency number of traffi c safety compared weighted clearance rates for reported Communications Centre to serve the new dispatch offi cers and safety crime in 2008, in cities with populations over service requirements. program efforts are viewed as contributors to a 5,000. Within Alberta, the detachment scored fi ve-per-cent decrease in the number of serious signifi cantly better in solving crime than police Airport rescue and fire fighting services injury motor vehicle collisions and a 44-per-cent services in , , and Strathcona County Emergency Services entered decrease in the number of collisions that resulted in . As well, it scored higher than every into an agreement with an industrial partner to fatalities, as shown in 2009 stats. While the serious large municipal RCMP detachment in Alberta. provide airport rescue and fi re fi ghting services to issue of speeding in and around our community is the Airport. Traffic calming being addressed with intelligence-led enforcement, Transportation Cellphone bylaw the traffi c unit has also partnered with other police Engineering and the On September 1, 2009, agencies and non-police agencies to focus on Offi ce of Traffi c Safety the Cellular Phone prevention and education programs. One example hosted eight open Bylaw came into effect, is the successful Strathcona County Citizens on houses in various prohibiting hand-held Patrol group, who manage the electronic speed neighbourhoods to cellphone use when board program. explore potential traffi c 3 2 6 driving on roads under Reducing the impact of illicit drugs 1 5 9 calming measures. 4 8 # 7 0 Strathcona County’s The RCMP Drug Unit has successfully targeted * These strategies aim to slow down or reduce jurisdiction. Strathcona and dismantled prominent criminal organizations traffi c to improve safety for pedestrians and County was the fi rst municipality in Alberta to that tried to fl ourish in our community in 2009. cyclists. The curb extensions and roundabouts on introduce such a ban as a proactive step to remove Strathcona County’s Drug Unit continues to set new Main Boulevard are two examples. one major source of distraction for drivers. standards of success in the greater Edmonton area.

…major events adding to uncertain times

In 2009, adding to the prevailing economic wildland fi re the County had experienced in over • Local State of Drought Emergency uncertainty were other signifi cant events that 20 years. On July 3, 2009, the incident was deemed On June 30, 2009, required municipal resources. offi cially over. In total, the fi re is estimated to have Strathcona County • 2009 wildland fi re impacted over 7,500 hectares of land and crossed Council passed a On the afternoon of municipal boundaries into two adjacent : unanimous motion

May 3, 2009, Sturgeon and Lamont. to declare a Local Strathcona County • H1N1 State of Drought Emergency to support Emergency Services The County conducted implementation of the Provincial Drought responded to a major several municipal Response Plan. This opened the way for fi re in north emergency farmers to benefi t from a variety of programs. Strathcona. It quickly H1N1 preparedness activities joined a wildfi re to support Alberta occurring simultaneously in a neighbouring Health Services and the Alberta Emergency municipality to produce the largest forest and Management Agency in the H1N1 pandemic.

2009 Annual Report recap 3 Highlights of our progress …supporting an active, healthy, green community

Older adults enjoy new annual conference Nurturing quality in Family Day Homes Broadmoor Arena and Clubhouse reinvestment hosted just for them Family Day Homes The arena will be renovated and expanded. In 2009, the fi rst Active Living Conference was held achieved a high This includes modifying the refrigeration with over 175 participants attending. It provided standard of excellence system, dressing room and boards as required. men and women aged 55-plus opportunities to and were re-accredited Renovations will also accommodate off-season connect with others, try new activities and learn in 2009 by the Alberta dry surface use in the arena. The clubhouse about various topics of interest to them. Association for the will be renovated to provide more fl exible Accreditation of Early community meeting and event space through Strathcona County’s first ever Neighbour Day Learning and Care the addition of a second level that attractively celebrated Services. overlooks the course. Completion: Clubhouse - In partnership with the Sherwood Park Farmers’ Spring 2011; Arena - Fall 2011 Market, Neighbour Day was celebrated, Everybody gets to play ™ meets the need Glen Allan Recreation Complex redevelopment recognizing the importance neighbours play in Everybody gets to play ™ in Strathcona County Future plans see this wellness space expanded, our lives and encouraging people to connect with increased access and participation in recreation with a focus on older adult recreational their neighbours. programs and services for families who are living opportunities. with a low income. The County thanks Air Where Character Lives shares and encourages Products Canada, a founding partner that has Also, several outdoor planning initiatives occurred: the positive sponsored the program in its fi rst six years. Ardrossan Community Recreation Master Plan Where Character In December 2009, Lives, a multi-agency the Ardrossan preventive campaign Community to reduce negative and unhealthy behaviours while Recreation Master promoting positive character development, was Rural high speed Internet Plan was approved to designed and launched. The kick-off event saw over In 2009, improving availability of high-speed guide the development 300 drawings and essays submitted by children and Internet service for all rural Strathcona County of future recreation youth expressing what positive character meant to residents moved forward. Through a competitive facilities, parks and them and examples they see in our community. process, MCS Net was selected as the preferred open spaces in this community. The plan’s Students learn to create a sustainable service provider. While the County will not own development included extensive community input, neighbourhood or operate the service or infrastructure, it will and resulted in four strategic themes: The Sustainable Plan-it work closely with MCS Net to further services. In 1. Creation of a walkable community November 2009, applications for seven proposed pilot project guided 2. Places for community gathering communication towers were accepted. Grade 6 students 3. Places for specialized activities and youth through a curriculum Open Space and Recreation Facility Strategy 4. Team sports about sustainable progress More information about the vision for each theme municipal planning. The The Open Space is available at www.strathcona.ca. program shows students and Recreation Park master plans how to create a Facility Strategy Engagement with residents and draft park neighbourhood that can be sustained over time. The identifi es parks, master plans were prepared for public review students’ vision of their community plan was natural areas and in 2009 for Brentwood Park, Kinsmen/ presented to Strathcona County Council. recreation facility projects that will be considered Westboro Park, Heritage Hills Park and South Parent Link moves to a new, larger space for re-development and development over the next Park. On March 23, 2010 the 15 years. In 2009, planning and community In 2009, Parent Link and plans were approved. consultation began toward revitalization of four Early Childhood Sportsfi eld Strategy major indoor facilities: Development moved into Development of a the Children and Youth Ardrossan Recreation Complex reinvestment Sportsfi eld Strategy Community Centre, with a view to the located at 3 Spruce next 15 years began Avenue in Sherwood Park. The move increased the in 2009 to identify amount of space available to offer a wider range of needs and guide programs to families with preschool children. long-term planning A new arena will be built to replace the existing and development of Rural program outreach expanded aging infrastructure. The complex will also outdoor sportsfi elds. Through stakeholder Family and Community Services program include opportunities for spontaneous use and discussions, surveys and interviews, the strategy outreach to rural areas increased, with services wellness. The vision for the complex is to identifi es which are the high-priority sportsfi elds now being offered on a regular basis in fi ve become an inviting place to gather and be in need of improvement and what is the demand locations with special events occurring in three active. Completion: Fall 2011 for new fi elds. additional locations. Millennium Place revitalization Recently approved on June 22, 2010, the new Lil’ Sprouts gardening The leisure ice will be expanded to provide Sportsfi eld Strategy supports revitalization. It In 2009, the Lil’ Sprouts gardening project was more space for recreational skating, increasing directs the County to upgrade existing fi elds a particular success. It introduces parents and available time on the full-size ice for minor ice before building new, with a focus on the higher preschoolers to the joys of growing their own food. users. Wellness space will also be modifi ed to quality ‘A’ standard and ‘A’ premier sportsfi elds alleviate overcrowding. Multi-purpose space and diamonds. Review of Home Support program positive will be added to the Edu-tainment Centre for Family and Community Services Home Support children’s play, wellness programming and program completed the Alberta Health Services community use. A dedicated youth area will Quality Review with the good “marks” all around also be added. Completion: Fall 2011 for the County. 4 2009 Annual Report recap Heritage Hills Wetland upgrades In November 2009, Council approved two new Front-load washers now included in rebate Resident feedback affordable housing programs: program to help conserve water The low-fl ush toilet replacement program collected in the fall of • The Secondary Suite Grant Program offers grants expanded in 2009 to include front-load washers. 2009 helped to homeowners who would like to develop or The County partnered with Climate Change determine future renovate a secondary suite in their home. Grant Central to administer the new water rebate plans for trail recipients will be required to rent the suite for a program. Residents received $50 for replacing upgrades and signage maximum of 85 per cent of market rates for at 13-litre per fl ush toilets or higher with an for the Heritage Hills least fi ve years, to an occupant who makes 80 eligible low-fl ush model. As well, $75 was given Wetland. Detailed per cent or less of the median income. to residents for purchasing eligible front-load designs are being developed and site work is • The HOME Program will provide training to washers. expected to start in late summer of 2010. potential homeowners, who will then be eligible Clover Bar Ranch Park Redevelopment Plan to receive up to $3,000 of down-payment Enviroservice popular In the spring of 2009, residents participated in assistance to purchase their fi rst home in Offered 13 times last year, Enviroservice, where reviewing conceptual plans for Clover Bar Ranch Strathcona County. residents can drop off their household hazardous Park. A resident park committee formed to work Festival Place operations waste, paint, appliances and e-cycling (old TVs, with the County to refi ne the concepts. This The responsibility for computers, etc.) to be recycled at the Streambank plan includes park amenity improvements, and operating Festival Place Avenue Recycling Centre, continued to grow in provides additional recreational opportunities transferred from a popularity. Tally for 2009: that will be developed over the next few years as board to Strathcona • 66,600 kilograms of household hazardous budget allows. County as of June 30, waste, paints and aerosols Brentwood Boulevard Streetscape 2009. This means that • 29,700 kilograms of appliances and scrap metals Also, as part of the Open Space and Recreation Festival Place, which is • 9,200 litres of oil Facility Strategy, new streetscape enhancements owned by Strathcona • 800 TVs, 730 monitors, 650 PCs and 570 were completed south of Sherwood Drive on County, will now be managed in the same way as printers Brentwood Boulevard that included trees, shrubs, other County facilities. The transfer is a natural • 725 car batteries perennials and a paving stone bed border. progression as new opportunities open up with the • 388 barbecue propane tanks development of Centre in the Park. Affordable Housing Plan boosted Green Routine fine tunes and expands Through provincial Agriculture Services offers various grant funding under the educational sessions Municipal Sustainability The County’s Housing Program and Agriculture Services Capital Enhancement coordinates many Program, several information workshops In 2009, the Green Routine was adjusted to pick affordable housing and events to benefi t up weekly organics through the summer in urban projects were initiated in 2009. rural residents. In 2009, and rural hamlets. Also, the Green Routine at • In July, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, with topics included: Work pilot began late 2009. County Hall, assistance from the community at large, organized Sherwood Park Arena and Millennium Place a “blitz build” to construct a duplex in Lakeland • Clubroot awareness to reduce this serious received bins to separate organics, waste and Ridge, which is now home to two families. soil-borne disease and its effects on Canola paper. • In August, Pioneer Housing Foundation started • Rural Living Days focused on information for eBill…Green by choice acreage owners construction of the Silver Birch Lodge expansion, In 2009, Strathcona County which will house 60 self-contained units and • Water well maintenance and operation started offering residents the will provide affordable market rent for seniors, • Tansy management, an invasive weed species choice to receive their utility subsidized rental housing for seniors and special • Tree shelterbelts bill by email. The same needs housing. • Equine management, such as feeding horses information that would be provided on a printed • Development started in May 2009 on the Robin during a drought, feed and nutritional needs, and bill is provided on the eBill. Many people prefer the Hood Association’s 36-unit residential facility for pasture and manure management convenience of online services, and this service uses people with disabilities. Aspen Village opened • Wildlife management information for the public, less paper, which is good for the environment. March 23, 2010. hunters and landowners

2009 Annual Report recap 5 Highlights of our progress

…furthering infrastructure and development Sustainable Rural Roads Master Plan and industrial developments. Inspections include Major urban roadway work asphalt surface overlays, sidewalk installations, Examples of major asphalt trail construction, concrete repairs, roadway work regulatory sign installations, as well as water, completed: sanitary sewer, storm sewer systems and storm • Lakeland Drive water management facility installations. Inspection connection to is important to minimize impact to the immediate Highway 21, which In 2009, the County initiated a review of the Rural residential neighbourhood. Also, overall servicing completes the Roads Master Plan that guides the way rural roads standards are being reviewed to update new important east-west construction techniques that emphasize best are maintained and rehabilitated. This past May, arterial link between Highway 21 to 17th Street Strathcona County Council approved the 2010 engineering practices. • Main Boulevard rehabilitation, a 1.6-kilometre, Sustainable Rural Roads Master Plan. 17th Street Reservoir Expansion started major collector traffi c safety calming project that The plan encompasses approximately 1,300 In 2009, construction of also included streetscape improvements kilometres of roadways that include: 940 the Strathcona County • construction of the Ash Street jug handle, kilometres of grid roads; 330 kilometres of Water Supply System including phase 1 of a noise attenuation wall residential roadways within 202 country residential began. The fi rst subdivisions; and 30 kilometres of residential Lead major regional waterline construction phase roadways within the eight rural hamlets. Strathcona County continued to be the lead consists of an expansion county project sponsor for the Highway 21 to the existing 17th Planning and development projects Regional Waterline – South Line, working Street Reservoir, which is Areas for new with Alberta Transportation and partnering schedule to be complete in August 2011. This development, currently municipalities. Strathcona County also completed 30-million-litre reservoir upgrade will strengthen under development or the detailed design for the North Line, which the County’s existing water system and will provide proposed, include: will service the hamlets of Half Moon Lake the potable water supply for future development. In • Cambrian Strathcona and and is proceeding to addition, the County constructed a new water Joint Planning construction in 2010. Initiative – north of supply line from the 34th Street Booster Station to Highway 16 the new 17th Street Reservoir Expansion that will Watershed management cooperation • Buckingham Business Park north of Costco – convey larger volumes of water. Relating to stormwater, the County formed an proposed New addressing model Inter-municipal • Wye Road Crossing Commercial completed – Through a geodatabase, the County now has a single Watershed apartment site to be developed in 2010 source civic addressing model that is designed to Management Group • Salisbury Village progressing through planning locate and validate any approved address, at any time, with the City of • Emerald Hills Urban Village has begun – within any system. Edmonton. The vision continued residential and commercial Road and street maintenance of this group is to work cooperatively to establish • The Grange – new Country Residential proposed In rural Strathcona County in 2009, 17.5 and implement mutually satisfactory agreements • Ardrossan Rural – Area Structure Plan kilometres of country residential roads and and processes regarding trans-boundary watershed expansion 38.5 kilometres of grid roads were resurfaced. management. • A new high school to start construction in 2010 An additional 1.1 kilometres of hamlet road • Summerwood Commercial completed Community Centre construction very active resurfacing was completed. • Mainstay Hotel under construction – bank, offi ce In 2009, the Community Centre underground In Sherwood Park, over 644 metres of sidewalk and retail being proposed in area parkade structure was completed and construction were repaired and over 3,500 tonnes of asphalt • Synergy Wellness Centre under construction on the building’s structural frame began. Major was placed as part of the sidewalk and street construction further progressed throughout last BizPal launched maintenance programs. Over 600 lineal metres of year, and continues toward the November 1, 2010 In 2009, BizPal was launched for Strathcona curb and gutter was also replaced. opening. County. It is an interactive online service that helps businesses identify the federal, provincial Traffic Support Services by the numbers and local municipal permits and licences required Traffi c Support Services: and how to obtain them. The tool was developed • issued 540 over-dimensional permits, 85 by Industry Canada to assist governments in their temporary traffi c control permits, 21 noise ongoing efforts to boost effi ciency and enhance permits, 22 block party permits and 19 special customer service. event permits • repaired and replaced approximately 2,050 signs Development inspections • replaced 27 streetlight Christmas decorations Development Engineering inspects a large volume of surface works and provides underground inspections for various urban, rural, commercial

6 2009 Annual Report recap Strathcona County Council 38 Strathcona County…

Nearly 88,000 residents proudly call Strathcona

830 County home. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park surrounded by a large rural 15 area of country residential acreages, farms and Ward 2 Ward 5 smaller hamlets, including , Ardrossan, Strathcona County Councillor Roxanne Carr Councillor Jacquie Fenske , Half Moon Lake, Hastings 780-464-8002 780-464-8147 Mayor Cathy Olesen Josephburg 780-464-8000 [email protected] [email protected] Lake, Josephburg, and South [email protected] Cooking Lake. 830 Strathcona is classifi ed as a Specialized Municipality in recognition of its combination 21 of urban and rural areas under one municipal government.

16 Ardrossan Ward 1 Sherwood Park Ward 4 Councillor Vic Bidzinski 216 824 780-464-8005 Councillor Peter Wlodarczak 630 780-464-8146 [email protected] Antler Lake [email protected] 628 North Cooking Lake 14 Half Moon Lake 629 Collingwood Cove 14 630

South Cooking Lake

21 14

Ward 3 Councillor Linda Osinchuk 780-464-8149 [email protected]

Ward 8 Ward 6 Ward 7 Councillor Jason Gariepy Councillor Alan Dunn Councillor Glen Lawrence 780-464-8158 780-464-8206 780-464-8003 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Facts and fi gures on Strathcona County

County-wide area . . . . 1,265 square kilometres Planning and development services (2009) Outdoor recreation services (2009) Subdivision and rezoning applications ...... 42 Sports fields and ball diamonds ...... 230 Population Development permits ...... 1,972 Heritage Parkway Trails ...... 110 km Sherwood Suburban Natural areas ...... 1,432 hectares Total Park and rural* Permits for new residential units ...... 1,325 2009 census 87,998 61,660 26,338 Value of construction for commercial, industrial, institutional Parkland (developed parks, school and other institutional sites, playing 2010 projected 89,382 62,850 26,532 and residential developments ...... $340 million fields, and utility corridors that may include trails) . 1, 847 hectares 2011 projected 91,285 64,430 26,855 Playgrounds ...... 144 *Country residential properties on acreages, farms and in rural hamlets Protective services (2009) Golf courses ...... 8 Increase in population, 2008-2009 ...... 2.9% Police officers (RCMP)...... 88 Tennis courts ...... 19 Increase in population, 2000-2009 ...... 27.0% Peace officers ...... 18 Outdoor rinks ...... 24 Average annual growth rate, 2009-2010, projected. . . . 2.2% RCMP Victim Services Unit volunteer advocates . . . . 27 Fire fighters ...... 125 full-time, 55 part-time Indoor recreation services (2009) Major facilities ...... 10 Economic development (2009) Fire stations ...... 5 No business licence; no business tax Sherwood Park (2), Heartland Hall, South Cooking Lake and Community halls ...... 14 Businesses and organizations in Strathcona County . . . 7,609 Ardrossan Seniors’ centres ...... 4 ( 2009) Emergency calls (fire, ambulance, rescue Number of visitors annually at: Businesses registered in voluntary directory . . . . 1,723 and dangerous goods) responded to ...... 4,858 Broadmoor Public Golf Course . . . . 40,000+ rounds Manufacturing ...... 197 Glen Allan Recreation Complex ...... 325,000+ Home-based ...... 639 Community services (2009) Kinsmen Leisure Centre ...... 275,000+ Retail and commercial ...... 111 Counselling ...... 1,050 families; 6,000 hours Strathcona Wilderness Centre ...... 50,000+ Other ...... 661 Homemaker services . . . 9,334 visits/month to 263 households Millennium Place ...... 2.75 million+ New businesses registered ...... 115 Family day home services . . . . . 182 children/month Hours of ice time – large ice surfaces ...... 10,832 Served by both CN Rail and CP Rail Family and Community Services partners with eight agencies Four airports within 30 minutes providing 4,000 residents with a direct service – Utility operations (2009) Market area (Statistics Canada, 2006 Census) . . . 1,034,945 people ie. Student Health Initiative, Youth Justice, Community Mediation, Family Water distributed ...... 30.1 million litres/day Market share of new single- and multi-family Home Visitation, Big Sisters Big Brothers, Boys and Girls Club of Strathcona Water mains maintained ...... 446 km County, Parent Link Centre, Community Adult Learning and Adult Literacy residential development in the metro region . . . . 8.2% Fire hydrants ...... 1,981 (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., January 2010) Councils. Water storage capacity ...... 81 million litres $26.1 billion in major projects announced, under construction (2009) Wastewater treated ...... 22.1 million litres/day and/or recently completed Library Library, Bookmobile, online visits...... 910,106 Wastewater mains maintained ...... 365 km Library resources used ...... 1,354,251 Stormwater mains maintained ...... 270 km (2009) Transportation Green Routine achieved 65% diversion from landfill Rural roads, County maintained ...... 1, 304 km Questions answered ...... 71,085 Recycling stations ...... 5 Urban roads, County maintained...... 368 km Residential waste to landfill ...... 9,565 tonnes Highways, province maintained ...... 232 km Information and Volunteer Centre Residents enjoy a high quality of life thanks to over 400 Organics sent for composting ...... 10,609 tonnes Transit buses ...... 91 active community organizations. 51% of Strathcona County Materials collected for recycling ...... 7,085 tonnes Transit rides ...... 2.3 million residents volunteer. Household hazardous waste and paint diverted . 67,000 kg Accessible transportation rides...... 13,730 Electronics recycled ...... 2,800 units Strathcona Airport (Josephburg) . . . . 100 weekday flights up to 250 on weekends 2009 Annual Report recap 7 2010 Budget highlights Highlights from the Operating expenditures 2010 Operating expenditures . . . . $237.7 ($million) Consolidated Financial Statements Municipal ...... $189.6 Utility ...... $40.9 Library ...... $7.2 for the year ended December 31, 2009 Capital expenditures 2010 Capital expenditures ...... $60.8 ($million) Strathcona County’s fi nancial activities Creating a sustainable community requires Municipal ...... $54.3 support the program and service delivery Utility ...... $3.0 balancing the social, economic and Library ...... $3.5 objectives approved by Council, with a environmental dimensions in support of the 2010 allocation of each dollar of residential focus on community sustainability and the community vision. property tax: achievement of the community vision. Community Sustainability Municipal services ...... 59.8¢ Education ...... 36.8¢ Social Library ...... 2.3¢ Vision Seniors Management Services ...... 1.1¢ Strathcona County is a safe, caring and 2010 planned distribution of a autonomous community that treasures its municipal property tax dollar unique blend of urban and rural lifestyles Achieving a Transportation (roads)...... 32¢ while balancing the natural environment Balance Recreation, parks and culture . . . 23¢ Fire, ambulance, police . . . . . 22¢ with economic prosperity. Through Public transit ...... 13¢ strong, effective leadership, the County is Planning and development . . . . 4¢ Agriculture ...... 3¢ a vibrant community of choice. Family and community services . . 2¢ Environmental Economic Coin image ©2010 Royal Canadian Mint - All Rights Reserved Economic development and tourism . 1¢

2009 Consolidated Revenues $334.4 million 2009 Residential Property Tax Distribution Where the 2009 Municipal Tax Dollar was spent

$137.9 Agriculture Planning & Development Property Taxes 3¢ 3¢ $122.0 Family & Community Services $14.3 2¢ Government Transfers $9.8 Economic Development Education & Tourism 36% $39.5 1¢ Utility User Rates $34.6 $160.5 Municipal Services $32.2 User Fees & Charges 60% Roads $29.9 32¢ Recreation, Parks $53.4 & Culture Capital Revenues 23¢ $56.4

Library $57.1 Own Sources & Other 3% Transit Fire, Ambulance & $40.0 14¢ Police Services Seniors Management Services 22¢ 0 30 60 90 120 150 1% millions 60 per cent of the total 2009 residential property taxes 2009 2008 supported municipal services. Approximately 68 cents (2008 – 70 cents) of every municipal Municipal programs and services are funded from tax dollar supported roads, public transit, fire protection, several sources. Consolidated revenues for 2009 were ambulance and police services in 2009. Utility operations are $334.4 million, an increase of $41.6 million over 2008. self-sustaining; no property taxes are used to support Utility operations, with the exception of the recycling centres.

2009 Consolidated Expenditures $225.9 million External Debt Capacity

$400 $182.6 $350 Municipal Operations $160.5 $300

$250 $37.9 $200 Utility $33.6 Operations $150

$100

$5.3 $50 Library $4.8 Operations 0 2007 2008 2009 0 50 100 150 200 Debt Outstanding Policy Debt Limit MGA Debt Limit millions

2009 2008 The Provincial Government limits the external debt allowed by a municipality to 150% of revenue (as In 2009, total expenses amounted to $225.9 million in defined by regulation). At December 31, 2009, the support of approved program and service delivery. County’s external debt (including capital leases) Contact us outstanding was 34% - $126.8 million (2008 – 28% - Find news and information about the County’s $91.6 million) of the provincially legislated maximum programs and services at www.strathcona.ca debt limit of $372.5 million. For these purposes, external debt includes long-term debentures, capital leases, and demand loans payable. Strathcona County 2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7 FSC logo here 780-464-8111 [email protected]

8 Strathcona County Living