LEDUC COUNTY 2018-2021 STRATEGIC PLAN

2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN | LEDUC COUNTY 1 LEDUC COUNTY 2018-2021 STRATEGIC PLAN

This strategic plan is Leduc County council’s road map for its four-year term. The plan is based on desires and concerns of county residents, as identified through the 2017 municipal election process. Strategic plans define the significant things a municipality will focus on to achieve desired results. Strategic plans enable the best use of limited resources and ensure Leduc County citizens have the best possible services at the most economic cost.

This plan was approved at the August 28, 2018 Leduc County council meeting.

2 LEDUC COUNTY | 2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS

2018-2021 STRATEGIC PLAN

MISSION, VISION, VALUES AND COMMITMENTS...... 4 MESSAGE FROM COUNCIL...... 5 MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTY MANAGER. 6 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES...... 7 LEDUC COUNTY TODAY...... 8 DEMOGRAPHICS AND GROWTH. 8 Population . 8 Growth...... 8 Communities...... 9 QUALITY OF LIFE. 10 Partnerships...... 10 Parks and recreation . 10 Emergency services...... 10 Support services...... 10 OPPORTUNITIES. 11 Economic development ...... 11 STRATEGIC PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS...... 12 ENRICHED QUALITY OF LIFE. 12 AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION AND SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FOOD. 13 ENHANCED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS. 14 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. 15 REGIONAL LEADERSHIP. 16

2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN | LEDUC COUNTY 3 MISSION, VISION, VALUES AND COMMITMENTS

MISSION

Leduc County is dedicated to serving its citizens and will create an enhanced quality of life through effective leadership, committed partnerships and open, transparent communication.

VISION

Leduc County is a leading member of the Metropolitan Region. Leduc County offers an economic advantage, sustainable agricultural network, environmental leadership and an unsurpassed quality of life.

VALUES AND COMMITMENTS

Leduc County believes in:

• our citizens • serving our communities • making ethical decisions • seeking fairness and equitability • pursuing innovation

By being true to these core beliefs, we will realize our commitment to:

• working for our citizens • leading by example • achieving positive results • maintaining balanced and responsive budgets

4 LEDUC COUNTY | 2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN MESSAGE FROM COUNCIL

Back row (L to R): Councillor Glenn Belozer, Councillor Kelly Vandenberghe and Councillor Rick Smith. Front row (L to R): Mayor Tanni Doblanko, Councillor Ray Scobie, Councillor Larry Wanchuk and Councillor Kelly-Lynn Lewis.

It is an honour and great responsibility to be elected to lead Leduc County for the next four years.

During the 2017 municipal election campaign, we spoke with many of you about your priorities for Leduc County. During these discussions, it became clear to us that change was needed and the county must follow a more innovative path forward. This strategic plan describes what we heard from you, and how we will build the county that you envision. We have identified five strategic priorities to guide our actions and decisions during our term as your elected officials.

Leduc County is a key player in the changes that are taking place in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, and we will continue to be leaders during these important regional discussions. We will work hard to make our county and the region stronger and more prosperous, and will make the decisions necessary to achieve our goals.

We need your support to achieve these goals, and look forward to your involvement in building our future together.

- Leduc County mayor and councillors

2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN | LEDUC COUNTY 5 MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTY MANAGER

The first strategic planning activity with a newly elected council is always stimulating, as council members outline their visions and ideas for the next four years.

This strategic plan, with its five strategic priorities, will guide our work and decisions for the next four years. Our job as administrators is to take council’s vision and priorities and turn them into reality.

We look forward to working with council on these important initiatives and will do our best to help them achieve their goals.

Duane Coleman County Manager

DID YOU KNOW? LEDUC COUNTY HAS A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION WORKING THAN AND 67.9% (LC) 65.4% (AB) 60.2% (CAN)

SOURCE: 2016 CENSUS

6 LEDUC COUNTY | 2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN LEDUC COUNTY STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2018-2021

ENRICHED QUALITY OF LIFE

Leduc County continually enhances the quality of life for its citizens by increasing the capacity and accessibility of recreational, tourist and cultural activities and attractions.

AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION AND SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FOOD

Leduc County encourages and supports agricultural innovation, the protection of agriculture land, agribusiness and local food initiatives.

ENHANCED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Leduc County improves the quality of county roads and transportation systems and supports initiatives that promote road safety.

Leduc County provides public transportation options for its customers.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Leduc County encourages business and employment growth and diversification through key relationship building and by creating an environment that fosters development.

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

Leduc County is a leader in regional planning and collaborative service delivery, which guides decision-making and resource allocation. The county is an advocate for partnering with other municipalities and orders of government to maximize regional opportunities.

2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN | LEDUC COUNTY 7 LEDUC COUNTY TODAY

DEMOGRAPHICS AND GROWTH

POPULATION: 13,780 (2016 CENSUS)

GROWTH: LEDUC COUNTY’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY (2016) PROJECTS A POPULATION BETWEEN AND BY 2045. 40,225 44,766

  

    DIVISION 7    DIVISION 5     

DIVISION 6

  

8 LEDUC COUNTY | 2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMER VILLAGES MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN HAMLETS LOCALITIES BUSINESS PARKS (MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN LEDUC COUNTY’S BORDERS LEDUC COUNTY’S BORDERS) 1. Buford 8. Glen Park 11. 12. 15. City of Leduc 2. Kavanagh 9. Michigan Centre 13. 16. Town of Beaumont 3. Looma 10. St. Francis 14. Golden Days 17. Town of Calmar 4. 18. Town of Devon 5. 19. Town of Thorsby 6. Sunnybrook 20. Village of Warburg 7.

   DIVISION 1

DIVISION 2     DIVISION 4    DIVISION 3

    

   Division 7 Division 6 Division 5 Division 4 Division 3 Division 2 Division 1 Ray Scobie Glenn Belozer Tanni Doblanko Larry Wanchuk Kelly Vandenberghe Kelly-Lynn Lewis Rick Smith 780-955-4567 780-955-4566 780-955-4565 780-955-4564 780-955-4563 780-955-4562 780-955-4561

2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN | LEDUC COUNTY 9 LEDUC COUNTY TODAY

QUALITY OF LIFE

Partnerships

Leduc County values partnerships. The county has As well, through several several cost-sharing agreements in place with regional cost-sharing agreements, partners to support recreation, library, fire, police and Leduc County supports: transit services. • 11 arenas Parks and recreation • 4 pools Leduc County is home to: • 4 curling rinks

• Jubilee Park Campground on Wizard Lake • 15 community halls • Centennial Park Campground on Joseph Lake • 7 libraries • Genesee Heritage Park • Several athletic fields • Sunnybrook Creek Park • Nisku Recreation Centre • • UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Comfort cabin at Jubilee Park at Wizard Lake • Ministik International Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Emergency services Support services

Leduc County provides and supports emergency The following services are accessible within Leduc services throughout the region. County:

Located within Leduc County are: • 2 hospitals

• 7 fire districts (Warburg, Thorsby, Calmar, Leduc, • 3 public health centres Nisku, New Sarepta, Millet) • Family and social services • 5 fire stations (Nisku, New Sarepta, Warburg, • Affordable and seniors housing Thorsby, Calmar) • Schools • 4 full-time firefighters (24/7) at Edmonton International Airport (EIA) • Leduc County employs 6 community peace officers

Leduc County funds additional RCMP positions, as follows:

• 1 enhanced officer position • 1 enhanced school resources officer • 1 criminal analyst • 2 part-time clerical positions

10 LEDUC COUNTY | 2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN LEDUC COUNTY TODAY

OPPORTUNITIES

Economic Development

Leduc County is strategically located within major air, rail and road networks. Leduc County is home to the Nisku Business Park, Edmonton International Airport and Genesee Generating Station, all of which provide thousands of jobs to people in the region.

DID YOU KNOW? EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (EIA) IS LOCATED IN LEDUC COUNTY

Edmonton International Airport

Photo courtesy of Edmonton International Airport

2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN | LEDUC COUNTY 11 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

1. ENRICHED QUALITY OF LIFE

Leduc County continually enhances the quality of life for its citizens by increasing the capacity and accessibility of recreational, tourist and cultural activities and attractions.

FOCUS AREAS TIMELINE 1.1 Develop a plan framework to meet growth and program needs for recreation, tourism and Q4 | 2020 culture. 1.2 Maintain existing partnerships and pursue new partnership opportunities with other Q4 | 2018 municipalities to leverage county investment. 1.3 Offer affordable county-sponsored programs and activities to all citizens. Q1 | 2018

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

1. Adopt a strategic approach to community building that identifies community needs, access to services and financial sustainability.

2. Increase collaborative efforts among local governments, voluntary organizations and individuals that support and nurture a vibrant recreation system for community service provision.

3. Develop strategies and policies so all families and individuals in Leduc County have access to community programs and services.

DID YOU KNOW? THERE ARE 1088 FARMS IN LEDUC COUNTY SOURCE: 2016 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE

12 LEDUC COUNTY | 2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN 2. AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION AND SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FOOD

Leduc County encourages and supports agricultural innovation, the protection of agriculture land, agribusiness and local food initiatives.

FOCUS AREAS TIMELINE 2.1 Develop a plan framework for the re-visioning of smallholding agricultural activity. Q2 | 2020 2.2 Support integration of agri-science and innovation in agricultural production. Q1 | 2019 2.3 Support local food initiatives. Q2 | 2019 2.4 Be an advocate for agriculture and foster agri-tourism. Q2 | 2019 2.5 Develop a phased roll-out plan for the 2016 Agricultural Strategy Q4 | 2019

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

1. Increase local producers’ participation in local food organizations, including Alberta Farm Fresh Producers and the Alberta Farmers’ Market Association.

2. Host educational events regarding local agriculture and food production.

3. Develop partnerships with agri-science agencies, such as Alberta Innovates, and educational institutions, such as the University of Alberta.

2018 BMO Farm Family Award winners, the ter Borgh family, at their family-run dairy operation. (L to R): Johan, Riekje, Gerard and Berend ter Borgh (missing from photo is Miriam ter Borgh).

$3,182,562,016: TOTAL FARM CAPITAL REPORTED FOR 2016 AT MARKET VALUE SOURCE: 2016 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE

2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN | LEDUC COUNTY 13 3. ENHANCED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Leduc County improves the quality of county roads and transportation systems and supports initiatives that promote road safety.

Leduc County provides public transportation options for its customers.

FOCUS AREAS TIMELINE 3.1 Improve transportation networks. Q4 | 2018 3.2 Support economic development initiatives by improving transportation links. Q3 | 2021 3.3 Investigate public transportation opportunities within the county and across the region. Q3 | 2019 3.4 Make continuous infrastructure investments to support the safety of those travelling in Q1 | 2019 and through the county. 3.5 Develop and implement a new Transportation Master Plan. Q2 | 2019

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

1. Reduce the number of insurance claims received by the county due to road damage.

2. Reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents on county roadways.

3. Increase awareness and utilization of accessible and affordable public transportation options within the county and region.

DID YOU KNOW? SHORTLY AFTER NISKU SPINE ROAD OPENED, DAILY TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD INCREASED BY 86 PER CENT

SOURCE: LEDUC COUNTY STATISTICS (2016)

Nisku Spine Road

14 LEDUC COUNTY | 2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN 4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Leduc County encourages business and employment growth and diversification through key relationship building and by creating an environment that fosters development.

FOCUS AREAS TIMELINE 4.1 Implement the 2018-2021 Economic Development and Growth Management Study. Q2 | 2019 4.2 Maintain, leverage and build new partnerships. Q4 | 2018 4.3 Re-evaluate policies to reduce barriers to commercial growth. Q1 | 2020 4.4 Develop a county brand to support promotion and marketing efforts. Q2 | 2020 4.5 Create an economic development package to promote Leduc County. Q3 | 2019 4.6 Investigate alternate strategies for Leduc County utility rates. Q3 | 2018

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 1. Implement a new economic development function within Leduc County.

2. Net increase in non-residential assessed values in the Leduc region.

3. Complete a broadband strategy for the Leduc region.

4. Complete an agribusiness strategy. 83,500 ADDITIONAL JOBS ARE PROJECTED FOR THE LEDUC SUB-REGION* BY 2044

SOURCE: LEDUC COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY (2016)

Construction work in Nisku

*Leduc sub-region includes Leduc County, the City of Leduc, the towns of Beaumont, Devon, Calmar and Thorsby and the Village of Warburg.

2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN | LEDUC COUNTY 15 5. REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

Leduc County is a leader in regional planning and collaborative service delivery, which guides decision-making and resource allocation. The county is an advocate for partnering with other municipalities and orders of government to maximize regional opportunities.

FOCUS AREAS TIMELINE 5.1 Relationships with other municipalities are maintained and strengthened. Q4 | 2018 5.2 Leduc County remains a leader on regional initiatives through work with its partners. Q1 | 2021 5.3 Leduc County is recognized by other orders of government as a leading example of good Q1 | 2021 municipal practice.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 1. Complete phase 1 of the Inter-Jurisdiction Cooperation Accord initiative.

2. Complete the Intermunicipal Planning Framework with the City of Edmonton and Town of Beaumont.

3. Complete intermunicipal collaboration frameworks and intermunicipal development plans with all neighbouring municipalities.

Grand opening event for Calmar District Fire Station

16 LEDUC COUNTY | 2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN 2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN | LEDUC COUNTY 17 18 LEDUC COUNTY | 2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN