Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - January 30/2012

Cathy Olesen Wins Candidacy Slot for PC Party in Sherwood Park MLA Race

Cathy Olesen, the former county mayor, will represent the Progressive Conservative, or PC, party candidate for the upcoming election for Sherwood Park MLA. Though there are rumors that the runner up Susan Timanson was only one vote behind the winner, no one is confirming that fact. All they are saying is that it was a close race, according to Nicole Van Kuppeveld, the Park PC Association president.

Olesen was mayor between 2004 and 2010, and before that was a three term councilor. The experienced politician believes this will help her serve the community, and that that same experience won her the candidacy. A meeting between Janet Evans, who vacated the post, and Olesen is expected soon.

In her pre-nomination speech Olesen stressed the importance of environmental, social and economic sustainability for Sherwood Park. Also mentioned was the importance of doing more energy research, particularly concerning the oilsands. This will help protect the environment while still allowing Alberta to prosper in the energy industry. Health care is also an important issue.

Coming up, Olesen has meetings scheduled with the PC Association, PC candidates and the government currently in power.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - December 16/2011

Canadian Wheat Board Fights Back Against Bill C-18

Recently the federal government passed legislation that would effectively disband the Canadian Wheat Board. On December 9th, the Wheat Grain Elevator Association or WGEA, decided to fight back. They appeared before the Agriculture and Forestry Senate Committee to protest the passing of Bill C-18. This bill would allow farmers to sell their grain products to their own customers, using their own contracts.

The contention is that the federal government illegally passed this bill, without consultation of the farmers or the Wheat Board. Wade Sobkowich, who is the WGEA director, noted that if the board is dismantled, it will only cause confusion and chaos through the industry.

Farmers on the other hand, seem to favour being able to negotiate their own contracts and prices. Under the Wheat Board’s directive, farmer’s who sold outside the organization faced fines and possible jail time. Passage of Bill C-18 creates an open market, with this threat of prosecution eliminated. The filing of the complaint does put the implementation on hold, but the date of the Board’s dismantlement still holds firm at August 1st, 2012. Farmers are counting on the bill being upheld and are going ahead with their plan to secure contracts.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - December 9/2011

Strathcona County Looks at Multi-Tenant Buildings Green Routine Compliance

It is more difficult to monitor Strathcona County’s Green Routine recycling project in multi-unit residences than in single family homes. This program governs the management of recyclables and organic waste, including the pick up and distribution of these items. It is a bylaw that went into effect on December 31st of 2010, but there is no penalty for not complying with that law.

At issue are the 80 multi tenant buildings and complexes within the limits of Strathcona County. Of these 54 percent receive pick-up services from that county, meaning that they are on the Green Routine collection grid. Nine are receiving modified Green Routine service. The rest are having their waste collected and hauled away by private contractors.

The problem with private hauling is that the city cannot monitor where that waste will end up. Waste dumped in the landfill amounts to non-compliance with the bylaw. Other issues include not separating the different waste products at the source, meaning that they have to go to a composter in Edmonton.

Strathcona is looking to strengthen its Green Routine bylaw so that it is tougher, perhaps by initiating a penalty system. The goal is to have all multi-tenant buildings in compliance by December 31st of 2012.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - November 30/2011

Amendment to Land Act Goes to Vote in Alberta Legislature

Changes are being proposed to recently passed legislation affecting Alberta landowners. The Land Assembly Project Area Amendment Act, otherwise known as Bill 23, is intended to strengthen the wording of the original text, according to Dave Quest, an MLA from Strathcona. The amendment makes it clearer as to a landowner’s rights should his property be needed for a government infrastructure project.

According to Quest, the landowner rights were already spelled out in the original act, but the amendment gives even more power to those landowners. Jeff Johnson, Minister of Infrastructure, agrees. Johnson also noted that the changes were in response to some concerns voiced by Albertans, and is a sign that the government really is listening.

Johnson emphasized that if landowners are required to give up property, they should be fully compensated and also have access to the court system to address concerns. The amendment also provides for a landowner to sell property to the government and then lease it back until the project begins. Other restrictions forbid the use of the bill for pipeline or utility projects that are stand-alone only.

At a time when several infrastructure projects are planned within the province, particularly in regards to new transportation corridors and the like, it is a good thing to solidify the rights of landowners who may find themselves in a position where their land is needed for such projects.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - November 16/2011

Strathcona County Museum Achieves National Recognition

The Strathcona County Museum and Archives may be on the small size, but that didn’t stop it from picking up a nod on the national stage. The historical vignette exhibit received a nomination for the History Alive Award of Excellence, specifically in the Public Programming category. Co-sponsored by Canada’s History Society and the Canadian Museums Association, this is a new award introduced just this year.

The program developer for the museum, Deb Krahn, advised that the Alberta Museums Association’s CEO did the honors personally. Krahn noted that they are thrilled to be one of the four museums in the finals, and it is the highest placement ever in any museum industry event.

Recognizing innovation, excellence and a creative and accurate representation of local and regional history, the Public Programming category encourages the preservation and study of historic times. While the museum did not take top honors, the nomination has already spurred interest in the museum. More people are coming in to check out what the venue has to offer.

Krahn will be attending the award ceremony in Ottawa, as will museum curator Starr Hanson. While in the capital region, the pair will tour Rideau Hall and Parliament Hill, as well as the Museum of Civilization. While touring the latter, the pair plans to do a bit of research for an aboriginal exhibit planned for Strathcona’s museum.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - November 2/2011

Strathcona Councillor Motions for Housing Needs Study

Roxanne Carr, councillor for Strathcona County, presented a motion at the council meeting this past Tuesday. That motion will be debated upon at a future meeting, but the gist of it is to direct the county to do a study regarding what types of housing, both urban and rural, will be needed within the near and distant future.

In her prior term, Carr was on the Capital Region Housing Committee and is more aware than most of the importance of such findings. Creating an advisory committee that will not only outline what local government wants to accomplish, but that will also listen to the wants and needs of the residents is important. The committee would consist of a number of stakeholders working in concert to best figure out what type of community development would benefit Strathcona. More people contributing their ideas means a more fair minded approach and solution to the housing issue.

According to the proposed motion, the committee would have two local councillors and administrative heads from Corporate Planning and Intergovernmental Affairs, Tourism and Economic Development and Planning and Development Services. Also on board would be representatives from the Canadian Home Builders Association and the Chamber of Commerce. Input from the Affordable Housing Committee would be welcome. The committee would also look into zoning regulations and how they affect both the building trade and the eventual homeowners.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - October 19/2011

Strathcona County MLAs Passed Over For Cabinet Positions

For the first time in 13 years, there will be no MLA from Strathcona County serving on the Prime Minister’s cabinet. Alison Redford did not appoint either Iris Evans from Sherwood Park or Dave Quest of Strathcona to her newly formed government. Dave Quest will serve as the chairperson for finance in the cabinet policy committee. Quest reports that it is an important job, a compliment, and that he is happy with the appointment.

There have already been criticisms about Redford’s choices. Strathcona County feels under-represented within the cabinet. Evans was, before this past Wednesday, the International and Intergovernmental Relations minister. Prior to that appointment she served as ministers of Health and Wellness, Children’s Services, Municipal Affairs and Finance and Enterprise. But this cabinet, Evans was shut out.

Strathcona County doesn’t know what to make of all of their MLAs being relegated to the back benches. Redford also did not make much of a showing in the area during the leadership race. Of special concern is the approval of the Heartland Transmission Project, something the premier is backing. That project directly affects Strathcona because of the route of the transmission line. Locals feel they will not have enough of a voice to fight how and where that line will go in.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - October 5/2011

Premier-Elect Redford Vows To Reverse Education Cuts

Alberta’s new premier-in-waiting, Alison Redford, is promising to reverse the government cuts imposed on the province’s education system. This involves $107 million dollars that could be going back into local school districts. Also on the to-do list is the revamping of Alberta’s sub-par health care system, and an inquiry on the subject of doctor intimidation.

The 46 year old MLA from Calgary-Elbow beat out Gary Mar, the designated front runner by 1,613 votes this past Sunday. Wasting no time in laying out her agenda; Redford plans meetings with the Progressive Conservative caucus within days. Then it’s on to selecting a cabinet and working out exactly when Redford will be sworn into her new position. Redford advised there would be no session this fall and that an election will be planned for sometime within the next 12 months.

Speaking on her cabinet, Redford announced that Gary Mar along with Doug Horner, who came in third will both be offered a position. It was a rather divisive election so it may take a bit for things to settle down. One regret Redford admitted to is that she can’t cal her mom to celebrate. Her mother passed away the Tuesday before the election. Despite being pulled away from the campaign trail for this family tragedy, Redford managed to win anyway. That could be a sign of good things to come.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - September 16/2011

Public Opinion Sought on Where to Put Strathcona County’s New Pool

A series of open houses is being conducted in Strathcona County to garner public opinion as to where the new county pool should be located. Possibilities include the Kinsmen Leisure Centre, the Androssan Recreation Complex, Millennium Place, Glen Allan Recreation Complex and Emerald Hills, a new development.

The five locations were chosen after gathering public input in what they would like to see built. The options include indoor or outdoor facilities, or a combination of both, providing different types of aquatic sports options. The first open house at Kinsmen Leisure Center had more then 150 people attending, many having some insightful and thoughtful ideas on the matter.

Sarah Geisler, who is a specialist in recreational programs for the county, noted that it was important to get public input because putting in a swimming facility is an expensive proposition. It’s better to find out what people needed and wanted before the first shovel is turned rather that put in something that would not be welcomed or used.

On October 18th a workshop at the county council will be held. The gathered public feedback, as well as details about the site and its requirements will be presented. Council will then add their input. Once funding is approved, the designing could begin sometime in 2012, and the construction could start as early as 2013. The county is welcoming public input at its website until September 30th. The address is www.strathcona.ab.ca

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - August 24/2011

Autism Fundraiser Yard Sale Held in Sherwood Park

This coming weekend, August 26th and 27th, Welma Klassen will be holding a yard sale at her home in Sherwood Park. The event will be at 128 Garland Crescent. Buyers will be happy to know that the proceeds will be going to charity, notably to the Autism Speaks Canada organization. All the items have been donated for the cause.

This is an ongoing effort by Klassen. Jaden, her seven year old grandson has autism, and was diagnosed with the disease at two and a half. Yard sales do quite well. The last one raised $2,000 for autism, going to the same charity. Neighbors regularly donate items to sell.

Autism Speaks helps those with autism to learn to speak. Many children that have the disease cannot do so, or develop the skill much later than kids without autism. There is still plenty about this disease that is unknown. It doesn’t appear to affect everyone in the same way, so there is an air of mystery about the disease. The money helps fund research into autism as well.

On September 11th in Edmonton, the Walk Now for Autism Speaks will be held at Rundle Park. Klassen will be at that event as well. Contributing at the yard sale and/or at the walk event are both ways to help the cause.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - August 12/2011

Alberta Has New Emergency Alert Operating System

The province of Alberta will be taking the month of August to inform its citizens of the new Alberta Emergency Alert system. This revamped system will allow municipalities to advise citizens of emergency situations more efficiently than before. The old system relied on analogue technology; the new one uses a digital system that embraces the power of the internet and social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter.

When there is a problem, the province will send out messages from a special website that will automatically send information to Twitter, Facebook, television and radio. If you have an SMS system that sends messages to your cell phone, the emergency system will also alert you that way. The new system gives access to one central command site to the various municipalities, greatly increasing the speed and efficiency of emergency notifications. Local governments can now interrupt regular broadcasting to get the message out.

The campaign is called Stop, Listen and Respond and will be going on for roughly four weeks. Information will come in the form of public interest announcement on TV, radio and even in movie theatres. The idea is to get residents familiar with the new system and to help the public better prepare for emergency situations.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - July 29/2011

No Mosquito Spraying in Strathcona County

Due to the extremely wet weather this year, mosquito numbers throughout Alberta are higher than normal. Despite this fact, Strathcona County will not be doing any spraying to combat the insects this year. That is the main way of controlling the pests and the county believes that it is ineffective.

Their definition of effective is that the spraying only controls mosquito populations in the locally sprayed area, but not in areas beyond those targeted. Strathcona County is so large and has so many mosquito friendly breeding areas that spraying all these areas is not feasible.

The county also cites that fact that other animals, including those that eat mosquitoes, are also killed by the spray. The reduction of animals that see mosquitoes as prey usually means an increased mosquito population the following year. Mosquitoes are more likely to breed successfully in rain barrels and large puddles than in the larger ponds and lakes because of the presence of predators.

Despite the increase in mosquito numbers, so far there have been no West Nile Virus cases reported this year. Its carrier, the Culex Tarsalis species of mosquito, needs hotter and drier conditions to breed and so far this year the summer in Alberta has been unusually wet and cold. The increase has been in the smaller varieties that are sometimes referred to as “nuisance” mosquitoes.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - July 15/2011

Minister for Sherwood Park Meets With Federal Counterpart

Iris Evans, MLA for Sherwood Park, spent some time with her counterpart in the Federal Government this past July 7th. Evans is the Alberta Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations. Peter Penashue is the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada. While most of Calgary had thoughts pointed towards the annual Stampede, the two ministers got to know each other, and the plan is to hold many more such meetings.

Penashue was elected in the 2011 federal elections and is Labrador’s MP. Even though coming from the opposite side of the country, he understands the needs of Albertans, because they mirror those of all provinces. People want to make sure that government representatives are working to make sure the economy keeps going in the right direction. Penashue noted he would be collaborating with Alberta, as he will with the rest of the nation, to ensure the economy continues to improve.

Evans served as the Alberta Minister of Finance and Enterprise prior to her current position. The switch was made by Premier Ed Stelmach back in January of 2010.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - June 28/2011

Fraser Institute Rates High Schools in Strathcona County

Each year the Fraser Institute rates high schools within Alberta. The latest report included some of Strathcona County’s campuses. Archbishop Jordan is the only high school in the Elk Island Catholic Schools district. It had 275 students in its 2010 Grade 12 class. This school placed 47th in a field of 276 surveyed. Almost 90 percent of its students graduated, which is the best percentage since 2006. The fail percentage also decreased from the 14.7 percent seen in the 2009 school year to 13.7 this year.

Schools assessed in the Elk Island Public School District included Ardrossan, Strathcona Christian Academy, or SCA, Salisbury and BevFacey. At SCA, 97.3 percent of its 73 Grade 12 students graduated. The small class size may have contributed to those stats, but the fact remains that SCA had the highest completion rate in the county.

Androssan and its 109 students placed second, with a 90.3 percent completion rate. They were followed by the larger Facey, with 405 students and an 86.8 percent completion rate and Salisbury, with 410 students, having an 80.4 percent rate. In the field of 276 schools, SCA was 26th, Facey came in at 47th, Androssan at 80th and Salisbury at 144.

There is ongoing debate on whether the Fraser Institute provides an accurate picture of how a school is really performing. For most it is only one of many assessment tools, including PAT scores and the earning of a diploma that indicates how well any educational institute measures up.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - June 17/2011

Sherwood Climber Aiming to Conquer Mt Kilimanjaro

Kendra Kincade will soon be on her way to Africa to climb that country’s most famous mountain, Kilimanjaro. A resident of Sherwood Park and an air traffic controller working at the Edmonton Terminal, she is making the climb to raise money to build a new surgery and orthopedic center for that city’s Royal Alex Hospital. Kendra will be joined by 36 climbers from the medical and business world, all hoping to reach the top of the 19,431 foot mountain.

The goal is to raise a half-million dollars for the facility. Kincade, who started raising funds in October of 2010, wanted to raise at least $5,000 on her own. One way she did this was to make a calendar picturing women in the air traffic control profession. Staying away from anything remotely “cheesecake” she made sure the women were portrayed as strong, powerful contributors to society. The calendars sold out, netting almost $11,000 with subsequent donations resulting from other people seeing the calendars.

As far as the climb itself, this is just one thing on Kincade’s “to do” list. The fact that she can make the climb and raise money for a great cause at the same time is just the icing on the event. Kincade has been working with a personal trainer to get in shape for Africa. The climbing group will be doing some practice climbs before their trip. One will be Whistlers Mountain out in Jasper. Since there are some military personal scheduled to be on the climb, a bit of boot camp training is also on the horizon for the group.

Donations for the climb may be made through www.royalalex.org. There is a link to the Kilimanjaro climb. Follow it and donate using Kincade’s name.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - June 2/2011

Preliminary Talks Underway for Strathcona County 2012 Budget

Strathcona County is starting to work on the 2012 budget. Council will hold its first preliminary meeting on the subject this coming Tuesday. Financial services have already provided information about possible figures for next year to council members.

One of the concerns or challenges for 2012 is being able to keep up with sustainable growth. Strathcona County is expected to have some $240 million in debt by 2012, but that is expected to decrease by 2016 to $189 million. Financial services gave council these preliminary figures so that the board could realistically look at what projects can be accomplished in the coming years. The figures will be looked at over the summer in preparation for budget talks in the fall.

Kevin Glebe who is with financial services was pleased with the questions council members have about the budget. After Tuesday’s meeting his department will know what direction to go in while plotting out spending for the year.

Also explored in the meeting with financial services was the idea of branding the community. Other Canadian communities have done so, and have increased their visibility and as a result have brought in more business and tourist dollars. As an example, Camrose bills itself as welcoming retirees. Okotoks markets itself as an energy efficient locale. Meetings on the subject for Strathcona County are planned.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - May 11/2011

Strathcona County is Growing…and Growing

Mayor Linda Osinchuk recognized the fact that Strathcona County is growing in her latest State of the County Address. The latest figures show the population sits at nearly 88,000, with 61,000 or so living in Sherwood Park and the remainder in the surrounding rural areas. The city saw an increase of 3.8 percent in its population, while the rural parts of Strathcona County saw an increase of .90 percent. Taking those figures together gives an average growth rate of 2.9 percent. Since 2001, the county has seen a 22.2 percent population growth.

Osinchuk also acknowledged that the county is part residential, part industrial and part commercial which is a healthy mix for growth. The mayor also declared that outside of the oil sands area outside of Fort McMurray, the Strathcona County area was one of top industrial zones in Alberta.

But the county has had a few bumps along the road, including the problem with snow clearing brought on by an extremely long and cold winter. But the county coped by changing policy and plain old hard work and managed to cope with the heaviest snowfall ever seen in the area. Osinchuk hopes to keep up with the expected growth by looking into ways to provide affordable housing and expanding government’s take on other issues. The Mayor also wants to look into a possible rebranding of the area, more in tune with Strathcona’s multi-use makeup. It is no longer just an agricultural community.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - April 27/2011

Strathcona County Gets Green Funding For Park-and-Ride Terminal

Plans for a new Park and Ride terminal in Sherwood Park have received not only approval, but $13.6 million from the provincial government. Strathcona County will be receiving funding from the Alberta Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP). The announcement was made by Mayor Linda Osinchuk on April 20th as part of her State of the County address.

Premier Ed Stelmach is pleased with the decision. The new Park and Ride will make it easier for residents in the Capital Region to use public transportation, cutting down on traffic and ultimately pollution. The GreenTRIP program sets aside $2 billion in capital funding to support projects such as this that improve transportation options in Alberta. This can be for transit options on the local, regional and inter-municipal level.

The project in Strathcona County includes a combined bus terminal and Park and Ride lot, with a large, more user friendly passenger waiting zone. The Park and Ride will have over 1,200 parking spaces, a special area for picking up and dropping off passengers and be easily accessibly by bike riders and pedestrians. Construction is set to start later this year with completion of the project sometime in mid-2013.

Meanwhile, other forms of public transit are still being considered, though these ideas are still in the “think stage.” One item that Strathcona County is looking at is Light Rail Service, and whether it would be possible to connect with the Capital Region.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - April 15/2011

Support Your Favorite Charity at Life Walk/Run

Perform good works in Strathcona County, and do them at a discount, by registering for the Mayor’s Recreation for Life Walk/Run. Anyone who registers by April 17 for the May 7 event will save $5 on the $30 and $50 fees on an individual or family basis.

Participants in the 5-km run or the 2.5-km walk may select the charity of their choice and recruit sponsors. The event begins at 9:30 a.m., and a family-oriented run begins at 10:15 a.m. Other activities will include a CN train ride that operates between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Children can participate in an RCMP-sponsored bicycle rodeo, in which they can clean and decorate their bikes, as well as ride them on an obstacle course. The RCMP will provide general safety tips for bike riders. All riders must wear helmets.

According to Strathcona County Mayor Linda Osinchuk, the unique part of the event is that the participants are able to choose the organization that they would like to help.

Funds raised by participants that do not designate a charitable beneficiary will be directed to Everybody Gets to Play. This organization provides funds that enable needy children to take part in recreational programs. In terms of overall contributions, for each dollar raised, 75 percent will be directed to participants’ designated organizations (if any), 15 percent will flow to the Recreation for Life Foundation and 10 percent will support the costs associated with the event.

To register online, go to www.strathcona.ab.ca. Register in person by visiting Millennium Place or the Recreation Administration Office.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - March 31/2011

Canada to Build Holocaust Memorial

MP Tim Uppal put up a private member’s bill for the building of a national holocaust memorial. Canada is the only allied nation that participated in World War II that does not have such a monument. Bill C-442, also known as the National Holocaust Monument Act, passed the senate this Thursday night, just in time for it to go to the Governor General for royal assent. Private donations will be used to build the memorial.

Introduced in 2009, the bill grew out of an idea from a student, Laura Grosman of Thornhill, Ontario. Uppal is also a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Committee to Combat Anti-Semitism. He notes that anti-Semitism is increasing within Canada, both in the traditional, prejudicial forms and the move to deny Israel the right to exist.

The bill was approved by all the parties in Parliament. That in itself is a rarity. Uppal made the announcement of the passage on Twitter. The vote was also held just before the Tory government was overturned by the Liberals on Friday, accusing them of withholding information and being in contempt of Parliament. A Federal election is scheduled for May 2nd.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - March 10/2011

Soil Testing Begins on Proposed Heartland Transmission Line Route

Final approval on the Heartland Transmission Project has not been given, but soil testing is already underway on the proposed route that runs west of Sherwood Park. Soil is being extracted and analyzed at places where the poles will be placed for the 500kv line. Epcor’s Tim LeRiche advises that testing is not being done on the alternate route that skirts Edmonton on the northern and western ends.

One reason for the lack of testing on the second route include lack of a permit, which the firm has for the Sherwood Park route because it is mostly TUC provincial land. Also, some landowners on the preferred route have given permission for the tests. Though the meeting with the utilities commission is not scheduled until April 11th, LeRiche notes that it is best to get as much work done as possible before construction so the data will be more readily available. The results may help determine if the lines will be overhead or buried.

But some, like John Kristensen from RETA, Responsible Electricity for Albertans, believes that what Epcor is doing is wrong. He contends that they are testing to perhaps sway the commission and that they are jumping the gun. Kristenson also contends that by Alberta giving permission to test on this route hints that the alternate option is not being seriously considered. But for now the testing and the preparation for that April 11th meeting will continue. It may be a very interesting, and perhaps quite vocal, session.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - February 25/2011

Premier Ed Stelmach Meets With Chamber of Commerce

This past Wednesday Ed Stelmach, Alberta’s Premier, met with representatives of the Sherwood Park Chamber of Commerce as well as the county’s council members. Topics of discussion included changing the terms for elected municipal members from three to four years, the heartland transmission line, progress on the hospital projects and the traffic on Highway 16. Questions about the changes to the land use bill also came up.

Iris Evan, who is the minister overseeing intergovernmental affairs along with the Sherwood Park MLA voiced enthusiasm about the changes to said act and the upcoming announcements concerning the new upgrader. The hospital projects are coming along nicely, with Phase I already under construction and Phase II already on the drawing table. Another item discussed was the Green TRIP funding.

Evans was pleased to have the Chamber of Commerce at the meeting because there was more diverse conversation concerning budgets, strategies, the need for a larger labour force and health care funding. The group also discussed the building of a new courthouse and how they were tailoring the plans so similar structures could be built in other communities.

At the end of the meeting, Allison Redford announced her candidacy for PC leadership. Currently Redford is a justice minister from Calgary. Stelmach approves of Redford, noting her experience.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - February 11/2011

MLA Dave Quest Hopes For Civility When Legislative Assembly Opens Feb. 22nd

Politics in Canada appears to be taking lessons from the political arena south of the border. The Legislative Assembly is set to open February 22nd, but Sherwood Park MLA Dave Quest is not all that eager to return to the meetings. Not because he doesn’t like his job, but because those meetings have become more of a political minefield that a legislative body there to serve the people.

Political posturing, grand standing and political rhetoric were at the forefront of the last assembly. Bi-partisanship took a holiday. Everyone was trying to outdo everyone else. Quest believes that it was non-productive and not at all what he was there for. There is an election coming up, so Quest expects more of the same. Even Premier Ed Stelmach’s decision to retire after his term is not expected to quell the political tempest.

Quest, like others, was not happy with Stelmach’s wanting to retire. But, considering how tiresome and stressful this non-stop “I’m the best look at me” behaviour can get, Quest understands why the premier would want to step away after 25 years. That’s a long time to put up with personal attacks, which have gotten worse, and criticism on every decision made. After three years of facing his own critics, Quest doesn’t blame Stelmach, not at all.

For those of you interested in watching the show, the opening of the assembly may be seen at www.assembly.ab.ca on February 22nd. Don’t forget the popcorn. Perhaps a bit of cheese would be a better choice to go with all the whine.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - January 27/2011

Susan Fyfe Takes In Ailing Horses at Her Sherwood Park Ranch

Susan Fyfe spends her days rescuing horses. She is head of the Rescue 100 Horses Foundation, started in 2008 after 27 horses were found already dead at a ranch near Vegreville. More than 100 from the same place were brought to Fyfe’s farm. Her business, Keno Hills Stables and Tack Shop is right next door.

Fyfe has 100 horses in her own herd, most of them Arabians. Also on the 170 site is a 1,500 square metre indoor area that includes a workout arena, training facilities as well as the stables. All of this is just outside of Sherwood Park.

Given her love for the animals it is not surprising that Keno Hills has become a haven for neglected horses. Most of Fyfe’s charges come in during February and March, after the animals’ natural fat reserves have been used up. Since 2008 animals from four separate herds have been taken in. Most suffer from infections, ticks, fleas and intestinal parasites.

Under Fyfe’s care, most of them survive.

After the horses have been rehabilitated they are put up for adoption. Potential owners must submit an application and submit to a screening process that includes a property inspection and proof that a veterinarian and farrier, a person that takes care of horses’ hooves, are available. Rescue 100 does not charge fees for the placement, but donations are welcome. It costs about $1,300 to rehabilitate and care for one horse.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - January 18/2011

Strathcona Had Decent Housing Start Increases in 2010

December of 2010 was not a bad year for housing starts in Strathcona. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation showed that there was a 125.5 percent increase. The bulk of those starts were seen in the multi-family unit category. In December 2010 there were 106 starts compared to 47 in December of 2009. Just the opposite occurred in the single family home category, with this past December showing 21 starts compared to 33 during the same month in 2009.

Comparing year to year, Strathcona showed 511 single family homes started compared to 373 in 2009. Multi-family homes showed 303 starts, compared with 145 in 2009. Like in the December stats, the multi-family homes showed the greatest increase.

Fort Saskatchewan showed a similar trend, year wise at least. Comparing the two Decembers there was a 41.9 percent decrease in starts, from 14 in 2009 to 6 in 2010 for single family homes. For multi units, 2009 showed 31 starts in 2009 compared to 18 in 2010. On a yearly basis, starts increased 51.9 percent for 2010.

All of this is the result of a fairly good real estate year in 2010. Prices have decreased somewhat in the condo market, going down 5.7 percent on average. Detached single family homes actually increased 1.2 percent, coming in at about $305,000 per unit. In 2011, Alberta is expected to have the best Canadian economic numbers with housing prices increasing an average of three percent across all housing types.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - December 22/2010

Upgrader Plan by Total E&P On Hold, At Least For Now

Total E&P’s plans for an upgrader in Strathcona County have been tabled for now. They had planned to build the facility on a site in the Industrial Heartland. Instead, the company is teaming up with Suncor to finish the Voyageur upgrader near Fort McMurray which is half-way finished. When completed, that upgrader will be able to churn out roughly 200,000 barrels of oil per day.

The partnership agreement between the two firms allows Total a 49 percent share in the Voyageur upgrader. Total’s Jocelyn bitumen mine and Suncor’s Fort Hill’s mine will both supply the upgrader with raw product, with the proceeds being shared. The project is expected to be underway sometime in 2011.

Total still holds the site in the Industrial Heartland, as well as an approval for the project with an end date in 2018. That means that even though the upgrader is not going in right away, it is not totally out of the picture at a future date. Total currently has projects running in 140 countries and is partnering with Canadian, Asian and American firms.

Neil Shelly, Alberta Industrial Heartland’s executive director knows the decision is a disappointment, but not unexpected. More and more companies are working together on projects, pooling resources and minimizing risks. Another example is the duo of Williams Energy and Dow Chemical who joined forces to make plastics. They are currently operating in the Heartland area.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - December 3/2010

Possible Underlying Motives for the Heartland Transmission Project

Alberta is dead set on going ahead with the Heartland Transmission Project power line, set to run alongside Highway 216 in the transportation utility corridor just west of Sherwood Park. Government officials and energy experts, all the way up to Premier Ed Stelmach, insist the ability to carry more electricity is needed to service Alberta’s anticipated business and residential growth. But is there another motive?

Joe Anglin, working with the Sturgeon Blue Line Group who opposes the lines, believes he has proof that the real intent for the lines is to transport power from Fort McMurray into the United States, primarily to southern California, Nevada and Arizona. In 2006 a study called the Canada-Northwest-California Transmissions Options Study was conducted by a number of utility companies from the states, the Alberta Electric System and a collection of investors and other interested parties. It outlined the feasibility of building a line from Fort Saskatchewan to California and having it operational by 2015.

The two companies involved in the Heartland project, Epcor and Altalink, are not named in the 2006 study. But the route for the lines and the intended capacity, 500KV AC per line, is remarkably similar. The Canada-Northwest study also outlined options for sending wind generated and hydro electricity from British Columbia and Alberta to California, via the Oregon-Washington border. Apparently by 2016, California will not have sufficient power to meet its population needs.

No matter the political intent, construction of the Heartland line will leave Albertans footing the bill. Currently residents pay roughly eight cents per kilowatt hour, some of the highest in Canada. Those rates would go to between 10 and 11 cents per kilowatt hour if the line project goes through. Businesses and residents could flee Alberta faster than they migrated into the province.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - November 25/2010

Budget Deficit Expected for EICS 2010-2011 School Year

The Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS) needs to find $3 million. That is how much is needed to meet the budget presented to the school district’s board of trustees this past November 17th. The paperwork showed a deficit of $2,785,441 with the majority allocated to instruction needs.

The chairperson of the EICS, Tony Sykora, told them not to worry because the deficit would be covered by money in the district’s reserve account. He did note that some projects for the school would need to be delayed. Only those the school board deemed necessary would get the go ahead.

Apparently this is a problem across the province. When the economy worsened, the provincial government was looking for ways to cut costs. School districts that had managed their money wisely were asked to deplete their reserves. This saved the province some money. EICS was one of those wise savers.

Sykora noted that EICS was hoping for a new central office to house administrators and to provide a professional development center for the teachers, but this will have to wait. The board of EICS will be advising the province of the situation, hoping that now, with the economy in a better light, additional funding would be available. Provincial money would also help reduce class sizes, which ultimately results in a better educational environment.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - November 4/2010

Strathcona County Has a New Library

As of November 1st, Strathcona County has a new library. It opened its doors this past Monday, a preview of the new facility that is now part of the Centre in the Park. Tours were held and the new pieces of commissioned artwork were unveiled. The Mayor, Linda Osinchuk explained that the artworks, which have been interwoven into the architectural style of the building, are meant to create a welcoming atmosphere to all.

Original glass artwork was created by Alex Javier, the man who designed the spiral staircase for the county hall building that is just south of Centre in the Park. His budding artist son helped with the new creation. Another artist, Manola Borrajo-Giner created a piece for the top of the library staircase. He called it Park-Land-Home and the work has hints of the prairie landscape found around Strathcona.

In other news, the Shell Company contributed $300,000 towards keeping the county’s book-mobile running for the next five years. That pushed the drive for support money well past the $1.5 million goal. This is not your everyday book-mobile. It offers wireless internet service and is environmentally friendly, using solar power and natural light. Many children in remote areas are home schooled, so it is a big plus to have the library come to them.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - October 26/2010

Linda Osinchuk New Mayor of Strathcona County

Linda Osinchuk is the new mayor of Strathcona County. Her 13,299 votes beat out Cathy Olesen, who captured 10,115 votes. Osinchuk is a two term councillor who took on the current mayor and, as does not happen often, won. She credits her victory to the hard work of her supporters and for an intense desire for change. Osinchuk led in all polling districts but one.

Osinchuk made it known she wanted the mayoral chair early on, setting up her campaign headquarters on the southern end of Sherwood Park and covering the area with her vibrant yellow campaign colours. Olesen announced her running for re-election much later in the game.

Olesen focused her platform on her work intending to build better relationships with the urban and rural communities, the capital region and the province. Olinchuk’s campaign was heavily critical of the lack of progress on such items as the overhead power lines, the signage bylaw and the hospital issue.

Olesen was obviously disappointed, but after the sixth round of polling was convinced that Osinchuk was going to claim the office. Though no public interviews were offered, she did take time to thank her supporters.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - October 19/2010

Strathcona Sign Bylaw Change Has Dealership’s Mustard Jar in Its Sights

Do you want mustard with that? Not if it’s an inflatable sign thank you. In Strathcona County the sign bylaw was changed this past July to allow inflatable signs on a property for a maximum of 180 days per year. The problem is that some businesses in town have had inflatable signs up for years.

One of those is business owner Al Petersen who has a giant mustard jar attached to the roof of his dealership. Tickets, bylaws or no, he has no intention of taking it down. Nor will he apply for a permit. Petersen had not been ticketed in all those years, at least not until the latest bylaw change, but as of yet he has received no court notice.

Roxanne Carr, who is on council asked for the matter to be brought up again as soon as possible. She was aiming for a three month turnaround, but the Land Use Bylaw coordinator Joyce Perkins said the sign issue can’t be reviewed until five months from now. This is because the sign law is part of an entire new set of bylaws set to be introduced to council at that time.

So for now, the mustard sign is still up, but at least the tickets, for the moment, have stopped.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - September 29/2010

Aspen Village an Efficient Care Centre

Aspen Village is now open to helping those in need. With the assistance of Strathcona County and Seniors and Community Support, Aspen Village, in the planning stages for years, was built start-to-finish in only ten months.

It is the biggest Robin Hood building in Strathcona County and has the ability to house 36 people with different levels of disabilities. Strathcona County gave the Robin Hood Association an $800,000 affordable housing grant and donated free land to build the centre, and Seniors and Community Support gave a $3 million affordable housing grant.

The centre was built by modular construction and is three levels high; the third level is for around 16 people considered dependent with medical challenges, the second level is for intermediate care and the first level is for more independent people.

Brad Kotowich, Director of Organizational Development, said that the three levels allow people to move within the building instead of to a new location if their condition changes. Staffing costs are more efficient and services are more consolidated as well.

The total cost of Aspen Village was around $8 million and gives residents better access to current equipment, such as hydro-therapy bathtubs. Meanwhile, the Robin Hood Association will continue to search for local career opportunities and projects for residents.
Aspen Village’s grand opening took place Tuesday, September 28.

Its first residents moved in on March 23, 2010.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - September 16/2010

Strathcona Community Hospital’s New Facility to Meet Tough Industry Standards

The new Sherwood Park location of the Strathcona Community Hospital will be built according to strict industry standards. Alberta Infrastructure spokesman Cam Traynor advised that the first phase of the hospital is currently underway, and will be constructed in a manner to easily accommodate the second phase of the building.

Traynor said that in order for healthcare facilities to conform to hospital standards, their construction methods must meet standards set by Canada’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, in addition those set by the Accreditation Canada organization.

For example, Traynor said, temperature controls must conform to certain standards in hospital rooms in which medical gases will be used. There are stringent requirements for cleanliness in hospitals in areas such as floors, walls, surfaces and even door frames. Traynor noted that the hospital’s walls have coved corners, which are easier to clean than angled corners.

Traynor also said that ventilation is a closely guarded issue; some hospital rooms must have higher rates of ventilation, but others require air pressure to be negative. Hospital-grade buildings must have an assured, continuous supply of power in the event of emergencies.

Structures that are designated as clinics have standard as well, but they are not as strict as those for hospital buildings. Edmonton’s Northeast Community Health Centre adheres to clinical standards, while the Strathcona Community Hospital must contend with higher standard levels.

Traynor advised that some clinics, particularly those in which surgery is performed, must observe and meet hospital-grade standards.

The first phase of the hospital is expected to cost $57 million. While underway, it has been delayed from its initial construction start date because of the 2008-2009 worldwide financial recession.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - September 10/2010

Online Auctions Are Tempting, But Watch Out For Those Bots

Do you know what a bot is? No? Well if you participate in online auctions, you should. You may think you are bidding on an item against other living, breathing people. You could be, but then again you might be having that bidding war with a computer generated bidder called a bot. Unscrupulous online auction sites sometimes get computer programmers to create these fake people to boost the price of an item.

In some cases these people imposters are rigged to win the item. That way the auction site can sell the item twice, or more. This usually works with sites such as Swipe Bids, where members purchase bids and then use these “bids” to try and buy merchandise on that site. Swipe Bids, as an example, already has made money off you and stands to make more if you spend all your bids and have to purchase more. You may actually win a bid and buy something at an incredibly low price, but bots are one of the risks you take.

This is not fantasy. Swipe Bids, known in the trade as a penny auction site is on the Better Business Bureau’s radar because of 59 complaints filed since the site went live in March of this year. There is no proof that Swipe Bids is using bots and most of those consumer complaints were resolved but that still earned the firm a “C” rating on the BBB chart. The fact that they are fairly new also influenced the rating. Other issues included the automatic charging of fees on credit cards and confusing terms and conditions pages.

Another company, Just Think Media, has earned an F rating with the BBB. They have a total of 2,612 complaints, with 699 still unresolved. Sherwood Park resident Jessie Wilms owns both sites. One of Just Think Media’s big mistakes was using Oprah Winfrey’s picture to sell diet products, without her knowledge or permission. She, along with similarly compromised talk show host Mehmet Oz, sued.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - August 19/2010

Proposed Bypass in Heartland Brings Out Angry Residents To County Meeting

It seems the provincial government of Alberta has plans to build a four lane highway bypass right through the middle of prime farm land just south of Fort Saskatchewan. Strathcona County residents were out in force on August 9th to protest the move at a meeting at Partridge Hill Community Hall. One of their issues is that residents were not consulted about the plan, other than a brief mention at a May open house that was poorly publicized.

Cathy Olsen, Strathcona County’s Mayor, advised the crowd that the bypass is a provincial issue, not a county government proposal. The road route was proposed only after requested by the Alberta government. The bypass is part of the master transportation plan for the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association. If the provincial government has its way, the road will be built within 10 years. The Capital Region just chose the route that would have the least affect on landowners.

But is the ring road really needed? At one time it was thought that nine upgraders would be built in the Heartland. That was perhaps overly optimistic, with the real numbers being more like two or three. This would generate much less traffic. Upgraders are plants that process oil taken from the oil sands.

Residents were also concerned that the bypass was being built to accommodate construction vehicles while the plants were being built. After that, the bypass would be largely unused, and in reality a waste of money and sacrifice of farmland for nothing. Given the current situation, county officials predict the road wouldn’t be built for 20 to 30 years if at all. Nothing as yet has been approved and that alone will take years.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - July 27/2010

Tools for School Aims to Fill 8,500 Backpacks

This summer marks the sixteenth year Tools for School has been helping students in the Edmonton region. The program, developed by The United Way, collects and distributes learning equipment for those whose families are unable to provide school supplies needed.

The United Way reports that one in eight school-aged children live in a family with an annual income below $20,000. Leduc’s Food Bank Executive Director, Gert Reyner, says Tools for School relieves some of the pressure on families, enabling them to refocus their energy on more immediate issues.

Supplies are donated by community members and then distributed to students, both children and adults alike. In 2009, more than 8,300 students in the capital region benefitted from the program.

Karen Sand, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) spokesperson, said Tools for School is hoping to collect enough supplies to fill the 8,500 backpacks requested this year.

Principals submit the number of backpacks they think will be required, and the United Way collects and distributes the donations. Donations are accepted wherever school supplies are sold, and the items stay in the community they were donated in.

Suggested supplies include backpacks, binders, exercise books, lined paper, pencils, pens, non-toxic markers, geometry sets, erasers, glue sticks and USB sticks.

Backpacks can be requested through local school division offices. Families can contact EIPS at 780-417-8225, and volunteers wanting to pack backpacks can contact Lindsay Herrick at 780-443-8380.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - July 2/2010

Residents of Sherwood Park Meet With County Regarding New School On Old Space

Residents of Sherwood Park that lived near the one time Word of Life Tabernacle Church are not particularly delighted that the Aurora Learning Centre will be opening up a school at the same location. They are equally miffed that officials from Strathcona County did nothing to advise them before the new owners of the property started what looked like construction. The residents, not trusting either the County or the people in charge of the proposed school, want their promises in writing, and it looks like they will get them.

In an effort to create understanding between the two sides, county representatives, school representatives and irritated residents met at county Hall about the intended private learning centre, located at 51577 Range Road 225. Former problems were discussed, such as the church, which started out with about 100 members, ended up with more than 600 causing traffic issues. Residents could no longer find parking in front of their homes. The other problem is that the church was in a quiet residential area and had frequent night and weekend events so the traffic issues were not limited to Sunday services.

Dean Skinner, a trustee of the school stated that Aurora Learning Centre is not affiliated with the prior church owners and has no plans to become a place of worship in its own right. Traffic would only be from staff, a maximum of five cars, and from parents dropping off children, estimated at about seven cars a day. Initial enrolment for the school would be 22 students, with a maximum of 30.

Skinner also said the construction equipment currently on the lot is there to test the soil. The previous church was destroyed by fire in 2002 and there was concern about contamination. He also assured residents that the school has no plans for expansion.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - June 14/2010

New School Coming to Pine Grove Acres Will Hopefully Not Bring Old Problems

It seems that residents in a rural neighbourhood south east of Sherwood Park will be getting a new neighbour. A school run by the Aurora Learning Foundation is planning on moving their facility to the corner of Township Road 520 and Range Road 225 from its current location in Edmonton. The site was once occupied by the Word of Life Tabernacle church and gave local residents no end of grief with endless streams of traffic and less than courteous drivers.

The Aurora School will only have a maximum of 30 students and about five staff members, so the traffic issues should not have the same impact. The problem residents are having with the school’s new home is that no one told them about the plan. Residents woke up one day to see construction equipment on the site. They are not happy with Strathcona County’s apparent cover-up of the move.

The Aurora School outgrew its location in Edmonton and chose Strathcona County because most of its students are from the area. This particular bit of land already has the proper zoning for a school. The remainder of the Pine Grove Acres neighbourhood is under country residential zoning.

The purchase of the property was made a year ago and permits filed with the county for building permits. As of yet these permits have not been granted but the appearance of construction equipment suggests an implicit approval. Residents submitted an eight page letter of concern to counsel and also attended a question and answer session about the school’s development. Strathcona County, not the Pine Grove Acres neighbourhood, does have final say on the project.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - June 4/2010

Albertans Ready to Fight Bitumen Upgrader

Not everyone is happy with the potential bitumen upgrader in the Fort Saskatchewan area. School buses packed with approximately 80 people toured the area northeast of Edmonton to view the industrial sector’s hold on the Heartland.

Total, a French oil company, wants to build a bitumen upgrader on 364 hectares between Shell Scotford and Dow Chemical upgrader and refinery.

Many businesses and municipalities are in support of the build but many residents, including a large portion of those on the tour, are banding together to stop the project. The upgrader is estimated to contribute approximately $8 billion to Alberta’s economy.

Recalling previous scares and bad experiences with the industrial sector in Alberta’s Heartland, residents are worried about the new bitumen upgrader’s impact on their well-being. Anne Brown recalls an incident in 2008 where a plume was drifting towards her home where her children were by themselves.

Farmer Wayne Groot says his potato farm is surrounded by 4,000 hectares of agricultural land owned by energy companies.

Total is working hard to reassure citizens, but many people are adamant in their concerns and plan to fill the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) hearing to express them. If the residents are successful, it may be the first time ERCB rejects a proposed oilsands project.

The hearing is scheduled for two weeks and a decision is expected by the end of summer.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - May 13/2010

Census Shows Rise in Strathcona County Population

Despite enduring many economic problems during the past couple of years, Strathcona County’s population increased by three percent versus 2008. According to information generated in the municipal census of 2009, the county’s population grew to 87,998 versus 85,521 a year ago. Strathcona is officially the fifth-largest municipal area in the province.

Residents of Strathcona County do not seem to have been overly impacted by the recession that began late in 2008. Census data indicate that more than 50 percent of the county’s residents have jobs, and the majority of these people work full time.

Mayor Cathy Olesen said that developments in local industry bolstered the county’s economy. She said that although she is encouraged by progress to date, the recession is not quite over. Olesen noted that as long as problems continue in the United States, Canada will experience the spillover effect.

As evidence of lingering economic woes, some 1,000 residences, including single-family homes and apartments, continue to be vacant. Although she is concerned about this statistic, Mayor Olesen is not overly worried, as she believes that the real estate market is in an ongoing cycle. She commented that the real estate market peaked in 2007, with unrealistically high home prices. After the market hit bottom during the recession, it seems to be coming back with appropriate price corrections.

According to the census information, construction of new homes experienced a 63-percent drop in 2009 versus 2008. Olesen said that during the early months of 2010, construction had increased, exceeding the relatively low number (237) of home starts during the same time last year. She said that last year’s paltry construction was due to uncertainty among many investors.

County residents took advantage of the ability to participate in the census online, with 57 percent of all households providing information via their computers.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - April 28/2010

Watch It! Big Box Stores Have Nothing On Us

Boutique stores can also make it big. Darren Bondar has proven that fact. He started with one store specializing in fashion sunglasses, watches and accessories, named Watch It! He opened his first store on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton in 1999 and now has six corporate outlets and 15 franchised stores in Canada from Ottawa to Victoria.

Bondar credits the timing for much of the company’s success. He is a hands on owner, commuting from his Calgary home to the Watch It! corporate office in Edmonton regularly. Bondar plans to keep his operation on the small size, between 35 to 40 stores in total so as not to saturate the brand. The newest store just opened in the trendy Bankers Hall shopping mall in Calgary’s downtown core.

Bondar experimented with the store concept making sure it was successful in several retail markets before starting to franchise out his product. His concept appears to be working and Watch It! even weathered the recent recession with a slow but steady growth.

Bondar insists that his franchisees be hands on owners and that they and their staff know the merchandise and offers support on many levels. He has one especially creative mother and son team in Niagara Falls who have successfully tweaked their store to fit in with their casino location. Sort of underlines the fact that customer service, ingenuity and product knowledge are the backbones of successful boutique retail outlets.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - April 12/2010

Government Waiting For More Information

As a result of a partial failure of a blower control system, the Strathcona County Suncor plant spewed a yellow-green cloud into the air over the Sherwood Park area on March 15.

The incident lasted 18 minutes beginning at 11:12 am. It occurred while a maintenance technician was checking the system for irregularities that had been noted over the previous weekend. The blower failure resulted in catalyst from the Fluid Catalytic
Cracking Unit (FCCU) coming into contact with with gas oil.

The sulfur and gas cloud was monitored as it drifted eastward from the plant by Suncor's occupational hygienist. The cloud, while ugly, was not a health risk to the public stated Alberta Environment.

Suncor has prepared and presented a report on the incident to the Alberta Government. The report states the event did not “significantly impact” the plant's emissions for that day. It claims the incident added only 0.43 tonnes of SO2 to its daily emissions.

The accident is still being investigated and further reports and updates will be prepared for Alberta environment.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - March 22/2010

RONA Opens New Location in Sherwood Park

Canadian home renovation giant RONA opened its new store in Sherwood Park March 10. The $16 million store, situated at 301 Wye Road, contains 52,000 square feet of space and employs 72 people, with 40 of them serving as new hires.

Robert Dutton, RONA’s president and CEO said that Sherwood Park residents have been great supporters of the store. He remarked that the new location, replacing an older outlet on Baseline Road, provides a large product range, bright surroundings and more efficient design. The store is the first RONA location in Alberta to have applied for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Other stores that hope for LEED certification are the RONA location in Saint-Georges, Quebec and the TOTEM store in Strathmore. Dutton noted the new store reflects his company’s commitment to environmental protection.

Several Calgary-area homes were featured on the My RONA television program, and have obtained LEED(R) Canada for Homes certification because they include a number of eco-friendly products.

In addition to its generous selection of home goods, the new location includes a 9,500 square-foot outdoor garden centre, 20,000 square feet of indoor lumberyard space and an outside yard comprising 68,400 square feet. More than 22,000 different items may be purchased at the store, including building and finishing materials, as well as special boutique areas for painting, decorating accessories, kitchen/bath cabinets, flooring and window treatments. The boutiques provide one-stop shopping for customers seeking to renovate their homes.

The Sherwood Park store offers Project Guide services that utilize trained staff to help customers through the various steps involved in a renovation.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - March 3/2010

Firefighters Participate in Several Fundraisers to Combat Muscular Dystrophy

Strathcona County firefighters are stepping up their campaign to battle muscular dystrophy.  They started to pump gas and clean windshields at the Wye Road Safeway gas station between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. February 27, and will also do so on March 6.

Mike Nicholson, a lieutenant with Strathcona County Emergency Services, said that firefighters manned the pumps and began asking the public to help defeat the disease.  This event is one of some 12 fundraisers planned by the firefighters for 2010.  The Emergency Services started selling $1 shamrocks March 1, and will continue to sell them through St. Patrick’s Day.  The shamrocks will be displayed on the bay doors of the stations.  Businesses also plan to sell the shamrocks.  Average Joe’s will host a fundraiser with the firefighters on March 17.  The event will feature a number of competitions as well as a silent auction.

Nicholson said that between last year’s shamrock sale and the St. Patrick’s Day party, the firefighters raised around $14,000.  He said he is glad his group has gained strong community support.

On March 9, several firefighters will live on the roof of Sherwood Park’s Fire Station No. 1 for four days and three nights.  The personnel will only be permitted to go indoors to use the bathroom, and otherwise must remain on the roof. They hope to raise $50,000 in this event, which is being copied in Edmonton and Winnipeg.  Nicholson said that in addition to raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, the Strathcona County firefighters simply want to do out-do their colleagues in Winnipeg and Edmonton.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - February 16/2010

2010 Great Year for Investing

Head of a Canadian growth equity fund for Natcan Investment Management, Mark Jackson is probably one of the most optimistic investors you will find around the stock market.

He says that he thinks the global recovery is in place, and the past recession is behind world economies.  Governments across the world have implemented stimulus plans that have successfully pulled the global economy from the brink.

He sees a year of financial bliss, with record-low interest rates and solid economic growth across the world.  He thinks that it is possible for the consumer can continue to propel economic growth, with their spending creating more jobs.  The more jobs are created, the more spending the world will see.

The first phase of economic growth has been the way economies have reacted to the government's stimulus spending.  His theory is that the U.S. consumer is going to return and spend more than ever before, driving a 3% growth for 2010 alone. Huffington Post website writer Arianna Huffington doesn't agree.  She states that the real unemployment rate is really 17%. Benjamin Tal, economist at CIBC World Markets, who warns that the U.S. is headed for a double-dip housing decline.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - February 2/2010

Economic Revival Across North America

There are signs of a North American economic recovery after fears of a deep recession in 2009. The next big variable in the recovery equation is whether corporations believe enough in the recovery to begin hiring the millions of workers that were laid off in 2009.

Many economists warn that it is far too early for any sort of celebration of the recovery thus so far, but the U.S. economy has managed to grow at an annual rate of over 5.5%.

On the other side of the border, the Canadian economy is expected to continue expanding after the country saw a third straight month of growth.  The Bank of Canada reported that it expects the economy will grow at 3.3% through the final three months of 2009.

Economic strategist, Millan Mulraine, says that the level of strength of the economy is a huge surprise among the entire firm, but the figures clearly indicate that economic activity has picked up.

Analysts throughout the financial industry cite the next challenge as repairing all the damage that was caused throughout the recession, such as depressed commercial real estate.  They also warn that the driver for growth in the final quarter of 2009 will not be sustained through the new year.

Chief economist for Wells Fargo, John Silvia, says the bank does not yet feel confident enough to begin hiring future employees.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - January 22/2010

Strathcona County Plans to Say No to Transmission Line

The mayor of Strathcona County says he is sad and upset that the officials of the proposed Heartland transmission-line project want the power transferring towers to be built through the county.  AltaLink and Epcor, the corporate giants behind the project want the double-circuit 500 kilo-volt transmission line to be routed through an area east of Edmonton.

The proposed route takes the transmission line from the Ellerslie substation in southeast Edmonton, all the way north through what is called the utility corridor.  The line is then proposed to enter Strathcona County and run for over 45 kilometers.  It also is proposed to run through Sturgeon County and Edmonton.  All three jurisdictions have stated that they want the line buried underground.

The corporations say that they need to have a study conducted by the government to determine if burying the line is feasible and cost-efficient.  The communities do not care about the cost of the project, and they want the line buried.  The final decision will be left up to the county council to make, but it is highly unlikely that they should or will side with the corporations.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - January 13/2010

The Olympic Torch Puts the Spotlight on Alberta

As the Olympic Torch winds its way through Swift Current and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, those in the province of Alberta are getting excited as the flame seen round the world inches towards their border.

The torch will enter the province just west of Lloydminster on Tuesday evening. The Town of St Paul is effectively closing up shop while the torch relay travels through their area. They are expecting quite a crowd to line the relay route for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

The torch will visit a few smaller Alberta communities and then arrive into Edmonton at around 4 pm on Wednesday. It will tour the city on its way to Churchill Square where a festival of music and dance is planned.

One of those selected for the honour of carrying the Olympic flame is wheelchair bound Steve Parent-Korbie. He first saw a wheelchair bound torch bearer in the 1988 Olympic Games at the age of 12 and the image was unforgettable. His entry essay, submitted to the Coca-Cola website, likened his struggle with cerebral palsy to the struggle Olympic athletes go through to become the best. Both require massive amounts of determination and a deep desire to succeed.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - December 11/2009

Updated Stretch of Highway 21 Opens

The Alberta Transportation finally opened the southbound side of Highway 21 between Wye Road and Highway 16.  Improvements include new traffic signals at Lakeland Drive, and the road quality at the intersections of Wye Road and Baseline Road, Country Club Estates and Highway 628 has been improved.

Mainly, there is a new, state-of-the-art interchange between Highway 21 and Highway 16.  The hybrid design will allow smoother flow of traffic and better safety features, including new guard rails.

Officers from the RCMP were on site to help direct traffic when the update stretch of highway was reopened.  The project cost more than $115 millions, and it was started in 2006.  The project also included paving over 10 kilometres of service roads.

The Alberta Transportation had originally hoped to open the stretch of Highway 21 by October 2009, but horrible weather delayed the progress of the project by a few months. Even with the delay, the project has been successfully completed.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - November 25/2009

Momentum Building Behind Alberta Oil Sands Projects

Although Alberta’s large oil sand projects have fallen out of the picture due to the recent downturn in energy prices, there is a buzz in the air about new projects.  It seems that the positive momentum is building for the industry to return to the region for a new phase of ventures.

Remember, the last oil sand boom in the region which led to  miserable material and labor shortages that caused horrid inflation and huge cost overruns.  The disaster of mega-projects saw opposition and criticism from all angles, especially from environmental lobbyists to the former premier.

Luckily, oil prices do not seem to be trending back to the record highs of $147 USD a barrel, and OPEC says that prices in the $70 to $80 price range is optimal for world-wide efficiency.  Because of the disaster that was seen with the first oil sand boom, many are still reluctant to talk about any kind of uptick or positive return to production.

Lately, a few projects have been restarted, and a even a few new deals are being completed.  The business men behind the $15 billion North West Upgrader near Fort Saskatchewan are anxious to get the project online again, but the project would not see any new action until at least 2011.

The Energy Resources Conservation Board recently announced that it would hold a hearing for Total’s new bitumen upgrader.  When complete, the project could supply over 150,000 barrels of crude oil daily.  This hearing is a great sign for a hope that industrial projects will return to the region to prompt economic growth.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - November 17/2009

Conservation teams band together

Several environmental agencies are considering purchasing 1500 acres in Strathcona. It seems like a good idea that seven environmental groups in the province are banding together to buy 1509 acres of ranch land. The purchase is a $12 million conservation project.

The Golden family purchased the property, located around Elk Island National Park, in the 1950’s. The Golden’s are now looking to sell. Their property represents the largest working ranch in the county of Strathcona. The property is made up of 13 separate parcels. Each parcel runs 136 acres. Two parcels have been purchased and another two are slotted for purchase by year’s end.

The Golden Ranches are being bought by Beaver Hills Initiative, Edmonton and Area Land Trust, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Strathcona County, Alberta Fish and Game Association, and Alberta Conservation Association.

Alberta Fish and Game Association was contacted by Strathcona County when the ranch owners expressed a desire to subdivide their property. The Alberta Fish and Game Association realized that partitioning off plots of rural land and building roads through it would rob the wildlife of a natural travel corridor. It was a unique opportunity to preserve a huge parcel of land. The area, with eight kilometers of lakeside property, is home to migratory birds and rare avian species, not to mention elk and moose.

The family, who originally wanted to subdivide the property, has been outstanding to work with. They are working with all seven agencies in a hope to complete the sale of the property in May 2010.  A management plan will be adopted to maintain the refuge and return its former agricultural uses back to natural habitat. It is my observation that other conservation agencies in Canada should take note of the successful cooperation of the seven agencies teaming together to rehabilitate the Golden Ranches Area.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - November 2/2009

Choosing A Contractor for Home Renovation

The right contractor can be chosen for a home renovation based on at least three estimates. The best method to find the right contractor is through word-of-mouth reference where we can hear it from a satisfied customer. We have to work with several subcontractors if several jobs have to be done; such as a bathroom or a kitchen renovation.

Always ask the contractor to give a detailed written estimate to make background checks. Check out the materials used and their size. The price is compared with other contractors to check who gives the best service at an affordable price. The following steps must be followed before a contract is signed with any company:

• Ask for recent work photos and check the references. You can also try to visit a site where a recent job has been completed.

• Give a call to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) which keeps complaint records against companies. With this way we can find whether there are any complaints against the company with which we are going to sign a contract with.

• Check with the licensing office to find whether the contractor has a valid license. Check with the trade association if a particular contractor is qualified for a particular job.

• Check with the business licensing office to find whether the company is registered.

When everything is checked the contract can be signed. The contract must have business information and must also include material cost, labor cost, starting and ending date, warranty details. When you are doing large jobs then a lawyer must be considered before signing the contract. The payment must be done only when a certain stage in the job has been reached. You can choose the right contractor with a little legal work.

While making a contract with a company the following things must be known about the company:

• The experience of a company.

• Specialized work did by the company.

• Similar kind of jobs did.

• Check if the company has appropriate license.

• Check if their subcontractors have license.

• Check the price with other companies.

• The garbage disposal is also done by the company.

• Dealing with health hazards such as removing asbestos.

The tips for stopping fraud contractors are as follows:

• The contractor must satisfy at least three estimates.

• Don’t agree to sign the contract if it has cash deals.

• Check with the previous customer and find whether they are satisfied.

• The licensing bodies and BBB must be checked to know the company.

• All the details must be included in contract.

• The legal rights must be known before signing a contract.

• The total fees must be paid only after completing the entire work.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - October 15th/2009

New Signs Showing Up Everywhere in Strathcona County

The debate over county sign bylaws in Strathcona County continues. Last Tuesday business owners and residents met with a moderator to discuss the issue. Since the meeting was an open house, there was no way to know what percentage of the 25 to 30 attendees were residents.

It seems that the residents were not in favour of billboards and LED type signs, nor were they approving of building wraps. The public also disapproved of having signs display third-party businesses, but the practice was fine for charities.

There was concern that the administration was concentrating on the creation of new laws rather than enforcing those already in place. It seems that some posters in windows, as well as some murals skirt the advertising issue. Sign businesses would like to see the law for inflatable signs be relaxed. This type of signage can cost thousands of dollars and the current law only allows them to be displayed for a maximum of 90 days.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - September 30th/2009

Bike Ride Across Canada in Memory of Slain Daughter

Rodney Stafford’s bike ride across Canada, began on August 5, 2009 and is intended to raise money and awareness for Child Find, a non profit organization dedicated to searching for and preventing missing children. Stafford’s daughter, Victoria, was abducted on April 8, 2009 while walking home from school, and was later found slain. Michael Rafferty, 28, was charged with her murder and abduction.

Before then, like most parents, he believed that child abductions happened to other people. Stafford’s 3500km ride has raised about $22000 for the Child Find charity. He said that the ride has at times been grueling, battling the elements, wind and rain making some days very difficult.

After his journey he will continue on to Jasper, where he and Victoria vacationed last summer. He will climb the mountain they climbed last summer and release a purple balloon from the same spot where she stood, his way of saying goodbye to Victoria.

Sherwood Park MLS® Blog - September 16th/2009

August Home Sales Lower

August Multiple Listing Service sales of homes in Sherwood Park, as well as in the entire Edmonton region, were lower this year. In Sherwood Park, only 62 houses were sold in August, compared to 81 in the same month last year. However, 94 houses were sold in July this year. The average cost of houses sold was higher in August, at $441,433.00, compared to July at $425,644.00 and August of last year at $434,689.00.

Even with fewer houses sold last month in Sherwood Park, the 712 home sales from January through August of this year were more than the 678 sold during the same months last year, and the 586 sold through August in 2007. In the Edmonton region August sales numbered 1,673, compared to July’s 2,277, and 1,541 in August of last year.

With over 6,400 homes listed on the Multiple Listing Service in the Edmonton district, the market is functioning as usual, in moderation and steadiness, with only the usual seasonal variances and no drastic price fluctuations. There is a healthy match of buyers’ and sellers’ desires, and the average number of days between listing and selling a home in August was 48, compared to 46 in July.