SHERWOOD PARK NEWS

Democracy, at least at the local level, could be at threat following the province’s introduction of Bill 20. The new Alberta government bill seeks to give cabinet new powers to compel councils to amend or repeal municipal bylaws and remove councillors, while also allowing party affiliations to be listed on municipal election ballots. The changes […]

The organization representing more than 250 Alberta municipalities accused the province Monday of ushering so-called “big money” back into local politics via its controversial Bill 20, something Premier Danielle Smith denied. Bill 20 — the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 — was tabled in the legislature last Thursday. It’s drawn criticism for potentially giving the […]

An incredible organization backed by only volunteers has made an incredible impact within Strathcona County over the past four decades. The inaugural Nourish Gala hosted by the Strathcona Food Bank celebrated 40 years of service by the nonprofit as well as showcasing some of the best in local dining at the Community Centre’s Agora on […]

With an official start date of May 1, Strathcona County’s municipal census began this week. Households within the municipality should have received a census PIN letter, which explains how to complete the census online. “We strong encourage residents to use the online platform for its efficiency, convenience, and security,” the county said in a release. […]

Two K-4 schools in Sherwood Park could become one new combined facility, according to the new three-year Capital Plan approved by the Elk Island Catholic Schools board of trustees. The board recently approved its updated capital plan, which sets the vision for the immediate, short-term and long-term facility needs for the local Catholic School Board. […]

The recent federal budget is more of the same, according to local MP Garnett Genuis. Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan’s Conservative Member of Parliament did not thump his desk in support of the latest federal budget tabled by the Liberals in mid-April, one that came with a $40 billion deficit and the proposal for $52.9 billion in new […]

A 47-year-old Edmonton man died after losing control of his motorcycle Saturday night in Strathcona County, say RCMP. Strathcona County RCMP responded to the report of a serious collision involving a motorcycle on Highway 16 and Highway 21 around 6:18 p.m. Saturday, police said in a Sunday news release. Upon arrival, emergency crews located the […]

It was a rough start to the day. A flipped car with three occupants ended up in the backyard of a Sunflower Way residence in Sherwood Park’s Davidson Creek neighbourhood at 7:53 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24. Both local police and firefighters and paramedics with Strathcona County Emergency Services, as well as rescue crews, quickly […]

Twenty-five of the top bull riders in Canada are set to kick up some dirt on Saturday night as the Lamont and District Agricultural Society presents the 27th annual Bullarama Supreme.  Known for attracting on average 1,000 guests, the event features one of the biggest cash prizes in the Alberta rodeo circuit with $8,000 on the […]

The shop as packed as its shelves; Sherwood Park’s beloved independent bookstore, The Bookworm, was host to authors and book lovers alike on Saturday, April 27, as the store celebrated its 11th birthday, coinciding with Canadian Independent Bookstore Day.    On top of all the birthday excitement, The Bookworm was one of twelve stores in the […]

Two out of three women and one out of three men in Alberta have or will experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. Though exact statistics can be hard to obtain due to low reporting rates, there is no question that the prevalence of sexual violence has a significant impact on the community. In recognition of […]

For many Canadians, watching international conflict can evoke feelings of frustration and helplessness. As war rages on in other parts of the world such as in Ukraine, the desire to support those who have been impacted in any way possible remains strong within the community. It is in the spirit of that support that the […]

Jackie Johnson and her family have been navigating addiction for more than a decade. Her son was 19 when they turned to the Parents Empowering Parents Society (PEP), a Strathcona County-based organization dedicated to supporting families with loved ones struggling with addiction. That was 11 years ago. At an event last Tuesday, April 23 put […]

Grandparents can hold a pretty special place in a person’s heart. Britain Mills-Dawes has many cherished memories of her grandfather, Richard Battersby. After her parents divorced and her mother re-married, she met her stepdad’s father and the two built an unbreakable bond — through horses. Her family always reminded her of the times she’d chase […]

There’s sew much to celebrate. For the first time since 2018, the Sherwood Park Quilt Guild returns this weekend with their quilt show. Featuring two days of vendors, door prizes, and quilts to admire, the show will be held at the Community Centre’s Agora and run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May […]

In a world where federal and provincial dollars for housing are slow to come, this council has given the green light to a new Housing Affordability Strategy, signalling a groundbreaking effort to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing within our community.   The strategy, a result of a motion I had the privilege of […]

After years of discussions, task forces, studies, and reports, the rubber might finally hit the road on creating more local affordable housing. On Tuesday, April 23, Strathcona County Council was presented with a six-year Housing Affordability Strategy, which summarized the local need for housing and what can be done from now until 2030. The report […]

Re: “Council approves rezoning for Sherwood Park Crusaders Arena” in The News’ April 11 edition Bylaw13-2024 passed. A bylaw that paves the way for another recreational facility to be built. Even though we already have 11 ice surfaces. County residents were surveyed for recreational priorities. Ice surfaces were note in the top five for either […]

The province is committing $57 million to developing hydrogen power in Alberta, while a U.S.-based company says it will build a network of vehicle fuelling stations using the element. Both announcements come as the provincial government continues its approach that favours hydrogen fuel over what it terms to be dirtier electrical power, and to enable […]

Strathcona County will be the new home of Canada’s largest renewable diesel facility once Imperial Oil’s $720 million project comes online. Renewable diesel is fuel made by processing fats and oils from renewable sources to produce diesel. The benefit of renewable diesel is that it’s referred to as a “drop-in” fuel, which means it can […]

The stakes were high Sunday evening as local fire crews beat back a major blaze that threatened a subdivision just off Wye Road. All six fire stations with Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) responded to a grass fire in Grange Country Estates, which is located at the corner of Range Road 223 and Wye Road. […]

When Breigh Cohen got the call that day, she dropped the phone, walked out the door and screamed while her terrified husband and children looked on. “Breigh, I’m so sorry, but Jim and Annie were in a head-on collision this afternoon and they both died,” she recalled the voice on the other line saying. The […]

Their behinds might be sore by the end of it, but it will surely be worth it. Starting at noon on Friday, April 26, Concrete Blonde Hair and Body will host its annual bikeathon in support of youth mental health provided by the CASA Foundation. This year’s edition, marking seven years, will see five stationary bikes […]

Despite high inflation and a tough economy, Strathcona County continues to thrive, according to the latest State of the County Address. In his annual State of the County Address hosted during the Wednesday, April 27 Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Community Centre’s Agora, Mayor Rod Frank pointed to the municipality’s four […]

Cheers to 40 years of full bellies. Over the last 40 years, the Strathcona Food Bank has been responsible for thousands of meals. With more than 193,000 residents supported since its incorporation, the service has played a vital role in the community. Rising costs of living and economic insecurity led to an increase in demand […]

What was formerly known as Clarkdale Pond has officially been renamed in honour of Strathcona County councillor, and long serving RCMP officer, Peter Wlodarczak.   On Wednesday, April 17, Mayor Rod Frank, joined by Wlodarczak, his family, and other community members, unveiled a new sign and plaque, declaring the pond to now be known as Peter’s Pond. […]

Strathcona County RCMP have issued an alert warning residents to be aware of jewellery fraud scams.   Const. Chantelle Kelly said that while there has not been noted in cases in Sherwood Park, other areas such as Edmonton are noting an uptick in the scam.   Occurring in public places such as parking lots and outside […]

After a two-decade hiatus, Tofield’s annual Snow Goose Festival returns this weekend for the second consecutive year since it’s revival. Established originally in 1993, it was one of the early environmental and wildlife celebrations in Canada and recognizes the spring migration of waterbirds who migrated in the tens of thousands, including the namesake snow goose, to […]

It’s that time of year that all hockey fans wait with increasing fervor, playoff time. These are the games that amplify every shot, every hit, every save. The stands are louder and often more colour coordinated as fans hope that their team gets off to a great start. If you’re an Oilers fan that’s exactly […]

Strathcona County has declared a fire restriction to all rural areas effective as of noon Monday. The restriction comes in response to the dry conditions and windy weather, the county said in a news release. “Please phone 911 to report a fire,” said Fire Chief Martin Paulson of Strathcona County Emergency Services. “It is very […]

The debate for establishing a local seniors’ hub continues. An April 16 presentation from the Advocacy for Strathcona Seniors Centre (ASSC) Steering Committee outlined that seniors still want a local, centralized, one-stop seniors’ centre. The argument for a centre was made at the Priorities Committee meeting in Council Chambers. “The population demographic that’s growing is […]

Re: “Council approves rezoning for Crusaders Arena” in The News’ April 11 edition I am writing to state my extreme displeasure with the manner in which the April 9/24 public hearing on Bylaw 13-2024 “to amend Land Use Bylaw 6-2015” was handled. In my opinion, the mayor and most councillors had already made up their […]

Amid dry conditions, a fire advisory is currently in effect in Strathcona County. Based on ultra dry spring conditions, the municipal issued the fire advisory status on Wednesday, April 10, and with that came a temporary suspension for fire and fireworks permits. Anyone looking to have an open fire, burn barrels, brush fires or the […]

One lucky Sherwood Park family is dealing with scorched siding and decking following what could have been a more serious blaze. On Saturday, April 13, Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) received a 911 call at 8:48 a.m. from a neighbour reporting flames chasing up the side of home in the Lakeland Ridge neighbourhood. The first […]

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled a budget with higher deficits, higher spending and higher capital gains taxes on high earners, trusts and corporations, as the Liberals revealed a spending plan they hope will win back younger Canadians that have abandoned their party. Freeland introduced the budget Tuesday after already having revealed much of its contents […]

Last year’s wildfire season broke records for its intensity and resulted in Canada’s first-ever evacuation of an entire capital city — Yellowknife. Smoke from the fires also impacted air quality not only nationally, but in the United States as well. Coming out of an intense season that garnered internal attention, federal officials are warning Canadians […]

Alberta’s governing United Conservative Party (UCP) outpaced the Opposition Alberta New Democrats (NDP) in raising revenue by at least $1.4 million over the course of 2023, according to annual reporting figures published by Elections Alberta. Those numbers show a modest difference in the amount the two parties received in contributions throughout the calendar year: the […]

Police have charged two people for allegedly trying to defraud a local dealership. Strathcona County RCMP say the incident happened on April 2 when a man and a woman said they wanted to buy a vehicle valued at more than $90,000. Police spokesperson Cst. Chantelle Kelly says the pair used false identification to buy the […]

The federal government’s carbon rebate for 2024 is beginning to be distributed. Canadians who filed their taxes by mid-March will start receiving the first instalment of the quarterly Canadian carbon tax rebate on Monday, April 15. Here’s a rundown of what you should know, including who is eligible and the estimated rebate amount of each […]

What they do is all in their name. Sherwood Park Yoga has been opened for more than a month in the Millennium Professional Centre at Unit 220, 849 Premier Way, on the second floor next door to Crescendo Music. With six instructors, the new yoga space provides the typical traditional classes but has a strong focus […]

In its seventh year, local initiative, Sherwood Park Against Hunger continues to grow and expand its impact.  Returning this Saturday, April 20 in the OLPH Catholic Church basement (13 Brower Drive), the event will see various service groups come together to prepare 100,000 packaged meals for those in need. With the Emmanuel Foundation organizing and coordinating […]

Municipal excellence, based on solid finances, is a key goal of Strathcona County. We seek optimal levels for municipal services, such as in fire, police, roads, transit, parks, culture, and recreation. In pursuing excellence, council decisions must be sound in both substance and process. For example, as governance expert Eli Mina points out, decisions must […]

This week, our United Conservative government introduced the Provincial Priorities Act, a significant step in our efforts to pushback against the NDP-Liberal coalition’s ongoing overreach into areas of provincial jurisdiction. In short, this much-needed legislation would require provincial entities to seek approval before engaging in agreements with the federal government, ensuring that federal funding we […]

Wildfire season is here, and experts predict it may be an active one. Preparing for emergencies before they happen is important and can help to keep you safe. Being told to evacuate or prepare to evacuate can be scary; however, it becomes more manageable, and you and your loved ones stay safer, if you have […]

They’re getting ready to board the ship. The Sherwood Park Junior A Crusaders are getting prepped to start their first round of playoffs in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) against the Blackfalds Bulldogs. The Cru finished in second place for the regular season of BCHL’s Alberta division, 17 points behind the first-ranked Brooks Bandits. […]

She certainly did not take the competition laying down. Sherwood Park’s Brynn Whitrow left it all on the mats as she won gold medals in both freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling for the U17 girls 46-kilogram division at the Canadian Wrestling Championships hosted in Mississauga, Ontario this month. “The medals are a representation of my hard […]

One of the longest public hearings held in years ended in two outcomes: 1) The Sherwood Park Crusaders happy to have a home for their new $86 million Events Centre, and 2) the descendants of one of the first farming families in the county left wondering the future of their 140-plus year old homestead. On Tuesday, […]

Is enthusiasm for Bremner waning? Re: “Moving forward on affordable housing” Bill Tonita, Ward 4 Coun. The News’ March 14 edition Exactly how does the councillor define “affordable”? Further, what’s missing from his list of development projects?  Tonita stated; “With the opening of Cambrian Crossing, expansion in Ardrossan, continued growth in Salisbury Village, Emerald Hills, Summerwood […]

A new name will be representing the New Democrat Party on the local ballot in the next federal election. Alberta born and raised Chris Jones won the nomination contest held by the Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan NDP Electoral District Association at the Ardrossan Memorial Hall on March 28. Born in Morinville, the journeyman pipe fitter has […]

Convicted murderer Gamdur Brar will not be eligible for parole for 16 years, minus almost three years served since his May 7, 2021 arrest. Sherwood Park resident Brar was found guilty of second-degree murder in September 2023, in the shooting death of his nephew. The Friday, April 5 hearing was to determine his period of […]