Councillor Peter Wlodarczak

Peter Wlodarczak Councillor, Ward 4Office Phone: 780-464-8146 Fax: 780-464-8114E-mail: Peter.Wlodarczak@strathcona.ca

Hello all! I hope you all weathered the winter well. I know winter is not really over yet, but we can live in hope that our snowfall will be minimal. I write you for three reasons today. The first is to update you, and the second is that this will be my last newsletter to the Ward. As this is an election year, we are unable to distribute any further newsletters after March 31. This is so that anyone challenging for the election has as much of a level playing field as possible.

The third reason, and perhaps the main reason I write, is that this will be my last newsletter to you. I thought I owed it to the Ward 4 residents to let you know first that I will not be running for election for the next term. I leave with no anger or ill will. There comes a point in time in your life when you have to assess it and say it is time.

March 2013

From your Councillor Like Kenny Rogers sang in the song “The Gambler” you have to know when to hold them and when to fold them. I know in my heart that it is just time to go. Admittedly, I will leave with some regrets, but I have enjoyed my work. Will I miss the endless meetings? I suggest not. Will I miss all the people with whom I work and interact? Beyond a shadow of a doubt. Please be assured though of my full commitment to the Ward and my duties until the very last day.

I think all in all, this past snow season went pretty well on the roads. Our transportation staff did a wonderful job in ensuring the roads were cleared. Of course, what always comes with roads and snow and ice are potholes. I have received some complaints about them and I must admit some spots were pretty rough. Again our transportation staff has been great in getting them filled up.

In the last newsletter I spoke about the build outs of Lakeland Drive and the not twinned road at the east end. That piece of road will be twinned this upcoming construction season and landscaped on the south side of that portion of the road.

Speaking of construction, I do suspect that the Anthony Henday build out will impact the motoring public as it goes along. I receive queries on this project asking me to intervene with the construction and have an issue resolved. This project is solely

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Distribution of this newsletterThis newsletter is intended for residents of Ward 4, as shown on the map above. To economize, it is being distributed according to delivery zones of Canada Post, which do not coincide with ward boundaries. As a result, a limited number of households in Ward 2 may receive a copy. If so, please enjoy the information and note that the Councillor for Ward 2 is Roxanne Carr, 780-464-8002.

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Ward 4

LIVING. REFINED.

 

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under the auspices of the provincial government and if there is an issue, please call your MLA’s office.

Summer is almost upon us and I am hoping it lasts eight months. I hope you all have a truly wonderful summer and are able to get away with your family.

Waste pick up, recyclablesEffective March 1, you will no longer

have to separate your paper and containers into two

separate streams. You will be able to place your paper products and containers all into blue bags.

This is being done for two reasons. Waste Management has heard from

the residents that it would be more convenient for them

to use only one form of collection for recyclables, i.e. the blue bag. Also, a secondary benefit to using only blue bags is that it might re-invigorate the waste management program within the population. In addition, the recycle markets have changed so that it is now convenient for the mixing of recyclables in the blue bag.

If you wish to learn more about this new program, please go to the Strathcona County website. Click on Departments, and then click on Utilities. On the right hand side on the page you will see a ‘Let’s Mingle – the separation is over’ feature button. Click on that and you are there.

Emerald Hills Regional ParkOne thing that has been an item of interest for the sporting community and

recreation users is the building of an artificial turf field. Monies have been set aside in the budget this year to commence construction on the project. At time of writing they are awaiting the tender documents to return. The field will be located in Emerald Hills Park and will be situated south of the new Archbishop Jordan High School. This will be a great addition to the community.

In closing might I say it has been my privilege and honour to have served you these past years. One of the greatest satisfactions I have had from my work over the past eight and one-half years has been assisting residents when they raise issues with me. I have met and worked with many wonderful people and I wish you all nothing but the best. I leave you all with an Irish

blessing. “May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm across your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Philippians 4:6-7

Strathcona Artificial Turf Field, Emerald Hills Regional Park site

Planning and Development 2012 summaryJust recently we received a yearly update on the development activity within

the County. It is a good reflection of how the community is doing, at least from a development standpoint. 2011 2012

Total Construction Value $299,241,637 $346,317,512

Total Number of Dwelling Units 454 664

Total Number of Development Permits 1,786 1,646

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Are you 55 years or better? Join us for the Active Living Conference!

Strathcona County Family and Community Services is hosting the third Active Living Conference in Sherwood Park on Saturday, April 13, 2013. This one day event provides an

opportunity for men and women age 55 and better to learn new things and connect with others.

With 42 sessions to choose from, there is something for everyone. Look to your future with retirement planning or reflect on your past through genealogy. Find out ways to stay connected to your family, friends and neighbours. Treat yourself to a new hobby, or discover how you can Laugh Through Life.

This is an event you do not want to miss! Register with a friend, relative or spouse and receive a discount. The registration fee is $45 for an individual or $80 for two people. Subsidies are available for those who qualify.

Conference registration fee includes: • inspirationalkeynotespeakerIris

Evans• choiceofthreesessiontopicsranging

from hands-on hobbies, interactive activities, and thought-provoking sessions

• BevFaceyHighSchool’sfamouscontinental breakfast and hot buffet lunch

• chancetowindoorprizesandthe grand prize draw package – a Getaway Spa Package from Headquarters Salon, Spa and Laser and a 10 visit Millennium Pass

Registration deadline: Friday, April 5, 2013

Conference registration packages can be picked up at:• StrathconaCountyFamilyand

Community Services• StrathconaCountyLibrary• StrathconaCountyrecreation

facilities • InformationandVolunteerCentre

for Strathcona CountyFor more information and to

download registration forms, visit www.strathcona.ca/seniors or call Strathcona County Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044.

On the move!Council approves final ITMP

Over the past two years Strathcona County has been working with residents to develop an Integrated Transportation

Master Plan (ITMP). This plan will guide policy development and decision making about the County's transportation network for 30+ years. The final plan was approved by Council on November 20, 2012.

The IMTP considers various types of transportation modes – private and commercial vehicles, public transit, cycling and walking. Resident input for the document was gathered via questionnaires, public events, and stakeholder forums.

Copies of the plan are now available on the County’s website at www.strathcona.ca/ITMP. For further information, or to obtain a paper copy, please contact the Capital Planning and Construction Department at 780-464-8277.

 

Make tax time pay Did you know that many of our

residents are eligible to receive subsidies and benefits, but can’t apply until they submit a tax return? Strathcona County Family and Community Services will be hosting free tax clinics for income qualified residents at the Strathcona County Library in March and April, 2013. Trained volunteers will be preparing simple tax returns for income qualified residents and providing information on Municipal, Provincial and Federal benefits and subsidies.

For more information or to book an appointment please contact 780-464-4044 or go to www.strathcona.ca/fcs for details.

Transit hosts open house to discuss proposed service plans

Transit is currently developing a new route structure to be implemented once the new Bethel Transit Terminal opens late this year. It is vital to Transit that they provide services that satisfy the needs of our community. We are looking for feedback on our proposed new route structure.

Please consider attending the open house to let us know your thoughts.

April 3, 2013, 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Transit Centre, 970 Ordze Road (off Wye Road)

Transit users are also encouraged to take a few minutes between buses to stop by and review our plans. If you are driving, we encourage you to come after the rush hour – sometime after 5:30 p.m.

If you are unable to attend our open house, please visit www.strathcona.ca/transit/proposed-new-transit-routes.aspx to see the plan.

Transit is accepting feedback until April 15, 2013.

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Strathcona County gets Tour of Alberta spot

Strathcona County will be featured as part of Tour of Alberta, Canada’s first major international professional bicycle race. The event will take place from September 3 – 8, 2013. It is the highest sanctioned staged event ever held in Canada, sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale and Canadian Cycling Association.

Tour of Alberta will have seven stages including a prologue and finish in Edmonton and Calgary respectively. Strathcona County will be the primary location of stage 2 (Heartland Highways) of the Tour of Alberta on Wednesday, September 4, 2013; it is expected stage 2 will start at Festival Place in Sherwood Park.

With an anticipated viewing audience of 30.6 million television viewers and over 900 million combined newspaper and web impressions world wide, the event will showcase Strathcona County as a community of choice to an international audience.

Tour of Alberta is an event composed of 15 teams (approximately 140 elite international competitors) competing in a bicycle road race across communities in Alberta. The event is funded by the Rural Alberta Development Fund; marketing support is provided in partnership by Travel Alberta and host municipalities of the Tour of Alberta.

Further information about Tour of Alberta is available at www.tourofalberta.ca or by calling 587-523-0280.

Upcoming community eventsStrathcona County always has rich and diverse events occurring throughout the year. In case you are interested, here is a list of some of the upcoming ones:

April 12-15 Great Canadian Trade Fair – Millennium PlaceApril 20-21 Summit Productions Sport Collectible Show – Millennium PlaceApril 21 Victim Services Awareness Run – Broadmoor Lake ParkApril 21 Josephburg Presents Strathcona Heartland Fiddles and OpryApril 26-28 Feis in the Park Irish Dance Competition – Millennium PlaceApril 27 Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts – Agora, Community CentreMay 3-4 Junior High Team Handball Provincials – Millennium PlaceMay 4-31 Pitch-In – Clean and Green Community Clean-UpMay 10 Strathcona Salon series / Permanent Art collection 2013

acquisitions unveiling – Gallery@501May 11 Annual Ardrossan Lobster Dinner and Dance May 24 Mayor’s School Walk / Run – Millennium PlaceMay 24-26 Strathcona Horse Showcase – Strathcona Olympiette CentreMay 25 Rural Living Days - Ardrossan

RCMP annual reportAt the February 19 Council meeting, the RCMP and Enforcement Services

presented a yearly report to Council. The report was very thorough and has some very interesting statistics and comments in it.

The report will give you a very clear insight into the current issues facing our enforcement agencies as well as a historical context. To see it, go to the County website, click on Local Government and then Mayor and Councillors. You will see a panel on the right side called Council Meetings. Click on that, then on ‘Agendas, reports and minutes’ and then find the February 19 date. Click there and you will see the list of reports. The RCMP report is Report 12.1. I hope you enjoy it.

Strathcona Celebrates…its history, its people, its militaryThis year, 2013, ignites a year of

celebration for Strathcona County. This community is filled with a rich tapestry of people who have laid the foundation for the success we enjoy today.

Strathcona Celebrates…its history, its people, its military focuses on the rich history of Strathcona County, the people who have influenced the County’s direction and those who have defended personal freedom.

On August 24, a community event will honour the County’s military heritage through a grand scale Freedom of the County ceremony and parade featuring Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). Lord Strathcona’s Horse regiment was personally maintained by the County’s namesake, Lord Strathcona.

“Our history is full of wonderful tales of leadership, success and strong values,” says Mayor Linda Osinchuk. “Clover Bar was the first area, 120 years ago, in what is now Alberta, to be declared a district under the North-West Territorial Legislature. This official declaration was a first step in the development of Strathcona County as a rural self-governing body.”

Residents are invited to take part in the celebrations through community events leading up to the full-day event on August 24, 2013. Further details on upcoming events will be announced over the upcoming months. Details can be found at www.strathcona.ca/celebrates or by calling 780-464-8476.