Welcome to my Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog!

In this section of my site you will find all things Sherwood Park, from housing reports to local events.  I hope you find it interesting and helpful in helping you learn more about our great community.
 

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Tuesday January 31, 2011 - Winter Comes to Strathcona County, Now Watch Your Driving

It is definitely winter in Strathcona County. The cold and the snow are really big clues. Along with those two messengers heralding this chilly season comes the inevitable winder driving issue. The beginning of winter is always the worst as people get used to the icy, slushy streets.

Constable Wally Henry with the Strathcona County RCMP noted that this year is no different. Collisions are up, but luckily there have been no serious injuries. This year it seems that people may have been lulled into a false sense of security because most of winter has been relatively mild. But, the honeymoon, as they say, is over.

The RCMP is warning against driving too fast for conditions, and if possible, not even going out on the roads if things are too bad. Cars take longer to stop in icy conditions, even with snow tires. Tickets have been issued for excessive speed and unsafe driving.

Another concern this time of year is for pets. It’s too cold for them to be outside except for quick bathroom breaks or walks. People have been reporting stray animals and the authorities have been following up, but so far there have been few problems.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Wednesday December 14, 2011 - Optima Condo Project Sets Tone for a Greening of Sherwood Park

Sherwood Park’s Salisbury Village Optima complex, currently under construction, is on target to be one of the most environmentally friendly developments in town. The Wye Road development is a 50 unit complex three-stories tall and offers advanced building technology and a contemporarily designed urban profile.

Designers at Ziola New Studio Architecture came up with the many winged concept. Core Developments teamed up with ReSol Financial Group to get the project underway. All of the units are being built with materials that are long-wearing and energy efficient.

Sherwood Park is quickly running out of available land space for development, so this project is part of the city’s switch to a more sustainable building mode initiated in 2010. Phase One of the Salisbury Village project is turning out to be the pilot project, so much is riding on its success. Another sustainable development, Emerald Hills, has yet to start construction.

When finished the Salisbury development will be LEED certified, using building methods approved by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Optima is making sure the construction methods comply with the new bylaws and requirements laid out by Strathcona’s Sustainable Urban Neighborhood group, otherwise known as SUN. This group was formed to work with developers on creating a more sustainable urban village environment.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Monday December 5, 2011 - Strathcona County Files Appeal of Heartland Transmission Line Route

Strathcona County still has concerns about the path of the Heartland Transmission Line, so it has filed an appeal to the decision from the Alberta Utilities Commission. They are asking the AUC to reconsider burying the part of the line that goes past Sherwood Park underground. The AUC may or may not decide to even consider the appeal from Strathcona County or anyone else that happens to lodge one.

It seems that there are recent events that may sway the AUC’s decision to put the 500kV line above ground. One of those events is the fact that Alberta has recently set aside two other high voltage power-line projects to do further study. Both the eastern and western Alberta lines are in limbo. Apparently no one involved in the Heartland project was aware of either suspension.

AltaLink’s partner Epcor is against the underground option because it would increase the cost to more than $1 billion. The above ground lines would cost around $610 million. Strathcona’s appeal also noted that the public interest was not served by the AUC. Instead they based their decision mostly on the money factor. The actual families being displaced, and those that would be living in the mere shadow of the proposed line, were not given due consideration.

Epcor had planned on starting work on the project this December. Depending on where this appeal goes, those plans may be delayed.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Monday November 28, 2011 - County Museum Celebrates an International Christmas

Christmas has arrived at the Strathcona County Museums and Archives. The doors open Saturday, when people will be able to see a display of Christmas memorabilia from not only North America, but from far away Germany, Great Britain and Norway. Vintage trains, hockey skates and other items donated by local people make up the new exhibit.

This year, for the first time, the museum tried the concept of asking people in the community to donate items to be part of the celebration. The success no doubt means there will be a repeat showing in the future. Some of the people that have items in the museum are Kevin Prendergast, featuring items from Quebec, Inger Paulson’s, with his collection of Danish items, Starr Hanson’s showing German items and Peter and Jane Staveley adding a bit of British flair.

The opening this Saturday also features a craft fair, activities for the kids including lessons on making sugar cookies, and lots of hot chocolate. Christmas ornaments, wreathes, old fashioned cards will also be on sale. Hours are 10am to 4pm daily except when the museum is closed during the final two weeks of December. The display runs until the middle of January and admission is free.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Tuesday November 1, 2011 - The Royal Alberta Museum Plans, or, Here We Don’t Go Again

There has been a plan afoot for revamping the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton for quite some time now. In fact, the idea came about six years ago, when Ralph Klein was premier. A competition was held and the winning design was revealed. So what happened?

Alberta had a change in government. Ed Stelmach took the reins and the museum project was tabled, indefinitely. Reasons given were first because of the downturn in the economy, and then conversely because the economy was too hot and construction and labor costs were skyrocketing. The architect, Donna Clare, who won the contest even came up with several new designs, but no go. It seems that Stelmach was not going to finish what Klein started, no matter what.

Then this past April, Stelmach came up with his own idea for the Royal Alberta Museum, build another one behind city hall. Donna Clare won this contest as well. It seemed to be a go, and then, well, another premier entered office. Alison Redford, Alberta’s new leader, called a press conference to announce that this museum plan was also going to be scrapped. In this case the reason was that the federal government withdrew its commitment to contribute $92.5 million to the project. As such, the province would not be able to meet its November 16th signing deadline.

Is this another case of a new premier not wanting to finish a predecessor’s vision? It appears that the story may be a bit ambiguous, since the feds are denying their part in it. Best guess is that Redford doesn’t want to spend money on something that would become a Stelmach legacy. Funny how history somehow repeats itself…

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Wednesday October 12, 2011 - Preliminary Business Plan Submitted to Strathcona Council

On Tuesday, October 4th, the Strathcona County council was presented with the framework of a business plan outlining items hoping to be accomplished between 2012 and 2014. The intent is to get a handle on what is needed so that those needs can be considered during the November budget meetings.

Kelly Rudyk, who is in charge of the county’s Corporate Planning and Intergovernmental Affairs office, notes that this early, but it does give council the chance to study the proposals. That did happen, and as a result some of the items were taken off the table. One of these items was shrub bed maintenance, which was delayed until future meetings.

One important issue deals with discontinuing mobile photo radar and the revenue loss from doing so. The photo radar will be in operation until September of 2012. RCMP Officer Gary Steinke noted that it would cost $405,000 to remove the mobile photo radar devices within the first year. The following year that cost would be reduced by $24,441. Steinke noted that to hire officers to replace the devices would cost $750,000 during 2012 and $888,441 for both 2013 and 2014.

Linda Osinchuk, the mayor, advised that the hiring issues would be part of the budget talks. There would also be talk of hiring both peace officers and RCMP officers to help enforce traffic issues.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Friday September 30, 2011 - Redford and Horner Challenge Mar in Political Debate

Gary Mar is running for the Tory leadership in Alberta and is running into a problem. When he was finishing his term in 2007, he took a $500,000 payout before that term ended. Originally he said he would never take any such money. Turns out he later said he was only deferring the payment, not committing to non-acceptance of the funds.

All of this was rehashed at a debate this past Wednesday, as his rivals Doug Horner and Alison Redford brought up the incident and questioned his trustworthiness. Mar noted that this funding is known as a transitional allowance, and is a common practice of departing MLAs. Redford simply stated she had a problem with the practice, period.

Mar is the frontrunner in the race, so both Horner and Redford sort of ganged up on the leader, oftentimes agreeing with each other on issues and opposing Mar. Typical political strategy when the only way you can go is up. Mar was also criticized on health care. He supports a private option, in addition to public health care.

The only issue they three managed to agree on was that money from the province should go towards the sometimes controversial downtown arena in Edmonton. This has been a hot topic in Alberta for months now. Redford did agree with Mar that the provincial books could be balanced by 2013. But neither Horner nor Redford were on board with spending being dependent on the energy industry.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Friday September 23, 2011 - Strathcona County Evaluates Concepts for New Pool

Strathcona County has been evaluating the pros and cons of an aquatic center in Sherwood Park. Residents have had opportunities to provide viewpoints on indoor or outdoor pools, by way of the Strathcona Aquatic Strategy.

Mayor Linda Osinchuk commented in a press release that feedback from residents has resulted in five different concepts for a possible indoor pool. Recently conducted open houses have resulted in people’s ability to comment on potential venues for the aquatic facility.

According to Sarah Geisler, the recreation program specialist for Strathcona County Recreation, Parks and Culture, the open houses were well-attended by residents. The first open house was attended by some 150 people. Geisler said that people are passionate about the prospects of a pool, and that the first open houses provided an opportunity for her organization to listen to residents’ wants and needs.

Geisler emphasized that swimming pools are an expensive asset, and that the community wants to make sure that any pool would meet the needs of the most people. She added that she sought feedback not just from current users of the athletic facilities, but also from people who are not using them. She indicated her interest in wanting to know why residents have not been utilizing the facilities so that they might be attracted to them in the future.

The next step in the process for a pool will be the October 18 workshop hosted by the county council. At this forum, information will be provided on possible sites, as well as feedback collected thus far. If the council approves funding for the aquatic center, construction could begin as soon as 2013, with an opening projected for 2014 or 2015.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Thursday August 25, 2011 - Heartland Transmission Project to Be Decided By October

Three hockey players from Sherwood Park made the short list for Team Pacific, an under 17 hockey team slated to play at the 2012 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. The event will take place in Windsor, Ontario from December 29th to January 4th at this year’s end.

The three men are Tyler Morrison, Mason Geertsen, both defensemen, and Greg Chase, a forward. All spent last season playing with the Kings, a Sherwood Park Midget AAA team. Geersten and Chase previously were first round picks in the bantam draft for the 2010 Western Hockey League. Edmonton Oil Kings picked Geersten, who was 19th in the pick, and Chase, who was 22nd, went to Calgary.

Of the 46 players that competed at the July camp for Team Alberta, 32 were short-listed. Now those picks will be scouted during their respective team games between now and November as Team Alberta picks 11 final players. The other 11 come from British Columbia.

Making it to the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge is quite the achievement. It opens the doors to playing for the U-18 and U-20 leagues in the National Team Canada organization. Team Pacific members play against four teams from across Canada as well as international teams from the United States, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Last year’s team won the bronze metal after defeating Team Quebec. Hockey greats Dion Phaneuf and Jarome Iginla were both part of Team Pacific.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Tuesday August 16, 2011 - Heartland Transmission Project to Be Decided By October

The final submissions are in to the Alberta Utilities Commission regarding the Heartland Transmission Project. Both Strathcona County and an organization called Responsible Electricity Transmission or RETA, put in their recommendations for the preferred route and the burying of transmission lines along that route. Now all the people of Strathcona County can do is wait for the decision of the commission.

Linda Osinchuk, the county’s mayor is hopeful that the submissions outline the reasons and the benefits of having the 500kv line, to be built by AltaLink and Epcore, put underground. She was reassured by the varied number of parties to be involved in the decision, and that the issue would be treated fairly.

The Heartland Transmission Project was considered a necessity for the county under Bill 50, so it did not need the usual assessment. But John Kristensen, who is vice president of RETA, advised that the evidence presented by different groups within the province warrant that assessment. He notes that the groups have provided sufficient evidence of health and safety concerns to merit putting at least 20 kilometres of the line, if not the entire project, some 66 kilometres long, underground.

Kristensen warned that there would indeed be a backlash if the line were to be built above ground. He noted that a number of politicians who are looking to fill Ed Stelmach’s leadership role have voiced opposition to Bill 50. The decision will be made by October 24th.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Tuesday August 2, 2011 - Rain Causes Flood at Lakeland Village Mobile Home Park

The downpour this last weekend in Edmonton caused flooding at the Lakeland Village Mobile Home Park. The owner, Stephen Mandel, who also happens to be the city’s mayor, along with his staff worked through the weekend to try and minimize the damage. The flood extended from the neighborhood pond all the way to a strip mall and gasoline station that is at the park’s entrance. In some places the water was waist high.

Mandel has hired an investigator to find out why this is happening. Apparently it’s not the first time, but this was apparently the worst. The drains could not handle the excess water during the downpour. One long time resident advised flooding occurs every year in the same place. Another resident, who has lived in the park 13 years, advised that the draining ditches are too small and the water pumps are not powerful or big enough. Management has been notified repeatedly.

Mandel thinks the problem is coming from downstream, most likely because of the blossoming development of Sherwood Park. There is so much water draining from that development that it is going too fast and the drainage system just can’t handle it. Mayor Linda Osinchuk of Strathcona County, where Sherwood Park is located advised she would be working with Mandel to find the problem.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Wednesday July 13, 2011 - Pioneer Housing Project Gets First Approval

The prospect of Pioneer Housing building low-income housing units south of the Silver Birch Lodge is causing quite a stir, both with those residents and neighboring Brighton Bay. Strathcona County council approved the first reading on the firm’s application for a $ 7 million loan for the four-storey, 7-unit complex. Last February $5 million was also approved by council, coming out of funds slated to go towards affordable housing. Those living nearby are not as thrilled with the idea.

At issue is the fact that Pioneer Housing, which built and sold Silver Birch Lodge as a senior community, had the property rezoned, more than a decade after the first residents moved into the development. They then sent a letter to residents informing them that low-income housing was going in to accommodate all age groups. The rezoning was done in 2008; the informing of the residents by letter was in 2011. There was a definite lack of communication, intentional or otherwise.

The application must still go through two more readings scheduled for August. Meanwhile, some of the neighbors have sent some recommendations for the new project. Included are changing the size of the building to be only two-storeys tall, changing the location of the parking lot so it is farther away from the existing residences and putting up a chain link fence with proper landscaping to make it eye-appealing. Also on the list of must haves are plenty of reliable lighting and security cameras.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Wednesday July 6, 2011 - Strathcona County Council Debates Items Ok For Public Meetings

Strathcona County is still determining what types of issues can be discussed in public meetings, and what should be left for in-camera, or private council sessions. They are trying to follow the guidelines of the Freedom of Protection and Privacy Act as well as the Municipal Government Act, or MGA.

The latter directs that all council meetings will be open to the public unless the matter to be discusses is deemed to be of a sensitive nature. Motions can only be made and passed in a public meeting. The exception to this is the making of a motion in the private session that the meeting is now to become public.

The term in-camera is used to describe a meeting that is held in court behind closed doors with only the councilors and involved parties present. Items discussed are confidential. Both Mayor Lind Osinchuk and Peter Wlodarczak, a councilor, agree that at times in-camera sessions are necessary. The council does attempt to remain transparent as much as possible.

Public council meetings usually start in the afternoon, the normal time being 2 pm. But council holds their in-camera sessions in the morning, prior to the public meeting.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Tuesday June 21, 2011 - Strathcona County Community Center Gets More Free Parking

Visitors to the Strathcona County Community Centre will soon find more free parking spaces available. The 20 stalls already allocated is not enough, and the city has agreed to add an additional 30. The free stalls will have a two-hour time limit from Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.

The city will step up its parking enforcement efforts at the Center in the Park, in both the free surface lot and in the parkade, which does charge a fee. Part of the problem, brought to light by letters to the Strathcona County Library, was because of high school students from both Archbishop Jordan and Salisbury Composite Schools filling up the parking stalls. The library is in-between both schools. This led to other issues such as cars blocking other cars in because of a lack of space.

The intent of creating Centre in the Park, or the community centre, was to encourage people to walk or use public transit to get to the facility. But feedback from that same public has made it clear that additional stalls are needed. The city is also increasing the number of handicap stalls in the parkade from three to six, also based on public comment and need. These will also be strictly enforced by the parking officers.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Saturday June 4, 2011 - Mail Interruptions Expected Due to Canada Post Strike

Talks between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have broken down. That was on Monday. At that time a 72 hour strike notice was issued by the CUPW, to be exercised if no agreements were made. As the clock ran down, the first area to make the strike official was Winnipeg, Manitoba. At 11:59 pm on Thursday, a rotating strike began, which means mail will be delivered, but much more slowly. Employees rotate working shifts with being on strike.

Other areas may end up holding full on strikes, where no one works. In that case, the national union has agreed to allow mail carriers to voluntarily deliver items such as social assistance and pension checks. The intent is not to cause undue hardship for those who need that support to live.

At issue between the two sides is forced overtime, salaries, particularly for new workers, and vacation time. Canada Post is asking employees to work ten years to qualify for a month’s vacation, rather than the current seven. Employees start with three weeks per year. As far as wages, Canada Post wants to decrease the starting salary by 22 percent.

Staffing is a big problem. Some examples are St Albert, Sherwood Park and Edmonton. During the last couple of years these areas did not have enough letter carriers to insure people were getting delivery Monday to Friday. This mean forced overtime. In some cases, like in Sherwood Park, even with the overtime, some homes went nine days or more without mail delivery. CUPW wants this issue resolved as well.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Tuesday May 17, 2011 - Albertans Still Love Their Cars and Trucks

Despite the fact that gasoline prices, to put it one way, are through the roof, Albertans are still diving into their wallets to support their love affair with cars and trucks. In March, residents of that province snapped up 18,041 vehicles, a 4.2 percent increase over this past February. It is also a 9.7 percent increase over sales in March of 2010. Other than September of 2010, this is the best sales month since the recession in 2008. In Alberta, March also came out as the third month in a row that showed an increase from the prior month.

Looking at car and truck sales on the national level, sales increased 2.0 percent. That translates into 135,261 vehicles. The better part of those sales went to North American built cars according to Statistics Canada. That company’s report did not have information about the type of cars Albertans were buying. Typically known for being fond of trucks, understandable in a largely rural province, it is yet to be seen if there is any trend towards buying smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. Other reports on auto sales across Canada seem to indicate that the country is leaning that direction. Since gas prices are hurting everyone, it is likely Albertans who can are doing the same.

Also of interest to those who watch money matters in Alberta, the province has the highest percentage of mortgages in arrears than anywhere else in Canada. The percentage as of February in 2011 was 0.83 percent. The national average is 0.45 percent. This is a concern because interest rates are bound to go up, and more homeowners may start having trouble making ends meet.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Friday April 29, 2011 - Third Political Debate for Edmonton-Sherwood Park

The third debate between Federal Election candidates in the Edmonton-Sherwood Park area was held at Festival Place this past Tuesday. It was part of the meeting hosted by the Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce. Participants were Chris Vallee of the Green Party, Tim Uppal, a Conservative, Rick Szostak, Liberal party, Paul St Laurent from the Western Bloc and James Ford, an Independent.

Most of the questions went to either the Liberal Szostak or the Conservative Uppal, with only two to the Independent candidate Ford. It seems that the community had narrowed their choice down to these two, and was just trying to make up their minds. The main issue, as expected, was the economy.

Szostak noted that the economy would not be such a big issue had the Liberals been in power when the recession hit. He went on to explain that the Liberals had a $13 billion surplus when the party was defeated back in 2006. The Conservative government in essence used all of that surplus, and more. If Canada still had its surplus when the recession occurred, the country would have been in better shape. Szostak also noted that John A MacDonald, back in 1889, had the last Conservative led government to lead the country out of a recessionary period.

Uppal defended the Conservative’s handling of the recession. He noted that tax cuts, part of the party platform is important for Canada. Uppal encouraged voters to put in a Harper Conservative Majority in power to preserve low taxes, fight crime and continue to improve the economy. While St Laurent, with the Western Bloc Party, is opposed to taxes, he did note that government should tax just enough to fund reasonable government. His idea for federal government is to stick to federal issues, like controlling the borders.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Monday April 18, 2011 - Oilsands Cause for Political Tension

Recent comments about Alberta’s oilsands are causing frustration and even embarrassment for political members.

Premier Ed Stelmach recently penned an open letter to Canadians regarding the oilsands, discussing the idea that select federal party leaders and some candidates have been pitting province against province for political gain. Stelmach also said that some policy platforms will stifle economic growth and become a detriment to tax politics.

Brian Mason, the NDP party leader, said the letter is a wedge to improve the standing of Conservative candidates, and Energy Minister Ron Liepert said the letter was laid out well in explaining misinformation that is released in the media.

Liepert was a recent target on an oilsands issue attack, though. Last week, US President Barack Obama commented that there are environmental questions about tarsands destructiveness, and said he wants to examine every question.

Liepert responded to the President’s remarks, saying his division could brief him on the issues and it would only take Obama 15 minutes to read about the issues. Leipert was quoted as saying he wished Obama would sign the Keystoen XL project order and get on with it.

Guy Boutilier, Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo’s MLA, said Leipert throws tantrums when things aren’t going his way and was embarrassed that Liepert insulted Canada’s best customer.

Liepert’s office was unavailable for comment.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Monday March 28, 2011 - Cambrian Crossing Development Gets Approval

Plans for the new Cambrian Crossing development to be located north of Highway 16 have been approved. It will go up in four phases over 10 to 15 years and ultimately house 7,200 people. Since Sherwood Park is expected to be out of building space by 2014, the additional homes will be needed. Mayor Linda Osinchuk from Strathcona, wants people to be comfortable with building the first neighborhood North of Yellowhead.

The land site already has services so it is a less expensive option that to try and add homes to Ardrossan which has limited infrastructure. Another plus is the addition of a shuttle service promised by the Cambrian group’s Michael Von Hausen back in July of 2010. The layout of Cambrian Crossing will also be pedestrian friendly and will have businesses close enough that residents can opt to walk to work. The shuttle gives them choice.

The developers will also acknowledge that some people want to continue using their cars by making sure the plans allow for ample parking and easy to navigate streets. Also citing concern from those in agribusinesses about using agricultural land, Osinchuk will have developers take a look at road alignment. But the county is growing and ultimately some land will have to be sacrificed for homes. The key is to use what is taken wisely.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Wednesday March 23, 2011 - KEYS Program Staying Afloat Though Funding Will Be Less

When the budget for the 2011-2012 school year was recently passed, it was uncertain whether the much applauded and needed Keys to Empowering Youth to Succeed (KEYS) program would survive. As it turns out, the provincial government will still be funding the Support Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB), of which KEYS is a part, but that allotted amount would be less.

The Minister of health and wellness, Gene Zwozdesky, announced that $19.2 million has been budgeted for MHCB to cover the next three years. Funds will then be sent to the 24 expansion centers, of which 19 are KEYS members. Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) coordinating director Tanya Orr does not known how that funding will be divided. Vegreville and Sherwood Park each have an EIPS school with a KEYS program.

Meetings will be held between MHCB leaders and the coordinators of the local project sites to discuss how the funding will be divided up, but no date has been set. There are currently 39 separate projects scheduled to receive part of that $19.2 million. Projects that assist children and youth up to age 19 have priority as far as funding goes. At this point no one knows how much the reduced funding will affect programming and services of the affiliated projects.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Friday March 4, 2011 - Ardrossan School Opens 1991 Time Capsule

Who knew that a calculator buried in the ground for twenty years would still work? That is exactly what happened when a time capsule buried in 1991 at Ardrossan Junior-Senior High was opened. Principal Dan Vanderburgh started punching the buttons and the calculator was still managing to crunch numbers.

Other items were pulled out of the capsule, among them a floppy disk, the pre-cursor to the CD, a VHS tape, grandfather to the DVD and a photo of an analog phone with a price tag of $249.99. A paper one-dollar bill, pre-loonie, was discovered as was a photo of a ninja turtle. In case you don’t remember those, ninja turtles were a group of crime fighting amphibians that dressed in warrior costumes and took the names of famous people, like Leonardo and Michelangelo.

Other items that had more sentimental value were an old sports jersey and a photo of a past theatre production. Vanderburgh got particularly emotional about the latter because he saw the production and remembered the kids. Some of those kids were among those that returned to the school for the February 24th unveiling.

Plans are to bury another time capsule to be opened in 2035. Androssan celebrates its 75th birthday in that year. The 1991 capsule contained items selected from the senior class. Vanderburgh wants to allow all grades to participate in the making of the new capsule. I wonder if an IPad would work after 25 years underground.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Friday February 18, 2011 - Roof-top Campout Raises Funds for Muscular Dystrophy

Firefighters and dispatchers from Strathcona County Emergency Services will be holding a roof-in on the top of Fire Station 1 starting Tuesday, February 22. Perhaps the more correct term would be roof-on. The idea is to camp out on the roof for three days in the hopes of raising $50,000 for Muscular Dystrophy. This is the second year for the campout. In 2010 the group raised $38,000. This year they have the process down to an almost science. Lt Mike Nicholson is one of the organizers and also a representative of the Western Canada division of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

This year the teams will have two tents rather than one. There will be three firefighters and one dispatcher on the roof at all times and another team in front of Station 1 to collect donations. The roof and curb will be manned in shifts. One of the tents will serve as a welcome area to host guests that want to participate. Weather-wise it looks like for that week the average high will be -4 C and the average low -13 C. Day shifts will be ten hours and night shifts 14 hours, same as the regular shift schedules.

Strathcona County is also challenging departments in Leduc, Spruce Grove, St Albert and Edmonton to hold their own roof-in and/or to raise money for the cause. Besides dropping by and donating there are other ways to help. Go online to www.muscle.ca/campout to donate or use your cell phone. For the latter, text “muscle” to 30333 and $5 will be donated and charged to your cell bill.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Wednesday February 9, 2011 - Survey Shows Strathcona County Ready for a Mall of Its Own

Strathcona County sought the help of a Vancouver based research firm to find out exactly how much money the residents were spending and where that money was going. Though the report has not been finalized, those at the Chamber of Commerce meeting this past January 19th got a preview from Strathcona’s Manager of Economic Development and Tourism, Gerry Gabinet.

In short, those living in Strathcona County tended to spend more on average than residents of Edmonton. In convenience spending the county was ten percent higher, food and beverage 16 percent more and for entertainment Strathconians spent about 14 percent more. Roughly $1.04 billion was spent in retail businesses during 2010. But not all of that money is staying in the county.

Shoppers were heading towards South Edmonton Common, Southgate, Kingsway Mall, West Edmonton Mall and other vendors on the south side of town in search of needed or wanted goods. About 28 percent of residents made the trek into town about once a week and 13 percent made even more trips. Granted some people who worked in the city took care of things while already there, so those numbers might not give the entire picture.

But what it does tell those who manage Strathcona County is that there is a market ready and waiting for some businesses to set up shop closer to home. Gabinet noted that some companies such as Home Outfitters, Pet Smart, The Gap and Best Buy have already been approached about moving in. The study basically confirmed that city fathers were on the right track.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Tuesday January 18, 2011 - Edmonton May Break 1971 Snowfall Record

Mention the word snow and you will have skiers and snowboarders doing mental cartwheels and envisioning making tracks in all that fresh powder. Mention that word to commuters trying to get from their toasty warm homes to the office and the reaction is not quite so enthusiastic. It’s even worse if you happen to park your car outside. First, find the car. Actually, first, never buy a white car. If you can’t figure out why then you obviously have not been through a decent Canadian winter.

Edmonton’s winter so far has been extraordinarily decent. This past weekend saw 20 centimetres of snow covering up cars, trees, anything that happened to get in the way. The weekend before 40 centimetres fell on city streets. Between those two storms and all the snow falling in-between, Edmonton is within reach of breaking the snow pack record set in 1971. By the end of January during that year 66 centimetres had blanketed the city.
So far the snow pack in Edmonton is about half that amount, but Mother Nature isn’t done yet. Another storm is due in by the beginning of the week.

All of this snow has played havoc with travellers trying to get in or out of Edmonton International, either on a flight or simply getting to the airport. Traffic accidents and vehicle problem calls are up, meaning an average eight hour wait for a tow truck. The city road crews are on double shifts, trying to keep the roads passable.

Add to all of this the mass of Arctic air that appears to have parked itself on top of the city. Snow and extreme cold is never a favourable combination. Warmer temperatures are expected later in the week, but for now telecommuting sounds very tempting…especially if you can’t find your white car.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Monday December 13, 2010 - Operation Red Nose Grounded for Holiday Season

Don’t count on Rudolph to get you home if you’ve had too much to drink at holiday parties. Operation Red Nose has been cancelled this year. According to Constable Wally Henry, the Strathcona County RCMP’s media liaison, the program that gave free transportation to inebriated individuals suffered from lack of funding.

Henry noted that many people took advantage of Operation Red Nose in previous years, but that he hoped for a host of alternatives to driving while intoxicated. One option he suggested is to use a taxi service. Henry acknowledged that there is often a longer wait for taxis during the holiday season, but that perhaps people could contact family or friends if they are not able to drive or locate a cab.

Henry said that he would be surprised if anyone receiving a call from a friend or family member needing a ride would not step up to assist. He advised that now, more than ever, people are aware of the potentially dire consequences of drunk driving. With that in mind, said Henry, there is no excuse for an increase in the amount of driver arrests.

Business colleagues are urged to take care of each other, and provide rides home for co-workers who have been a bit overzealous in celebrating.

Henry advised that he hopes that Operation Red Nose will be resurrected next year. If the group that had previously managed the operation is unable to do it in 2011, perhaps another organization would be able to revive the program.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Tuesday December 7, 2010 - Elk Island Catholic Schools Celebrate Advances in Instruction, Technology

Keeping up with advanced technology, as well as upgrading to modern learning techniques, are key objectives for Elk Island Catholic Schools. The schools are taking steps to ensure that even their youngest students are receiving the latest standards of education.

With that in mind, ECIS is examining a reporting statement for all kindergartens in the divisions. This could possibly be implemented during the current school year. According to Tony Sykora, who is the EICS board of trustees’ chair, early childhood education should be better able to accommodate young students and their unique learning requirements. Sykora said that a junior kindergarten might be a viable option for special-needs children, noting that such a program could assist with these students’ eventual integration into mainstream programs.

The kindergarten-reporting prospect dovetails with the same type of reporting initiative for first graders. That program was launched during 2009-2010. Sykora said that participation in the kindergarten program is entirely voluntary on the part of parents. He emphasized the board’s philosophy that parents are the primary teachers, and that Catholic schools and churches help to support the parents’ moral training.

EICS recently introduced the PowerSchool program, and seeks to implement it to some 15 schools during this school year. PowerSchool is an integrated data system for students. Teachers, administrators and school office personnel learned the system, including its functionality for scheduling and registration.

Sykora is also enthusiastic about improvements to the schools’ technology prospects. Previously, his organization would buy computers that were maintained by district workers. Now, all technology is leased with a defined warranty. When the leases expire, the replacement equipment is of the latest technology.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Monday November 29, 2010 - Grandmother Scam Resurfaces In Canada, Targets Seniors

Scammers are at it again and are targeting the elderly, as usual. Two seniors in Sherwood Park were tricked out of $3,900 and $2,900 this past November 16th via a long used telephone scam that has resurfaced yet again. The elderly are the favored targets because they tend to have a giving nature and be more trusting.

The way this scam works is that a caller will identify himself as a family member, usually a grandchild, and say they are in need of money. Usually this is said to be for bail money. They trick the senior into giving a name, then use that name throughout the call. If the first call doesn’t work, sometimes a follow up call is made. The caller then identifies himself as a lawyer for that family member, again asking for money.

RCMP is advising seniors, or anyone else for that matter, that gets such calls to report them to the police. Constable Wally Henry advises just to hang up the phone and not even talk to the caller. Then notify police and if possible include the call display number if available. The more information the police can gather the better chance of shutting down the scam operation.

Anyone getting a call from a family member requesting money should verify the request with another family member. Most of the calls appear to be coming from eastern Canada, and they are on the rise because it appears to be a lucrative venture.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Friday November 19, 2010 - Strathcona County Budget Information Released, Approval Expected December 14th

It looks like the homeowners of Strathcona County will be getting a 4.86 percent property tax increase if the 2011 budget as written is approved on December 14th. Usually there are some alterations, but that for now is the best educated guess. The figure is actually less than the five year average of 5.57 percent.

Almost 61 percent of your tax dollars will be going towards municipal services and to keep the same level of service, the tax hike will have to remain basically the same. Other items supported are education, taking 36 percent of the pie, the community library takes two percent and the remaining one percent is dedicated to the Pioneer Housing Foundation.

The budget itself is calculated at $51.6 million, which is lower than the $131 million that is the five year average. The full report, called the Budget binders, that has all the details was not ready in time for the meeting. The Financial Services department was having staffing issues. It will be ready in time for the first official presentation and discussion on November 29th. Further meetings will be held on December 1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th.

Topics slated for discussion which may or may not alter the proposed tax increase include budget requests from councillors, initiatives for business plans and projects in the county that are under consideration. The goal is to stay within budget, keep taxes reasonable but at the same time, not decrease the level of municipal services.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Thursday November 4, 2010 - Economic Growth in Canada Expected To Be Slow Through 2015

Canada’s economy seems to be in a recovery mode, but the rest of the world is not faring quite as well, which can still affect us. The United States, Japan and countries in Europe are still seeing very slow growth, much of it due to the number of people out of work. This global sluggishness will bring down annual world growth rates by a full percent throughout 2015.

Canada is energy rich and that in part has contributed to the strong loonie. It has been playing on both sides of par with the United States for quite a while now. But Canada must keep moving forward, encourage innovative ideas and boost its productivity to become a true global competitor. Most of all, Canada has to learn to live with a much stronger currency. Economist Glen Hodgson referred to Canada as the Switzerland or Norway of the North American continent.

The real concern is Canada’s aging work force and the high number of retirees expected as the Baby Boomers reach that time of life. Alberta’s workforce is only expected to increase by 1.5 percent per year between 2011 and 2015. After that, through 2020, the rate is expected to slow to about one percent per year. From 2006 to 2010, the average per year growth was three percent. Canada needs to replace its workforce more rapidly if it is to maintain fiscal security and economic stability.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Friday October 1, 2010 - Wild Roses Ramble Through Edmonton Hiking Trails

With its 7,400 hectares of land and a 160-kilometre trail, Edmonton’s valley parkland can be a formidable place for inexperienced walkers. However, one group in town knows its way around the valley like no other. The Wild Rose Ramblers have been hiking through the area since the group was founded in 1988. Pat Wishart, founder of the group along with Jean Horne, says that walking in the valley is an easy way to get exercise and make friends.

Last year, the Ramblers introduced their first book, called The Heart of the City. The publication offers 14 hiking options throughout Edmonton’s central area. Complete with directions, maps and historical information, the book has become a local favorite. It has made its way to area best-seller compilations in the nonfiction category. The Edmonton Nature Centres Foundation is the beneficiary of funds raised from the book’s sales.

The Ramblers are now at work on a sequel, which will focus on hiking opportunities around the southwest part of Edmonton. The group is hoping the new book will be available next spring.

Wishart says that many of the Ramblers have been members for more than ten years. She noted that the group is composed mostly of women, many of which are retirees or seniors. One member, 84-year-old Elizabeth Chow, said that she has been hiking with the Ramblers for 18 years. She became a member of the group after the death of her husband.

After their walks, many of the members gather for coffee. Member Pat Cartwell said that the Ramblers have enriched her in terms of knowledge as well as exercise. She noted that several of the members are always happy to share their knowledge of the plants and trees along the trails.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Thursday September 23, 2010 - Small Chamber Voices Band Together To Make Big Changes

The Chamber of Commerce from Sherwood Park banded together with chambers of similarly sized communities from across Canada and because of their efforts the entire country has benefited. The group was successful in lowering costs for businesses across the nation and that savings has reduced Strathcona County’s costs as well.

Their collective lobbying has resulted in the federal government agreeing that EI premiums would not be seeing an increase. The neatly dodged one percent increase in the rates would have cost businesses some $66 million. Employers would have been responsible for more than 60 percent of the premiums.

Another victory was the extension of capital cost allowance rates nationwide. This takes effect in fiscal year 2013 to 2014. Perrin Beaty, who is the head of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, believes these changes came about because chambers from small communities across the country made their collective voice heard.

Beatty was in Sherwood Park to celebrate with the local Chamber this past week. He also gave the cheery news that because credit was becoming easier to access, by the year 2012; businesses across Canada will save over $14 billion. All thanks to Chamber of Commerce chapters, many of them in Alberta, that stuck together and brought their ideas and needs to the attention of Ottawa.

Sherwood Park Realtor® Blog - Saturday August 21, 2010 - New Wildlife Habitat Created In Strathcona County

Strathcona County has a new wildlife area. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) just purchased two plots of land intended to be kept in an undeveloped state to serve as a protected wildlife habitat. The 148 acre Hicks property and the 315 acre Kallal property were acquired for a combined $1.7 million.

The additional acreage becomes part of the Cooking Lake Moraine Natural Area, established in the early 1900s. This natural area has been a rest stop for migrant birds and a year round home for mule deer, elk and moose. Red-tailed hawks also use the area as a breeding and hunting ground.

Hastings Creek, which runs through Cooking Lake Moraine Natural Area, will get another section added with the recent land purchase. This adds even more protected wetlands for migrating water birds, fish and other aquatic and land based animal species.

The Strathcona County wildlife area joins the ranks of Alberta’s existing wildlife parks including the Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary, Blackfoot Grazing Wildlife Provincial Area and Elk Island National Park. Across Canada, the Natural Areas Conservation Program has set aside some 342,000 acres for the preservation of wildlife. There are 79 native species that are considered to be endangered or at risk.