Sherwood Park Minute: Christmas Bureau, Affordable Housing, and the Transit Master Plan

Sherwood Park Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Sherwood Park politics

This Week In Sherwood Park:

• There will be a Council Meeting on Tuesday at 1:00 pm. The agenda includes the Transit Master Plan Final Report, the appointment of an Auditor for the Strathcona County Library, and a discussion about the policy for the naming of Development Areas, Roads, Parks, and Public Facilities. There will also be a closed session in which Council will discuss severance and termination pay, and the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, among other items.
  
  
• The Strathcona Christmas Bureau (SCB) is preparing to support a record 633 families this holiday season, up 43 from last year, assisting over 2,000 individuals in total. The nonprofit has raised $38,400 toward its increased 2024 fundraising goal of $140,000, though much more is needed to meet the demand. Donations of toys, gift cards for teens, and stocking stuffers are requested, with bins located across Sherwood Park and other collection points like Fire Station #1. Volunteer efforts have been strong, but additional delivery drivers are needed for hamper distribution on December 14th. More information is available on the SCB’s website.
  
  
• Strathcona County is highlighting new sponsorship and advertising opportunities for upcoming major events and facilities. Opportunities include the 2026 Alberta Summer Games, scheduled for July 16-19, 2026, and The Pointe Agricultural Event Centre, which is set to open in fall 2025. Businesses are encouraged to connect by January 21st. More information is available on the County’s website.

Last Week In Sherwood Park:

• Strathcona County RCMP has become the first police department in Alberta to implement body-worn cameras. These cameras, which are part of a national rollout, aim to improve accountability, transparency, and public trust by recording interactions with the public. Officers began using the cameras in November 2024, with general duty members being the first to receive them. The RCMP also plans to expand the use of the cameras across Canada, with over 10,000 expected to be deployed in the next year.
  
  
• The affordable housing project at the former Clover Bar Lodge site in Strathcona County has encountered setbacks due to rising costs. Heartland Housing Foundation (HHF) announced that the requirement for underground parking would increase project expenses by $4.5 million, making the original plan financially unfeasible. As a result, HHF proposed switching to above-ground parking, which would reduce the number of units, and was a contentious issue for neighbours. A public hearing will be scheduled to address the project’s revisions, and the Heartland Housing Foundation plans additional public consultations in the new year.
  
  
• Councillor Corey-Ann Hartwick reflected on the departure of RCMP Superintendent Dale Kendall, acknowledging her impactful leadership and dedication to Strathcona County. Supt. Kendall’s tenure included significant moments, such as leading the detachment through the tragic loss of Cst. Harvinder Dhami and celebrating the RCMP’s 150th anniversary. Harwick said that Kendall’s approach to community-focused policing strengthened ties with residents and highlighted the importance of holistic safety initiatives.