Sherwood Park Minute: Community Anniversaries, Internet Investment, and Budget Input Requested

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

This Week In Sherwood Park:

• The provincial and federal governments are investing in a project to bring high-speed internet to over 4,300 homes in Strathcona and Beaver counties as part of Alberta's Broadband Strategy. This initiative aims to enhance internet access in several communities, including Sherwood Park and Tofield. The investment, totaling $390 million from each level of government, addresses the lack of adequate internet speeds faced by many Albertans. The project is currently underway, though no completion date has been provided.
  
  
• Strathcona County Transit is making adjustments to bus routes as the new academic year begins, primarily to avoid delays caused by Edmonton’s Valley Line LRT construction. Key changes include new destinations for popular routes into Edmonton and the introduction of Route 415, providing direct service to NAIT. Within Sherwood Park, routes have been modified to better serve growing areas, with some services replaced by on-demand options. The upcoming Transit Master Plan, set for approval in late 2024, proposes further changes, including increased route frequencies, the introduction of hybrid services, and future plans for zero-emission buses.
  
  
• Strathcona County residents are invited to share their input on Budget 2025 through an online survey available until September 8th. This feedback will tell Council how you want them to navigate decisions about service levels, tax rates, and spending priorities. The survey results will be presented to Council in October, with further public input opportunities scheduled for November.

Last Week In Sherwood Park:

• The Helen Lavender Playground officially opened, honouring the legacy of Helen Lavender, a highly respected community figure. Located in the Hearthstone community, the park features a multi-tiered play structure, a basketball court that converts to a skating rink in winter, and other amenities. Helen Lavender was known for her extensive community service, including initiating the first bookmobile for children in rural areas. The park's dedication ceremony included a ribbon cutting and the release of a picture book titled A Park Called Helen Lavender, which celebrates her contributions.
  
  
• Two community groups celebrated anniversaries. The Oldman Creek Community Garden celebrated its 20th anniversary. Originally starting with just eight plots, the garden has expanded to 138 plots, now supporting 78 gardeners who grow produce not only for themselves but also for local food banks, women’s shelters, and Ukrainian newcomers. The Sherwood Park 55 Plus Club celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Club, which began in 1974 with 79 members in the basement of the Log Cabin, has grown to nearly 420 members and now occupies an expanded facility offering a variety of activities, including dance classes, card games, and crafts. Looks like community spirit is alive and well in Strathcona County!
  
  
• Ward 1 Councillor Robert Parks wrote an opinion piece highlighting the evolving challenges of back-to-school season for today’s students. He says that, unlike previous generations, students now face the relentless issue of digital bullying through social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. This new form of harassment extends beyond school hours, making it more pervasive and emotionally damaging. Parks emphasized the need for digital literacy and responsible online behaviour, urging parents, teachers, and community members to foster open dialogue and support systems to help children navigate these challenges.