Sherwood Park Minute: County Surveys, Winter Roads, and Fire Hall Funding

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

This Week In Sherwood Park:

• There are no Council or Committee meetings this week. Council will reconvene on November 13th, to debate the budget.
  
  
• The County says they are prepared for winter, with road crews available around the clock to maintain safe conditions on urban and rural roads. Crews will prioritize high-traffic and high-speed roads for snow and ice removal, while the Province manages highways in the area. Residents must move their vehicles during parking bans to facilitate snow clearing, with fines and towing possible for non-compliance. Homeowners are also required to clear sidewalks within 48 hours of snowfall, with free rock chips offered for icy patches. The County also has a Winter Roads eNewsletter you can sign up for.
  
  
• The County is running a survey in the hopes of improving the user experience for the Strathcona County Connect self service portal. The survey closes today, and if you take it, the County will provide you with a link to enter you into a draw for a $100 gift card. You can take the survey online here. They are also running a second survey, seeking residents' input on their experiences in finding affordable and safe housing. Participants who complete the survey by November 15th, will have a chance to win a $50 gift card. You can take that one here.

Last Week In Sherwood Park:

• Strathcona County’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Darrell Reid, announced his retirement from the position effective January 31st, 2025. Serving as CAO since July 2020, Reid previously held roles as Vancouver’s Fire Chief, led its COVID-19 Task Force, and served as Fire Chief in Strathcona County. Mayor Rod Frank praised Reid’s contributions in navigating challenges and advancing goals in innovation, fiscal responsibility, and community safety. An Acting CAO will be appointed to ensure continuity while a replacement is sought.
  
  
• Council approved $24.6 million in funding for the new Station 7 fire hall in Cambrian Crossing, one of the County's fastest-developing areas. Once constructed, Station 7 is supposed to improve response times for incidents in Cambrian Crossing and nearby Emerald Hills. The fire hall is set to be designed in the coming year, with construction expected to begin in early 2026. Station 7 will house three to four fire trucks, and a phased hiring plan will bring in 48 new firefighters.
  
  
• Sherwood Park Phoenix FC has launched the She Can Rise program to encourage female involvement in soccer coaching and officiating. The initiative aims to address barriers such as confidence, childcare, and lack of experience that can deter women from coaching. The program currently includes 42 participants, monthly leadership speakers, and mentorship opportunities to build skills and confidence. She Can Rise also collaborates with female-owned businesses and other organizations to bolster support. The program's goal is to retain more female athletes in leadership roles and expand female representation in sports coaching.