Sherwood Park Minute: Drone Program, Transit Survey, and Public Art Feedback

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 9:00 am. The meeting begins with a closed session, wherein Council will discuss a Millennium Place Hydrogen Project Update and an Integrity Commissioner Update. When the meeting opens to the public, Council will hear an update on Strathcona County’s Whistleblower Hotline and look to establish a bylaw setting out the code of conduct and disciplinary procedures for bylaw enforcement and peace officers. Several funding requests are on the agenda. Among them, the Strathcona Christian Academy will request a $500 sponsorship for costs associated with their annual performing arts production, and the Strathcona County Food Bank will seek assistance with costs for their 2nd Annual Nourish Gala. There will also be a public hearing to address several land use amendment proposals.
  
  
• Strathcona County is asking residents to clear at least 60 cm (2 ft) of snow and ice around fire hydrants to help emergency crews respond quickly. Keeping hydrants accessible ensures firefighters can locate and use them without delay, which can be critical in an emergency. The County shared a video from the Grande Prairie Fire Department that highlights how snow-covered hydrants can slow response times. Residents who are unable to clear the area themselves can call 780-467-7785 for assistance.
  
  
• The Small Modular Reactor Canada Summit from March 4th to 5th in Strathcona County will bring together 500 delegates to discuss the future of nuclear development in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. The event will cover key topics such as site development, safety protocols, transportation logistics, technology advancements, and workforce growth. It aims to educate entrepreneurs, government officials, and community members about the opportunities and challenges of small modular reactors in Western Canada. By fostering discussions among diverse stakeholders, the summit seeks to build public awareness and encourage responsible nuclear energy expansion in the region.

Last Week In Sherwood Park:

• Strathcona County has asked for community input as it updates its Public Art Plan, which was first developed in 2014. The Plan aims to enhance public spaces by integrating art into architecture, landscapes, and gathering places. The updated plan will serve as a roadmap for incorporating public art while outlining processes to bring these ideas to life. Residents are encouraged to participate in the Public Art survey, open until March 5th, to help shape the future of artistic initiatives in the region.
  
  
• Strathcona County Transit announced that it is considering adjustments to Routes 430 and 431 to improve service frequency in Emerald Hills. The proposed change would stagger departure times, offering all-day, 15-minute service. The idea is to increase convenience for riders travelling to and from Emerald Hills, Archbishop Jordan High School, and nearby neighbourhoods. However, passengers transferring from Route 430 at BTT may experience longer wait times of about 20 minutes for connections. Strathcona County Transit is seeking public feedback through a short survey open until March 14th, 2025.
  
  
• Airmarket has partnered with Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) to deploy a long-range drone that will launch automatically and provide real-time video before emergency crews arrive. Unlike previous SCES drones, which required line-of-sight piloting, this new drone can travel up to 10 kilometers and respond within 10 seconds of a call. The footage will be streamed to command staff, allowing them to assess the situation and allocate resources efficiently. The system also includes obstacle avoidance features, ensuring safe navigation around restricted areas. The drone is set to begin operations this summer and become fully functional by fall. Airmarket is also developing AI-powered drones for wildfire detection and agricultural use in Alberta.