Sherwood Park Minute: Issue 60

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

📅 This Week In Sherwood Park: 📅

• There are no Council or Committee meetings at City Hall this week. The next Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 27th at 9:00 am.
  
  
• Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS) is considering ending international student travel, including trips to the United States, amid rising global tensions and logistical concerns. The discussion follows a similar move by St. Albert Public Schools, which suspended US travel due to trade-related political issues. While EICS has not yet changed its policies, Superintendent Paul Corrigan said the matter will likely be reviewed in the fall. Though the US currently remains in the “green” category of Canada’s travel advisory system, growing concerns about safety, insurance, and costs are prompting school boards to reassess international travel altogether. No US trips are scheduled at this time, but future travel may be curtailed regardless of destination. Corrigan emphasized the educational value of travel but questioned its long-term feasibility. A final decision is expected for the 2025-26 school year.
  
  
• Elk Island Public Schools is bringing back its traditional Indigenous land-based learning course this summer, offering students a hands-on experience from July 7th to 31st. Through the program, students can earn credits in both land-based learning and Aboriginal studies while gaining practical skills like tipi building, hide preparation, and food gathering. The course emphasizes holistic education, guided by Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders, blending cultural teachings with outdoor activities. Participants will visit sites such as Indigenous Art Park, Fort Edmonton Park, and Elk Island National Park, connecting deeply with Indigenous perspectives on the land. The program aims to foster environmental stewardship and personal growth physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Students must complete Standard First Aid and CPR training before starting, with sessions offered in June. Registration for the summer course is open until June 23rd.
  
  
• Ward 1 Councillor Robert Parks wrote an article about misconceptions regarding large spending projects, confirming there are no $100 million single capital projects, but three major ones totaling $159 million: The Pointe (a modern agricultural and community facility supporting 4-H programs and rural education) comes in at $67 million, an indoor fieldhouse comes in at $65 million, and Fire Station 7 comes in at $27 million. Parks explained that Council decisions are carefully made through expert input, public consultation, and strategic planning to balance community needs with fiscal responsibility. He highlighted the use of reserve funds to manage unexpected expenses without increasing taxes and stressed the transparency of Council meetings and budget processes.
  
  
• The Sherwood Park Junior Achievement chapter, launched in February, is the 15th in Northern Alberta and provides high school students with practical business experience. A Grade 11 student from Vimy Ridge Academy leads The Story Board, a company that creates handcrafted charcuterie boards using reclaimed pine wood logged before 1950. Each student invested $10 as seed capital, and the group quickly surpassed their sales goal, aiming to sell 150 boards after initially targeting 70. Over an 18-week program, students develop detailed business plans, learn financial tracking, and gain experience in leadership and teamwork with guidance from mentors and local sponsors, including the Sherwood Park Chamber of Commerce, which also donated office space. The program aims to fill educational gaps in entrepreneurship and prepares students for real-world business challenges.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Common Sense Sherwood Park is gearing up for the upcoming municipal election. 

We plan to survey all of the candidates for Mayor and Council. What questions do you think we should ask? Hit reply to this email and let us know your top priorities!

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

This week's sponsor is you! We don't have big corporate backers, so if you like what you're reading, please consider making a donation or signing up as a monthly member.

Having said that, if you are a local business and are interested in being a sponsor, send us an email and we'll talk!