Sherwood Park Minute: Issue 70

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

📅 This Week In Sherwood Park: 📅

• Strathcona County issued an emergency water restriction on the evening of July 24th due to a problem with the main water supply line managed by EPCOR. Both rural and urban residents were asked to limit non-essential water use, including postponing lawn watering, vehicle washing, laundry, and pool filling. Residents were also encouraged to conserve water by limiting shower times and reducing faucet use. The restriction lasted just under 24 hours, during which spray parks using potable water were closed, while those using recirculated water remained open. County officials emphasized that conserving water helps maintain reservoir levels for essential needs. 
  
  
• Strathcona County Ward 3 Councillor Lorne Harvey is seeking re-election in the upcoming 2025 municipal election, representing a ward that now includes Glen Allen residents after recent boundary changes. Harvey, a chartered professional accountant with nearly 30 years in the community, highlighted his focus on improving the County’s financial sustainability, including introducing strategic capital planning and asset management. He says he takes pride in initiatives such as implementing 48-hour residential snow clearing, supporting low-income seniors with tax relief, and pushing for a seniors’ centre. If re-elected, Harvey aims to continue managing growth responsibly while advancing projects like an indoor fieldhouse and seniors’ hub. 
  
  
• Premier Danielle Smith emphasized Alberta’s economic strength and energy potential during a recent speech to the Sherwood Park business community. She criticized federal interference that she says hampers investment, especially in oil and gas. Smith called for the federal government to repeal policies like the emissions cap in order to support Alberta’s energy sector. She stressed the need for new pipelines, particularly a west coast route to Prince Rupert, to access global markets beyond the US. After trips to Asia, Smith noted growing demand for Alberta’s oil, natural gas, and hydrogen in countries like Japan and South Korea. She also expressed interest in a northern pipeline to open Arctic Ocean access, and in developing Alberta as a hub for processing critical minerals. Despite hoping for cooperation with Ottawa, Smith pledged Alberta will work independently and with other provinces to protect its economy if federal support remains lacking.
  
  
• The Edmonton Movie Club (EMC) has announced plans to build a 5,000 square foot arts and culture incubator in Sherwood Park, aimed at addressing the lack of creative venues in the region. The facility, to be located near the Holiday Inn Express on Broadmoor Boulevard, will include a black box studio, a performance space with retractable seating, and an advanced outdoor LED wall for screenings and virtual productions. EMC is hoping to create an affordable, multi-purpose hub for local arts groups, many of which currently lack dedicated spaces. The club has applied for a provincial grant using donated land as its matching contribution and is also seeking municipal and federal support. EMC is currently operating with no formal funding and relying on volunteers and private investment to advance the project. The location is expected to serve as a cultural-tourism anchor, drawing on EMC's existing audience base. Sherwood Park was chosen for its accessibility and potential to strengthen local arts infrastructure. Mayor Rod Frank expressed cautious optimism, noting the project's potential value but emphasizing that all funding requests are still under review.
  
  
• On July 12th, community members and Métis families gathered to celebrate 25 years of Métis governance of St. Margaret’s Church and Cemetery, the oldest church in Strathcona County. Originally built in 1915 on the north shore of Hastings Lake, the church has been lovingly restored by volunteers and the Friends of Deville St. Margaret’s Society, formed in 1998 to preserve its historical and cultural significance. The site holds deep meaning for many local Métis families, whose ancestors are buried in the adjacent cemetery. The celebration included a church service, traditional food like bison stew and bannock, and cultural performances. Local officials including Ward 7 Councillor Glen Lawrence and Mayor Rod Frank attended.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Did you know you’ll be voting for a School Trustee at the same time as your Councillor and Mayoral candidates?

Whether you have kids in school or not, choosing the right trustee is important!

Check out who’s running so far - but keep in mind that the list won’t be final until September 22nd.

Click here for Elk Island Public Schools.

Click here for Elk Island Catholic Schools.

🪙 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!