Sherwood Park Minute: Issue 71

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

📅 This Week In Sherwood Park: 📅

• There are no meetings at City Hall this week. Committees will convene again in September, with the Priorities Committee meeting on September 9th. The next Council meeting will take place on September 16th.
  
  
• Strathcona County is projecting a 6.63% increase in municipal tax revenue for 2026, driven by inflation, infrastructure growth, and the need to maintain service levels. Of this increase, the majority is tied to capital projects like the indoor fieldhouse, Bremner development, Station 7 firehall, and The Pointe Agricultural Event Centre. The rest relates to new operational costs, including firefighters for Station 7 and The Pointe’s first full year of operation, as well as base operations and growth. Population growth and rising service demands are contributing to pressure on local resources, and the County is also investing more in cybersecurity due to a sharp rise in cyber threats. Mayor Rod Frank emphasized the challenge of balancing affordability for residents with the rising costs faced by the County. The budget process has shifted to a year-round approach, allowing for more proactive planning, with further updates expected in September and budget deliberations beginning in November.
  
  
• Krystal Hampel is running against incumbent Bill Tonita for the Ward 4 Councillor seat in the upcoming fall municipal election. A resident for 18 years, Hampel works in insurance and is actively involved in local business groups such as the Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business Association. She has a strong volunteer background, contributing to various community organizations and hosting a weekly radio show. Hampel says her passion for the community motivates her to run and she aims to improve local volunteerism and strengthen connections with the growing Cambrian neighbourhood. While she acknowledges the need for balanced budgeting amid County growth, she opposes unnecessary tax increases. Hampel promises to be accessible to residents and committed to the long-term wellbeing of the community.
  
  
• Strathcona County is relocating its yard waste drop-off site to the former Outback RV location at 53213 Range Road 231, north of the Yellowhead Highway. The new, larger site is intended to help manage yard waste more efficiently and reduce congestion at the old Broadview location. Passenger vehicles and trailers up to eight feet can drop off for free, while trailers between eight and 12 feet cost $20, and those over 12 feet are charged $50. Monthly passes are available for large-volume residential users, and commercial users can buy annual permits. The site will operate from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends, with seasonal hour adjustments. Additionally, free mulch and compost will be offered in spring and fall on a first-come, first-served basis. The site’s official name will be decided by Council this fall.
  
  
• A year-long fundraising effort in Sherwood Park has raised $5,000 for the Jasper Food Bank through a creative project called Rockon4Jasper. Inspired by the emotional impact of the Jasper wildfire, more than 100 people participated in paint nights held at various local businesses, with each event ticket priced at $35. The painted rocks were later delivered to Jasper during a celebration marking the food bank’s renovation. Attendees were invited to take rocks that resonated with their personal experiences, creating a meaningful exchange between donors and recipients. Although there are no plans to continue the project, its organizers feel the effort has made a lasting impact.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

With the election coming up, we’re putting the final touches on our candidate survey for Mayor and Councillor hopefuls.

This is your last chance to submit a question for the people who want to lead the County.

What do you want to know about their priorities, plans, or vision for the future?

Reply to this email and send us your questions to help shape the conversation!

🪙 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!