Sherwood Park Minute: Issue 78

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

📅 This Week In Sherwood Park: 📅

• Strathcona County and Edmonton officially opened a new pedestrian footbridge over the North Saskatchewan River on September 12th, naming it Amisk Wâciw Âsokan, or Beaver Hills Bridge. The name, gifted by Elder Dr. Jerry Saddleback, honours the Indigenous Plains Cree heritage and the region’s cultural history. The $38.6-million project was funded collaboratively, with the River Valley Alliance covering 50% and the County and City each contributing 25% with provincial, federal, and grant support. The 230-metre bridge connects Township Road 540 in Strathcona County with 167 Avenue in Edmonton, linking to the North Saskatchewan River Valley trail network. It features shared pathways, lookout points, seating, gathering spaces, and naturalized landscaping for all ages and abilities. Officials emphasized the bridge as a symbol of connection, reconciliation, and a lasting regional legacy. Future enhancements on the County side include washrooms, parking upgrades, and a gathering area.
  
  
• Bill Tonita is seeking a third term on Strathcona County Council in Ward 4. He highlighted accomplishments from his previous terms, including the development of Cambrian, infrastructure projects like the overpass, and community-building initiatives. Tonita plans to continue work on major projects such as Cambrian’s first fire hall, the indoor fieldhouse, the Sherwood Park Crusaders’ Event Centre, and expanding affordable housing. He noted that traffic and speed concerns remain priorities and require ongoing community consultation. Looking ahead, he emphasized the importance of beginning development in Bremner to accommodate growing housing needs. Tonita has a background in education, with over 30 years as a teacher and principal, and serves as president of the Alberta NDP. He stresses his focus on municipal governance, collaboration with neighbouring municipalities, and fiscal responsibility as reasons voters should support his re-election.
  
  
• Incumbent Glen Lawrence is seeking his seventh term representing Ward 7 on Strathcona County Council, running on a platform of stability, fiscal responsibility, and rural advocacy. First elected in 1998, he returned to Council in 2017 and was re-elected in 2021. Lawrence emphasizes keeping taxes reasonable, improving rural roads, and expanding municipal water access to reduce truck traffic on rural routes. He also highlights public safety achievements, including an 11% decrease in rural break-ins, and his work supporting seniors through transportation and services. Looking ahead, he plans to establish community fire smart plans to address growing wildfire risks. Lawrence stresses that his campaign focuses on hard work and representation rather than self-promotion, and encourages voters to judge him by his track record.
  
  
• Colin Reid is also running to represent Ward 7 on Strathcona County Council, challenging incumbent Glen Lawrence. With a background in law enforcement and public service, Reid emphasizes a long-term commitment to the community rather than using the position as a stepping stone to higher office. A father of two and active in South Cooking Lake, he has coached local sports teams and aims to represent families and residents across the area. Reid’s priorities include public safety, improving road conditions, expanding rural services, and reducing emergency response times to keep pace with the County’s growing population. He also stresses the importance of strong collaboration between rural communities and Sherwood Park. Although he previously ran over a decade ago for Ward 6, this would be his first elected position. Reid hopes to bring fresh perspectives and advocate for residents who may lack a voice in local government.
  
  
• Katie Berghofer is seeking a third term as Ward 8 Councillor in Strathcona County, having first been elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. She highlights her work on community safety, connectivity, winter recreation, and introducing a winter sidewalk clearing bylaw, as well as establishing a recreation levy to ensure consistent funding for local projects. Berghofer is focused on completing the indoor fieldhouse project and plans to develop a dedicated seniors’ centre to provide safe and accessible recreational opportunities. Looking ahead, she aims to continue improving amenities and community services while maintaining her hands-on approach to listening and responding to constituents. Berghofer emphasizes that her record over the past eight years demonstrates her commitment and effectiveness in serving the community.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Nominations close at noon today - and once that happens, the list of election candidates will be final.

We’ll be sending out our survey and starting our interviews very soon after.

This is a crucial step in making sure residents know where the candidates stand on the issues that matter most.

If you’d like to chip in a last-minute donation to help us get this work done, you can do so here:

🪙 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!