Sherwood Park Minute: Issue 87

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

📅 This Week In Sherwood Park: 📅

• Strathcona County’s upcoming 2026 Budget is set to be unveiled today and a recent survey shows many residents are open to higher taxes if services are maintained or expanded. The survey found 31% support higher taxes with current service levels, and another 26% support higher taxes with increased services. Respondents’ top priorities included long-term fiscal sustainability, minimizing future property taxes, and supporting local businesses and amenities. Most residents rated the County positively for value, though rural respondents were more likely to express dissatisfaction, especially around snow and ice control, road conditions, and limited rural services. Residents also indicated they want increased spending on ambulance services, fire, RCMP, recreation and snow removal. Mayor Rod Frank criticized the survey for omitting a question on affordability, which he believes remains a major concern. Administration previously forecast a 6.63% tax increase for 2026 due to inflation, growth pressures and infrastructure needs. Budget presentations begin this morning at 9:00 am, with a public hearing scheduled for December 1st at 5:00 pm.
  
  
• The Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce held its 48th annual Business Awards, highlighting a wide range of local entrepreneurs, community organizations, and expanding companies. Newer businesses in fields like agriculture, massage, retail, and baking are recognized alongside established finalists in categories such as Community Attraction, Leading Edge, Global Growth, and Business of the Year. Many nominees credit community support, strong teams, and steady growth for their success, with several noting expansions into larger markets or increased demand for their services. Nonprofit groups and event organizers are also among the finalists, recognized for drawing visitors and contributing to the local economy. 
  
  
• Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan MP Garnett Genuis wrote an op-ed arguing that the 2025 Liberal budget repeats the same deficit-driven approach first introduced under Justin Trudeau a decade ago. He says Canada once had a broad political consensus around balancing budgets, which both past Liberal and Conservative governments upheld outside of major crises. According to Genuis, Trudeau broke from that consensus by promoting permanent deficit spending as a path to economic growth - a theory he says failed, leading to doubled national debt and stagnant productivity. He contends the new Mark Carney-led Liberal government is now reviving the same approach with even larger deficits, including the highest non-pandemic deficit in Canadian history. Genuis claims the budget avoids tough decisions about the size and focus of the public service and projects continued deficits of more than $50 billion. He says that the 2025 plan does not represent meaningful change, but rather a continuation of what he calls a failed experiment in deficit-fuelled economic policy.
  
  
• A Safe Place has launched its 33rd annual Tree of Hope campaign, running until Tuesday, December 23rd, at Sherwood Park Mall, with a goal of raising $30,000. The campaign supports the local women’s shelter, which sees increased demand during the holiday season due to rising rates of domestic violence. Funds raised will go toward emergency shelter services, outreach programs, and essential items to help families rebuild and achieve long-term stability. Community members, businesses, and organizations can contribute in person at the mall or online, and volunteers are also needed to help receive donations. Executive Director Karen Kadatz emphasized that donations ensure families remain safe while making the holidays brighter for those staying at the shelter. Anyone seeking more information or wanting to volunteer can visit A Safe Place’s website.
  
  
• Speaking of making a difference this Christmas, Volunteer Strathcona is seeking volunteers for its SnowBusters program for the 2025-2026 winter season, which helps low-income seniors and residents with disabilities with snow removal. The program aims to match volunteers with nearby residents, including those in rural areas, and last winter connected 34 volunteers with 34 clients. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds participate, including families and community groups, and the program is flexible around participants’ schedules. Supported by Sherwood Park Home Hardware, volunteers receive ergonomic shovels and snow melt and are asked to complete shovelling within 72 hours of snowfall. Beyond clearing snow, the program helps residents stay safe in their homes and fosters social connections between volunteers and clients. Those interested in volunteering can apply online through Volunteer Strathcona’s website.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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