Sherwood Park Minute: Policing Survey, Council Candidate, and Fieldhouse Funding Approved

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

This Week In Sherwood Park:

• There will be a meeting of the Priorities Committee on Tuesday at 3:30 pm. The agenda includes an update on the activities at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park, a proposal for the development of a 20-court pickleball facility in Strathcona County, and an update on Intersection Safety Devices. Administration will also provide a report to Council with the total amount of severance pay paid out per year, for the past five years. In 2024, the City paid out $1,104,170. In 2022 and 2023, the amount totalled over $820,000 each year.
  
  
• Strathcona County is seeking corporate sponsors for The Pointe Agricultural Event Centre, which is set to open in Fall 2025. Sponsorship opportunities include naming rights for key areas like the main arena, animal housing, and staging ring, with agreements ranging from five to ten years. The facility, under construction on a 230-acre site, will host various agricultural events and feature a main arena, barn, outdoor areas, and meeting spaces.
  
  
• Strathcona County RCMP and Enforcement Services are seeking input from local residents, workers, and businesses through an online survey to help shape policing priorities for the upcoming year. The survey, open until February 2nd, invites community members to share their concerns and suggestions regarding safety. You can take the survey online here. The results of the survey will be shared with the public through County Voice.

Last Week In Sherwood Park:

• Council approved funding for the $65-million indoor fieldhouse, which will be built on an 18.3-acre site in Sherwood Park. The project is financed through a combination of $35 million in debt borrowing and $30 million from municipal reserves. The facility will include indoor field space, gymnasium and court areas, fitness tracks, and multi-purpose spaces, benefiting local sports clubs such as soccer, lacrosse, and rugby. Advocacy from the local soccer community, particularly Sherwood Park Phoenix FC, played a key role in pushing for the project. The facility's construction is slated for 2028, with design renderings expected later this year.
  
  
• Mike Derbyshire has entered the race for Ward 2 in the 2025 Municipal Election, following the announcement that incumbent Dave Anderson will not seek re-election. With over 35 years of residence in the county, Derbyshire brings extensive experience, including leadership roles with the Heartland Housing Foundation and several other organizations. His platform includes a focus on affordable housing, public safety, transit, and the long-term growth of the community, particularly in areas like Bremner. Derbyshire, who has been actively engaging with local residents, says he is ready to contribute immediately due to his deep knowledge of municipal government.
  
  
• Elk Island Public Schools has introduced a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based Kindergarten program for the 2025-26 school year at Wes Hosford Elementary. The full-day program will incorporate STEM activities into the existing kindergarten curriculum, with an emphasis on hands-on, inquiry-based learning, including coding and building. The initiative aims to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity in young learners. The program will require a monthly fee of $350 to cover staffing, field trips, and supplies. Registration opens on February 1st, 2025, and will be limited to 30 students, with a random selection process if demand exceeds capacity.