Sherwood Park Minute: Tree Recycling, Budget Groundwork, and Frank Running Again

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

This Week In Sherwood Park:

• There will be a Council Meeting on Tuesday at 9:00 am. The meeting will begin with a closed session, wherein Council will discuss the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board, the CAO Recruitment Update, and 2025 Social Framework Community Grant Recommendations. When the meeting opens up to the public, Council will give second and third reading to borrowing bylaws that approve taking on debt for the design and construction of the Indoor Fieldhouse and the Centre in the Park Wastewater Construction Project. Council will also look to establish an updated Agricultural Services Board.
  
  
• The County says that residential street clearing is nearly halfway done, and invites residents to check the order of streets and follow along using the virtual progress map.
  
  
• Strathcona County’s Treecycle program runs from January 13th to 17th. Residents with collection services can place their trees out for pickup, but must ensure they are cut into four-foot sections and free of decorations, tinsel, and stands. Trees will be shredded into woodchips and composted. For those not using collection services, trees can be dropped off for free at the Broadview Enviroservice Station, where they will also be recycled.

Last Week In Sherwood Park:

• Mayor Rod Frank has officially launched his campaign for a third term as Mayor of Strathcona County. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining premier municipal services, financial sustainability, and affordability for taxpayers, highlighting achievements like keeping the cumulative tax rate below inflation and improving local emergency services. Frank also noted his focus on advancing major capital projects, supporting agriculture and industry, and addressing global political and economic challenges. The 2025 Municipal Election is set for October 20th.
  
  
• Council said it is proactively laying groundwork for the 2026 budget, aiming to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Council approved a motion to review all programs and services, with a goal of keeping tax increases at or below the inflation rate. Strategies include lean principles, priority-based budgeting, and optimizing funding sources such as grants and user fees. While the next Council will not be bound by these plans, it could benefit from the preparatory work. The first progress update on Budget 2026 is expected by March 31st.
  
  
• The Strathcona Christmas Bureau exceeded its 2024 fundraising goal, collecting an impressive $149,195, surpassing its $140,000 target. This marked the second consecutive year the nonprofit raised its goal to address inflation and increased social needs. The campaign also saw record participation, with 440 individual donors and significant support from local organizations. Volunteers delivered hampers to 633 families, assisting over 2,000 residents, including 954 children. Donations remain open until February 28th, offering a final chance to support the campaign.