New development plan

Spruce Grove is looking to the future now that City Council has adopted a new Municipal Development Plan. The MDP, titled Your Bright Future, unanimously passed third reading at council’s regular meeting on July 12.

The broad-based community plan sets out a vision for growth and change in Spruce Grove. It is based in community sustainability and brings together economic, environmental, and social elements. While the life of the plan is only until 2020 its parameters set vision for what the community could become in 2040.

Your Bright Future was developed through extensive community consultation, and fine tuned by the community and the City working together. Its framework is based on community identified needs for housing, parks, transportation, economic development, culture and heritage, recreation, community design, affordability, environmental management, and governance. The implementation of the plan will impact community members and the quality of life in Spruce Grove.

The path to Your Bright Future began in 2008, with the SpruceGroveQuest workshops, which identified the community’s values and vision for the future. Subsequent consultations included workshops, open houses and a web survey, which collected input on draft policies and the resulting drafts of the plan. Two public hearings gave the public opportunities to speak directly to council about the plan. Youth-specific sessions were included as part of the process.

“This plan represents a significant philosophical shift for our community, said Mayor Stuart Houston. “It also mirrors the maturing of the community as it moves from a bedroom community to a self-contained regional hub with a high quality of life.”

The mayor also noted that the plan truly represents the community’s vision for Spruce Grove because of the way it was developed.

“By involving our community from the grassroots level throughout this process, we have a plan that reflects all of our aspirations for what this city can become,” he said. “This is truly a comprehensive plan that will serve the entire Spruce Grove community

Your Bright Future will be implemented over the next ten years. A central component of the implementation strategy will be a major re-write of the Land Use Bylaw starting in the fall of 2010. The City will also develop indicators and targets to allow for on-going monitoring of the progress the City is making to achieve the community sustainability goals expressed in Your Bright Future. This progress will be reported annually to the community and Council.

[Source: City of Spruce Grove]

Const. Chelsey Robinson

The Town of Stony Plain has lowered its flag out of respect for Const. Chelsey Robinson of the Stony Plain RCMP Detachment. The 25-year-old officer, originally from Picture Butte, Alta., was killed in a two-vehicle  accident on June 21 while in the line-of-duty.

“This is a sad time and tremendous loss for the Town and the RCMP, but most importantly, to everyone that knew Const. Robinson personally,” said   Ken Lemke, mayor of Stony Plain. “On behalf of council, administration and  our residents, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Const. Robinson during this incredibly difficult  tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Const. Robinson had been a regular member of the RCMP for seven months and  had been performing general duties out of the Stony Plain Detachment.

The flag will remain at half-mast until after the funeral.

[Source: Town of Stony Plain]

Residents of Westerra, a newer subdivision in Stony Plain, were woken early this morning to the sound of sirens.  Two homes on Westerra Crescent, both under construction,  were fully engulfed in flames when emergency crews arrived on scene.  The fire appears to have started just after midnight.  Onlookers stated that police suspected arson: cruisers and police dogs could be seen patrolling throughout the community.

After fire crews had doused the flames, only a few framing timbers remained on one home, while the other was burned to the foundation.  Two homes, on either side of the blaze, had their vinyl siding melted.  There is no official damage estimate at this time.

Students with Stony Plain council

The Town of Stony Plain has approved a delegation of seven local high school students to travel to Shikaoi, Japan in July as part of the two towns’ cultural exchange program.

The Japanese Relations Committee has completed the process of selecting seven delegates who will travel to Shikaoi, Hokkaido, Japan from July 5 to 19, 2010.  The delegation consists of the following high school students: Kendra Boddy, Nathan Doroshuk, Brogan Gordon, Nathan Holden, Bethany Neufeld, Carley Rawluk and Sarah Shillington.

The delegation was in council chambers on Monday, June 14, 2010 to thank council for the opportunity to participate in the exchange program.

Each student introduced himself or herself to council and provided some general information about why he or she was excited to embark on this adventure and why it was an hour to represent his or her community.

“Congratulations to each of you for being chosen for what will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you,” Ken Lemke, mayor of Stony Plain, told the delegation. “We are proud to have you as representatives of Stony Plain and know you will represent our community well, while having great fun process.”

Michael Hubick, principle of École Broxton Park School in Spruce Grove, and one member of Town administration, yet to be appointed, will accompany the students to Japan and chaperone them throughout the program.

Stony Plain and Shikaoi have been sister towns since 1985. Throughout the past 25 years, many citizens from both towns have traveled to each others’ communities. These visits have strengthened the towns’ camaraderie, nurturing the friendship that has blossomed throughout the past quarter-decade. The two communities share much in common: both are proud of their strong agricultural roots; both celebrate their culture and heritage through annual festivals and events; and both cherish their past while embracing their future.

A Stony Plain adult delegation was in Shikaoi from May 19 to 26 to celebrate the communities’ 25th anniversary of international friendship and the Japanese town’s 90th birthday bash.

The Towns of Stony Plain and Shikaoi have hosted an international exchange program for 14 years. However, the relationship between Shikaoi and Stony Plain cannot be measured in years alone. Those who have participated have gained experiences that permanently enriched their lives. As a result, each delegate returns home with new knowledge, enhanced cultural understanding, deeper maturity and lifelong friends.

In October, the Town will welcome approximately 70 Grade 10 students from Shikaoi for a 10-day stay in Stony Plain. This year, the Town will host the Alberta / Japan Twinned Municipalities Association (A/J TMA) annual conference on July 13 and 14, which will include a 20-person delegation from Shikaoi.

[Source: Town of Stony Plain]

The annual festivity is held at Stony Plain’s Heritage Park (formerly known as Exhibition Park).

Other popular events include Saturday’s pancake breakfast, which starts at 7:00 a.m.  The parade will follow starting at 11:00 a.m.  You can view the parade route here.

Admission to Farmers’ Days is $3 for adults, and $2 for youth and seniors.  View the complete itinerary on the Stony Plain website.

The Town of Stony Plain is installing wireless hotspots in several locations throughout the community.

“The Town of Stony Plain embraces modern technologies that lay the groundwork for new and more flexible ways to meet the needs of the community,” says Ken Lemke, mayor of Stony Plain. “We are very pleased to supply this service to our residents, businesses and visitors. By taking this step, we demonstrate our commitment to making Stony Plain a cutting-edge, convenient place to work, live and relax. These hotspots will provide a valuable service to our community.”

The new hotspots will be available at four locations:

• Shikaoi Park
• Stony Plain Golf Course
• Glenn Hall Arena / Stony Plain Outdoor Public Pool (seasonal connection)
• Rotary Park (seasonal connection)

Display signs advertising the service will be posted at each location.

Access to the Internet within these locations will be free for anyone with Internet-enabled devices. Users will be able to handle e-mail correspondence, get the latest weather, stock and sports updates, conduct business and search the news.

In 2009, administration – as directed by council – researched the feasibility of installing wireless hotspots at four strategic locations in town.  Multiple wireless service providers were evaluated, each assessed for connectivity speed, security, cost, customer support and ease-of-use. The project was awarded to Telus.

Council approved administration’s recommendations based on the findings, and dollars were allotted for the project in the 2010/2011 municipal budget.

The project was awarded to Telus, which will supply a Sierra Wireless 598U air card and Cradlepoint – MBR 1000 wireless router at each location. The aircard ensures high standards of security and connectivity, and filters will restrict access to inappropriate sites. This technology will provide extended coverage range capabilities – from 200-250 feet to a maximum of 750-feet – at each location. A maximum 64 users will be able to connect to each device at one time.

The initial cost to install all four wireless hotspots is $3,000. Telus will also assess a monthly fee of $75 per month per location (approximately $3,600 annually).

Wireless access will be available as follows:

• Shikaoi Park: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
• Stony Plain Golf Course: one hour prior to morning tee-offs to two      hours after close
• Stony Plain Outdoor Public Pool:  8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily (seasonal only)
• Rotary Park: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily (closed in winter)

The first new wireless hotspot will be installed by June 1 at the Stony Plain Outdoor Pool. Connections at the remaining locations will be up-and-running by mid-June.

See wireless coverage.

[Source: Town of Stony Plain]

The Town of Stony Plain has organized a trip for 27 town residents to Shikaoi, Japan to celebrate 25 years of international friendship between the two towns.

“The genuine bond between our two communities is worth celebrating, and I am thrilled that we can celebrate this milestone in-person with the citizens of our sister town,” says Ken Lemke, mayor of Stony Plain. “Both towns benefit from the international relationship established 25 years ago. We have gained a better understanding of the world; we have an appreciation of and respect for foreign culture; we take pride in our communities; and we embrace the mutual exchange of ideas. I am confident our friendship will continue to grow in the years to come.”

Stony Plain and Shikaoi have been sister towns since 1985, thanks to the vision of past mayors Reg Kotch and Donna Cowan, of Stony Plain, and mayors Sawatari and Yoshida, of Shikaoi.

Throughout the past 25 years, more than1,000 citizens have traveled to each others’ communities. These visits have strengthened the camaraderie, nurturing the friendship that has blossomed throughout the past quarter-decade.

The two towns share much in common: both are proud of their strong agricultural roots; both celebrate their culture and heritage through annual festivals and events; and both cherish their past while embracing their future..

The Stony Plain adult delegation will be in Shikaoi from May 19 to 26 and hosted by local families. In addition to celebrating the 25th anniversary of the towns’ friendship, the delegates will also take part in Shikaoi’s 90 th birthday bash. The Town of Shikaoi has organized a community party on May 22, which will include a speech delivered by Mayor Lemke.  Other events include a dinner party hosted by Mayor Hiroshi Yoshida, a 25th anniversary reception for the delegation and host families and several cultural activities within the region.

The Towns of Stony Plain and Shikaoi have hosted an international exchange program for 14 years. However, the relationship between Shikaoi and Stony Plain cannot be measured in years alone. Those who have participated have gained experiences that permanently enriched their lives. As a result, each delegate returns home with new knowledge, enhanced cultural understanding, deeper maturity and lifelong friends.

The Town of Stony Plain will also send an annual student-exchange to Shikaoi in July. In October, the Town will welcome approximately 70 Grade 10 students from Shikaoi for a 10-day stay in Stony Plain. This year, the Town will host the Alberta / Japan Twinned Municipalities Association (A/J TMA) annual conference on July 13 and 14, which will include a 20-person delegation from Shikaoi.

About the Town of Shikaoi

Shikaoi is a located on the island of Hokkaido in the Kato District of Japan. In 2008, the Town had an estimated population of 5,723 (Source: Town of Shikaoi website).

[Source: Town of Stony Plain]

Stony Plain pool

The Town of Stony Plain’s Public Swimming Pool  officially opens to the public on Friday, May 14, 2010.

“The Town of Stony Plain’s Public Swimming Pool is somewhat of an icon in  this community,” says Ken Lemke, mayor of Stony Plain. “As one of the few  remaining outdoor pools in this province, the extremely popular and highly  successful facility stands as a long-standing testament to the significance and  meaning it has for citizens in this town.”

The 2010 season kicks off with a twoonie swim, starting at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 14. A complete schedule  is available from the pool, the Town office or online at www.stonyplain.com.

About the Stony Plain Outdoor Public Swimming Pool

Since 1972, the Town of Stony Plain has operated an outdoor, six-lane public  swimming pool from mid-May to the end of August each year.

Approximately 20 staff – certified lifeguards and qualified maintenance  personnel – are hired each season to manage, supervise and maintain the  full-service facility. Residents and visitors can take advantage of the wide-  range of programs offered, including: private and public lessons for all ages  and abilities; public swimming sessions; aqua-fit classes; adult lane swims;  and many more programs.

The Stony Plain Pool offers the Red Cross Swim Kids Program and pre-school lessons for children between  ages three and five. The objectives are to teach swimming skills in a safe and structured, but fun, learning  environment.

The facility can be rented for private functions, such as birthday parties, corporate-social events and family  reunions, by contacting Carley Twerdoclib, pool manager, at 780.963.2600 or pool@stonyplain.com.

Summer staff take pride in ensuring all swimmers have access to a clean, safe and well-maintained facility with a friendly, “small-town” atmosphere.

The Stony Plain Sharks’ Swim Club (www.stonyplainsharks.com), which operates a successful aquatics  program, uses the pool as its base; all six lanes are dedicated exclusively for club use from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  on weekdays.

Stony Plain Public Outdoor Swimming Pool Brochure 2010 (PDF)

[Source: Town of Stony Plain]

On May 1st, commuters on Highway 16 were treated to the sight of a man driving a car with a full-grown buffalo riding on the passenger side:

The man’s name is Jim Sautner, and the buffalo is Bailey D. Buffalo Jr.  This isn’t the first domesticated buffalo that Jim’s had.  He became world famous, including articles in Life Magazine and the UK Times, for his first buffalo (the original Bailey).

You can visit Jim and Bailey’s website here.

They also have a Facebook page and a Twitter profile.

Spruce Grove seniors will benefit from 70 new affordable housing spaces to meet their needs, thanks to new provincial funding from Alberta Capital Bonds and the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI).

Spruce Grove will have new affordable housing spaces for seniors, after the provincial government contributed $7 million toward the construction of Copper Sky Lodge (L-R) Housing And Urban Affairs Minister Jonathan Denis, Seniors and Community Supports Minister Mary Anne Jablonski, and Spruce Grove-Sturgeon- St. Albert MLA Doug Horner presented the cheque to Phil Gaudet of Choices in Community Living, the company that will build the facility.

The province has committed $7 million to Choices in Community Living Inc. to help build new spaces at theCopper Sky Lodge in Spruce Grove.
“Alberta seniors deserve accommodations that meet their personal care needs and helps couples to continue living together as they age,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “By increasing the supply of affordable housing with flexible care levels, the province is helping provide more options for seniors to remain as independent as possible while addressing their changing health and accommodations needs.”

“I’m proud that this new provincial funding will help build and update more than 1,000 new and updated spaces with adjustable levels of care,” said Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports. “It reflects this government’s priority on preparing for an aging population, in part by helping more seniors to stay in their homes and communities longer.”

Increasing the supply of affordable spaces for seniors will create additional capacity in Alberta’s hospitals and emergency departments by providing alternative spaces for seniors to move into that will better meet their needs.

“Financing the construction of this new facility through capital bonds and ASLI is an innovative way of providing Spruce Grove seniors the choice and flexibility they want, and ought to have, to age in their own community,” said Ray Danyluk, Minister of Infrastructure.

The funding for the new spaces includes $55 million from Alberta Capital Bonds investments and $50 million from the provincially funded ASLI program. This will be leveraged with additional investment from the private and not-for profit sectors.

With this funding, the province has invested approximately $520 million towards developing and upgrading close to 9,500 affordable housing spaces with a variety of care levels since 1999.

The Copper Sky Lodge project is part of the Government of Alberta’s $7.2 billion investment in public infrastructure for 2010-2011 that will strengthen the economy, help keep Albertans working and provide core public services to maintain a high quality of life.

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province’s industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity. For more information on the plan visit Alberta.ca.

[Source: Government of Alberta]