Construction to begin on the 5th Meridian

Driving on 48 St. – arguably the busiest street in Stony Plain – can be a frustrating and  harrowing experience. Navigating its rough surface can vex motorists, cyclists and  pedestrians alike.

The Town of Stony Plain shares the concerns of those who may be fed up with the poor and  potentially unsafe conditions along the Fifth Meridian. Like the people who call this community home,  council, administration and staff also use this primary route through town.

“Our residents expect and deserve good, safe infrastructure,” says Ken Lemke, mayor of Stony Plain.  “Recognizing the need to accelerate important infrastructure improvements for the benefit of all citizens, the  Town is doing everything within its power to improve the Fifth Meridian.”

What many may not know is that 48 St. is a provincial highway, and that the responsibility for maintaining  and improving it belongs to the Alberta Transportation – a ministry of the Government of Alberta.

The Province has announced that highway improvements will begin  with the section between 44 Ave. and 47 Ave. (up to the CNR tracks), with  a project timeline scheduled from Aug. 23 to Oct. 31, 2010. Motorists can  expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes through this  part of town.

Background
In 2003, Alberta Transportation decided it would take over all  secondary highways throughout the province, including Hwy. 779 and  Hwy. 628, both of which run through town limits.

Although the Town of Stony Plain surrendered control of these two  roads, the Province approved the Town’s request to conduct a functional  design study of the sections that run through Stony Plain.

The objective was to evaluate street conditions and determine the  impact existing and projected traffic volumes would have on these roads –  in order to ascertain what improvements would be needed.

The assessment identified significant issues with Hwy. 779.  Recommended upgrades included a wider road, a centre median,  dedicated turning lanes, additional traffic lights and road signage,  enhanced street lighting, more sidewalks and formal pedestrian crossings.   Working with the Province, the Town developed a two-phase strategy  to implement these projects.

The Alberta Boom yielded unprecedented growth in Stony Plain, significantly increasing the traffic volume  along 48 St. – much more than was projected in the study. In fact, the greater number of vehicles traveling  this route demanded full implementation of the functional plan.

In 2009, Alberta Transportation informed the Town that it had added the much-needed improvements to  its three-year plan. In response, the Town retained the services of Kran Construction, Ltd. to complete $3  million underground infrastructure upgrades – such as water and sewer – along 48 St., anticipating that road  construction improvements would commence in 2010 (road surface improvements to 48 St. are the  Province’s responsibility; however, it is up to the municipality to maintain the underground infrastructure).  Unfortunately, contractors encountered poor soil conditions in fall and suspended operations for the year;  however, Kran completed the project this year, and the road is now completely ready for upgrading. To  enhance safety and convenience, the Town will construct a three-metre wide pedestrian and cycling trail,  which will run parallel to 48 St. – from Hwy. 16 A to Hwy. 628.

The Town has dialogued with the Province for many years about its infrastructure. As the Town takes its  commitment to fostering and maintaining good infrastructure and public safety seriously, it is very pleased  that upgrading will start this year. The Town will continue to work tirelessly on this important issue and hopes  the Province will continue working on this project in 2011.

The Town of Stony Plain is thankful that the Province has finally started upgrading 48th St. and kindly asks  residents to be patient as this project is underway; the end-result will be a much-improved road for everyone.

[Source: Town of Stony Plain]

On Thursday, July 22, Doug Andrew & The Circus In Flames bring their “original sheet metal country” back to Stony Plain at the Early Stage Saloon, 4911 – 52nd Ave. as part of their western Canadian tour.

The Vancouver singer-songwriter and his band with two critically acclaimed CDs have also joined Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Blue Rodeo, Corb Lund, Gordon Lightfoot, and others on The Gift: A Tribute To Ian Tyson with the Toronto Star proclaiming their version of the classic, Someday Soon, as the Top Track on that album.

They’ll perform their gritty, hard-edged, folk music starting at 7:30 PM.  Call the Early Stage Saloon at 780-963-0120 for more details.

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

“We are proud of our beautiful town, and we intend to keep it beautiful,” said Ken  Lemke, mayor of Stony Plain, who issued an official proclamation of the week-long  event on Apr. 16. “By participating in this spring clean-up, we promote and encourage  our residents to maintain an attractive, clean and beautiful community – not only for  themselves, but as one we can proudly showcase to our visitors, too.”

Town participants met at Shikaoi Park at 11:30 a.m., where they were divided into groups. The teams focused on several  key areas of the community, picking up garbage from town streets and alleyways. Combined, the groups collected a  whopping 29 full bags of trash within only 30 minutes.

Dan Badry, the Town’s fire chief, together with a cluster of local firefighters, collected more bags of garbage from the park, pathway and ditches near the new fire hall.

Following the half-hour mission, the groups gathered at the Stony Plain Youth Centre  (SPYC) for a lunch – prepared, served and sponsored by SPYC staff and students.

The Town of Stony Plain was not the only organization participating in this year’s  campaign. All area schools and several local groups – Memorial P.L.A.C.E 1 Kids, Glory  Hills Jr. Forest Wardens, First Stony Plain Scout Group and students and staff from  Silent River Kung Fu – joined in beautifying the community.

[Source: Town of Stony Plain]

West Trunk Sanitary Sewer in Stony Plain

Construction of the West Trunk Sanitary Sewer in Stony Plain   will be completed by Wed., Mar. 31, 2010. Mayor Ken Lemke will celebrate this   achievement by delivering an official statement on Mon., Mar. 29, 2010.

“The Town is very proud of this project, as it is one of the most significant recently initiated,” Lemke says. “Completion of the West Trunk Sanitary Sewer  demonstrates an application of the Town’s vision statement, which is to be ‘a strong, vibrant community where we respect our heritage, embrace the present  and are excited about the future.’ This project promotes strong growth while  remaining connected to our roots.”

The West Trunk Sanitary Sewer provides several key benefits to the town, including:

• the means to develop west in a proactive, well-planned urbanized way;
• honouring the town‟s heritage while promoting growth through the expansion of the downtown core;
• and preparing the Town for the rapid, future growth projected for the region.

Construction of the four-kilometre system began in Jan. 2010; Pidherney‟s   Trucking, Ltd. was awarded the contract in Dec. 2009.

All pipes are now in the ground, and the majority of the engineering tests have been   successfully completed. The new development connects to the Alberta Capital   Region Wastewater Commission‟s regional sewer line.

Designed with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the pipes are extremely durable, virtually indestructible and long-lasting. The manhole barrels and bases are constructed   from pre-cast concrete (increased quality of material and reduced costs).

Funding for the $6.9 million budget was shared equally between all three levels of government, each contributing $2.3 million. Two-thirds of the funding was sourced   from a grant from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF), which is offered through a federal-provincial partnership under Canada‟s Economic Action Plan. The ISF   provides financial assistance to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-  ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects.

Although construction crews encountered challenging soil conditions and topography, they are poised to complete construction ahead of schedule and within budget.

[Submitted by the Town of Stony Plain]

Attempted abduction

An 8 year old girl was nearly abducted in Stony Plain last Wednesday.  The culprit, described as a very skinny man and approximately 70 years of age, grabbed her close to the tennis courts by 43rd Ave and 46th Street.  The girl managed to break free and run for help.

Police ask that you contact them if you have information: (780) 968-7267 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

A further description of the suspect:

Around 5’11″ tall
Around 70 years old
Very skinny
Grey hair, cut short on top, and long in the back
Grey mustache
Wearing black coat, black cowboy boots, and tight blue jeans
Possible amputations on his hands