SHERWOOD PARK NEWS

After years of discussions, task forces, studies, and reports, the rubber might finally hit the road on creating more local affordable housing. On Tuesday, April 23, Strathcona County Council was presented with a six-year Housing Affordability Strategy, which summarized the local need for housing and what can be done from now until 2030. The report […]

Re: “Council approves rezoning for Sherwood Park Crusaders Arena” in The News’ April 11 edition Bylaw13-2024 passed. A bylaw that paves the way for another recreational facility to be built. Even though we already have 11 ice surfaces. County residents were surveyed for recreational priorities. Ice surfaces were note in the top five for either […]

The province is committing $57 million to developing hydrogen power in Alberta, while a U.S.-based company says it will build a network of vehicle fuelling stations using the element. Both announcements come as the provincial government continues its approach that favours hydrogen fuel over what it terms to be dirtier electrical power, and to enable […]

Strathcona County will be the new home of Canada’s largest renewable diesel facility once Imperial Oil’s $720 million project comes online. Renewable diesel is fuel made by processing fats and oils from renewable sources to produce diesel. The benefit of renewable diesel is that it’s referred to as a “drop-in” fuel, which means it can […]

The stakes were high Sunday evening as local fire crews beat back a major blaze that threatened a subdivision just off Wye Road. All six fire stations with Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) responded to a grass fire in Grange Country Estates, which is located at the corner of Range Road 223 and Wye Road. […]

When Breigh Cohen got the call that day, she dropped the phone, walked out the door and screamed while her terrified husband and children looked on. “Breigh, I’m so sorry, but Jim and Annie were in a head-on collision this afternoon and they both died,” she recalled the voice on the other line saying. The […]

Their behinds might be sore by the end of it, but it will surely be worth it. Starting at noon on Friday, April 26, Concrete Blonde Hair and Body will host its annual bikeathon in support of youth mental health provided by the CASA Foundation. This year’s edition, marking seven years, will see five stationary bikes […]

Despite high inflation and a tough economy, Strathcona County continues to thrive, according to the latest State of the County Address. In his annual State of the County Address hosted during the Wednesday, April 27 Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Community Centre’s Agora, Mayor Rod Frank pointed to the municipality’s four […]

Cheers to 40 years of full bellies. Over the last 40 years, the Strathcona Food Bank has been responsible for thousands of meals. With more than 193,000 residents supported since its incorporation, the service has played a vital role in the community. Rising costs of living and economic insecurity led to an increase in demand […]

What was formerly known as Clarkdale Pond has officially been renamed in honour of Strathcona County councillor, and long serving RCMP officer, Peter Wlodarczak.   On Wednesday, April 17, Mayor Rod Frank, joined by Wlodarczak, his family, and other community members, unveiled a new sign and plaque, declaring the pond to now be known as Peter’s Pond. […]

Strathcona County RCMP have issued an alert warning residents to be aware of jewellery fraud scams.   Const. Chantelle Kelly said that while there has not been noted in cases in Sherwood Park, other areas such as Edmonton are noting an uptick in the scam.   Occurring in public places such as parking lots and outside […]

After a two-decade hiatus, Tofield’s annual Snow Goose Festival returns this weekend for the second consecutive year since it’s revival. Established originally in 1993, it was one of the early environmental and wildlife celebrations in Canada and recognizes the spring migration of waterbirds who migrated in the tens of thousands, including the namesake snow goose, to […]

It’s that time of year that all hockey fans wait with increasing fervor, playoff time. These are the games that amplify every shot, every hit, every save. The stands are louder and often more colour coordinated as fans hope that their team gets off to a great start. If you’re an Oilers fan that’s exactly […]

Strathcona County has declared a fire restriction to all rural areas effective as of noon Monday. The restriction comes in response to the dry conditions and windy weather, the county said in a news release. “Please phone 911 to report a fire,” said Fire Chief Martin Paulson of Strathcona County Emergency Services. “It is very […]

The debate for establishing a local seniors’ hub continues. An April 16 presentation from the Advocacy for Strathcona Seniors Centre (ASSC) Steering Committee outlined that seniors still want a local, centralized, one-stop seniors’ centre. The argument for a centre was made at the Priorities Committee meeting in Council Chambers. “The population demographic that’s growing is […]

Re: “Council approves rezoning for Crusaders Arena” in The News’ April 11 edition I am writing to state my extreme displeasure with the manner in which the April 9/24 public hearing on Bylaw 13-2024 “to amend Land Use Bylaw 6-2015” was handled. In my opinion, the mayor and most councillors had already made up their […]

Amid dry conditions, a fire advisory is currently in effect in Strathcona County. Based on ultra dry spring conditions, the municipal issued the fire advisory status on Wednesday, April 10, and with that came a temporary suspension for fire and fireworks permits. Anyone looking to have an open fire, burn barrels, brush fires or the […]

One lucky Sherwood Park family is dealing with scorched siding and decking following what could have been a more serious blaze. On Saturday, April 13, Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) received a 911 call at 8:48 a.m. from a neighbour reporting flames chasing up the side of home in the Lakeland Ridge neighbourhood. The first […]

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled a budget with higher deficits, higher spending and higher capital gains taxes on high earners, trusts and corporations, as the Liberals revealed a spending plan they hope will win back younger Canadians that have abandoned their party. Freeland introduced the budget Tuesday after already having revealed much of its contents […]

Last year’s wildfire season broke records for its intensity and resulted in Canada’s first-ever evacuation of an entire capital city — Yellowknife. Smoke from the fires also impacted air quality not only nationally, but in the United States as well. Coming out of an intense season that garnered internal attention, federal officials are warning Canadians […]

Alberta’s governing United Conservative Party (UCP) outpaced the Opposition Alberta New Democrats (NDP) in raising revenue by at least $1.4 million over the course of 2023, according to annual reporting figures published by Elections Alberta. Those numbers show a modest difference in the amount the two parties received in contributions throughout the calendar year: the […]

Police have charged two people for allegedly trying to defraud a local dealership. Strathcona County RCMP say the incident happened on April 2 when a man and a woman said they wanted to buy a vehicle valued at more than $90,000. Police spokesperson Cst. Chantelle Kelly says the pair used false identification to buy the […]

The federal government’s carbon rebate for 2024 is beginning to be distributed. Canadians who filed their taxes by mid-March will start receiving the first instalment of the quarterly Canadian carbon tax rebate on Monday, April 15. Here’s a rundown of what you should know, including who is eligible and the estimated rebate amount of each […]

What they do is all in their name. Sherwood Park Yoga has been opened for more than a month in the Millennium Professional Centre at Unit 220, 849 Premier Way, on the second floor next door to Crescendo Music. With six instructors, the new yoga space provides the typical traditional classes but has a strong focus […]

In its seventh year, local initiative, Sherwood Park Against Hunger continues to grow and expand its impact.  Returning this Saturday, April 20 in the OLPH Catholic Church basement (13 Brower Drive), the event will see various service groups come together to prepare 100,000 packaged meals for those in need. With the Emmanuel Foundation organizing and coordinating […]

Municipal excellence, based on solid finances, is a key goal of Strathcona County. We seek optimal levels for municipal services, such as in fire, police, roads, transit, parks, culture, and recreation. In pursuing excellence, council decisions must be sound in both substance and process. For example, as governance expert Eli Mina points out, decisions must […]

This week, our United Conservative government introduced the Provincial Priorities Act, a significant step in our efforts to pushback against the NDP-Liberal coalition’s ongoing overreach into areas of provincial jurisdiction. In short, this much-needed legislation would require provincial entities to seek approval before engaging in agreements with the federal government, ensuring that federal funding we […]

Wildfire season is here, and experts predict it may be an active one. Preparing for emergencies before they happen is important and can help to keep you safe. Being told to evacuate or prepare to evacuate can be scary; however, it becomes more manageable, and you and your loved ones stay safer, if you have […]

They’re getting ready to board the ship. The Sherwood Park Junior A Crusaders are getting prepped to start their first round of playoffs in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) against the Blackfalds Bulldogs. The Cru finished in second place for the regular season of BCHL’s Alberta division, 17 points behind the first-ranked Brooks Bandits. […]

She certainly did not take the competition laying down. Sherwood Park’s Brynn Whitrow left it all on the mats as she won gold medals in both freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling for the U17 girls 46-kilogram division at the Canadian Wrestling Championships hosted in Mississauga, Ontario this month. “The medals are a representation of my hard […]

One of the longest public hearings held in years ended in two outcomes: 1) The Sherwood Park Crusaders happy to have a home for their new $86 million Events Centre, and 2) the descendants of one of the first farming families in the county left wondering the future of their 140-plus year old homestead. On Tuesday, […]

Is enthusiasm for Bremner waning? Re: “Moving forward on affordable housing” Bill Tonita, Ward 4 Coun. The News’ March 14 edition Exactly how does the councillor define “affordable”? Further, what’s missing from his list of development projects?  Tonita stated; “With the opening of Cambrian Crossing, expansion in Ardrossan, continued growth in Salisbury Village, Emerald Hills, Summerwood […]

A new name will be representing the New Democrat Party on the local ballot in the next federal election. Alberta born and raised Chris Jones won the nomination contest held by the Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan NDP Electoral District Association at the Ardrossan Memorial Hall on March 28. Born in Morinville, the journeyman pipe fitter has […]

Convicted murderer Gamdur Brar will not be eligible for parole for 16 years, minus almost three years served since his May 7, 2021 arrest. Sherwood Park resident Brar was found guilty of second-degree murder in September 2023, in the shooting death of his nephew. The Friday, April 5 hearing was to determine his period of […]

The old Clover Bar Lodge site will finally get a second life.  On Tuesday, April 9, Strathcona County Council passed third and final reading with a 5-4 vote for a Land Use Bylaw amendment, which would change the site’s zoning from Public Services (PS) to a Direct Control District (DC) that will pave the way […]

The trial of a Sherwood Park massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting clients has ended with two dropped charges and a conviction for a lesser offence. John Dorion began a trial in Edmonton Court of King’s Bench last week on allegations he sexually touched two clients, including a teenage girl. The Crown ultimately stayed two […]

Everybody can be great because anyone can serve. On Tuesday, April 16, Volunteer Strathcona will host a Volunteer Fair at the Community Centre’s Agora (401 Festival Lane) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. More than 40 organizations representing a variety of volunteer opportunities are looking to connect with residents and the community to support their […]

Business is booming. Space is at a premium at this weekend’s 39th annual Great Canadian Trade Fair at Millennium Place from Friday, April 12 to Sunday, April 14. Hosted by the Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce, the event sold out so fast for vendor exhibitor booths that another 40 spaces were created to keep […]

They are making waves in more ways than one. Strathcona County SilverRays swimmers Carmen Duffee and Blakely McBride both have May 13-19 circled on their calendars for the upcoming Olympic Trials to be held in Toronto after they both achieved Olympic trial qualifier times at the Speedo Western Canadian Championships. Hosted in Winnipeg in late […]

They are proud of a podium finish. After being one of the top two teams in the north for the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL), Sherwood Park’s U17AAA Squires were looking to add provincial gold to cap off their season but with a slow start in round robin play, their fate changed to another colour. After […]

The gloves are off as a local farming family say they’re in the fight of their lives. Strathcona County farmers Laura and Colin Jackson has owned and operated the 143-year-old Jackson Homesteaders farm, located just off Clover Bar Road north of the Greenland Garden Centre, since the 1990s. After thinking the worst was over as […]

Its scope and reach has transformed over the past four decades, but the need has remained constant. The Strathcona Food Bank (SFB) is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary this month with a fundraising gala hosted at the Community Centre’s Agora on Saturday, April 27. In 1977, the Strathcona Christmas Bureau was launched to help […]

It’s time to bring that extra spark to your neighbourhood. Until May 1, applications will be open for this year’s Strathcona County Community Grants program, which supports residents, non-profit organizations and community groups who are interested in community safety and well-being, have a passion for leading community building gatherings and projects and who want to make a […]

They promise to bring that extra sparkle to your day, and once again, one lucky winner will walk away with just that. For 25 years running, Sherwood Park’s Gem Gallerie Jewellers has provided the treasure chest grand prize during the annual Sherwood Park Chamber and District Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Fair. It’s become a sparkly badge of […]

A woman is missing after falling through ice on the south side of Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Monday evening. Edmonton fire crews were called to a report of a man and woman falling through the ice near the Keillor Point area around 7:10 p.m., said Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) Tuesday morning. The man was […]

Two years after allegations she was passed over for partisan reasons, an Edmonton prosecutor has been granted a special legal distinction. On Thursday, March 28, 103 Alberta lawyers were named King’s Counsel, an honorary title given to those who “represent the legal profession at its best,” UCP Justice Minister Mickey Amery said in a news […]

The Government of Alberta recently announced a $50 million investment in wastewater treatment improvements in the Edmonton area that will help manage water resources more effectively and support industrial development and local growth. As approved in Budget 2024, the provincial government is backing a three-year investment to upgrade wastewater treatment through the expansion of the ARROW Utilities Wastewater […]

Tony Bennett’s hold on the audience endures, and one Canadian crooner wants to tap into that musical magic. Canadian jazz singer Matt Dusk had the privilege of sharing a showroom with Bennett for four years while he was performing in Las Vegas, and he watched him perform about 15 times live. Whichever songs enveloped the […]

Investigators are asking for public tips after the body of a male in a vehicle was discovered Good Friday morning on a Sherwood Park township, say Strathcona County RCMP. Officers responded about 9:30 a.m. Friday, after the body was found on Township Road 510 in Sherwood Park, said RCMP in a Saturday news release. Investigators […]

It’s time to count yourself in. Starting May 1, Strathcona County will be conducting a municipal census. The municipality is asking residents to keep an eye out for a census PIN letter in the mail, which will outline information for each household to complete the census online. “The census is an important tool for Strathcona […]