2015 State of the County

Presented by Mayor Roxanne Carr February 18, 2015

Good afternoon. On behalf of Strathcona County Council, I welcome you to the 2015 State of the County address. Thank you for attending.

As community leaders you are partners & stakeholders in this region’s future. I’m honoured to stand here before you.

INTRODUCTION

Last April, I reflected on the achievements of 2014 & our aspirations for 2015.

It’s been a time of transition;

• a time of following up on the positive directions of former Councils & making good on past promises;

• a time of strengthening our relationship with administration

• a time to complete significant planning & capital projects;

• and to build on our County’s strong foundation.

2014 was a time to build Team Strathcona County.

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Former Premier Lougheed said, “I found anything in my public life we really accomplished - that was worthwhile - we accomplished as a team”.

Council has worked hard to lay the foundation of trust;

To earn our place as leaders in governance

and as strategic thinkers & planners – in our community & in our region.

Our Council Team has become decisive & action oriented - supported by our Administrative Team – of 1,200 full-time professionals with diversified & talented skill sets.

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Other team members include our Business Chamber, faith-based organizations, our community leaders of non-profit organizations, & more than 92,000 residents.

By communicating clearly; by listening to & respecting each other;

By working together, we nurture & grow one of Canada’s most livable communities.

We capitalize on our assets as a specialized municipality of over 1,200 sqkm of hamlets, acreages, urban neighbourhoods, rural & industrial lands - to give residents the very highest quality of life.

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Our Municipal Development Plan identifies & preserves quality farmland & world-class environmental lands like the Beaver Hills Moraine for current & future generations.

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We encourage well-planned industrial development.

As a result, our residents enjoy lower taxes & higher service levels, compared to other communities.

Our business partners continue to support community activities - because it’s also their home.

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We invest in opportunities for residents to attend sporting, cultural & learning events;

We invest in facilities & open spaces that promote health & wellness.

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Our goals are to provide citizens with accessible transportation, affordable housing & programs that support the most vulnerable members of our society.

We aim higher than the standard definition of livability. Our aspiration is to ensure every resident is happy, healthy & successful … and we continue working towards holding the title of “Canada’s most livable community”.

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We, as a community, face growth rates among the highest in Canada. This is not without its challenges.

Our population has increased by 38% since 2000 and while some economists are predicting that population growth may slow down -- we are forecasting our population will grow to approximately 96,000 by year end.

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Service level expectations are always a challenge, because of our rural/urban mix.

Therefore, Council needs to consider the complexity and diversity of our community at every decision point.

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Council is addressing these challenges by focusing on five key areas.

Last year, Council created 12 clearly defined prioritized strategic goals within these areas.

We believe success comes with setting & working toward these goals.

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We maintain strong relationships with & support businesses by:

o Actively participating in start-up seminars, mentorship programs, business visitations & the Chamber’s annual Trade Fair – (coming up mid-April!)

o We improve the land use bylaw to facilitate business; and

o We work side-by-side with our Chamber on economic development.

o Council has put forward a resolution to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to support the Chamber’s stand on creating a unique provincial policy for increased numbers of workers to suit Alberta’s cyclic needs.

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There are well over 10,000 businesses operating in our County.

These businesses support close to 33,000 jobs in our County. Our businesses are themselves -- our best ambassadors.

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We joined our Chamber at the 2014 Business Awards to celebrate excellence.

o Business of the Year - Jacek Chocolate Couture

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o Community Service/Involvement Award - Qualico Communities

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We celebrate innovation. Clearflow Enviro Systems Group was just recognized by Alberta Venture Magazine as one of

Alberta's 25 most innovative businesses.

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Petrochemical & Energy processing is a huge part of County economics & it continues to

grow.

Strathcona County is a founding member of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.

Now a model of economic collaboration of eight municipalities;

It is Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing region & home to 43% of Canada’s basic chemical manufacturing.

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Our industrial partners have committed to development & expansion within the County in the range of 4.3 Billion dollars:

o Enbridge Inc. – Crude oil pipeline Edmonton to Hardisty ($844 m) o Enbridge - Edmonton Terminal (South) Expansion ($260 M) o Kinder Morgan / Imperial Oil – Edmonton Rail Terminal ($232 m) o TransCanada Terminals – 1.9 m Barrel Oil Storage in the Heartland – ($300 m) o Air products new hydrogen plant ($300 M) o Shell Quest project – final phase (1.3 B)

AND recently announced is Williams Energy – Propane Dehydrogenation (PDH) - ($1.1 billion)

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Land availability is critical for our commercial, retail & industrial businesses. So, we continue to plan & zone for future development.

In fact, there has been over 74,000 sq ft in retail space – added in 2014.

Commercial & retail growth will continue to be strong. Expect to shop at Marshall’s and Sport Chek in Emerald Hills soon!

“GO Auto” and “Auto Canada” - have purchased land to house four more auto dealerships.

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Buckingham Development buildings are getting underway north of Costco.

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Broadmoor Heritage Plaza is under construction – providing 70,000 sqft of shops & services

on Broadmoor.

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Emerald Hills Urban Village continues to develop with plans for over 200 rental apartments.

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Residential growth in Aspen Trails & Summerwood brought 424 homes on to the market in 2014. Another 500 are under construction this year.

Strong growth & improved community access has encouraged investors to create 500 new hotel rooms.

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People & businesses continue to pour into our region. Growth & inflation are the two primary factors that affect our budget.

Last year, we issued almost 1,500 building permits.

o This includes almost 400 residential permits & over 340 multi-family units

We saw healthy growth in the number of permits issued in all areas - commercial &

institutional; industrial & residential.

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In the approved 2010 Capital Region Growth Plan, two Strathcona County growth nodes

were recognized as priority growth areas.

The issue of growth has been on the agenda of several past Councils - this Council is determined to make the tough decisions.

We accepted the Imagine Bremner Growth Management Strategy for information and directed administration to commission the Colchester Growth Management Strategy, so we will have the most accurate and up to date information needed to proceed in the right direction.

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This Council is driving our Agriculture Master Plan.

We continue to progress & use extensive public consultation to develop an action plan that will guide how the County will support agriculture into the future.

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Last year, we invested 28 M in capital $$ to construct rural and urban roads.

This year, we’ll continue maintenance and revitalization of our 1,700 kms of urban & rural roadways.

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The Bethel Transit Terminal opened as one of the Capital Region’s largest bus terminals, incl 1,200 parking spots.

o $13.6 m from the province’s GreenTRIP

o $4.5 m from the federal Gas Tax Fund

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We’re also working towards improving internet service in our rural areas, especially in the areas where residents can’t get service now.

Council has approved a feasibility study to run high speed fibre to Sherwood Park residences & businesses to determine if and how we can ensure access to very high speed internet.

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Last year, I spoke about the Council’s priorities in the governance area, which are to: o Increase public involvement and communicate with the community on issues affecting

the County’s future; and

o Develop & maintain strong relationships with our province, neighbouring municipalities & community organizations - to ensure long-term prosperity.

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Strathcona County is one of 24 members on the Capital Region Board - representing the 6th largest metropolitan area in Canada.

A doubling of this population is forecast by 2044; therefore, we will need to continue working closely with the province & our neighbours to effectively address these pressures.

Strathcona County is playing a key role in the Growth Plan Update Task Force.

I am chair of this collaborative process to update the plan for efficient & sustainable growth for the Capital Region. This will be completed in December of this year.

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Council has been active in increasing communication with our residents.

We need residents to actively participate in upcoming public engagement opportunities.

We will continue to put out a call for action to encourage more residents to become involved in

creating an even more innovative & caring community.

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Last year we appointed a Citizens’ Task Force - to work on creating an Urban Form & Character Assessment for the mature neighbourhoods.

The task force has gathered feedback from residents on the importance of preserving & protecting the unique character & style of their neighbourhoods. This will influence policy changes.

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A recent Capital Region Board Study of Affordable Housing reported that our municipality was short 900 units.

As a result, Council created a Mayor’s Task Force to work collaboratively with industry partners, community & financial stakeholders to create an action plan to address current & future housing needs, with a particular focus on the needs of low & moderate income households;

and improve access to supportive & special needs housing.

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Our goals for advancing social sustainability are focused on building strong neighbourhoods -- keeping residents safe -- & ensuring facilities & activities are desired, accessible & used by residents.

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The SC Emergency Alert System was introduced in early 2014 to improve residents’ safety.

Over 5,100 people have signed up to Strathcona County Alerts.

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Strathcona County’s RCMP & Enforcement Services’ members continue to provide quality policing & municipal bylaw services.

Members handled a total of 9,800 files & responded to 26,600 police occurrences.

A much needed expansion of the RCMP detachment is underway now.

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Last year, emergency response staff, working out of our fire stations in Sherwood Park, Josephburg, South Cooking Lake & Ardrossan, responded to about 7,400 emergency calls.

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Our new $130-million hospital, which opened last May, has given our residents access to around-the-clock care in our own community.

Since opening, over 25,000 patients have accessed medical care in emergency services -- diagnostic imaging, the IV therapy clinic & other community programs.

The Hospital team & services support our Primary Care Network & local doctors.

In 2015, we’re looking forward to the opening of new mental health facilities.

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• Strathcona County is a growing, caring & well-educated community – that means we need schools!

Four major projects are underway:

the modernization of Fultonvale School

The revitalization of the former St. Theresa School to accommodate New Horizons Charter School; as well as

The replacement of Ardrossan Elementary School & a brand new K-9 school

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While we are a thriving community, we can’t lose sight of the fact -almost 6,000 County residents are considered low-income.

Our Family & Community Services department is working at several levels to address poverty, from community-based services to provincial collaboration efforts.

The department is focused on addressing social isolation, newcomer support, as well as prevention of elder abuse & family violence.

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Strathcona County is lucky to be home to a state-of-the-art Parent Link Centre - serving

close to 1,000 families each year.

Tonight the centre is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

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Council is a great supporter of our local not-for-profit organizations.

Two highlights this past year were the official opening of the Goodwill Centre & County Clothes-Line’s 30th anniversary celebration.

County Clothes-Line is a core supporter of our municipality & has given $1.6 million back to our community since its inception.

Goodwill Industries Alberta recently expanded their donation operation to a full retail store & a career centre to offer employment training & job placement to residents who have disabilities.

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Good recreation facilities are essential to healthy & fit families.

Our Open Space Recreation Facility Strategy has served this community well;

–resulting in a revitalized Broadmoor Arena, Millennium Place; new arena and walking track

at Ardrossan, & new artificial turf in 2014.

2015 will bring more excitement.

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The Glen Allan Recreation Complex modernization project is moving forward.

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Broadmoor Spray Park and Playground will open this summer on Canada Day; and

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Emerald Hills Regional Park will open this summer with new baseball fields & sports pavilion.

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Last year, administration did a wonderful job promoting our County world-wide.

We had the great pleasure of hosting both Tour Alberta AND the 1st national multi-sport event in our County’s history – the Canada 55+Games.

The Games have been nominated for the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance - Sport Event of the Year Award.

Events like this one have a significant economic spinoff, with $1.5 million being directly spent in our County in accommodations, food & beverage - & shopping.

This year, watch for the upcoming Canadian Olympic Wrestling Trials!

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I invite residents to join us on CANADA DAY. Last year, our celebration was amazing – attracting upwards of 35,000 people.

We also look forward to other family favourites: Cooking Lake Trail Days, Ardrossan Old

Fashion Parade and Picnic & the Country Classic in Josephburg.

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Celebrating our heritage is very important.

Last week, I proclaimed February 16 as “National Heritage Day” in Strathcona County.

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Our Heritage Advisory Committee will be adding another 5 heritage sites to the 25 sites

completed in 2014 for potential designation.

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The Arts & Culture Council has renewed itself this past year & actively promotes workshops, speakers, meetings & signature events such as Celebration for the Arts, Arts Expo and Alberta Culture Days.

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The Festival Place Cultural Arts Foundation rocked our world with their own revitalization & outstanding support for youth & Festival Place.

Strathcona County is a community with a culture of giving. We also enjoy food events like Savour Strathcona and our weekly farmers markets.

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Last year, I launched a new event, The Battle of the Chefs – based on our love of food & our community’s well known desire to care for each other.

Together with a team of volunteers, we raised over $13,000 that was awarded to the Strathcona Food Bank & culinary arts scholarships.

Volunteers are now gearing up for our 2nd annual event, which will be held on October 15 at Festival Place. So mark your calendars!

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In Strathcona County we like to feed our bodies & our minds, so in 2014, Council invested in its first community leadership series.

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A number of high school students joined Council members to get insights on community from Peter Mansbridge – anchor of CBC’s The National --& five-time Olympic medalist - Haley Wickenhauser.

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Planners from across the Capital region & our residents heard from futurists & leading thinkers on topics ranging from leadership, to innovative practices, to what’s on the horizon.

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One thing our residents love about our County is

- it’s green & it’s clean.

I know from experience - people come from all over the province to enjoy the beauty our County has to offer.

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Many times I’ve stopped to talk to a large group of cyclists - learning that they’ve traveled from across the region to cycle on our beautiful & well-maintained rural roads.

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This year, people who enjoy walking, running & biking on our trails can expect to see improvements to trails, sports fields, playgrounds.

This includes completing the trails connecting Sherwood Drive to the Strathcona County Bike Skills Park & the trail & bridge connecting the Ardrossan Recreation Facility to the schools.

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Here, in the fastest growing metropolitan region in Canada, we take our environment seriously.

The Beaver Hills Initiative, a collaboration of five municipalities - is continuing its efforts this

year to have the Beaver Hills proclaimed an international Biosphere by the United Nations.

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In order to protect & preserve our environment, we often turn to technology for help.

Last year, a telematics system was installed in about 270 county vehicles.

Detailed reports on vehicle locations & idling times are helping us better manage the fleet

by identifying opportunities to lower our fuel & repair costs and reduce our environmental footprint.

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Strathcona County works diligently with local industrial organizations like NR CAER & Fort Air Partnership to improve mutual aid emergency response and address environmental concerns.

This year, we’ll expand the air quality monitoring network in partnership with industry & Alberta Capital Airshed by installing a new air monitoring station in Ardrossan.

It is significant that the Strathcona Industrial & Northeast Capital Industrial Associations,

representing the foremost industries in our region, have a major focus on the environment & community well-being.

They are strong proponents of environmental monitoring & management.

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LOOKING FORWARD

Today, I’ve highlighted many accomplishments from the past year. A detailed report with statistics is included in the Fact & Stats booklet on your tables.

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We’re now into a brand new year, which started with a new 4-year Corporate Business Plan & the 2015 Budget.

We have a strong Strategic Plan – “Powering our New Tomorrow” with prioritized strategic goals.

We have shifted from an incremental budgeting process to priority-based business planning & budgeting methods.

The priorities defined in the strategic plan provide focus to the corporate & department business plans, & act as a filter for all budget decisions.

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A key element in the financial management and operations of the County are Reserves & utilization of our debt capacity.

The holding of reserves contributes to the economic sustainability of the County. They maintain & improve Strathcona County’s working capital requirements, provide for future funding requirements, and provide stabilization for fluctuations in operating and capital activities.

The County incurs debt only to support necessary community infrastructure. Only if future debt servicing requirements are manageable, AND where it provides intergenerational equity.

Debt is not incurred to support operations. The County’s debt limit (36%) is well within provincial guidelines.

Council & administration safeguard our sound financial practices to ensure financial assets are conserved, fixed liabilities are minimized;

This results in longer term financial stability, strength & flexibility for our municipality.

The 2015 Budget called for a 2.58% municipal tax dollar increase, one of the lowest in the region.

This budget aligns with Council’s vision & the strategic plan.

Our focus is on:

o Increasing business & resident satisfaction

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o Strengthening our abilities to control costs &

o Making ourselves more adaptable to face the pressures of growth in our changing world.

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While I remain optimistic about our future, we can’t lose sight of the fact – Alberta’s political & economic climate is very different today – compared to just six months ago.

2014 was a year of unprecedented political instability & dynamic shifts.

A YEAR AGO I stood here & said that Growth was the most influential factor in our decision making.

TODAY, economic & provincial political decisions are shaping our destiny.

The dramatic changes in world oil prices continue to affect the County, Province & Country as a whole.

Premier and Cabinet have signaled that this will not be “business as usual” with a multi-billion dollar hit to provincial revenues.

We see a three pronged approach coming from Cabinet. Each minister is focused on:

o Reducing government expenses;

o Utilizing some of the contingency funds;

o Creating additional revenues.

With adversity comes opportunity – opportunity to change, what is not working well right now.

We will look for new partners & re-engage long standing partners - including the provincial government - as we rise to meet the fiscal challenges before us.

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So that we can ensure, when energy prices rebound, we are well-positioned to take advantage of economic opportunities.

We will continue to play a leadership role on the energy & environment.

This is a natural position for our County to be in.

We also need to continue to focus on agriculture & diversifying our economy.

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CLOSING Throughout my remarks I have demonstrated the many ways that we are working toward

ensuring Strathcona County remains one of the most livable communities in Canada. This is important!

Council & Commissioner, Associate Commissioners, please join me on the stage.

We, as your Strathcona County Team will continue to ask – “What does being Canada’s most livable community mean to you?”

As the political & economic landscape changes & we reach future milestones, we’ll work hard to keep you informed.

We encourage all our partners to continue to be vocal in your input to us.

We count on you to help guide us in the direction that will benefit our community - now and - into the future.

Thank you Council & Administration

So in closing, let me remind you why we can be so proud of our specialized municipality –

one of the most livable communities in Canada.

So with this video …

Thank you! (video runs)

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