74154 Year in Review2

Mayor &
Council
Legislative
Highlights
Apr 11 Recycling Centre
Council approved the Electric Distribution
System Franchise Agreement with
FortisAlberta.
Council approved the award, design,
tendering and construction supervision
services for the proposed Recycling Facility at
Public Works (Westmark lands).
Feb 14 Safety Audit
Feb 14 Ambulance Service
Parkland Ambulance Authority agreed to
continue to provide ambulance services
within the service area after March 31, 2005
on behalf of Capital Health.
In March 2005, the province still had not
taken on the responsibilities of ambulance
services.
Mar 14 and Dec 12 Organicart
Organicart collection program was
researched and will be implemented in 2006,
including an awareness campaign.
Mar 29 Noise Control Bylaw
Noise Control Bylaw was rewritten to
accommodate issues within the community.
Mar 29 2004 Financial Audit
The Town’s auditors presented their 2004
annual report and gave favorable comments
on the Town’s finances, along with
recommendations.
Mar 29 Transportation Steering
Committee
Tri-Community Transportation Steering
Committee had been established and
presented its report to Council.
Mar 29 Strategic Plan
Town Council accepted the Strategic Plan for
2005/2007.
Apr 11 Municipal
Development Plan
A new Municipal Development Plan was
approved.
Bottom row, left to right Dwight Ganske, Dee Louis,
Pat Hansard, Paul McCann
Financial
Performance
YEAR IN
Council’s primary role is to provide appropriate policy and legislation for the operation of
the Town of Stony Plain. The following highlights represent only a portion of the legislative
matters that Council dealt with in 2005.
Jan 10 Electric Franchise
The Town received 88% on its 2004 Safety
Audit Review and Council commended staff
on their safety awareness.
Top row, left to right Duncan Schoepp,
Mayor Donna Cowan, Ken Lemke
Apr 11 and Dec 12
Annexation
Annexation Application, for approximately
907 hectares of land from Parkland County,
went to the provincial government and
approved effective January 1, 2006.
Apr 25 Trails Master Plan
The Trails Master Plan was presented to
Council. The plan creates a comprehensive,
interconnected recreational trail system to
serve existing and newly developed areas.
Stony Plain Centennial Committee was the
organizing body, and the main event was
August 30, 2005.
Aug 8
May 24 Japanese Exchange
Aug 8
Japanese Student Exchange with our sister
Town of Shikaoi was planned and undertaken
in July 2005.
Administration proceeded with a 2005
Municipal Sponsorship Program Enhanced
Grant Application for the creation of a
Community Sustainability Plan.
Jun 13 Communities in Bloom
Apr 25 Laser Photo Radar
The contract for Laser Photo Radar services
with Global Traffic Group was approved and
implemented.
Council decided not to enter the 2006
Communities in Bloom competition, but will
consider the 2007 competition at budget
time.
Apr 25 Centennial Arena
Jun 27 Whispering Waters Manor
Council approved required upgrades to
Centennial Arena to keep it functional and
operational. In August, Council also approved
a dressing room addition.
Council agreed to provide financial support
for future operating deficits and debt
servicing for the construction of new units at
Whispering Waters Manor.
Apr 25 Fire Chief
Jun 27 Utility Rates Study
Dan Badry was approved as the full-time Fire
Chief.
Campbell Ryder Consulting Group reviewed
utility rates and policies, and provided
recommendations for the 2006 utilities
budget.
May 9 2005 Tax Rate
The 2005 Tax Rate Bylaw was approved.
Jul 11 Open Burning
May 9 New Fire Hall
Group 2 Architecture Engineering Interior
Design and Wilson Architects Limited were
selected to provide architectural, structural,
mechanical and electrical consulting services
for a new Fire Hall.
The Open Burning bylaw was revised and
approved to address community concerns.
Jul/Aug Great White North Triathlon
The event was held in Stony Plain and
Parkland County, with Stony Plain receiving
the Sponsor of the Year award.
May 24 Alberta’s Centennial
2005 is Alberta’s 100th birthday, and various
celebratory functions were planned. Sign
Cellar donated Centennial front license plates
for Town vehicles.
Jul 11 Golf Course Projects
Projects approved included bunker redesign
and sand replacement (Pro Shop expansion
previously approved).
REVIEW
General
The Town with the Painted Past
Fire Hall Borrowing
Infrastructure
South Business Park
Storm Retention Facility
Sanitary/Storm Rehabilitation
Sustainability Plan
May 24 Safeway Intersection
Council accepted recommendations for
intersection improvements in the Highway
16A and South Park Drive Traffic/Safety
Operations Assessment Final Report. Alberta
Transportation spoke with Council about the
intersection in November.
2005 Capital Projects & Purchases
44th Ave. Road Construction
Recycling Centre
Fire Hall (to date)
The Fire Hall debenture borrowing bylaw was
approved (not to exceed $3,430,000).
Aug 29 Recycling Centre
A $402,000 contract was awarded to
Earthwise Contracting for Phase 1 of the new
Recycling Centre.
Oct 11 Energy Award
Stony Plain, through the AUMA Power
Aggregation program, purchased 471 kwh of
green power and received a NEXEN
Renewable Energy award certificate.
Oct 21 Fire Hall Construction
The new Fire Hall construction tender was
awarded to Jen-Col Construction.
Nov 14 Housing Strategy
Council adopted the Housing Strategy Terms
of Reference.
Summary of Financial Results
All figures in $’000’s unless otherwise stated
Operating Revenue
Operating Expenditures
Net Surplus
Accumulated Surplus
Total Debt
Cash & Investments
2005
2004
% change
17,633
17,633
0
878
6,536
10,078
16,091
16,091
0
737
5,063
8,457
9.58
9.58
0.00
19.13
29.09
19.17
Council approved the Terms of Reference for
the Spruce Grove/Stony Plain Detachments.
2005
2004
% change
Residential
Non Residential
679,761
105,142
586,400
98,673
15.92
6.56
Stony Plain ended the 2005 fiscal year on a positive note. A surplus of
$222,541 was transferred to the Tax Levy Stabilization Reserve, the
Utility Rate Stabilization Reserve and the Town’s Accumulated Surplus.
These monies will be used in future years to offset potential tax
increases. The Town’s debt position increased from $5.0M in 2004 to
$6.5M in 2005 due to new borrowing for the Fire Hall. Stony Plain’s per
capita debt load is $620, up from $480 in 2004. Reserve balances,
required for the purchase of future capital infrastructure, increased to
$7.2M in 2005 from $6.6M in 2004.
Through a strong belief in
community involvement
and leadership we will:
• Nurture and preserve
pride in our heritage
• Provide excellent service
and value through
good governance
• Maintain a strong sense
of community while
embracing opportunities
for growth that enhance
our quality of life.
2005 Municipal
EXPENDITURES
by Major Function
Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Public Works
Association presented Stony Plain with the
2005 Project of the Year Award for the
Shikaoi Park rehabilitation.
2005 Municipal REVENUES by Major Function
The 2006 Capital and Operating Budgets and
Fees and Charges were approved.
Transfers 0.37%
FCSS 3.16%
FCSS
Golf Course 9.62%
Transfers
Dec 12 Solid Waste Recycling
Ever Green Ecological Services was approved
to provide solid, organic waste and recycling
collection/disposal services.
$686,595.00
$289,731.00
Our Mission
All figures in $’000’s unless otherwise stated
Dec 12 Shikaoi Park Award
Dec 12 2006 Budget
$490,862.00
$379,354.00
$557,578.00
Property Assessment Values
Nov 28 Joint RCMP Services
General
Government
Cultural Services
47.98%
Community Services 1.81%
1.31%
3.16%
1.34%
General
Government
6.87%
1.91%
Corporate
Services
1.38%
Golf Course
9.62%
7.98%
5.86%
Protective
Services
Municipal
Planning/Zoning/
Development
21.50%
12.57%
4.49%
Transportation
Transportation
0.18%
Protective
Services
6.69%
Economic
Dev’t/Tourism
Finance &
Administration 0.07%
1.10%
NOTE: Unaudited 2005 financial data.
Stony Plain’s new Municipal Development Plan for 2005-2020 was approved by Council in April 2005,
and is based on 10 guiding principles:
1)
Maintaining a small town atmosphere and sense of community.
2)
Continuing to implement the economic development and tourism strategy.
3)
Maintaining a collaborative style of leadership, allowing opportunities for public and stakeholder consultation in decision-making.
4)
Preserving and enhancing the quality of life for residents by maintaining a safe and attractive
community with employment opportunities, housing choices, attractive parks and open spaces,
and supporting community services and infrastructure.
5)
Pursuing mutually beneficial regional partnerships and alliances.
6)
Maintaining the downtown historic core as a vibrant mixed-use centre and focal point for the
community.
7)
Promoting environmental stewardship by protecting and preserving natural areas and
encouraging environmentally sound practices.
8)
Building complete and attractive neighbourhoods that provide for a range of housing choices,
recreation/facilities, open space and services.
9)
Managing urban growth in a manner that is physically, economically and environmentally
sustainable in the long term.
In 2005, the Town approved a Trails Master Plan that creates a comprehensive, interconnected recreational
trail system that will serve existing and newly developing areas within Stony Plain. It is estimated that this will
help guide decisions and plans related to open space, parks, and trail planning and design for the next 20
years.
Finance &
Administration
Community
Services
Environment
Treatment Services
With the cooperation of our neighbours, Parkland County, the Town successfully annexed 907 hectares
(2,240 acres), effective January 1, 2006. This will allow for the expansion of the North Business Park and the
addition of commercial lands east of Boundary Road along Highway 16A. The balance of the annexation is
in the southeast sector of Stony Plain, and will be able to accommodate extensive residential growth.
10) Promoting high quality design and development that builds upon the Town’s historic theme.
1.71%
3.82%
2.39%
Council views as one of its priorities that we not only meet the service needs of residents today, but carefully
plan to ensure that future generations of residents continue to enjoy our community’s enviable quality of life.
Three key steps taken during the year to secure our town’s future included the recent land annexation from
Parkland County and the development of a new Municipal Development Plan and Trails System Master Plan.
Economic
Dev’t/Tourism
4.03%
Recreation/
Parks/Facilities
Throughout 2005, much of Stony Plain’s focus
was on managing the growth and future
development of our community.
Council
Cultural
Services
Municipal Planning/
Zoning/Development
2005
Recreation/
Parks/Facilities
7.71%
9.94%
Environment
Treatment Services
21.43%
NOTE: Unaudited 2005 financial data.
Our Vision
A strong vibrant community
where we respect our heritage,
embrace the present and are
excited about our future.
Through the hard work of our staff and support of our residents we look forward to continuing to make
Stony Plain a great community in which to work, live and play, today and in the future.
Mayor Donna Cowan
Email: [email protected] Website: www.stonyplain.com
Contact: Town Office 4905 - 51 Avenue, Stony Plain, AB
Tel: (780) 963-2151 Fax: (780) 963-6548
New Murals
Key Highlights
& Major Achievements
New Fire Hall
New Strategy –
Safety and Security
Stony Plain launched a new core strategy from
its strategic plan in 2005. Key initiatives were
launched to advance this strategy, and to involve
the community in addressing safety and
security issues. These initiatives included
participation in the Tri-Municipal Drug
Strategy Team, the establishment of the Stony
Plain Police Committee, and the development
of the Vandalism Strategy and Action Plan.
• The Police Committee was established in
June 2005 with the purpose of fostering twoway communications to encourage public
input and involvement. The committee acts a
liaison between the RCMP, Council and
residents. You can contact the Police
Committee through the Town’s website, by
emailing [email protected],
or by mailing 4905 - 51 Avenue, Stony Plain,
Alberta, T7Z 1Y1.
• The Tri-Municipal Drug Strategy Team
promotes a vision of “leading the way to safe
communities, free of drug use.” The group
spent most of 2005 developing a strategy and
enlisting support from various levels of
government.
• The Vandalism Strategy and Action Plan was
accepted by Council in October 2005, and
referred to the Police Committee for review
and implementation.
Laser Photo Radar on Target
According to the RCMP, the laser photo radar
implemented in September 2005 has proved to
be very successful. Traffic has slowed down and
there have been fewer collisions over the same
time period as in previous years. Between
September and December 2005, there were
3,568 violation tickets issued. The total value of
these violations was $404,000. The Town’s share
was $149,975, with the balance going to the
provincial government and the contractor. Laser
photo radar is helping Stony Plain achieve its
Safety and Security goals established in the
Town’s Strategic Plan.
Did You Know ?
Plans were completed and approved for the new
fire hall at 49th Avenue east of the BMX Park.
The new fire hall will consist of an eight-bay
apparatus area, two offices, duty room, fitness
room, shower/locker room, kitchen, a training
room that doubles as a dormitory, and a hose
tower complete with training area. Several
energy efficient components were incorporated
into the design, which should result in 35%
savings on energy use. Construction of the
13,000 square foot, $3.8 million facility began in
November and should be completed by
September 2006.
The Mural Committee initiated the creation of
the Japanese-themed mural, 20 Years of
Friendship, in commemoration of the 20th
anniversary of the twinning relationship
between Stony Plain and Shikaoi, Japan. The
mural was unveiled at a dedication ceremony at
the Twinned Municipalities Conference in
September. The Committee also worked with
the local Rotary Club on a mural celebrating
their history and contribution to the area. The
Celebrate Rotary mural, dedicated in November
2005, is a three-sided, free-standing structure
located in Rotary Park.
A new program to reduce the amount of
garbage sent to the landfill was approved by
Council in 2005. Stony Plain will launch a
curbside organics and blue bag recycling
program in the spring of 2006. In addition, a
new recycling centre is slated to open later that
summer.
Core Values
2005 marked the 20th anniversary of our twinning relationship
with the Town of Shikaoi. It also marked the 25th anniversary of
the Alberta-Hokkaido twinning, and to commemorate the
occasion a 14-person delegation from Stony Plain joined
provincial officials in traveling to Hokkaido in early July to
participate in the official celebrations. Our delegates also visited
Shikaoi and took part in our 20th anniversary celebrations. Later
that month, our regular student delegation also traveled to
Shikaoi.
The elevator installation started in 2005 will be ready for use in early 2006.
In conjunction with the Stony Plain Eagles Hockey Club, the Town began
work on the new West Dressing Room addition. The space will be leased to
the Eagles as part of their commitment to host the 2007 Allan Cup. After
reviewing a report on the required facility upgrades over the next 10 years,
Council directed administration to plan for these upgrades but not to
consider a potential lobby expansion at this time.
As people who care, we
treat each other with
respect and act with
integrity by fostering:
The province celebrated its centennial in 2005
and the Town of Stony Plain Centennial
Committee staged a great party at Exhibition
Park on August 30th. Those attending enjoyed
musical entertainment, a barbecue, riding
exhibitions, a fantastic fireworks show, and
more. The Town approved construction of a
new permanent stage at Exhibition Park as our
Centennial project. The new stage will be
completed in 2006, with funding support
coming from the Province and the Blueberry
Bluegrass and Country Music Society.
Family and Community
Support Services
Throughout the year, Stony Plain partnered with
many community groups and organizations to
help with their special events. Events included
Farmers Days/Kinsmen Rodeo, Blueberry
Bluegrass Festival, Cowboy Poetry and Music
Gathering, Great White North Triathlon,
Rotary Run For Life, and the Family New
Years’ Eve Festival.
Permit Values - 2000 to 2005
Development Highlights
$50,000,000
$45,000,000
$40,000,000
$35,000,000
$30,000,000
$25,000,000
$20,000,000
$15,000,000
$10,000,000
$5,000,000
Housing Starts - 2000 to 2005
450
400
350
250
200
2005
Project of the Year Award –
Public Works
At their annual banquet, held in Red
Deer on October 4, 2005, the Alberta
Chapter of the Canadian Public Works
Association recognized the Town’s work
on Shikaoi Park. Stony Plain was
presented with the 2005 Project of the
Year Award for the Rehabilitation of
Deteriorating Municipal Structures to
Functional Multi-use Public Park.
Centennial events were held in over 300 communities to celebrate Alberta’s 100th anniversary.
Albertans’ participated in centennial activities that ranged from hockey tournaments and
music concerts to heritage fairs and winter festivals.
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
Total Permit Value
$50,505,818 $31,338,471
$31,018,434
$42,814,802 $21,193,141
$15,545,255
Residential
$38,029,318 $28,147,971
$36,170,802
$20,007,641 $12,422,255
$10,075,754
150
100
50
0
Commercial
$4,146,500
$2,800,500
$1,245,000
$725,000
$2,420,000
$2,747,000
Industrial
$80,000
$390,000
$1,229,000
$210,500
$273,000
$1,738,377
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
311 200 279 419 237 119
Institutional
$8,250,000
$0
$4,170,00
$250,000
$430,000
$16,025,000
Housing Starts
It was another busy year for development in Stony Plain. The total permit
value for new construction was $50,505,818, plus $7,897,663 in
renovations and additions. New construction included 141 single-family
residences, 96 semi-detached dwellings, one apartment condo (74 units),
11 commercial and industrial projects, and three institutional
developments. Construction began on institutional projects, including the
Fire Hall, the Good Samaritan Centre and the second phase of Whispering
Waters Manor. In the commercial/industrial sector, new buildings were
constructed at Sunrise Village Plaza, Stony Plain Chrysler, Competition
Chevrolet Olds Used Car Sales Office, 86 Boulder Boulevard RV Trailer
2005 was another busy year for Family &
Community Support Services (FCSS). New
initiatives such as the Family Conference
received rave reviews and featured speakers such
as magician Steve Harmer. The compilation of
the Board of Directors was revised in 2005 to
enable the addition of a Parkland County
representative.
FCSS was represented on the community Ad
Hoc Transportation Committee. The Committee presented their research to the Parkland
County Council, Stony Plain Council and the
Spruce Grove Council. The Report recommended a feasibility study in partnership with
the three municipalities.
The Volunteer Centre received $3,000 in
funding from Volunteer Alberta & the Canadian
Volunteerism Initiative (CVI) to produce and
promote professional development opportunities to the community.
FCSS supported the following organizations
through grants and contracts:
300
0
• Safety
• Innovation and Creativity
• Quality and Excellence
• Partnership and Alliances
• Recognition of
Achievements
Through these values, we
are better able to learn,
celebrate and dare to
dream.
During the year, the Stony Plain Action Team launched the second year of the Business Development
Strategy. This partnership between the Town and the Chamber of Commerce promotes a cooperative,
consistent approach to business retention and attraction in Stony Plain. The Team focused on the
continuation of the Business Recognition program, marketing partnerships with local festival/event
organizers, a Shop Local campaign, and research on educational opportunities for the business
community.
The Stony Plain Library saw a small expansion
into the adjacent bay. This allowed for a teen
reading/computer area and a small meeting
room to be constructed. The Friends of the
Library also embarked on a beautification/landscaping project that will be completed
in spring 2006.
Prior to opening for the season, the Stony Plain
Golf Course completed its Pro Shop/deck
expansion. This provided a much larger,
customer-friendly facility that was appreciated by
all of the users. The course also embarked on an
anticipated major bunker redesign/sand
replacement project, creating some of the best
sand traps in the region. The three-year project saw
eight holes completed in 2005.
• Collaborative Leadership
Economic Development and Tourism
Library
In September 2005, Stony Plain hosted the Alberta/Japan
Twinned Municipalities Conference with delegates from
across Alberta attending. The conference was
graced with a 23-person delegation from
Shikaoi, led by Mayor Yoshida, who
participated in the unveiling of a new
mural and the rededication of Shikaoi
Park. October 2005 saw the traditional large
student delegation from Shikaoi arrive in
Stony Plain for a wonderful 10-day visit.
Events
Alberta Centennial
Waste Management Program
Centennial Arena
Stony Plain Golf Course
New Mural —
20 Years of Friendship
New Fire Hall Rendering
Japanese Twinning
Sales/Coronet Equipment, Ro-Mar Developments Shop, and several new
warehouse buildings, expansions and numerous interior renovations to
existing businesses.
Residential construction continued strongly throughout 2005, with
410 residential lots available in various subdivisions and more to be
serviced in 2006. Two apartment buildings offering main floor commercial
space will be constructed by Nova Builders in 2006.
Currently, a number of sizeable residential and commercial projects are in
the planning stages. Overall, growth is expected to continue at the same
rate as in the past three years.
In partnership with Spruce Grove and Parkland County, a regional
sport tourism strategy was developed. The document promotes a
cooperative approach to attracting and servicing sporting events in
the tri-municipal region.
Also in 2005, the Town redesigned its website to promote the
community as a great place to live, work and play. The upgraded site
features several tourism attractions, a business directory and
community information to help site visitors find what they need.
Recognizing that accessible and appropriate housing as a basic need,
a terms of reference for a Housing Strategy was drafted and approved
by Council. The goal is to address this need in order to create a
healthy and complete community. The project will have three phases
– research, priority identification and finalization of the strategic
action items.
Planning and Infrastructure
Work began on the new recycling centre at 49th Avenue and Brown Street. Perimeter fencing, storm
sewer, gravel base material, and concrete curbs and gutters were installed at a cost of $440,000. The
remaining work, including asphalt surfacing and landscaping, will be completed in spring 2006.
The first phase of the 44th Avenue road extension from 33rd Street to Boundary Road was 90%
completed in 2005. The $1,740,000 project costs were shared between the Town and two adjacent
landowners.
Deficient sewer and water mains were replaced throughout Stony Plain at a cost of $500,000. Work in
this area will be completed in spring 2006 with the replacement of the sanitary sewer at the north end
of Boulder Boulevard.
Parkland Ambulance Authority
— Medi-Magnet Program
Rural Women’s Conference
Parkland Turning Points Society
— Breaking the Silence Project
Blueberry Community School
— Rainbows Program
WestView Health Centre
— Palliative Care Volunteer Training
Overall FCSS handled 2,295 requests for
information, referrals, resources and programs,
had 1,396 people participate in FCSS programs,
and saw the Board of Directors log over 1,324
volunteer hours in 2005.
Did You Know ?
The Murals Program was initiated in 1989 to preserve and celebrate our heritage. To date
there are over 24 life-size murals and one six-foot statue.