citypulse - City of Spruce Grove

Transcription

Summer 2016
citypulse
Your connection to the City of Spruce Grove
ROUND WE GO!
Modern roundabout
coming this summer
page 10
Border Paving
Athletic Centre
NOW OPEN!
page 8
STAY ACTIVE
THIS SUMMER
page 16
citypulse l SUMMER 2016 1
CHECK OUT OUR 2015 YEAR IN REVIEW – SEE
PAGE 39
City Directory
CITY OF SPRUCE GROVE
Phone: 780-962-2611
Fax: 780-962-2526
Emergency Numbers
Police, Fire, Ambulance 911
Animal Control 780-962-7585
Inspections Hotline Arena/Agrena 780-962-2031
Mayor and Council:
Executive Assistant 780-962-7604
780-962-4423
Building Permits 780-962-7634 ext 129
780-962-7582
Business Licences 780-962-7588
Public Library City Hall Ticket Centre 780-962-8995
Compliance Requests 780-962-7634 ext 180
RCMP 410 King St.
• Administration
• Complaints
780-962-2289
780-962-2222
Recreation and Park Planning
780-962-7579
Dangerous Goods Routes 780-962-4496
Development Permits
• Commercial
• Residential
780-962-7623
780-962-7589
Districting/Zoning 780-962-7601
Dog Licences 780-962-2611
Economic Development 780-962-7608
Roads, Parks Maintenance,
Residential Waste,
Water and Sewer Trouble (24 hour) 780-962-7584
Seasonal Sports Field Hotline 780-962-7602
Specialized Transit Service (STS) 780-962-2456
Street Light Repairs (Fortis) 780-310-9473
780-962-7586
780-962-7585
Taxes 780-962-2611
TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre 780-960-5080
Engineering 780-962-7624
Transit (ETS Bus Link – 24 hour) 780-442-5311
Facility Bookings 780-962-7579
Family and Community Support
Services (FCSS) Tourism/Visitor Information –
99 Campsite Rd. 780-962-2561
780-962-7618
Utility Billing 780-962-2611
Fire Services – Administration 780-962-4496
Utility Hook Ups 780-962-7597
Enforcement Services
• Complaints
• Inquiries
Human Resources 780-962-7634 ext 107
Stay in touch
[email protected]
@CitySpruceGrove
www.sprucegrove.org/citypulse
facebook.com/sprucegrove
2 citypulse l SUMMER 2016
Get out and explore!
WHETHER YOU ARE a long-time resident of
Spruce Grove, or are a new arrival to our community, there’s
so much to explore in our city. This summer we’d encourage
you to go on an adventure in your own backyard - you may
be surprised at what you find!
If you’re not sure where to begin, head over to pages 16
and 17 and check out our summer activities map. With
parks, trails, splash pads and more, there’s no excuse not
to go on a mini getaway right here in Spruce Grove.
The City’s Travelling Playground program will be visiting
neighbourhood parks throughout Spruce Grove in July
and August. This free program is a great way to explore
a park that may be new-to-you, while also taking in some
fun games and activities! For more information on the
Travelling Playground, see page 28.
A popular event for many residents, as well as visitors to
Spruce Grove, is the City’s annual Canada Day Celebration
on July 1 in Jubilee Park. With a pancake breakfast, live
music, demonstrations, exhibitors, entertainment and an
impressive fireworks display to cap off the event, it’s a great
way to enjoy our country’s birthday with family and friends.
For details, turn to page 23.
Ever been to the Lions Log Cabin? Located in Central Park,
the Log Cabin is the headquarters for the City’s Youth
Mentorship Program. Youth can drop by the Log Cabin for
free programmed activities, such as Craft Corner or Jam
Night, or just hang out with friends! Open Tuesday to Saturday,
including extended hours in July and August, it’s a fun
and safe place for youth - and their families - to spend
time together. There’s also a concession where you can
purchase ice cream and other assorted treats - the perfect
accompaniment for a summer day in the city. Learn more,
and meet the City’s Youth Mentorship Program Facilitator,
on pages 26 and 27.
And proof that you don’t need to go far to have an
adventure is the City’s block party program. Explore your
own neighbourhood by organizing a block party and get
to know the people on your street or in your subdivision. It’s
a great way to meet your neighbours and build friendships,
which also has a positive impact on the safety and security
of our community. All the information you need to get
started is on pages 18 and 19.
Do you like a deal? The City’s free garage sale advertising
program is back for another season. With weekly maps that
list all the sales happening in Spruce Grove, it’s a fun way to
explore the city while finding some treasure along the way.
We’re also sharing tips to help you learn how to shop and
sell like a pro on pages 20 and 21.
And while you’re out exploring, you can also make sure your
property is protected with our summer safety tips on page
15. Simply turning on your outside lights at night and
storing items in your locked garage or shed, rather than
in your backyard or on your lawn, can make a big impact
in deterring thieves and keeping your items where they
belong - in your possession!
Whew! That’s quite the list, and we’re just getting started.
Build your own adventure in Spruce Grove this summer
and explore what the city has to offer - it’s guaranteed
to be a good time!
citypulse l SUMMER
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Contents
In Every Issue
6
Cityscape
10
Serving the community of choice
Meet your city council and listen to
a meeting podcast.
28
31 Waste collection
A quick reference guide for when to put your
bins and blue bags on the curb.
Need a room? A hall? A sports field?
Check the City’s facility rentals.
8
36City facility rentals
37 Spruce Grove commuter
transit service
Learn about Spruce Grove’s transit service
and where to buy transit passes.
37
8
Border Paving Athletic Centre
now open!
Facility new home to City’s Recreation Services staff.
10 Round and round we go
Modern roundabout coming to McLeod Avenue and Nelson Drive.
24 Get that permit!
Learn if you need a permit for that
summer renovation project.
28 Travelling Playground
Explore a new-to-you playground and
Upcoming office closures
City of Spruce Grove offices, including City Hall Ticket
Centre, FCSS and the Lions Log Cabin, will be closed on
the following dates. Essential services will be maintained
during office closures.
• July 1, 2016 – Canada Day
• Aug. 1, 2016 – Heritage Day
enjoy games and activities.
29 FoOtlights summer drama classes
All the world’s a stage!
30 Don’t forget – taxes are due
by June 30
Monthly pre-authorized payment plan easy way
to avoid late payment penalties.
32 Clear your clutter
Events provide opportunities to help you
clear your clutter.
Home & Life
15
16
18
Summer safety tips
Enjoy the season with safety in mind. 26
Stay active this summer
Check out local parks, splash pads
and off-leash areas.
18 Meet and greet on your street
Block party program boosts
35
community spirit and safety.
34 Avoid a backyard jungle
Help protect your backyard and
local natural areas.
35 Reduce your water footprint,
one step at a time
Tips to help you reduce your water use.
Features
e-roundup
June 7–25
www.sprucegrove.org/eroundup
Free-cycle
20 Let garage sale season begin!
Buy and sell like a pro.
26 A place where everyone
can belong
Large item pickup
June 13–17
www.sprucegrove.org/largeitem
June 18
www.sprucegrove.org/shred
Canada Day Celebration
39 Year in Review
A look back at 2015
in Spruce Grove.
20
June 11–12
www.sprucegrove.org/freecycle
Shred-4-Free
Lions Log Cabin provides inclusive
environment for youth.
Upcoming events
YEAR IN REVIEW
July 1
9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Jubilee Park, 510 Grove Dr.
www.sprucegrove.org/celebrate
Tri-Regional Information
and Registration Night
Aug. 11
6–9 p.m.
TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre
www.sprucegrove.org/infofair
citypulse l SUMMER
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Serving the
community of choice
Meet your council
Pictured left to right: Alderman Ed McLean, Alderman Louise Baxter, Alderman Wayne Rothe,
Mayor Stuart Houston, Alderman Bill Kesanko, Alderman Bill Steinburg, Alderman Searle Turton
Meetings to go
Interested in attending a Spruce Grove City Council
meeting or Committee of the Whole meeting, but not
able to make it to City Hall? We’ve got you covered.
The City posts podcasts of every meeting online the
day following the meeting. Depending on your browser
type and viewing device, the podcast file will either be
downloaded directly to your desktop or streamed over
the Internet. For more information and the three most
recent podcasts, visit www.sprucegrove.org/podcast.
Council meeting dates at a glance
Spruce Grove City Council meetings and Committee of
the Whole meetings typically occur on Monday evenings
(or Tuesday, if the Monday is a statutory holiday), starting
at 6 p.m. in council chambers on the third floor of City Hall.
Mayor and Council – 780-962-7604
All council meetings are open to the public. Dates can change
so for the most up-to-date council meeting calendar,
visit www.sprucegrove.org/calendar.
9 Tri Leisure Way
Saturday, June 11, 2016
10 a.m. to noon
•
•
•
•
Ribbon cutting ceremony
Self-guided tours
Demonstrations
Jump and swing, do your thing…
at Aerials Gymnastics!
•
•
•
•
FOOD AND
GIVEAWAYS
FOR THE FIRST
250 PEOPLE
Booster Juice samples
Muffins courtesy of PK Catering
Refreshments
Giveaways
www.sprucegrove.org/BPAC
citypulse l SUMMER
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Border Paving
Athletic Centre
now open!
Open daily
9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
9 Tri Leisure Way
780-962-7579
Walk into the City of Spruce Grove’s new Border Paving
Athletic Centre and you can’t help but be impressed
by the space.
With free computer/Internet access and plenty of work
space, the Rec Hub is available for residents and community
groups to use during regular business hours.
With its bright blue and green décor, engaging public
artwork and open-concept design, the multi-purpose
sports and recreation facility, which opened in January
and is located adjacent to Fuhr Sports Park, offers a range
of services to residents, businesses and community groups.
The facility also offers various lease and rental opportunities,
including multi-purpose rooms, meeting rooms and office
space. A lease could include an administrative office, filing
storage, program space, educational opportunities and
equipment storage. Room rentals are available by the hour,
day or weekend.
As the new home of the City’s Recreation Services
department, it’s now the place to go for any inquiries or
questions about recreational facility rentals in Spruce Grove.
Recreation Services also manages the Community
Resource Centre, or Rec Hub, located on the second floor.
This is a space where sports, recreation and not-for-profit
organizations can access resource information and
connect to other organizations in the community.
The Aerials Gymnastics are a long-term tenant in the centre,
running their programs, playschool and administrative
office in the space.
A grand opening celebration for the Border Paving
Athletic Centre will be held on Saturday, June 11, from
10 a.m. to noon. For more information on the event
and the centre, visit www.sprucegrove.org/BPAC.
Art in motion
Two interior walls of the Border Paving
Athletic Centre are covered by murals created
by Edmonton artist Tanya Klimp. The larger mural
pays homage to the city’s name and depicts a grove
of trees, while also highlighting five concepts of wellness:
activity, inclusivity, connectivity, support and growth.
The smaller mural focuses on the athleticism of the
Aerials Gymnastics.
A second piece of public art, which will be a
large-scale spruce tree sculpture by Spanish
artist Casto Solano, will be installed on the
exterior of the building later this summer.
The City’s Recreation Services department is now
located at the Border Paving Athletic Centre and
staff are available daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Aerials Gymnastics run their programs, playschool
and administrative office in the centre.
citypulse l SUMMER
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Round and
round we go
New modern roundabout coming
to Spruce Grove this summer
Drivers in Spruce Grove can look forward
to a quicker, safer way of moving through the
intersection of McLeod Avenue and Nelson Drive
with the construction of a new modern
roundabout this summer.
A modern roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers
travel counterclockwise around a centre island. There are
no traffic signals or stop signs, which allows for free flow traffic
at a reduced speed. Instead, drivers yield to traffic to enter
the roundabout and then exit at their desired street.
This intersection treatment, which is growing in popularity
in communities both across Alberta and Canada, will help
manage traffic in the growing area, especially with the
recent expansion of Nelson Drive to Jennifer Heil Way
through the McLaughlin neighbourhood.
Construction updates
Want to stay updated
Work on the roundabout is expected to start in June and
on construction progress
will take place through the summer months. Residents
on the new roundabout? Visit
and drivers who want to stay updated on the construction
www.sprucegrove.org/mcleodroundabout.
progress can visit www.sprucegrove.org/mcleodroundabout.
ROUNDABOUTS ARE SAFER
90%
reduction in fatalities
75%
reduction in injuries
37%
reduction in total
number of collisions
40%
reduction in
pedestrian collisions
Statistics from the Transportation Research Board
Why a roundabout?
When looking at options to manage traffic volume at the McLeod Avenue and Nelson Drive
intersection, a modern roundabout was selected for several reasons:
• It will meet long-term traffic demand
at the intersection;
Installing traffic lights at the intersection
was investigated as an option, but a
roundabout was determined to be a better
• It will provide a high level of service to drivers by offering free flow traffic, while choice for several reasons, including:
also improving intersection safety; and,
• It will allow for improved traffic flow
• It will fit within the existing right of way (no starting/stopping at lights);
and will not require the acquisition
of lands.
Furthermore, because vehicles are not
forced to stop, there is the added bonus
of reducing delays, congestion, noise
and fuel consumption.
The design of a modern roundabout also
accommodates vehicles of various sizes,
as large trucks can get around using the
truck apron, while smaller vehicles are
accommodated within the paved roadway
portion of the roundabout.
• There will be less ongoing maintenance and related costs, as no lights are
required;
• Vehicles do not have to stop at off-peak periods; and,
• It will continue to function during
power failures.
Safety benefits
A modern roundabout is also safer than a signalized intersection, as
traffic moves through the intersection at a slower speed with fewer conflict
points for pedestrians and drivers. The circular design reduces the number
of head-on or right-angle, commonly referred to as T-bone, collisions.
At a four-way intersection there are at least 32 possible vehicle-to-vehicle
conflicts, while at a four-way roundabout there are only eight.
Additionally, due to the traffic flow, pedestrians only have to cross
one direction of traffic at a time instead of having to watch for vehicles
in both directions. Pedestrians also cross directly in front of drivers,
which makes it easy for drivers to see and yield to pedestrian traffic,
and because there are no traffic signals to identify a “walk” phase,
drivers must yield to pedestrians who want to cross the street.
MORE!
A modern roundabout is also designed to accommodate pedestrians with
clearly marked crossings that are setback several vehicle lengths from
the yield line. The crossings are separated by a splitter island, which
is a paved area between the lanes. These islands provide a safe place
for pedestrians to pause when crossing the street, making crossing
distances shorter.
citypulse l SUMMER
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How do I drive
in a modern
roundabout?
MCLEOD AVENUE
1
1
2
Approach
3
• Slow down as you approach the
roundabout and look for advance
street signage and pavement markings
to help you choose the appropriate lane
for your desired exit point.
• Choose the lane as you would for any
other intersection: use the left lane
to turn left or go straight and the
right lane to turn right or go straight.
Remember – lane changes are not
permitted in a roundabout!
• Watch for any pedestrians or cyclists
and be ready to stop if required.
Pedestrian crossings are located well
before the entrance to the roundabout.
Stay in your lane if you need to stop.
2
Yield
• As you approach
the first corner, yield
and look to your left
for oncoming traffic.
Vehicles that are
already in the
roundabout have
the right-of-way.
N
NELSO
DRIVE
4
4
Exit
N
• As you approach your desired exit, use your
right turn signal to indicate to other drivers
you are leaving the roundabout. Remain in
your chosen lane and exit the roundabout.
Again, watch for pedestrians and cyclists
and stop if necessary.
MCLEOD AVENUE
3
Proceed
NELSON DRIVE
• Look for a safe opportunity to enter the
roundabout. When there is an adequate gap
in the traffic flow, enter the roundabout
to your right and proceed until you reach
your desired exit.
• Maintain a speed of 30–40 km/h through
the roundabout.
• Always travel in a counter-clockwise
direction and keep moving – stopping
is not permitted once you are in a
roundabout unless traffic conditions
require it. If you happen to miss your exit,
you must continue until you meet it again.
Splitter island
Yield sign
Crosswalk
Directional
arrows
citypulse l SUMMER
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This is our
community too
You’ve probably seen us, in our bright orange and yellow,
as we do our jobs. Mowing the sports fields where your
kids play soccer. Emptying the garbage cans along
the path where you walk your dog. Watering the
flower planters that brighten your drive to work.
Fixing a watermain line so you can have a hot shower.
Repairing the streets that get you where you
need to go.
We work here, but many of us live here too. We care
about this community and all the people who call it home.
When you see us this summer, please slow down and
give us room to work. It’s the courteous and the safe
thing to do – for everyone involved.
Let’s work together so we can
all go home at the end of the day.
Summer safety
Enjoy the season with
these simple tips
The words “summer” and “vacation” go hand-in-hand for many people, whether it’s a few weekend
getaways, a trip to an exotic destination or a “stay-cation” right here in Spruce Grove. Whatever your plans,
while you’re out having fun, don’t forget to also stay safe.
“When you’re out enjoying the weather or away on vacation, it can be easy for safety to slip from
your mind,” says Deputy Chief Tim Vandenbrink with Spruce Grove Fire Services and the City’s
Safe City Initiative. “But there are many things you can do that will help eliminate crimes of opportunity
and keep you and your property safe this summer.”
Be a wise weekender
Planning a camping trip or weekend
getaway? There are a number of steps
you can take to keep your property
protected during your absence. Give
the appearance that someone is still
home by using timers on your lights
and electronics, such as a radio, to mimic
activity inside. If you are planning to
be away from home for an extended
period of time, ask a trusted neighbour
to check your home regularly and if
you’re going to be away for more than
a few days, have them collect your mail
as well. Resist the temptation to blast
your holiday plans on social media,
advertising to thieves or mischief-makers
that you will be away from home.
Lock up your belongings
After a full day of playing outside, it is
important to tidy up your yard to help
prevent property theft. Anything that
is unfastened – be it to the ground,
your fence, deck or house – is at risk of
being snatched up by thieves. Bicycles,
sports equipment and children’s toys
can be easily taken off your lawn. Put
these items away in the garage or shed
and keep that structure locked when
not in use. And consider adding a lock
to your gate to further deter thieves.
Know your neighbours
Make a record
It’s no secret that neighbours who
know each other, look out for one
another. Make an effort to get to know
the people who live around you this
summer. One way to meet and mingle
with your neighbours is by hosting
a block party. Growing in popularity,
block parties provide an opportunity
for neighbours to get together, learn
about each other and strengthen
their community connections. For
information on the City’s block party
program, see page 18.
If you haven’t done so already, take a
photo and jot down the make, model,
colour, serial number and any other
unique characteristics of seasonal items
in your household, such as bicycles
and all-terrain vehicles. This will be
helpful in the event these items are lost
or stolen. By collecting this information
in advance, you will be able to provide
it to law enforcement, which may
increase the chance of recovering
your missing property.
Eliminate crimes of opportunity
Crime prevention is a community
commitment. In the event of an
emergency, call 911. Otherwise,
report any suspicious activity to the
RCMP by calling 780-962-2222.
Consider adding the RCMP contact line
to your cell phone so you will have
easy access if you need it. If you have
information about a crime that has
taken place, but would prefer to remain
anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers
at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or report it
online at www.tipsubmit.com.
When you remove the opportunity
for someone to get into mischief, you
increase your safety and the protection
of your property. It can be as simple as
storing your waste and organics carts in
your garage until the morning of your
regular waste collection day, or clearing
the clutter from your backyard. If items
are put away, the temptation to use
or steal those items also disappears.
Additionally, turn on outside or motion
sensor lights so troublemakers will have
a harder time hiding in the shadows.
Report suspicious activity
For more tips on keeping your property and
neighbourhood safe, visit www.sprucegrove.org/safecity.
citypulse l SUMMER
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CALA
KING STREET
OAD
HOO R
EIL
RH
IFE
NN
JE
D
OA
YR
UR
NT
CE
WA
Y
GROVE DRIVE
MCLEOD AVENUE
HIGHWAY 16A
N
SOUTH AVENUE
• Central Park, 450 King St.
• Columbus Park, McLeod Avenue
• Fuhr Sports Park, 211 Jennifer Heil Way
• Henry Singer Park, South Avenue
• Heritage Grove Park
• Jubilee Park, 510 Grove Dr.
•Naturescape, 600 Main St.
• Rotary Centennial Park, 99 Campsite Rd.
• Rotary Playscape, 211 Jennifer Heil Way
• Spruce Grove Skate Park, 450 King St.
•
•
Penn-West Energy splash pad
Located at the front entrance of Fuhr Sports Park/Rotary Playscape
at 211 Jennifer Heil Way
Central Park splash pad
Located at Central Park at 450 King St.
•
•
Cpl. Jim Galloway Memorial
Off Leash Area, 51 Century Close
Marlboro Off-Leash Park,
south of Marlboro Drive
PARKS
In Spruce Grove, neighbourhood and community parks are
recreation destinations. They can be a great place to spend
a casual afternoon with family, play a game of tennis or go for
a bike ride while enjoying the beautiful summer weather.
On the city’s west end, Fuhr Sports Park has twin artificial turf
fields, a fieldhouse and concession that are open from April
to November. The park is available to rent for commercial and
personal use, from sporting tournaments to birthday parties.
For more information visit www.sprucegrove.org/fsp.
Over on the east side, the Henry Singer Park is home to four
Class A ball diamonds, six outdoor pickleball courts and four
tennis courts. The ball diamonds are available to rent, while
the pickleball and tennis courts are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
on a first-come first-served basis starting in May, weather
permitting. For rental inquiries, call 780-962-7579.
The Heritage Grove Park is unique in that it’s actually a trail
system. This protected natural wonder provides more than
40 kilometres of trails, so hop on your bike or rollerblades
and explore! It’s also an opportunity to learn, as along the
trails are a series of outdoor classrooms that highlight the
history and evolution of the forest. For more information
visit www.sprucegrove.org/heritagepark.
In addition to the ones listed here, there are dozens of
neighbourhood parks, sports fields and playgrounds
sprinkled throughout Spruce Grove. For a map of all
recreation amenities, visit www.sprucegrove.org/parks.
SPLASH PAD AREAS
Beat the heat with a visit to one of the City’s two splash pads
this summer. The splash pads are open May through September,
weather dependent. The Penn-West Energy splash pad is open
Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Central Park splash
pad is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information visit www.sprucegrove.org/splashpads.
DOG OFF-LEASH PARKS
Your four-legged family members need exercise too, so why
not take a trip to one of the City’s two dog off-leash parks?
Both parks are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Dogs are
also welcome in most other public spaces in Spruce Grove,
including trails and parks, but they must be kept on a leash
no longer than three metres long at all times in these areas.
For more information visit www.sprucegrove.org/offleash.
Alberta Recreation and Parks Association
has declared June Recreation and Parks Month.
Each year we encourage everyone to get out
and get active as there are many benefits of
recreation and parks. For information on this year’s
challenges, visit www.sprucegrove.org/JRPM.
When using parks,
playgrounds and
sports fields, please
remember to be considerate
and respectful of other recreation users.
When using a first-come first-served
facility, keep your games to a reasonable
length if others are waiting. Also, please
use the amenities for their intended
purpose – that means no inline skates,
bicycles or hockey sticks on the courts
or off-leash dogs in the trail system.
The City’s recreation destinations are
there for everyone to enjoy, so remember
your manners and have some fun!
Residents are welcome to hold personal events,
like birthday parties or family barbecues,
in local parks, but are asked to follow
a few guidelines when planning the event.
To view the park guidelines, visit
www.sprucegrove.org/parkguidelines.
Also keep in mind that park areas and amenities
are not formally booked for exclusive use, but
are available on a first come, first served basis.
WHO TO CALL
For more information on parks, playgrounds and sports fields,
call Recreation Services at 780-962-7579 or email
[email protected].
For sports field conditions call 780-962-7602.
citypulse l SUMMER
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Meet and greet
on your street
City’s block party program boosts community spirit and safety
Never before have we lived so close together, yet feel
so far apart.
For Beverley Barker, this is one of the main reasons Spruce
Grove residents should host a block party this summer.
“We’re living in a time when people can so easily become
stuck in the routine of coming home, pulling into their
garage and disappearing into the abyss that is their house,”
says Barker, FCSS Supervisor - Adults and Families with
the City of Spruce Grove’s Family and Community Support
Services (FCSS) department. “When you host a block party,
people get outside, meet their neighbours and have an
opportunity to strengthen their sense of community.”
Recognizing this, the City created a block party program,
presented by FCSS and Safe City, to help facilitate these
events and encourage residents to organize and host
neighbourhood get-togethers each summer.
“It’s definitely worked,” says Barker. “Block parties have
become a movement.”
Every year, the City accepts dozens of registrations for
neighbourhood block parties that bring long-time
residents together with those who are fairly new to the
city, and everyone in between.
“You could be living down the street from someone who
has children the same age as yours or a neighbour with
a valuable skill who could help you build a deck or install
new light fixtures,” says Barker. “Or, maybe you live near
someone who would love to start a book club, but is
having trouble finding participants and that’s right up your
alley. You could potentially live there for years and never
meet them.
“Block parties create a venue for exposing gifts and talents
and making those kinds of connections.”
You really don’t need a reason to host a block party.
Wanting to enjoy an afternoon or evening with the people
in your neighbourhood is reason enough.
“By hosting a block party, you are helping to build
a healthier, more connected community that is better
positioned to care for one another,” Barker said.
Tim Vandenbrink, Deputy Chief with Spruce Grove
Fire Services and the City’s Safe City initiative, couldn’t
agree more.
“Neighbours who know one another, look out for each
other,” Vandenbrink says, adding that because these
events bring people together and encourage community
connections, they inherently boost community safety.
“Block parties are a perfect opportunity to get to know
your neighbours and move past exchanging only
a passing wave or the universal nod that says hello,”
he says. “Take the time to host a block party, introduce
yourself to your neighbours and have a conversation.
Get to know them. It will make all the difference
in your community.”
How to register
your block party:
To register a block party, fill out a block party
application form and return it to Spruce Grove FCSS
in person, by email or fax. Application forms can
be found at www.sprucegrove.org/blockparty.
Spruce Grove FCSS office:
105 – 505 Queen St.
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 780-960-5228
Hosting? Check out
our checklist!
Submit block party application to the
City of Spruce Grove at least two weeks
prior to your event
 Choose location
Some benefits of registering your
block party with the City are:
• Block parties help build community spirit and strengthen
community safety.
• Everyone who registers a block party will receive a helpful kit full of tips and tools, including the Block Party Guide that features frequently asked questions, invitations and a host checklist.
•
Organizers who register their block party before July 1, 2016,
will be eligible to win a $100 food voucher for their event.
Block parties must be held between May 25 and Sept. 10
to be eligible.
•
Community peace officers and/or Fire Services personnel might
just drop by your event to introduce themselves and get to know you. Arriving in an enforcement vehicle or fire truck, the lights
and sirens are sure to be a hit!
•
Organizers who register a block party with the City have access
to barricades through Enforcement Services. These barricades
can be used to block off part of the road in your neighbourhood
to provide space for your event. Barricades must be requested
at least two days in advance and are to be picked up and returned by the party organizer.
 Decide if pets are allowed
 Send out invites
 Prepare a few group icebreaker activities
 Involve kids and teens in planning process
Visit www.sprucegrove.org/blockparty
for a complete To Do list!
Rave reviews
“We got to know our neighbours and are planning other events together.
We had lots of fun. The kids were laughing and playing together.”
“Block parties open up conversations and make for a
friendlier neighbourhood.”
“We have been holding block parties since 2007 and we are
extremely thankful for the encouragement and supports offered
by the City of Spruce Grove.”
citypulse l SUMMER
2016
19
Let garage sale
season begin!
Buy and sell like a pro
Garage sale season has returned for another year and whether you’re
planning to host a sale or browse for bargains, you can never be too prepared.
We all hear about those lucky bargain hunters who find
amazing deals every weekend, but there’s more to their
success than bringing a rabbit foot with them. If you want
to increase your odds of scoring that great deal, a little
prep work can help you find a seller’s bottom line and
shop like a pro.
Before you start shopping, clean out your vehicle so you
have plenty of storage space and can avoid having to
make arrangements for pickup or asking the seller to hold
an item for the day. In the spirit of garage-saling, plan to
load it or leave it. You may also want to bring some
extra bags or boxes along with you to hold your finds
throughout the day.
Show up early, but not too early. If you want the best
selection, you need to get there close to the start of
a sale, but don’t be the dreaded early bird who is hanging
around as sellers are still setting out their wares. On the
flip side, showing up at the end of the day can also work
as sellers may be more willing to hand out deals to clear
out the remaining items.
Bring plenty of change and small bills with you. Most
sellers will have change on hand, but would prefer
not to be paid for a $2 item with a $20 bill.
Try and buy in bulk. As you see items you want, collect
them together and try to strike a bundle deal when
you’re done shopping. Sellers may seize the opportunity
to get rid of multiple items and give you a bit of a
discount. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit, but an
excessively low-ball offer likely won’t get you the item.
And remember, being a garage sale guru is not a
one-sided coin. Garage sale hosts can also employ
a few tactics to set themselves up for success.
Being organized will make it easy for shoppers to spend
their money at your sale. Clearly mark every individual
item you have for sale, or use signs to group items
together. If you have a lot of one type of item for sale
– such as children’s clothing or toys – consider letting
people fill a bag for a specific price.
Have extra grocery bags and newsprint on hand to wrap
breakable items and consider setting up an extension
cord so customers can check the operation of electrical
items, such as blenders, lamps and so on.
Also, keep in mind that some people are afraid of and/or
allergic to animals, so even if your dog is the gentlest pet
on the street, leave him inside.
As your sale wraps up, do what you can to avoid bringing
any remaining items back in your house (remember you
were trying to clear them out for a reason!). Donate items
to a thrift store or charity – some will even collect items
directly from your house.
With the growing popularity of garage sales in Spruce
Grove, the City also offers a free garage sale advertising
program to residents. Sellers can submit their sales
to the program to be included on a list and map that
is posted weekly on the City’s website and in the
Grove Examiner newspaper. It’s a great way for sellers
to advertise their sales and buyers to find sales
each week. Full program details can be found
at www.sprucegrove.org/garagesales.
Started in 2010, the advertising program has become
such a hit it’s expanded from a half-page to a full-page
advertisement and map in the Examiner, which partners
with the City to provide this free service. That first year
290 garage sales were advertised through the program
and in 2015 that number had jumped to 432.
“
“
Our free garage sale advertising program is a quick and easy way for
residents to promote and find sales in our city. – Jennifer Hetherington
“We wanted to help connect residents who are hosting
garage sales with those who are looking to find some
deals,” says Jennifer Hetherington, Spruce Grove’s
Manager of Corporate Communications. “Our free
garage sale advertising program is a quick and easy
way for residents to promote and find sales in our city.”
In addition to the free garage sale advertising program,
residents can also post signs advertising their garage
sales on the property where the sale will be held. City
bylaws restrict signs from being posted on street lights,
boulevards, on vehicles and anywhere else that isn’t
directly on the property.
“We would encourage anyone who is having a garage
sale to use this service,” adds Hetherington. “It’s a great
way to get the word out about your garage sale or plan
your route if you feel like doing a bit of bargain hunting
this summer.”
Promote that sale!
Take advantage of the City’s free
garage sale advertising program
If you’re planning to have a garage sale in
Spruce Grove, promote it through the City’s
free garage sale advertising program:
1. You can submit your sale details a
maximum of 10 days before your sale
at www.sprucegrove.org/garagesales.
Request forms are also available at
City Hall. The deadline to provide your
information is Wednesday at noon for
sales occurring that weekend.
2. A list of garage sales and a map is posted
on the City’s website by noon each Thursday.
3. The Grove Examiner publishes the list
of sales and the map in every Friday’s
newspaper.
Only garage sales that are being held
within City limits can be advertised
through this program.
citypulse l SUMMER
2016
21
Don’t be a noisy neighbour
With longer daylight hours during the summer months, it’s normal to
spend more time working and playing outside, but be cognizant of
how much noise you are making. If you are having people over and
spending time outdoors, try and keep the noise to a reasonable level.
The City’s noise bylaw permits the use of domestic equipment, which
includes items like lawn mowers, weed trimmers and garden tillers,
between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
If you need to file a noise complaint, call Enforcement Services
at 780-962-7585.
www.sprucegrove.org/bylaws
TRI-US EVENT TOURISM
The Economic and Business Development department
provides financial support to community groups
and non-profit organizations hosting events in the
City of Spruce Grove. These events must demonstrate
benefit to the community.
Apply online today at www.sprucegrove.org/tri-us.
Summer RV storage
If you own a recreational vehicle, you are permitted to park it on an
authorized driveway in your front or side yard between May 1 and Oct. 31.
It must be safely parked and cannot project onto the sidewalk or street
or create a negative impact on your neighbours’ enjoyment of their
property.
RVs are defined as “a portable structure designed to provide temporary
living quarters that is either carried on or pulled by a vehicle; a vehicle
that is designed to provide temporary living quarters to be used for
travel, recreation, leisure or vacation purposes, including, but not limited
to, travel trailers, truck campers, fifth wheel trailers, motor homes
and tent trailers, boats and snowmobiles.”
For more information visit www.sprucegrove.org/RVstorage.
Friday, July 1 – Jubilee Park
510 GROVE DRIVE (EAST OF SPRUCE VILLAGE)
Pancake breakfast
Canada Day ceremony and cake
Free park and ride service
AdventureZone
KidZone
Live entertainment
and demonstrations
Food and product vendors
Exhibitors
Fireworks
www.sprucegrove.org/celebrate
Watch for the Canada Day Celebration Guide – arriving in your mailbox in June!
citypulse l SUMMER
2016
23
Get that permit!
IF YOU’RE THINKING OF DOING SOME OUTDOOR
CONSTRUCTION THIS SUMMER, like building a deck
or adding a hot tub to your backyard, you’re not alone.
The City refers to these structures as “accessory buildings” and the warm weather months are
traditionally some of the busiest for the City’s Planning and Development department as staff
handle questions, requests and applications from residents who want to take advantage
of the long, sunny days to construct that accessory building.
And it’s an important stop to make before you begin any type of exterior construction project,
because chances are good you will need to apply for a development permit, a building permit,
or both, before you start swinging a hammer.
Building permits focus on the structural stability of a building and safety of its occupants, while development
permits deal with the development’s impact on surrounding properties. Both types of permits help
ensure work is completed in accordance with the City’s Land Use Bylaw and Alberta’s Safety Codes Act.
“
“
Come by with your ideas, drawings or plans and we can
certainly assist you in determining what applications
you need to complete your project. – Tanya Ouellette
“The Land Use Bylaw is our guiding document for all development
on private property within Spruce Grove,” explains Michael Reyes,
Planner I. “The intent is to ensure that land is developed in an orderly
way and buildings have a consistent look that aligns with the character
of the subdivision or neighbourhood.”
All permit applications must be completed and submitted to the Planning
and Development department for review and approval. Application forms
are available on the City’s website at www.sprucegrove.org/permits, or
directly at the office. There are also several checklists/brochures available
to help residents make sure they are including all the required documents
and fees with their application.
Development permit applications are generally processed within two
to four weeks depending on the complexity of the project, plus a 21-day
appeal period, so it’s a good idea to think ahead when planning
your project.
It is also recommended that people stop by the office if they have
questions or are unsure if they need a permit for their project. “We’re here
to help,” says Tanya Ouellette, Development Officer I. “Come by with your
ideas, drawings or plans and we can certainly assist you in determining
what applications you need to complete your project.”
Decks
Decks that are not higher than 0.6 metres (2 feet)
off the ground do not require a permit. Decks
higher than that require both a development permit
and a building permit prior to construction. Decks
must also be no closer than 1 metre (3.3 feet) to rear
and side property lines, including decks that do not
require permits. There are exceptions to these rules
(e.g. 0 lot line development).
If you are covering an existing deck, a development
and building permit are both required. When
covering an existing deck there will be different
setback requirements and these should be discussed
with a development officer.
Sheds, pergolas and gazebos
Sheds, pergolas and gazebos that are less than
10 square metres (approximately 107.6 square feet)
do not require a permit. Sheds, pergolas or gazebos
larger than that require both a development permit
and a building permit prior to construction. They must
also be located a minimum of 2 metres (6.6 feet) from
the residence and no closer than 1 metre (3.3 feet) to
the rear and side property lines. There are exceptions
to these rules (e.g. 0 lot line development).
Eaves for accessory buildings
Eaves must not project more than 0.6 metres (2 feet)
into a required setback.
Planning and Development
Office location:
414 King St.
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mailing address:
315 Jespersen Ave.
Spruce Grove, Alta. T7X 3E8
Phone: 780-962-7582
Fire pit permits
If you want to add a fire pit to your backyard,
an application for a fire pit permit needs to be
submitted to Fire Services for review and approval.
All residential fire pits require this free permit,
which, once approved, remains valid as long as no
changes are made to the structure of the fire pit.
A development permit is not required for a fire pit.
For information visit www.sprucegrove.org/firepit.
Garages
Both a development permit and a building permit
are required prior to construction and must meet the
required regulations in the Land Use Bylaw.
Retaining walls
A development permit is required for all retaining
walls. Any retaining wall that is greater than one
metre (3.3 feet) in height also requires a building
permit, which must be accompanied by drawings
that have been approved by a professional
structural engineer.
Swimming pools and hot tubs
Swimming pools and hot tubs both require building
permits prior to installation. Contact the Planning
and Development department to determine if a
development permit will also be required.
citypulse l SUMMER
2016
25
A PLACE
WHERE
EVERYONE
CAN BELONG
Lions Log Cabin provides
inclusive environment
for local youth
B
BRENDAN KRONEWITT can’t help but chuckle when you call him a Lions Log Cabin
success story because while he realizes it sounds like a complete cliché, he also knows
it’s the absolute truth.
Kronewitt, who is now the Youth
Mentorship Program Facilitator with
the City of Spruce Grove, started
hanging out at the Log Cabin when
he was a junior high student at
Woodhaven Middle School. Today, as
one of the City’s primary on-site staff
at the cabin, he’s a mentor to youth
who go there to meet friends, practise
their skills at the nearby Spruce Grove
Skate Park, work in the concession
or participate in one of the free
weekly programs.
His goal is simple. He wants to
give Spruce Grove and area youth
the same welcoming, inclusive
environment he felt when he came
to the Log Cabin.
“Speaking from experience, it really
does mean the world to them to have
a good, safe place to hang out,” says
Kronewitt, or “Kronsey” as he’s often
called by the youth at the cabin.
Located at 454 King St., the Lions
Log Cabin has been home to the City
of Spruce Grove’s Youth Mentorship
Program for years. Operated by staff
from the City’s Family and Community
Support Services (FCSS) department,
the facility and its programs are
available and open to everyone.
“There are many communities that
have youth centres or youth hubs,”
says Kristi Starling, Youth Services
Supervisor. “But I really feel the Log
Cabin is unique in that it’s completely
inclusive. Our primary focus is youth,
but there are no age restrictions.
There is no membership or drop-in
fee. We offer programs, but they are
set up in a less structured format so
youth can come and go as they need.”
Kronewitt agrees. As a high school
student, he remembers the importance
of not just having a place to go and
hang out, but to build connections
with other youth and staff from
the cabin.
“Youth need support systems and the
Log Cabin is a place where everyone
can belong,” he says. “The connections
they make here can be very helpful as
they go through what, for some, can
be a challenging time in their lives.
They grow into good people by
having other good influences.”
That happens by providing an open
and informal environment where
youth can come to relax with friends
and enjoy a game of pool, or try
something new through the Youth
Mentorship Program’s weekly
programs, like Craft Corner or Movies
and Smoothies.
“It’s a place where youth can build
those social skills and meet new
people,” says Kronewitt, or develop
new hobbies – like playing guitar
during Jam Night – and then progress
at them. Kronewitt, an experienced
skateboarder who is sponsored by a
local shop, can often be found at the
skate park with youth, giving pointers
and encouragement as they work on
their technique or try something new.
“The long-term impact is huge,” she
says. “We hear many success stories
from youth who are all products of the
mentorship program. It’s incredibly
rewarding to watch them go on and
achieve success in other ways.”
“When we’re out there, I’m showing
them how to skate, but they are
also learning important life skills,
like commitment, persistence and
respect,” he says, “which is cool to see,
whether they know it or not.”
Open Tuesday to Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.
and Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m., the
Log Cabin is always staffed, which
means it’s a near guarantee you’ll
see Kronewitt at the building. The
concession, which sells snacks and ice
cream, is open the same hours, and in
the summer, starting July 2, the hours
for both the Log Cabin and the
concession extend on Tuesday to
Friday from 2 to 8 p.m.
There’s also the opportunity for a
mentorship cycle at the cabin, adds
Megan Levitt, Community Development
Coordinator – Youth, who works at
the Log Cabin with both Starling
and Kronewitt.
“Youth who come here, like Brendan
did, are encouraged to become
involved within the program as
mentors, while still being mentored
themselves and the City also offers
youth mentorship through the
Summer in the City programs as a
volunteer leader (Leaders in Training),”
says Levitt.
“We are here to have a positive
influence on our youth, which often
results in them having a positive
influence on their peers.”
Not only that, adds Starling, but
because of the Log Cabin’s connection
to FCSS, staff can easily provide youth
with resources or make referrals
when appropriate.
“The Log Cabin allows us to build
authentic relationships with the youth
in our community,” Starling says, “and
because they have built rapport with
us and it’s a familiar environment, it
creates an opportunity for them to
open up or ask for help if needed.
They may feel more comfortable
confiding or disclosing to us when they
are dealing with a difficult situation and
then we can provide that encouragement
or assistance. We are not here for us,
we are here for them.”
It’s really about planting seeds
with the youth in the community,
adds Starling.
“It’s my home away from home,”
laughs Kronewitt. “It’s a great place
to hang out in the summer, but our
doors are open all year long and I’d
definitely invite anyone to come by
and check out the cabin.”
He’s also proud to be considered a
Lions Log Cabin success story.
“I didn’t realize what an impact this
place had on me until I got a bit older,”
Kronewitt says. “This building, and the
people who I’ve met and the friends
I’ve made, have moulded me into the
person I am today. I’m so grateful to
now have an opportunity to give back
to youth who remind me of myself.”
Log Cabin Youth Mentorship
Program weekly programs
Check out one of the weekly programs
offered at the Lions Log Cabin.
No registration is required and all
programs are provided at no charge.
Tuesday
Tye Dye Tuesdays – Create an old school
tye dye masterpiece; you choose the
colour, style and swirls to brighten up
your wardrobe.
Wednesday
Game of S.K.A.T.E. /Ultimate Challenge –
Stop by the skate park for a game of
S.K.A.T.E. or participate in ping pong and
pool challenges. You may win yourself
the weekly prize!
Thursday
Movies and Smoothies – Whip up a
smoothie, chill out on a couch, and enjoy
old flicks or new releases. Popcorn and
refreshments provided for all viewers.
Friday
Jam Night – Bring your own instruments
to jam, or use a variety of instruments at
the cabin to create your own tunes and
rhythms. All skills levels are welcome.
Saturday
Craft Corner/Skate ED – Learn about
different types of skateboarding or hang
out in the cabin and let your creativity run
wild with various drawing, painting and
craft supplies.
Get in touch!
Lions Log Cabin
454 King St.
780-999-8543
www.sprucegrove.org/youth
citypulse l SUMMER
2016
27
Travelling Playground
This summer there’s no reason not to get outside and play
with the City’s popular Travelling Playground program!
This program, which is recommended for children ages five
and up, visits various playgrounds around Spruce Grove
and offers games, activities and crafts that tie in with a specific
theme. Facilitated by staff from the Summer in the City program,
this free drop-in program that runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a
great way to get out and explore some of the neighbourhood
parks in our community. No registration is required,
so you can pop by when it suits your schedule and
enjoy some truly extraordinary summer fun!
Please keep in mind:
• This program is loosely structured so children
can come and go as they please.
•
•
The recommended age for participants is
five and up; however younger children are welcome
to attend as long as they are accompanied by
a parent or guardian.
Parents are responsible for their children at
all times. Due to the drop-in format of the program,
staff do not collect personal information that could
be used to contact parents in case of emergency.
Playground rotation:
Monday: Woodhaven Middle School
Tuesday: Living Waters Christian Academy
Wednesday: Jubilee Park
Thursday: Lakewood Park
Friday: Millgrove School
Week 1: July 4–8
Week 2: July 11–15
Week 5: Aug. 2–5
Week 6: Aug. 8–12
Week 7: Aug. 15–18
3, 2, 1 Summer!
Gold Rush
Colour Craze
Wonders of Water
Nature Gone Wild (4-day week)
Bubble Bazaar
Best of the Best (4-day week)
• If the weather decides to be less than cooperative
on any particular day, the program may be cancelled.
www.sprucegrove.org/summerinthecity
FoOtlights
summer drama
classes
All the world’s a stage!
Do you have a budding performer or two (or more!) in your family?
Is your living room frequently transformed into a theatre where you
watch productions that were written, rehearsed and acted by your
own kids?
If so, you can help encourage that creativity by signing them up
for a FoOtlights summer drama class, offered by Horizon Stage.
This summer there are three classes that will provide an opportunity
for children age 6 – 13, to expand their acting skills in a safe,
collaborative environment.
“We want to provide a space where these kids can feel comfortable
exploring their acting skills with others who share their interests,”
explains Brandi Wurtz, Theatre Manager with Horizon Stage. “Each
class will be facilitated by local drama teacher Matthew Ma and
Rebecca Considine. We’re also very excited to be expanding opportunities
for older students this year by offering a full day Acting III class.”
All classes will be held at the Border Paving Athletic Centre, located
at 9 Tri Leisure Way. For more information or to register, visit
www.horizonstage.com or call 780-962-8995.
“It’s really a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about acting and,
for the older groups, to see what’s involved in putting on a performance,”
says Wurtz. “It’s also very rewarding to see the students build their
skills and their confidence through their drama class experience.”
tion
Registra !
en
now op
Acting I (ages 6–7)
Dates: July 18–22 or Aug. 22–26
Time: 9–11 a.m.
Cost: $100
Jam-packed with a variety of games and basic drama exercises
suitable for younger children, Acting I is a five-morning drama
camp where kids will be encouraged to play, pretend and let
their sillies out.
Acting II (ages 8–9)
Dates: July 18–22 or Aug. 22–26
Time: 12–3 p.m.
Cost: $130
This five-afternoon drama camp will use a variety of drama
games and techniques to encourage kids to explore and expand
their acting skills. Throughout the week, Acting II students will
work on a short showcase piece that they will present on the
last day of camp.
Acting III (ages 10–13)
Dates: Aug. 15–19
Time: 9 a.m. –3 p.m.
Cost: $200
Acting III is a more intense, full-day drama camp that will use
drama games, improvisation techniques, character and scene
work to help students delve deeper into their acting abilities.
Throughout the week, participants will work together to create
a longer showcase piece that they will present on the last day
of camp.
Upcoming changes to City Hall Ticket Centre
Earlier this year, Ticketmaster announced a decision to close
all retail outlet locations across Canada by the end of 2016,
including the one in the City Hall Ticket Centre. As a result,
on Aug. 1, 2016, the City Hall Ticket Centre will cease all
Ticketmaster operations.
The City Hall Ticket Centre will continue handling ticket sales
for shows at Horizon Stage and the Spruce Grove Saints.
Through July, Ticket Centre hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
but as of Aug. 1 the hours will change to 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Horizon Stage 2016-17 season will go on sale July 7
at 9:30 a.m. Stop by Horizon Stage’s exhibitor booth at this
year’s Canada Day Celebration on July 1 in Jubilee Park
to find out who is coming this season!
www.horizonstage.com
citypulse l SUMMER
2016
29
Don’t forget – taxes are due by June 30
Annual tax notices for 2016 are mailed out to all Spruce Grove property owners in late May. If you have not
received a tax notice by the second week in June, please call 780-962-7634 ext. 119. Annual tax payments
are due by June 30, 2016. Supplementary taxes are due 30 days after the mailing date.
Payment options include:
Monthly installments
The City’s monthly pre-authorized
payment plan is an easy and effective
way of budgeting for your property
taxes and avoiding late payment
penalties. Sign up by completing
a preauthorized payment form
available at City Hall or online at
www.sprucegrove.org/taxpayments.
By mail
Mail your remittance stub and your
tax payment to:
City of Spruce Grove
315 Jespersen Ave.
Spruce Grove, Alta.
T7X 3E8
Postmark date must be on or before
June 30 to avoid late payment penalties.
At City Hall
Come by City Hall Monday to Friday
between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to pay
your taxes by debit, cheque or money
order (credit cards are not accepted for
tax payments). If paying by debit, please
check with your bank for your debit
card daily purchase limit. Cheques can
be post-dated for June 30, 2016. Be sure
to record your account number on your
cheque or money order and always
include the remittance stub with your
payment to ensure it is credited to the
correct tax account.
To avoid late payments and the
associated fees, make your payment
at least three business days before
the penalty date.
Late payments
A penalty of 2.5 per cent of the unpaid
balance is applied to your tax bill for
each month that the payment is not
received.
After hours payments can be deposited
in the mail slot beside the main doors
on the southeast side of City Hall, both
during and after regular business hours.
At your financial institution
Use your financial institution’s telephone
or online banking services to pay your
taxes. Be sure to enter your tax roll number
when using this method to ensure
your payment is applied to the correct
account. Keep in mind payments made
through your financial institution are
not automatically received by the City.
Join our team!
If you’re looking for a welcoming and rewarding place to work, consider joining the City of Spruce Grove!
We are truly the “employer of choice,” offering excellent benefits and a friendly, family-oriented culture.
Some of the many perks of working with us include:
•
A comprehensive health benefit plan
•
Defined benefit pension plans
•
A safe working environment
•
Employer-supported employee wellness
and social activities
•
Prime parking
•
Training and development
•
Casual Fridays
We value our employees and demonstrate this daily
in how we do business.
For current employment opportunities, visit
www.sprucegrove.org/jobs. Applications are only
accepted online.
Join us and see why we’re the
organization of choice!
www.sprucegrove.org/jobs
Waste collection
BLUE BAGS
When is my collection day?
Recyclables
Weekly collection (year-round)
Includes:
• Aluminum cans
• Cardboard
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Office paper
• Toilet paper rolls
• Telephone books
• Hard plastic bottles/
containers
Monday*:
Acreages in city, Fieldstone, Greenbury,
Hilldowns, Kenton, Linkside, Prescott,
Spruce Village, Stoneshire, Tonewood
Tuesday:
Grove Meadows, Lakewood, Woodside
Wednesday:
Brookwood, Broxton Park, Woodhaven
BLACK CART
Garbage
Weekly collection (year-round)
Includes:
• Aluminum foil
• Bubble wrap
• Broken glass
• Cleaning/baby wipes
• Disposable diapers • Plastic wrap
• Styrofoam
• Food bags
(one-time use plastic)
Thursday:
Aspenglen, City Centre, Creekside,
Jesperdale, Legacy Park, McLaughlin,
Millgrove, Mobile City Estates,
Westgrove
Weekly collection:
(April 11 - Nov. 18, 2016)
Collection moves to
Friday, July 1
Monday, July 4
Heritage Day
Monday, Aug. 1
Tuesday, Aug. 2
Labour Day
Monday, Sept. 5
Tuesday, Sept. 6
Thanksgiving Day
Monday, Oct. 10
Tuesday, Oct. 11
Remembrance Day Friday, Nov. 11
Monday, Nov. 14
Christmas Day
Sunday, Dec. 25
no change
Statutory holiday collection dates:
If your regular waste collection day falls on a
statutory holiday, please put your cart(s)
and blue bags out on the next business day.
*
Large item pickup: June 13-17
on regular collection day
JUNE
Shred-4-Free: Saturday, June 18
Monthly collection:
(December to March)
S pruce G rove’s
Ultimate G uide to
Wha t Goes Wh e re
Date
Canada Day
Free-cycle: June 11-12
www.sprucegrove.org/freecycle
Organics
TRIM
YO U R
TRASH
Holiday
e-roundup: June 7-25
www.sprucegrove.org/eroundup
GREEN CART
Includes:
• Food waste
• Yard waste
• Soiled paper and cardboard
Friday*:
Deer Park, Harvest Ridge, Hawthorne,
Heatherglen, Spruce Ridge,
Sprucewood Villas
TRIM
YOEco
U R Centre
T R A S H
S p ruce G rove’s
Ulti mate G ui d e to
W h a t G o e s W h ere
The Eco Centre is located at 50 Diamond Ave.
Hours: T uesday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Statutory holidays: Closed
sure
what
TNot
R
I
M
goes where? TRIM YOUR TRASH
YO
UR
Search for an item on Trim Your
TTrash,
R AtheSCity’s
H online waste
TRIM YOUR TRASH
www.sprucegrove.org/ecocentre
Spruce Grove’s Ultimate Guide to What Goes Where
S pruce G rove’s
collection
guide. Find it atSpruce Grove’s Ultimate Guide to What Goes Where
Ultimate G uide to
www.sprucegrove.org/trimyourtrash.
Wha
t Goes Where
For more information visit
www.sprucegrove.org/waste
or call 780-962-7584.
citypulse l SUMMER
2016
31
Clear your
clutter!
WE GET IT. Finding the time and energy to tackle your
spring cleaning to-do list can not only be daunting, it’s also –
and let’s be honest here – not that appealing. We know
you’d rather spend your free time enjoying the beautiful
summer weather instead of mucking out your garage or
basement and we’re here to help you clear your clutter
with ease. In June, the City will be hosting four clean-up
opportunities focused on recycling, up-cycling and properly
disposing of the cumbersome, and often awkward, items
in your home. So circle these dates on your calendar and
start crossing some of those jobs off your list!
Reclaim your residence!
LARGE ITEM
PICKUP
Dispose of eligible large items on your
regular waste collection day.
June 13 – 17, 2016
Shred it and forget it!
Let the trea
hunt begin! sure
FREE-CYC
SHRED-4-FREE
Destroy up to four boxes of personal
paperwork for free.
LE
June 18, 2016
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Place unw
anted, reu
sable item
front prop
s on your
erty (adja
cent to th
sidewalk)
e curb or
for others
to take fo
r free!
Ju
West parking lot at the Agrena
ne 11 – 12
, 2016
www.spruce
grove.org/fre
ecycle
It’s time!
E-ROUNDUP
The computer &
dup is on.
TV recycling roun
E
ECO CENTR
e.
50 Diamond Av
June 7 – 25, 2016
/eroundup
www.sprucegrove.org
www.albertarecycling.
ca
citypulse l SUMMER
2016
33
Avoid a backyard jungle
GARDENERS BEWARE: that seemingly innocent package of wildflower seeds
has the potential to not only wreak some major havoc in your yard, but surrounding
natural areas too.
While they look beautiful, in reality many wildflowers
are actually highly invasive plants that can quickly
take over your garden and push their way into
surrounding habitats.
“Planting wildflowers sounds like a natural option and
in most cases, going back to natural is the best option,”
says Ed Delong, Parks Foreman with the City of Spruce
Grove. “Even if most of us believe all plants have
purpose, the problem is that some pre-packaged
mixes may contain seeds of non-native plants that
are considered noxious weeds in Alberta.”
Like baby’s breath. This delicate white flower may look
harmless, but its deep root system can quickly take over
an area and out-compete native species.
“Because many wildflower species are so invasive, they
will often jump the fence and spread at a rapid rate,”
says Delong. “That small package of seeds can result
in a massive infestation, which can cause significant
changes to natural areas and parks.”
A better option, suggests Delong, is to choose
non-invasive plants for your garden and select the
right plant for the right place. If you’re not sure, ask
the staff at your local gardening centre or greenhouse,
or visit www.abinvasives.ca, which has information
about invasive species and suggestions on how to be a
“plant wise” gardener.
And it goes the other way too, says DeLong.
“We want to keep your backyard out of the jungle, but
we also want to keep the jungle out of your backyard.”
Within the City of Spruce Grove, there are two types of
natural areas. The first is a developed park space that
the City can maintain, change and develop as required.
The second is boreal forest and grassland areas that
are not developed and left as natural as possible.
Maintenance is restricted to removing hazardous trees
and fire mitigation work.
In many cases, residential development borders a
natural area, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
“There are many benefits to having natural areas within
an urban setting,” explains Delong. “From a practical
perspective, they produce oxygen and provide wind
protection, soil generation and ground water filtration.
They are also beautiful and provide plenty of opportunities
for relaxation and recreation.”
The problem, however, is when people start infiltrating
these natural spaces.
“Natural areas typically do not need our help to survive,”
he says. “They will be around long after we move on
and by interfering we can actually harm the long-term
viability of these important spaces in our community.”
Simply put, residents need to leave these areas alone,
even if they are just on the other side of your property
line. That means no cutting down trees or clearing
brush, transplanting vegetation or otherwise
disrupting the space.
The main risk, like with the wildflowers, is cross-contamination
in either direction. The more people interfere, the
greater the likelihood that weeds, insects and diseases
can travel into a new area.
“By taking a few precautions and making some
informed choices, you can have a beautiful yard, while
also enjoying and protecting our natural spaces.”
Do you have nature-deficit disorder?
Nature-deficit disorder is a non-medical condition that signifies
an increasing disconnect between people and the environment.
This summer, set a goal for you and your family to get out
and connect with nature. Turn to pages 16 and 17 for suggestions
on how you can stay active and explore the outdoors
in Spruce Grove!
Reduce your
water footprint,
one step at a time
W
WATER is undeniably one of the Earth’s most precious resources.
Not only is it essential to the survival of all living things,
but we rely on it for many of our daily activities, like
taking a shower, preparing a meal or watering the lawn.
Consider for a moment, your own water footprint – that
is the total amount of water you use or consume, directly
or indirectly, on a daily basis.
In Spruce Grove, the average resident uses 177 litres of
water every day. That means over the course of one year,
a family of four uses more water than it takes to fill the
swimming pool at the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre.
Sounds like a lot, right? Well, don’t be discouraged!
Spruce Grove’s peak water usage is closely tied to weather
and outdoor watering, so with summer just around the
corner, Caitlin Van Gaal, the City’s Environmental
Coordinator, has some suggestions for easy changes
you can make this year to reduce your water footprint.
Plus, reducing the amount of water you use also
means reducing your utility bill and who doesn’t like
saving money?
When it comes to conserving water this summer,
Van Gaal says the most important thing to remember is
your lawn only requires 2.5 centimetres of water each
week to grow. Not sure how to measure that? Van Gaal
suggests putting an empty tuna can out on your lawn
while you’re watering. When the can is full, you’re done!
“We know everyone wants beautiful, green grass, but
far too often it comes at the unnecessary price of
over-watering,” Van Gaal said. “Just like you wouldn’t
let the tap in your kitchen run for hours, you shouldn’t
be running water from the hose all day. If water is seeping
onto the sidewalk or your driveway, you’ve definitely used
too much. Using a hose and sprinkler for one hour a week
is enough.”
Equally important to the amount of water you use,
is when you use it. “Because water evaporates quickly
in warmer temperatures, watering during the middle of
the day is less effective than watering in the early
morning or evening,” says Van Gaal.
And let’s be honest. We don’t all have a green thumb
or feel the need to grow grass fit for a golf course. If that
sounds like you, xeriscaping may be the answer!
Originating from the Greek word “xeros,” which means dry,
xeriscaping is a landscaping concept focused on water
conservation. The concept is simple: purposefully select
plants for your yard that require very little watering.
Think succulents, plants with silvery foliage or those with
a waxy coating or woolly leaves. Most importantly, look
for deep-rooted plants that can find their own source of
nutrients and moisture buried deep in the ground. Or, if
you’re not sure where to start, chat with the staff at your
local greenhouse or garden centre so they can point you
in the right direction.
Landscaping your yard with plant species appropriate
for our region will go a long way in reducing the amount
of water required to see them grow. By embracing a
fuss-free yard, you’ll be one step closer to shrinking
your water footprint a size or two.
Conserving H20 101
•Use a rain barrel to collect water for free! Water collected in a rain barrel
can be used on your lawn, plants and shrubs.
•Consider using native grasses, such as fine fescues or rye grass. These
varieties are more drought-tolerant compared to the commonly used
Kentucky Blue Grass, which requires more frequent watering.
•After an afternoon of outdoor fun, reuse water from kiddie pools
on your lawn, plants and shrubs.
• Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
•Clean your vehicle at a local car wash bay, rather than in your driveway,
to conserve water and prevent chemical runoff from entering the
City’s sewer system and stormwater ponds.
citypulse l SUMMER
2016
35
City facility rentals
The City of Spruce Grove provides facilities to rent for events such as wedding receptions, anniversary
celebrations, birthdays, programs, meetings and sporting events. For more information call
780-962-7579, email [email protected] or visit www.sprucegrove.org/facilityrentals.
Spruce Grove Agrena
9 Agrena Rd.
Dry-pad rentals
Available April–August
Ice rentals
Available August–April
Agra Room
(2nd floor of the Stu Barnes Arena,
Spruce Grove Agrena)
Capacity: 80
Available year-round
Ball diamonds
and sports fields
Available May 1–Oct. 15, annually
9 Tri Leisure Way
Meeting rooms available year-round
Community parks
A rental is not required, as
community parks are available
for public use (including
Central Park and Jubilee Park)
6 a.m.–11 p.m., daily
www.sprucegrove.org/parkguidelines
Electronic Billboard
Calahoo Road and Highway 16A
Community group advertising
Elks Hall
400 Diamond Ave.
Capacity: 325
Kitchen also available
Fuhr Sports Park
211 Jennifer Heil Way
(Adjacent to the TransAlta
Tri Leisure Centre)
Available April–November
Horizon Stage
1001 Calahoo Rd.
Capacity: 300
Available September–June
Call 780-962-7631 for
booking information.
Pioneer Centre
301 Jespersen Ave.
Call the Golden Age Club
at 780-962-5020 for
Spruce Grove
Curling Club
9 Agrena Rd.
Call the Spruce Grove
Curling Club
at 780-962-3222 for
Interested in booking a City facility for your
event, but not sure where to begin? This
rental checklist will help get you started:
p Book your date
Stop by the Recreation Services office at the
Border Paving Athletic Centre, give them a call at
780-962-7579 or email [email protected]
to book your event up to a year in advance
(Elks Hall: up to two years in advance). Staff are
available Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
to answer questions and reserve your date, or
visit the City of Spruce Grove’s online registration
system to search rental availability and submit
a rental request: www.sprucegrove.org/onlinereg.
p Have you applied for insurance?
Most events require some type of special event
insurance. Many insurance companies offer some
form of special event insurance coverage so check
with your provider or contact a company that
specializes in special event liability, such as
PAL Insurance Brokers (www.palcanada.com).
p Will you be serving alcohol?
Free Wi-Fi on the
SG_Free_Internet network
is available at the
Agrena, Central Park,
Rotary Playscape and
Fuhr Sports Park from
6 a.m. to midnight.
If your venue permits alcohol a liquor licence is
required and, depending on the type of event,
individuals who are serving liquor may require
ProServe certification. It’s always a good idea
to confirm requirements in advance with the
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
(www.aglc.gov.ab.ca).
Spruce Grove commuter
transit service
Spruce Grove offers a commuter transit service to Edmonton through
a contract with Edmonton Transit System and the City of Edmonton.
Route 560 is an express service that operates every 15-20 minutes during
morning and afternoon peak hours, starting at 5:34 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. with
a mid-day route leaving Edmonton at 1:35 p.m. The route includes stops
at NAIT and Grant MacEwan University, and through to the downtown core.
Locations selling bus passes
City Hall
315 Jespersen Ave.
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Available at this location:
•
Student pass
•
Regular commuter pass
•
Integrated pass
• 10-ticket booklets
Mac’s
(three Spruce Grove locations)
628 King St., 98 McLeod Ave.,
and Unit 100, #3 McLeod Ave.
Shoppers Drug Mart
(two Spruce Grove locations)
Century Crossing
(#100, 131 Century Crossing Rd.),
Monday – Sunday
8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Westland Market Mall
(70 McLeod Ave., Hwy. 16A),
Monday – Sunday
9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Available at these locations:
• Student pass
• Regular commuter pass
• Integrated pass
Available at these locations:
•
Transit rates
Commuter rates
Cash fare
$6
10-ticket booklet
$48
Student pass*
$95/month
$130/month
Spruce Grove/ETS integrated pass*$165/month
*Available to Spruce Grove residents only
Transit passes must be purchased before the eighth day
of each month; for example, January transit passes
must be purchased by Jan. 8.
Local rates (within Spruce Grove)
Adult$2
Youth (ages 6-17)
$1.75
Senior $1.75
Children under 5
Free
(with a paid passenger)
CNIB passholders
Free
Rates effective until September 2016
NEW Acheson transit service!
Don’t forget!
The City of Spruce Grove and Parkland County have partnered to provide transit
service to Acheson. In the mornings, three buses coming from Edmonton to
Spruce Grove will take passengers from Edmonton (picked up at either the NAIT
or Westmount transit centres) to Acheson. In the afternoon, three buses going
from Spruce Grove to Edmonton will stop in Acheson to pick up riders and take
them back into Edmonton.
Be sure to keep your monthly transit pass
and/or receipt, as the Government of
Canada offers a non-refundable tax credit
on the cost of monthly transit passes.
This service enhancement will not have any impact on regular Route 560 service
and commute times (Spruce Grove to Edmonton in the morning and Edmonton
to Spruce Grove in the afternoon).
No service
For more information on the Acheson transit service, visit
www.parklandcounty.com/transit.
www.sprucegrove.org/transit
Route 560 will not be operating on
the following 2016 statutory holidays:
• Friday, July 1, 2016
• Monday, Aug. 1, 2016
citypulse l SUMMER
2016
37
20 15
YEAR IN REVIEW
citypulse l 2015 YEAR IN REVIEW
39
40 citypulse l 2015 YEAR IN REVIEW
Connected to you
As a City, we are committed to staying connected
with you – our residents – and listening to your feedback.
You are at the heart of everything we do, so please get,
and stay, in touch.
Here are some ways you can connect with us:
City Hall: 315 Jespersen Ave.
Phone: 780-962-2611 (from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Web: www.sprucegrove.org
Email: [email protected]
CityPulse: www.sprucegrove.org/citypulse
Twitter: @CitySpruceGrove
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sprucegrove
A look inside
42 Mayor’s message
43 City Manager’s message
53 Spruce Grove Enforcement
Services files in 2015
44 Our vision
54 Creating a sustainable
community
46 2015 snapshot
56 A place to rest
48 Up we go!
50 Edmonton Eskimos stay and play
56 Nelson Drive honours
founding family
51 Time to expand
57 2015 Financial Summary
52 Tour of Alberta 2015
53 Spruce Grove Fire Services
calls in 2015
41
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Stuart Houston
Like many other communities across the province
and the country, Spruce Grove is feeling the impact
of the recent shift in the economy. This brings
challenges, but also opportunities for our city.
While Spruce Grove City Council is very aware
of the current economic landscape, we are also
strongly committed to finding ways we can move
forward to implement our strategic plan – that our
city is the best place to live, to raise an active, healthy
family and to grow a strong, successful business.
Our goal, as always, is to meet the needs of our
residents by positioning the city for continued
success. You can see some of the steps we’ve
already taken in this Year in Review for 2015.
I’m very proud to report that we continue to have
significant, and even record breaking, growth in our
city. We had an all-time high one-year population
increase of 8.5 per cent in 2015, which tells me we
are building a community that people want to call
home. In fact, last year MoneySense magazine
named Spruce Grove one of the 10 best places
in Canada to raise a family and one of the
top 100 best places to live in Canada!
Development and investment remained strong with
$189 million in building permit values, which is the
third best year in the City’s history. We had double
the number of commercial structures – from five in
2014 to 10 last year, which supports the findings from
a 2015 report done by the Canadian Federation of
Independent Business that listed the Greater Edmonton
region, including Spruce Grove, as one of the top 10
places in Canada to start and grow a business.
Recognizing the long-term needs of both our staff
and the community, we completed and opened
the City’s new Public Works Facility, which will meet
the needs of the city for the next 25 years, and we
expanded the City’s office space into the King Street
Plaza facility to accommodate our Planning and
Development and Engineering departments.
As you can see, we really aren’t slowing down. We
have worked hard to develop comprehensive and
forward-thinking long-term plans for Spruce Grove,
which will guide us into the future. We know there
will be challenges, but I have absolute confidence
in our ability that we will come out the other side
in a stronger position than before.
I’m proud of what we accomplished in 2015 as it
demonstrates our commitment to what we’ve
outlined in our strategic plan and as we move
forward, I know we can find ways to up our game
in the future to make Spruce Grove a resilient,
welcoming and prosperous community.
CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Robert Cotterill
On behalf of the City of Spruce Grove, I am pleased
to present our 2015 Year in Review, which highlights
many of our accomplishments and our financial
position from last year.
Looking back at what we achieved in 2015, I have
to attribute much of our success to the City’s new
strategic plan, Building an Exceptional City –
a Strategic Roadmap to 2035. Spruce Grove City
Council developed and approved the plan in 2014,
but last year was our first full calendar year with it
as our compass for what we did and how we did it.
Our vision for Spruce Grove, which you can read on
page 44, is the lens through which we view everything
we do as an organization and I’m proud to say the
results to date indicate we are on the right path.
At the core of this success is the working relationship
between council members and City administration.
Through council’s strong, collaborative leadership,
they provide the big picture vision and set a clear
strategic direction for the city. Together, we work
to create a plan for the community that addresses
not only the wants and needs of today, but how
Spruce Grove will look five, 10 and even 20 years
down the road.
We all have a role to play in making Spruce Grove
the community of choice, and we each take
great pride in our work for the City. I am constantly
impressed by the dedication of our council and staff
as they work together to make Spruce Grove the best
place to live, to raise an active, healthy family and
to grow a strong, successful business. Many of these
accomplishments are captured in this Year in Review
and I would invite you to take a look at some of our
highlights from 2015.
As we look back and reflect on what we achieved in
2015, I am also excited about what we have planned
for 2016. With the support and direction from council,
we can proceed with confidence and purpose
in our united goal of making Spruce Grove a strong,
dynamic and welcoming community.
As City administration and staff, it’s our job to take
council’s vision and turn it into a reality. Every year
we develop a three-year corporate plan that aligns
with the goals that have been identified in our
strategic plan. This plan is our guiding document
for governance, community development and
service delivery. It captures how we take council’s
vision and translate it into everything we do, from
large capital projects, such as the construction of
our new Public Works Facility, to the daily business
of running a municipality, including waste collection,
snow removal and park development.
43
Vision statement
Our vision
Our vision for our community’s future in 2035 is that
Spruce Grove is the best place to live, to raise an active,
healthy family and to grow a strong, successful business.
Our mission
Our mission is to build an exceptional city through
innovation, leadership and committed public service.
Our core values
These values guide our commitment to moving
forward as an organization to realize our vision
for the future of Spruce Grove:
•Leadership
•
Openness and responsiveness
•
Service excellence
•Accountability
•
Honesty and integrity
Our underlying principles
•
Sustainability through sound economic development
•
Leadership in affordable quality service delivery
•
Affordability through prudent fiscal management
•
Leadership in collaboration to ensure best value for all
•
Building a community for all
Our vision in action
In Spruce Grove in 2035, we want to be:
Where people choose to live –
a dynamic city with an exceptional quality of life
Where people choose to raise a family –
a leading leisure, recreation and sports community
Where people choose to grow a business –
a strong, diversified regional business centre
2035
45
2015
SNAPSHOT
Transit riders:
300
Trees planted
(plus thousands of seedlings)
87,091
432
Population
32,036
1,320
Active businesses
licensed
Garage sales promoted
through the City’s garage sale
advertising program
One-year
population growth:
8.5%
Total households: 12,025
26 Block parties held
Curbside collections
Organics: 1,636 tonnes
Recycling: 1,120 tonnes
Waste: 5,870 tonnes
Incidents responded to by
Spruce Grove Fire Services
(within Spruce Grove):
4,231
Twitter followers
2,168
4,514
Spruce Grove
Enforcement Services
complaint files: 2,929
Facebook fans
Lights at City facilities
switched to LED fixtures:
96
Tickets sold for
Horizon Stage
season performances
Website visits:
453,821
Unique website visitors:
223,266
Website visits from a
mobile device or tablet:
48.3%
9,468
414
Hours of drop-in
recreation programs
1,097 Hydrants
Maintained pieces of equipment:
428
286
Garbage receptacles
Housing starts: 572
Total building permits: 1,295
Total building permit value: $189 million
47
Up we go!
Spruce Grove continued to experience
impressive growth in 2015, even breaking
a few records along the way. Overall,
the City issued 1,295 building permits
with a total permit value of $189 million,
which is the third best year in
Spruce Grove’s history!
Residential
The City had $133.7 million in residential building permit
value in 2015. Approximately 92 per cent of the total
building permits issued by the City last year were for
residential construction, which is consistent with
previous years.
Commercial
On the commercial side, building permits for new commercial
structures doubled in 2015 to 10 buildings at a value of
$22.8 million, which is the highest activity level the City
has seen since 2010. There were 62 permits for commercial
improvements last year with a value of $7.8 million, which
is a new record, bringing total commercial building
permit value to $30.6 million.
Industrial and institutional
1,162
Residential
building
permits
72
Commercial
building
permits
25
Last year, the City permitted five new industrial buildings
with $6.2 million in building permit value. Overall, the
average value of both industrial and commercial buildings
Industrial
has been increasing, which reflects the development
& institutional
building permits
of larger, high quality structures going up in the city.
Residential development permits by type:
Improvements: 250
Development permits
Single-detached: 203
Overall, 741 development permits
were issued for residential development
in 2015. Development permit activity
was down slightly from previous years.
Most permits were issued for single
detached dwellings and improvements,
which is typical of development
in Spruce Grove. A total of
92 non-residential development
permits were also issued
last year.
Semi-detached: 177
Multi-family: 56
Garages: 55
Non-residential development permits by type:
Commercial improvements: 60
Industrial improvements: 19
New commercial: 7
New industrial: 4
New institutional: 1
Institutional improvements: 1
32,036
572
People
The city’s population grew to 12,025 households with 32,036 residents,
which was an all-time high one-year population increase of
8.5 per cent. Results from the 2015 census also showed that
Spruce Grove remains a family-oriented community, as the largest
population groups are ages 30 to 34, followed closely by the
35 to 39 age group and then children ages 0 to 9.
Housing starts
There were 572 housing starts last year that were evenly split between
multifamily, semi-detached and single detached homes. The majority
of the housing starts were on the east and west ends of the city in the
newer developments, such as Tonewood, Prescott, Spruce Ridge
and McLaughlin.
49
Edmonton Eskimos
stay and play
“We had everything we could ever desire in terms of the facility and intangibly,
we felt welcomed and embraced with open arms.” – Len Rhodes
In 2015, Fuhr Sports Park became home-away-fromhome for the Edmonton Eskimos who stayed and
played in Spruce Grove during the team’s annual
spring training camp.
Displaced from Commonwealth Stadium by the
2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Eskimos found
themselves in search of fields and a training facility
that would meet their standards and allow them
to lay the groundwork for what would become
an exceptional season.
“We immediately thought of Spruce Grove,”
says Len Rhodes, Edmonton Eskimos President
and CEO. “It was the first and only place we
were thinking about.”
With the support of local sport groups behind it,
the City was quick to accept the request.
“When news of their long-term tenancy in
Spruce Grove was first announced in 2013, we
were proud to know that when challenged by the
availability of their home stadium, Fuhr Sports Park
was the team’s first choice facility,” said Paul Feser,
Supervisor of Recreation Services with the City.
“Fuhr Sports Park is a professional level sports and
recreation facility with two state-of-the-art artificial
turf fields,” Feser said. “It’s wonderful to see it draw
the attention of, and be used by, a CFL franchise
of their calibre.”
And used it was. The Eskimos used the park
from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day from late
May to early July.
“Our experience in Spruce Grove surpassed
all of our expectations,” said Rhodes. “We had
everything we could ever desire in terms of the
facility and intangibly, we felt welcomed and
embraced with open arms.”
Off the field, with roughly 130 people staying at the
Holiday Inn Express and Suites in the Tri Leisure Village
development, the Eskimos organization became one
of the first major long-term occupants of the hotel.
On Nov. 29, 2015, the Edmonton Eskimos went on to
win the 103rd Grey Cup against the Ottawa RedBlacks –
securing a long-awaited victory for the team and
a piece of history for Spruce Grove.
Two weeks later, during a Spruce Grove City Council
meeting, Rhodes returned with the Grey Cup in hand
to share the team’s win and thank the community
for its first-class hospitality.
“For us, an important part of the process was how it all
started,” Rhodes said of his return visit to Spruce Grove.
“Had Spruce Grove not welcomed us, I don’t know
where there is a comparable facility or community
that would do what you did for us.”
Time to
expand
City staff expanded into two new buildings
in 2015, while a popular multi-purpose hall
received an impressive facelift.
Public Works Facility
Designed to accommodate an estimated 25 years of growth in
Spruce Grove, the City’s new Public Works Facility incorporates
natural light, a modern layout and a design that focuses on making
the workspace more efficient for administration space, fleet vehicles,
shop areas and employee work spaces.
At just over 77,000 square feet, the building, located at
21 Century Close, includes many impressive features including:
• Energy efficient lighting and low flow plumbing features
• An exterior solar wall to pre-heat interior air
• A rooftop mounted solar thermal system to heat water
• A geothermal heating system to heat and cool
administrative areas of the facility
• Bioswales to slow and collect runoff water around the facility
Planning and Development and Engineering
The City’s Planning and Development and Engineering
departments moved to a new office space last year, just
across the street from City Hall.
Now located at 414 King St., inside the King Street Mall, both
departments are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The move enhances customer service hours, as both
departments are now open over the lunch hour, and will
allow for better coordination and efficiency between
departments, as all staff will be in one location.
Elks Hall
The popular Elks Hall received a facelift and re-opened
to the community last year. Renovations include
new floorings, upgraded washrooms, new paint,
light fixtures, doors and windows, a stone patio,
landscaping and a paved parking area.
51
Tour of Alberta 2015
The City of Spruce Grove, with the
support and involvement of the Town
of Stony Plain and Parkland County,
was proud to host the Stage 5 finish of
the third annual Tour of Alberta in 2015.
Stage 5, held on Sept. 6, was a
206.2 kilometre course that started in
Edson and travelled through Parkland
County and Stony Plain before ending
at Central Park in Spruce Grove.
This elite professional cycling event saw
hundreds of competitors from across
the globe compete in a six-stage race,
which started in Grande Prairie on
Sept. 2, 2015, and concluded in
Edmonton on Sept. 7.
A fan festival was also held at Central
Park, giving area residents an opportunity
to participate in free activities and
cheer on the riders as they arrived
in Spruce Grove.
Spruce Grove Fire Services responded
to 3,738 incidents in 2015, and of those
incidents 2,168 were within Spruce Grove.
187
66
58
False alarms
lls
zard ca
a
Publicche assistance,
Garbage or
grass fires
(poli
ls, etc.)
fuel spil
243
3,212
49
ist
Calls to acsse Grove
ru
p
RCMP/S ervices
Fire S
alls
c
Medical
loss
ing dollar
Fires caus, structure, etc.)
(vehicle
854
166
Motor ve
collisiohnicle
s
825
Parking
complaints
Tickets issued fo
speeding an r
distracted drividng
604
397
Parking tickets
Property bylaw
complaints
677
1,606
Animal control
complaints
Tickets issued
under the Alberta Traffic
Safety Act
RCEMENT SE RVI C ES
Spruce Grove Enforcement Services
responded to 2,929 complaint files in 2015.
CIT
SP
ENFO
CE GRO
RU
ENFO
Y OF
VE
SP
RU
Total violation
tickets issued
Y OF
VE
CIT
2,246
CE GRO
RCEMENT SERVICES
53
Creating a
sustainable
community
As part of the City of Spruce Grove’s commitment to
the environment, every year work is done to implement
the goals of the City’s Environmental Sustainability Action Plan.
This action plan, which was developed in 2011 by the
Mayor’s Task Force on the Environment, identifies priority
areas, goals and strategies to direct the City’s environmental
sustainability approach until 2021. Significant progress
was made in 2015 to achieve these goals.
PRIORITY AREA #1 – LAND USE AND NATURAL AREAS
Goal: Protect sustainable natural areas.
Goal: Provide residents access to green space.
Accomplished in 2015
A three-part workshop series on natural areas was held in May 2015.
These workshops taught residents about natural landscaping, how to enjoy
and protect the City’s natural areas, and nature-deficit disorder, which is
a condition that signifies an increasing disconnect between people and nature.
PRIORITY AREA #2 – TRANSPORTATION
Goal: Increase the appeal, awareness and availability of alternative transportation.
Goal: Increase public transit ridership and service levels.
•
•
•
•
Completed a survey of 398 transit users to gauge rider satisfaction
Transit use increased 4.4 per cent over 2014 with 87,091 riders in 2015
Hosted a transit appreciation day on May 21, 2015, and handed out
coffee gift cards to riders
Hosted a ride for free day on June 30, 2015, where 219 people took
the bus at no charge
PRIORITY AREA #3 – WASTE
Goal: Reduce the amount of residential waste going to landfill.
COLLECTION & DIVERSION
Goal: Reduce the amount of non-residential waste going to landfill.
Curbside collection division:
• Curbside organics – 1,636 tonnes
There was an overall waste diversion rate of 37 per cent in 2015, which
was up from 35 per cent in 2014. Additionally, 797 kitchen catchers and
256 of the smaller 120-L black waste carts were delivered to residents.
Waste Reduction Week was recognized from Oct. 19–25, 2015, and
164 residents participated in the annual Shred-4-Free event to safely
dispose of documents containing personal information.
• Curbside recycling – 1,120 tonnes
PRIORITY AREA #4 – WATER
• Curbside waste – 5,870 tonnes
Eco Centre diversion:
• Waste – 540 tonnes
• Compost – 234 tonnes
• Recycling – 686 tonnes
Goal: Maintain quality of the local watershed.
• Hazardous waste – 718,582 litres
(aerosol cans, cleaners, paint, herbicides, solvents, fuel, etc.)
Goal: Reduce water consumption.
• Fire extinguishers – 430
• Ink cartridges – 837
In 2015, the average total water consumption was 228 litres per
capita per day, down from 230 in 2014. Residential consumption
was at 176 litres per capita per day, down slightly from 177 in 2014.
The City also updated its water conservation plan that identifies
a new target of 170 litres per capita per day by 2020.
A one-day rain barrel sale was also held in collaboration with
Parkland County, the Town of Stony Plain and Rona Home Centre,
which sold 175 rain barrels.
• CFL bulbs – 3,370
• One-pound propane bottles – 441
• Dry batteries – 2,079
• Fluorescent light tubes – 42,019 feet
• Lamp ballast – 849
• E-waste – 86 tonnes
PRIORITY AREA #5 – ENERGY
Goal: Reduce energy use in the community.
•
Switched 60 lights to LED fixtures in Stu Barnes Arena
•
Switched 36 lights to LED fixtures in curling rink
•
Incorporated six solar panels and geothermal heating
in the new Public Works Facility, resulting in energy savings
of 37 per cent
Green buildings:
•
One LEED certification application submitted –
Public Works Facility
•
One Green Globes application submitted –
55
A place
to rest
When using Spruce Grove’s trail system, residents
will now find several new places where they can rest
while out enjoying one of the City’s natural gems.
1995 Alberta Summer Games, which were hosted
by the City of Spruce Grove, the Town of Stony Plain
and Parkland County.
In 2015, nine Rotary rest nodes were constructed
along the trail system, providing seating areas
where trail users can take a break, or simply pause
to enjoy the scenery.
These Rotary rest nodes are adjoined to the trails
along Grove Drive, Jennifer Heil Way, McLeod
Avenue and Westgrove Drive.
The rest nodes were constructed thanks to a
$150,000 donation from the Rotary Club of
Spruce Grove and legacy funding from the
The rest nodes all include a bench on a small
concrete pad, a short wall, concrete pad and
vegetation. Plaques identifying the contributions
for the rest nodes are yet to be installed.
Nelson Drive honours founding family
Last year, the City honoured
the Nelson family, one of the
community’s founding families,
by renaming a portion of
Westgrove Drive to Nelson Drive.
Spruce Grove City Council
made the decision to rename
Westgrove Drive, between
Highway 16A and Jennifer Heil
Way, to recognize the Nelsons
as one of Spruce Grove’s
pioneering families.
For more than a century, the
Nelson family has lived in Spruce
Grove on a homestead located
along what is now Nelson Drive.
For decades they ran a mixed
farm on a half-section of land,
raising chickens, pigs and cattle.
Since the early 1900s, the Nelsons
have watched Spruce Grove
grow from a small hamlet of only
a few hundred people into the
vibrant community that it is today.
The family has volunteered
countless hours to the development
of programs for both children and
youth as well as adult clubs in
Spruce Grove.
Earl Nelson, the family patriarch,
and his late wife Eileen were
founding leaders of the Girl
Guides and Scout programs in
Spruce Grove. Additionally, they
were integral in the success of
the Spruce Grove Curling Club,
together serving on the club’s
board for 25 years and as its
presidents for six.
Their home, which received
Municipal Historic Resource
status in August 2012, was built
with local materials in 1912. The
2,300-square-foot farmhouse is
three-storeys, uniquely large
for a home built before the First
World War and is remains located
on the original homestead.
For six generations a member
of the Nelson family has owned
and lived in this house.
To date, the Nelson home remains
the only property in Spruce Grove
to hold Municipal Historic Resource
designation and currently, Earl
and Eileen’s grandson, Wilson
Nelson, and his wife Danielle are
working to restore the property.
By renaming this portion of
Westgrove Drive to Nelson Drive,
the Nelson family’s legacy has
been further etched into the
history of Spruce Grove.
2015 Financial Summary
This financial summary is intended to assist
with understanding the management of the
City of Spruce Grove’s resources. It provides
an overview and highlights of the 2015 financial
statements, including the operations of the
municipality, the Spruce Grove Public Library
and a share of the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre.
A full version of the City’s 2015 Consolidated
Financial Statements is available on the
City’s website at www.sprucegrove.org.
How was the
money spent?
The City of Spruce Grove collects
municipal property taxes from
all property owners within city limits.
These tax dollars, along with
grants and user fees, fund the
City’s projects and services.
The 2015 financial statements
include $82.2 million in
expenses, as outlined in
the chart below.
$25.8m
Parks, roads and
land development
$14.9m
Utilities
$13.1m
Emergency and
enforcement services
$11.6m
Programs, events
and recreation
$9.7m
Staff and administration
$7.1m
Facilities and equipment
57
City revenue sources
The City of Spruce Grove’s revenue
comes from a variety of sources:
• Property taxes: Paid by Spruce Grove
residents and businesses to help cover the costs of the municipal services they use.
• Government transfers: Funds the City receives from the provincial and federal governments,
as well as neighbouring municipalities.
•
Levies: Collected on behalf of the Province
of Alberta for education and on behalf of the Meridian Foundation for local seniors housing. The City does not set or control these levies
and passes this revenue directly to both the Province and the Meridian Foundation.
• Sales and user fees: Includes utility charges, fines, permits and facility rentals.
•
Developers: Includes contributed tangible capital assets and contributions. Contributed
tangible capital assets are items like roads
and sewers that are constructed by developers and then handed over to the City to own
and manage. Contributions are funds
developers pay directly to the City.
27.3
11.2
39.7
SALES AND
USER FEES
31.2
PROPERTY
TAXES
CONTRIBUTED
CAPITAL ASSETS
DEVELOPER
CONTRIBUTIONS
1.2
OTHERS
2015 REVENUES
($ MILLIONS)
Consolidated financial statements
The annual consolidated financial statements provide
important information about the financial position and
activities of the City of Spruce Grove. Administration is
responsible for the quality of the financial statements.
The City’s auditors have expressed their opinion that
the financial statements are fairly stated.
Financial position ($ millions)
2015
2014
Financial assets
57
60
Financial liabilities
62
55
Net financial assets (debt)
-5
5
Non-financial assets
432
393
Accumulated surplus
427
398
Financial activities
The 2015 Consolidated Financial Statements
are prepared in a prescribed format, using
standard accounting terms and applying
detailed accounting rules. The following
summary is a condensed version of the
City’s financial statements.
Financial position
At the end of 2015, future revenue
of $5 million was needed to pay for
operations to-date.
Surplus funds have accumulated over
the history of the City to $427 million.
Virtually all surplus funds ($419 million)
have been used to build or buy roads,
utilities, buildings and other capital assets
used to deliver municipal services.
Budget
2015
2014
Revenue - operations
73
76
70
The result of 2015 operations is an annual
surplus of $28 million, and $39 million was
used in the acquisition of capital assets.
Expenses
77
82
69
Annual surplus from operations
-3
-6
1
The budget tries to predict actual results
as accurately as possible and most of the
operations and projects in 2015 were
very close to budget.
Revenue – capital
42
35
40
Annual surplus
38
28
41
Capital assets
-53
-51
(52)
-3
-10
0
Opening
5
5
Closing
-5
5
The City’s financial activities include revenue,
operating expenses and capital projects.
Financial activities ($ millions)
Net financial assets (debt)
Change
59
City Hall 315 Jespersen Ave. T7X 3E8 Phone: 780-962-2611
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
www.sprucegrove.org
Publications Mail # 40007941

citypulse - City of Spruce Grove

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