Good afternoon members of the business community, colleagues, - - PDF document

Good afternoon … members of the business community, colleagues, regional elected officials and citizens. We are honoured to see so many of our municipal partners here today. In the year of Canada’s 150th birthday, it is certainly a good time to reflect. 1 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

John A Macdonald It is valuable to remember that on the path to Confederation John A. Macdonald made a very powerful statement. To paraphrase his words “If we doubt our ability to succeed we may lose and regret the opportunity to do great things such as starting Canada”. His vision led to founding our great nation and building a strong global community – however, it required brave conversations. I am proud to say that we too have had some very brave conversations this term, involving Council and administration. 2 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Executive Team Our professional executive team, who focus on Council’s strategic plan and priorities, is committed to enhancing efficiencies to working smarter and delivering service excellence – even in challenging times. Let me introduce our executive team … starting with our Chief Commissioner – Rob Coon, and our associate commissioners: Gord Johnston Lori Cooper, Greg Yeomans; and Kevin Glebe 3 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Council has a different job. We strategically position this entire organization for success for today and into the future. Your elected officials focus their skills and energies in several key areas: 4 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Strategic Visioning/Planning Intergovernmental Advocacy Governance & Oversight Stakeholder Outreach: Communication & Engagement Decision Making All are critical to maintaining a high quality of life for our citizens and in planning a successful future for their children, here in Strathcona County. 5 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Introduction of Council All members of Council are here with us today, let me introduce them: Dave Anderson Fiona Beland-Quest Vic Bidzinski Brian Botterill Linton Delainey Carla Howatt Bonnie Riddell; and Paul Smith 6 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Council’s principal guiding document is the Strategic Plan. It defines governance, community development, infrastructure and service delivery. One of our most important functions is to re-visit our strategic plan at the beginning

• f each year to ensure it remains the right direction, given economic and other

factors. 7 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Advocacy efforts enable us to create efficiencies and leverage opportunities between municipalities to advance our region and speak with one voice. I have said this before - Strathcona County is not an island. We continue to speak with one voice to strengthen our relationships with all levels of government. We strive to maintain an unbiased and non-partisan stance. We make special efforts to advocate for funding to support our local and regional needs. Municipalities also band together through our municipal associations, and we took a leadership role by spearheading resolutions, with partner municipalities at last year’s conventions: Alberta Urban Municipalities Association; and the Alberta Association of Municipal District and Counties’. 8 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15 8

Joint efforts and investments can and will make a significant contribution to economic diversification in the region and increase sustainable jobs in Strathcona County. Approval of provincial royalty credits, for instance, resulted in two new propane facilities in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland – Inter Pipeline and Pembina. 9 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

In this four-year term alone, Council has secured more than 20 million dollars from provincial and federal governments, including infrastructure grants to: support the purchase of three double-decker buses, three mobile buses; and the revitalization of the Ordze Transit Centre. 10 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Even more impressive, since 2013, we have secured more than 148 million dollars in grant funding that has been used to enhance our: trails roads transit facilities; and utilities 11 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Understanding changes to provincial legislation and being involved has strengthened our voice on the provincial and the federal levels. 12 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

We were there to offer expert advice to the province on proposed changes to the Municipal Government Act … particularly about changes to industrial assessment. Strathcona County is an undisputed expert in the industrial assessment processes. We have been preparing major industrial assessments for more than 40 years and understand that it has many complex variables. 13 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

On behalf of Council and our citizens, I wrote and spoke with the Minister of Municipal Affairs on numerous occasions to share Strathcona County’s perspective. I thank Sturgeon County for joining us in support when meeting with the Minister. As a result of this advocacy, Strathcona County senior administrative officials will be at the table to ensure the best possible outcomes for Alberta municipalities, major industry partners and our taxpayers. 14 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Metro mayors Strathcona County is also an acknowledged leader in the Capital Region. We are a founding member of the Metro Mayors’ Alliance and proud to be at the table with like-minded regional leaders, who have very brave conversations. It is my hope that these discussions will contribute to the future success of our new growth management board. 15 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Growth Plan It’s been a true honour to chair the Capital Region Board's Growth Plan Update Task Force. After two years of hard work this group delivered a new plan to guide growth over the next 30 to 50 years. My next focus as Vice Chair of the CRB’s Transition Task Force will be … to ensure a successful move from 24 to 13 municipalities. These are interesting, challenging times that offer great opportunities. Through our continued participation we remain a leader in creating a strong and more dynamic region. 16 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

I take pride in our county’s history and celebrate the fact that Strathcona County is well-positioned for the next 50 to 100 years, due to:

• ur unique governance structure,
• ur strong administrative process, and;
• ur connection with our community.

Council must remain strategic to ensure our policies and administrative processes remain strong and support the vision and goals that we have established. That includes shaping and implementing an effective and efficient budget for a municipality of our size … no easy task. Council has encouraged administration to expand our toolbox to meet the challenges of changing economies and to remain transparent, open and fiscally accountable. 17 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

PBB As a result, we are one of only a handful of Canadian municipalities implementing priority-based budgeting, which ensures all decisions are viewed through a priority lens. It also provides us with measures to accurately evaluate and report on our county’s performance. 18 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

We are now having better conversations about the wide range of programs and services we offer, based on a solid understanding of: What programs we deliver … at what level … and at what cost How strongly each aligns to Council-defined priorities What proportion of our community they serve, and how much of that cost is recovered; and Whether they are mandated, or available elsewhere in the community Going into Budget 2017, this knowledge led to better decisions, and connecting resources to the highest community priorities. 19 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

These efforts, along with a prudent fiscal attitude and sound decision-making are the reason our taxpayers will see a 2.15% municipal tax dollar decrease this year. This decrease is a direct result of looking at what we already have and re-allocating those resources to best address our priorities … rather than just asking for more dollars. We are maintaining services and supporting our infrastructure, while doing all of this. An additional portion of your total property taxes is what the county is required to collect on behalf of the provincial government for education. The amount required for 2017 will be known shortly following tomorrow’s release of the Province’s Budget 2017. We also look to the province to announce predictable and continued funding for municipalities. 20 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Our municipality serves many stakeholders, including businesses ranging from home-based to corporate offices with more than 600 employees - to large scale industries international in scope. All of these stakeholders help drive our economy by creating jobs; therefore, it is important to reach out to understand their interests. Our success continues as we build collaborative relationships with business and industry associations. 21 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

One of these strong partnerships is with our hosts today. Together with the Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce we attract new businesses and provide services that support our existing business leaders to expand their

• perations.

22 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Strathcona County, under former leaders like Vern Hartwell and Iris Evans, created and championed the success of Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing region. Today, Strathcona County has a unique perspective to offer as a leader in industrial development, with more than 50 years working with industry and living safely alongside pipelines that move up to 40% of Canada’s oil. The Heartland is one of the most attractive locations for petrochemical, chemical and oil and gas investments in the world. This is a key driver of our economy, prosperity, and quality of life. Decades of experience partnering with industry - sound policies and top-notch services have made for good relations and mutual success. My career background in economic development has been beneficial as I continue to stand as a strong advocate for business and for industry in Strathcona County. 23 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Let me be clear … it’s not just about big business. Small businesses contribute greatly to our community and our residents have benefited from a 39% increase in new businesses over the past five years. On average, we have experienced an annual increase of 3.5% in the number of businesses that employ people. Close to 11,000 businesses and organizations are located in the county, including more than 220 manufacturing companies. They serve a market of 1.3 million people in Alberta’s Capital region and are responsible for 49% of the jobs in Strathcona County. 24 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Recent economic challenges have forced all communities to grapple with job losses, increased crime, mental health issues and higher incidents of family violence. Knowing we could not tackle the growing complex social issues alone, we reached

• ut to our community for input.

25 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Nearly 8,000 people shared their ideas about how we can work together to create a supported, safe and connected community through Community Talks. During the 2nd phase, we shared the “What We Heard” report with our residents. When asked how our community can improve, we discovered responses circled around eight main themes: affordability, working together for common goals, safety, belonging and acceptance, improvements to our transit system, more community events; and an increase in mental health awareness and better access to programs and services. How we meet challenges definitely defines us as a community. This feedback will inform the creation of a new social framework for Strathcona 26 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

County. And, while the framework is being drafted for review this May, departments within the county, as well as outside agencies and providers, are taking note of what people had to say. State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15 26

We are doing some things very well already. Our Domestic Violence Unit is now working closely with Strathcona County Family and Community Services. The addition of a social crisis response worker has given the county the ability to share information that greatly assists families. This outreach program has led to:

• more domestic violence complaints being investigated;
• an increase in public education; and
• an increase in the number of residents, who are better equipped to identify

and report family violence situations. 27 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

The Crime Reduction Unit of the RCMP successfully targeted serious and prolific

• ffenders involved in property and drug trafficking crimes in Strathcona County.

28 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Generosity and a willingness to reach out and make a positive difference define Strathcona County. Our quick response to the Fort McMurray and area fires was truly a community-wide effort. I could not be prouder of our residents, non-profits, businesses, churches and many

• f our staff from a range of county departments, who came together …

accomplished what needed to be done … all in support of our northern neighbours. 29 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Where we sit today for lunch was a Welcome Centre for those displaced by fire. 30 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

A plaque acknowledging local efforts now hangs just outside this door as a permanent reminder of what is possible when we come together as a community. 31 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Council’s work has put our County in a position of strength and I want to share some watershed moments and significant decisions made by Council. 32 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Affordable housing One of Council’s strategic decisions was to accept the report and recommendations coming out of our Mayor’s Task Force on Community Housing. Action is being taken on each one of the recommendations through the collaborative work of Strathcona County departments and community partners, such as: Heartland Housing Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the Urban Development Institute; and the Robin Hood Association. Construction is well underway to support the expansion of the Silver Birch Lodge. When complete, seniors will have access to an additional 30 lodge units and 66 apartments. 33 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Strathcona County is clearly focused on meeting the growth needs of all existing and future residents. We are committed to finding the right answers to ensure our path to sustainability reflects needs and, density targets, while respecting the fabric and character of our community. We continue to grow, with construction actively visible north of Baseline Road and south of Wye Road, in the areas of Salisbury Village, Aspen Trail, Summerwood and Emerald Hills. Council has approved growth in the Hillshire area. Year to date, we have seen about 115 single home starts and 400 multi-family unit starts - 285 of these are apartment units that are increasing the diversity of housing. 34 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Our Municipal Development Plan Update focuses new growth and mixed use development in our Urban Centre - Centre in the Park – and within existing commercial areas. 35 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Mature neighbourhoods One of the outcomes of focusing growth in urban zones is to ensure the integrity of

• ur mature neighbourhoods.

Council created our Citizen’s Task Force and supported its recommendations for mature neighbourhoods. We worked with administration to develop an overlay, which provides regulations that respect and maintain the overall character of these areas. 36 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

The growth impacts are challenging to all areas within Strathcona County. Following an extensive review and careful comparison of both growth management nodes, Council ultimately endorsed Bremner as its next area for urban development

• ver the next 30 to 50 years.

Comprehensive reports and passionate as well as insightful input from our residents contributed to Council’s decision. Colchester is no longer a growth node in the new CRB Growth Plan. Administration is developing an Area Concept Plan for Bremner that will include a Financial Viability Analysis to ensure we meet our smart growth goals for cost- effective compact development and complete community design. 37 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Focusing growth in specific areas will support Sherwood Park’s long-term viability – and quality of place. 38 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Council’s decisions reach into the rural parts of our county. For example, we have identified Ardrossan for future growth. Over the last couple of years, Ardrossan has flourished. To continue this revitalization we have identified essential infrastructure upgrades – including water, sewer pipelines and facilities. A new water reservoir, to be built at the Ardrossan truck fill station, will provide water and increased fire protection for new businesses and for residents expected to move this area over the next 10 to 15 years. 39 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

South Cooking Lake and Josephburg have also been identified as growth hamlets. Our goal is to help them meet their full development potential, while retaining their rural character. Council has put a great deal of emphasis on the rural urban balance – and on supporting the connectedness of our rural areas. 40 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Administration’s in depth review of community and seniors’ centres has resulted in new strategies, ranging from increased maintenance to streamlining a central point

• f contact for associations to connect with the county.

Replacement or expansion of these centres will be addressed through both short and long-term planning. 41 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Rural internet In January 2015, Council committed to improve high-speed internet for our rural residents. Partnering with the private sector, we have improved service in over 40 rural subdivisions and surrounding areas. So far, more than 600 additional households in our rural area are now subscribing to high-speed internet. That means thousands more rural residents are now able to easily access online services and resources, whether for education, business, or other essential services. 42 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Several community halls already have – or are in the process of – receiving an improved level of wireless internet access, provided for free by our private sector partners. And there’s more good news. The program managed to fill identified gaps in service with significantly fewer towers than first anticipated. To date, 17 new towers have been installed, or are under construction with three more towers awaiting approvals. 43 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Urban ag strategy Great progress has been made since Council approved its overarching Agriculture Master Plan – a plan that won a National Award for Planning Excellence. We also approved the Urban Agriculture Strategy, following an extensive public consultation, where more than 2,000 people provided ideas on what urban agriculture could look like in our community. Moving forward, we are turning our focus to community gardens, urban livestock and school agriculture. 44 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Council gave administration direction to buy and service 160-acres to build a multi- purpose agriculture facility. Once built, this facility will provide economic diversification, create jobs, and offer

• pportunities for local and regional participation.

45 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Facility expansions and creation of new recreation centres resulted in improved service levels for our residents. Last year, we opened the Emerald Hills Leisure Centre – accommodating an additional 1,100 swimmers in Red Cross lessons. 46 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

We also opened the new Emerald Hills Sports Pavilion and Artificial Turf field; 47 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

As well as the modernized Glen Allan Recreation Complex - redesigned for those with limited mobility. 48 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Safety is key to our community, so our RCMP and Enforcement Services facility has been expanded. 49 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Enviroservice Station Since opening our new Broadview Enviroservice Station last February, we’ve seen a 1,000 per cent increase in the amount of materials residents are recycling, over the 2015 level. 50 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Open Data Our relatively new Open Data program received the Open Data Value Award at the Canadian Open Data Summit 2016; and we ranked #1 in the 2016 Open Cities Index of municipalities with a population under 100,000. 51 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Biosphere Strathcona County celebrates with more than 30 partners the successful designation of the Beaver Hills as a UNESCO biosphere. It’s a prestigious international achievement that recognizes a model of sustainable development and stewardship – and it is right here in our own backyard! 52 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Closing In closing, the most rewarding part of being a Council member is when we are out and about in our community – talking with and listening to our constituents, industry and business partners. Throughout this term, each Council member has worked diligently to advance the best interest of their electorate. However, we could not have achieved our goals without the support of our staff, our volunteers, and those who openly shared constructive feedback – to help guide our decisions. 53 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Going forward, this Council will maintain a strong focus on our priorities with a responsive vision and strategic planning process. We will continue to be your strong voice at regional tables and to other levels of government … to strengthen relationships and maximize collaborative opportunities for the future of our citizens and stakeholders. We will continue to ensure our governance practices are open and transparent. And, to support our professional and committed senior leadership and administrative teams in the implementation of a priority-based budgeting approach. This will ensure that the services you value are maintained and you continue to receive the best value for your tax dollar. We will also continue to listen to what is important to you through community engagement activities, like Community Talk and stakeholder meetings. I see several members of Council’s Advisory Committees here in the room. I thank you personally for your efforts to inform Council’s decisions. 54 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

All of this is vital to ensuring that we continue to make the best decisions, as we shape the future you want. The past couple of years and the economic challenges this province has experienced have changed us all. It is encouraging to see increasingly positive news from our government and economic professionals. Our goal is to support our businesses and our community leaders, who continue to show innovation and determination when adapting to change. There have been great decisions by leaders in Strathcona County over the decades that have built our resiliency. I believe this Council and administration continue to make decisions that will prepare us for challenges and a bright future. State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15 54

As is our tradition, we have provided you with copies of our latest “Facts and Stats” booklet and Economic Development and Tourism’s “Economic Directions” publication. Our friends at the Chamber also have their latest edition of “Discover”. 55 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15

Thank you to the Chamber for all of their leadership and you for attending the 2017 State of the County. I look forward to building on the foundations for continued success for Strathcona County. 56 State of the County Address - Mayor Carr - 2017 03 15