Strathconians - What is our future?

What makes us Strathconians? Do you live in Sherwood Park, Ardrossan, Josephburg, South or North Cooking Lake, Collingwood Cove, Hastings Lake, Half Moon Lake or Antler Lake? Nine vibrate hamlets within the boundaries of Strathcona County.  Almost 120 years ago this County was formed. Hard work, pride and the hope of a good future was part of our heritage.

Now 2011 we need to embrace our pride, identity and a sense of hope for the future. On the 20^th of April I invite you to my first State of the County address as your new Mayor. This luncheon event, starting at 11:45 am, is a partnership with the Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce and will be held in our beautiful Agora (gathering place) in the Community Center at the Center of the Park. An exciting, positive and informative message on what makes us tick as Strathconians will be part of my address.

As third largest municipality in the province, we are poised for many opportunities both residentially and business wise. Energy, Environment and Economics are the three prime legs of the proverbial stool. A stool like I remember I used as a farm girl milking cows in Saskatchewan. A solid, sturdy foundation needed to get a basic but tremendously important job done.  Strathcona County is a key economic engine in this province.

Challenges are also before us. Issues such as 500 kv Transmission lines over our schools and families, proposed by Altalink, Epcor and recommended by AESO to run along our immediate boundaries west of our community along Highway 14. It is identified as the preferred route.

These lines possess the largest threat ever to our residents and business owner’s health, property value, environment and fundamentally the identity of all of Strathconians! The fight of our lives is before us.

A fight that include petitions; resolutions on burying the line and looking at less densely populated areas without schools; a recommendation to investigate a by-law that would ensure a “buffer zone” is guaranteed between any proposed 240V or higher transmission lines to protect all Strathconia’s, supporting and working with school parent groups, organizations and individuals, and MLA Quest who is also fighting the fight. We have just entered the legal hearing process with the AUC (Alberta Utility Commission). This will take at least 4-5 weeks. This has already cost us half a million dollars. Is it worth it! Darn right it is! Together we will succeed!

Our message is loud and clear! Strathcona County is a vibrant, caring community proud of its rural roots and is open for business! We stand tall, proud and passionate as Strathconians. I know I do and I will work hard for all of us. My door is open. Coffee is on. I would be honoured to sit and have a chat with you.

Linda