In Stony Plain's 2021-2024 Capital Plan, there are several proposed tax increases that will directly affect residential tax payers.

1. An 8.93% tax increase in 2022 and a 5.98% increase in 2023.

2. Water, wastewater and storm rate increases of 11.27% in 2022 and 7.11% in 2023.

3. The franchise fee for ATCO and West Parkland Gas Co-op increased from 30% to 35%, a fee that is passed on to the consumer.

Priority #1: Review income streams and expenditures to ensure residents are receiving full value for their tax dollars.

Priority #2: Continue to prioritize transfers from the operating budget into reserves to repair and replace capital assets without volatile tax increases.

Priority #3: Focus on organizational efficiencies to ensure that existing resources are sufficient to respond to current needs and reserves are funded appropriately for future growth.

Support economic growth in the community by promoting local business, decreasing red tape, and continuing to build our regional partnerships.

Priority #4: Promote new investment in the community by reducing regulatory burdens and increasing efficiencies in processing permit and licensing applications.

Priority #5: Support community owned businesses by promoting opportunities to "think local" and "buy local".

Priority #6: Continue to build on the collaborative service delivery framework that has been established within the tri-municipal region.

If you have ever worried about the safety of our neighbourhood, you are not alone! Our community should be safe and accessible for all residents who call Stony Plain their home.

Priority #7a: Review overall protective services statistics (call volumes, call type, response times, etc.) to ensure that the available fiscal, physical, and human resources meet the needs of our growing community.

Priority #7b: Include the policing statistics and response times in this review, before and after the opening of the regional detachment, to ensure that we have maintained or improved the level of service that we receive.

Priority #8: Promote safety around playgrounds and green spaces to ensure that set speed limits and signage reflect the need to create a safe environment for the residents who utilize these spaces. For example: St Andrew's Playground is not currently marked as a playground zone and area residents have reported a number of accidents and near misses in this area.

Priority #9: Sidewalks and pathways should be maintained and repaired in a timely manner to ensure the safe and efficient movement of all citizens.

Priority #10: Prioritize mental health support in the community. E.g., Employ a Youth Engagement and Harm Reduction Coordinator.

Priority #11: Interrupt the arrest, remand, release cycle of vulnerable people in our community and advocate for a collaborative response model to counter present and emerging social issues.

Prioritizing community engagement allows town council to better understand the needs (and wants) of the community and allows residents the opportunity to have a say in decisions that affect their everyday lives. Effective consultation practices can help create a more sustainable future by ensuring service offerings are tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of the community.

Priority #12: Remain connected and involved in the community by responding promptly to resident inquiries, providing timely updates on key decisions, and regularly attending community activities and events.

Priority #13: Provide opportunity for residents to engage in the decision making process, by actively seeking their input and feedback and co-creating solutions to community concerns.

Priority #14: Ensure youth have representation in the decision making process by organizing a community youth council that can advocate to council on issues that matter to them.

Priority #15: Evaluate the towns recycling program with consideration being given to glass and plastic recycling. Residents have explained that they are currently taking these types of recycling into the city because they are not accepted here.

Priority #16: Prioritize the preservation and development of green spaces, trails, and playgrounds.
For Example: The community park space, known to local residents as the sledding hill, directly east of the Westview Medical, is being discussed as a property to be sold for development.