2021 Priorities Review

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

Value for tax dollars was not made Priority #1 by accident and continues to be at the forefront of any vote I cast in the council chambers.  When viewed against comparable municipalities (St Albert, Morinville, Leduc, Devon, Spruce Grove, Fort Saskatchewan & Beaumont), Stony Plain maintains the third lowest residential tax rate and the lowest non-residential tax rate. 

Tax increases over this term have maintained expected services but have also been intentionally allocated to promote new residential and commercial growth, increase service offerings, and ensure Stony Plain continues to be a safe, vibrant community!  

With the increased development in the North Business Park, the Town will see increased tax revenue as these projects are completed and the development of the new Recreation Centre will support residential and commercial growth in the Old Town South Development Area. Although growth can be a difficult topic, growth helps reduce expected tax increases by creating additional revenue for the town. 

To help offset municipal expenditures, Council continues to support administration's efforts to pursue grant funding and cost sharing agreements with other levels of government. A couple notable grants that Stony Plain has received this term include: 

• Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) - $5.2 million

• Local Growth and Sustainability Grant - $1 million

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

Since the 2021 Corporate plan was approved, the town's projected reserves have increased by ~18% and are expected to be a little over $10,000,000 at the end of the 2024 fiscal year. Of note, our projected capital reserves have increased from $4.17 million to $6.6 million.  

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.

Corporate Systems and Assessment Management strategies have been undertaken over the past several years that will ultimately support more effective and efficient service delivery, data analysis and asset management. The transition to the new software has been underway over the past several months and administration has had positive feedback on the new systems. 

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.

In early 2024, an Intermunicipal Business Licence Arrangement (I.B.L.A.) was reached between the Town of Stony Plain and City of Spruce Grove. Local business owners can now apply for a business licence in the other community at no charge, allowing them to operate in both municipalities without having to purchase multiple business licences. 

Council adopted the Highway Development Strategy (H.D.S.) in August 2023 that supports investment attraction in the areas bordering Highways 16A & 628.  One of the highlights of this strategy has been the increased development in the North Business Park including  private investment in Canada's Largest Pickleball facility, English Bay Chocolate factory, and the recent approval of an Area Structure plan amendment that will support new large and small format retailers and commercial businesses. 

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

Over the past four years I have had the privilege of meeting and supporting local business owners through the work of our Economic Development team, the Greater Parkland Regional Chamber, the Growth and Commerce Committee and through  participation in various community events (Midsummer Thursdays, Farmers Days, the Town of Stony Plain Farmers Market, etc.).

By increasing staffing in the Economic Development office, we have allocated resources specific to the retention and expansion efforts of local businesses. 

Our partnership with Edmonton Global has led to a successful grant application through Alberta's Investment and Growth Fund and educational opportunities for local business owners. 

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

The cooperation between municipal government's within the Tri-Municipal Region is a testament  to the principal that we are stronger together.  This partnership is highlighted by our commitment to integrated public transportation services and through the completion of the Joint Trail Connection between Stony Plain and Spruce Grove.  The newly completed trails offer uninterrupted access between Stony Plain and Spruce Grove, making it easier than ever to walk, run, bike, or roll between the two municipalities.

Intermunicipal partnerships with our friends and neighbours in Spruce Grove and Parkland County will continue to ensure resources are allocated equitably and services are readily available to regional residents.  

The dissolution of the Edmonton Metro Regional Board earlier this year has highlighted the importance of our regional partnerships and presents an opportunity for renewed collaboration, formally and informally, between our regional partners. 

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. 

Coming soon!

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. 

Coming soon!

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. 

Coming soon!

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

Coming soon!

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

Coming soon!

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. 

Coming soon!

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. 

Coming soon!

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. 

Coming soon!

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. 

Coming soon!

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. 

Coming soon!

Priority #16: Prioritize the preservation and development of green spaces, trails, and playgrounds. 

Coming soon!