What our community says

Throughout the regional discussions, Strathcona County's Council has listened to the community.

The County's approach to the regional discussions is based on cooperation and collaboration, respect for local autonomy and accountability for decisions--principles that have widespread support among residents and business people.

Your feedback--whether through e-mail, phone calls or in conversation with your elected representatives--has been extremely helpful.

As we do with many issues, the County took the additional step of surveying residents in November 2007.This random telephone survey helped to ensure we understood the full range of community opinion, in addition to the perspective gained from residents who contacted us directly.

The results of the survey confirmed that Strathcona County residents are:

  • In favour of the County's remaining autonomous with the ability to make decisions on the quality of services for its residents. (87% strongly support or somewhat support)
  • Willing to participate in cost sharing of regional projects that benefit the entire region. An example was the County's contribution to the completion of Anthony Henday Drive. (72% strongly in favour or somewhat in favour)
  • Opposed to revenue sharing, meaning the reallocation of municipal tax revenues to outside municipalities to be used as they see fit. (76% somewhat opposed or strongly opposed)
  • Opposed to a regional board that would have the ability to direct a municipal government such as Strathcona County on how to deliver services to its residents. (67% somewhat opposed or strongly opposed)

Through the survey and informally, taxpayers have indicated that like Council, they too want more information about the regional Board--the benefits to our community, the scope of projects the Board will undertake, what these projects will cost, and how much our community will be expected to pay for them.

Similarly, representatives of the County's business community have raised a number of questions, in particular, the need for certainty in light of the announcement of the new Board.

Last updated: Monday, August 15, 2011
Page ID: 2143

County Hall: 2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada T8A 3W7