Community Consultation - December 2002
Strathcona County is in the process of drawing up an new strategic plan to guide the community over the next 10 to 20 years. The process began with Community Consultation 2002 which invited input from the community.
Council receives final report on Community Consultation 2002
On December 10, 2002, Council formally received the final report on Community Consultation 2002.
- Final report Volume IA
A 15-page Executive Summary of the entire project
Final report Volume II - Appendices
- Residential Telephone Survey Results
- Residential Questionnaire Results
- Summary of Public Written Submissions
- Business Questionnaire Results
- Employee Questionnaire Results
- Discussion Group Sessions Feedback Report
The input from more than 5,000 County residents and businesses was a focus of discussion at Council's recent strategic planning sessions, and will continue to be instrumental in shaping the County's new strategic plan.
The final report identifies these common themes and views that emerged from the public input process. These perspectives are reflected in the County's new Vision Statement and will form key elements in the strategic plan.
- Strathcona County is a special place - Residents value the quality of life and lifestyle that the County represents. They enjoy residential choices ranging from rural, agricultural living through the semi-rural setting of acreages to the urban lifestyle of Sherwood Park.
- Growth has generally been good for the County - Regardless of lifestyle choice, residents generally feel they have benefited from the growth in the county. Growth in the county has increased the selection of commercial services and recreational opportunities, and the prospering commercial and industrial sector are seen as having helped contribute to a diverse tax base.
- Growth threatens that which makes Strathcona County special - The high growth rate and resulting development contributes to feelings of unease in the County. Residents are worried about increased traffic and pollution, stress on education facilities and health services, and fear the loss of green space, both in the rural areas and within Sherwood Park itself.
- Strong leadership is needed - Residents are looking to the County to provide strong leadership, particularly in the areas of planning and growth management. They feel local and long range planning is important, and they believe the planning and development processes must be open and inclusive. Residents feel that once developed and accepted by the community, development plans should be respected by the developers and enforced by the County.
Council chose to have the input process conducted by an independent consulting firm to ensure objectivity in gathering and analyzing community views. The process included focus groups, residential and business surveys, submissions from community groups and a series of discussion group meetings.
Strathcona County's Vision Statement
Strathcona County is a safe, caring and autonomous community that treasures its unique blend of urban and rural lifestyles while balancing the natural environment with economic prosperity; and through strong, effective leadership is a vibrant community of choice.
Last updated: Monday, February 22, 2010
Page ID: 2312