Strathcona County announces new online opinion panel

Strathcona County has broadened its capacity to engage with the public by launching its new Strathcona County Online Opinion Panel (SCOOP).

SCOOP provides an innovative, cost-effective and timely way of collecting resident feedback on a wide range of topics. Through online surveys, polls and discussions, members will be asked to share their thoughts on Strathcona County initiatives, neighbourhood development, social programs, the environment and much more.

“Increased citizen involvement is essential in ensuring that Strathcona County understands and responds to evolving resident needs and expectations. It supports our commitment to providing the right services—and the right level of service—to our residents and workforce,” says Rob Coon, Chief Commissioner, Strathcona County.

When registering for SCOOP, a person will be asked to respond to some profile questions; these demographics will then apply to every survey they fill out. This will enhance Strathcona County’s understanding of how an initiative will potentially impact segments of the population differently. In addition, it will reduce or eliminate the need for members to answer similar demographic questions in subsequent surveys.

Profile data saved in SCOOP will enable the County to direct surveys to the most relevant audiences—for example, to parents of school children, transit riders or residents of particular neighbourhoods.

SCOOP members will also receive more timely information about County activities, survey results and the County’s follow-up actions, based on these results. As well, members will directly receive news and progress updates on County public engagement initiatives.

Strathcona County residents, business owners and people who work in the County, and who are 15 years or older, are invited to sign up for SCOOP.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact:  Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595