Introducing Pointé-aux-Pins Acres

Multi-purpose agricultural site name announced

Council has approved Pointé-aux-Pins Acres as the name for the site of the multi-purpose agricultural facility.

The name Pointé-aux-Pins Acres, or The Pointe, anchors the new amenity in community heritage and highlights a destination where residents from across Strathcona County can enjoy agricultural, community and social events.

“Pointé-aux-Pins Acres speaks to our community heritage and it’s suitable for our new home for agricultural activities,” says Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank. “I look forward to our residents and Albertans connecting at The Pointe for events and shows.”

The County considers the history of our community and points of interest in the local area or region when considering new facility names.

Pointé-aux-Pins Creek is a significant water feature on Strathcona County’s landscape. One of only a few place names in the County known to have a French origin, the name translates literally as “pointed at the pines.” The creek flows into the North Saskatchewan River from the southeast—from the higher elevations in the Beaver Hills. In the late 1800s, Pointé-aux-Pins Creek was the last of four creek crossings for travellers making the 21-mile journey by land from Strathcona, at the north end of the Canadian and Edmonton railway line known as the “end of steel”, to Fort Saskatchewan.

Pointé-aux-Pins Acres will host events and activities in amenities unique to the region, year-round and in all weather.  An economic impact study projects The Pointe will contribute over $33 million to the local economy and generate 290 jobs over its first five years.

An agricultural recreation community

Strathcona County has several 4-H clubs, three agricultural societies, and riding and livestock clubs. Activities and events include livestock shows, barrel racing, horse breed shows, skills demonstration shows, and canine clubs or shows.

While some families play soccer and hockey, it’s common for others in the County to participate in 4-H, a youth development organization with a focus on rural skill development; or other agricultural activities.  Alberta youth participate in 4-H projects involving cattle, horses, dogs, food sciences, outdoor living, sheep and lamb raising, crafts and veterinary studies.

Pointé-aux-Pins Acres construction is expected to begin in spring 2021 and forecast to be completed by end of 2022. 

For more information: strathcona.ca/thePointe
 

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 hydrocarbon processing in Western Canada. Strathcona County is a leader in environmental conservation, and 55 per cent of its land is within the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

- 30 -

Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595