BREAKING NEWS// SEE WHAT FORT SASKATCHEWAN CITIZENS ARE SAYING ABOUT THEIR TAXES. WWW.YOUTUBE/user/CityFortSask
heTax imes
THE CITY OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN | 2014
POLICING
Law & Order ENFORCING THE LAW, ENSURING OUR SAFETY CONTACT: JOSIE KROKIS Director, Protective Services jkrokis@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6111
K (L to R) Municipal Enforcement Officers Kalie Anderson and James Russell on bike duty.
CITY BUDGET
For what it’$ Worth
CITY CAREFULLY ASSIGNING TAX DOLLARS TO WORK FOR EVERYONE CONTACT: MIRJAM BRETT Budget Director mbrett@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6222
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hese days, with the cost of living constantly increasing, residents are more conscious than ever of what they’re getting for their hard earned dollars. We get it, and we’ve worked hard to give citizens the best bang for their buck. The City of Fort Saskatchewan is committed to the prudent
The City of Fort Saskatchewan is committed to the prudent use of taxpayer dollars. use of taxpayer dollars. Citizens’ feedback and direction from City Council have shaped 2014 budget priorities. These priorities provide solid opportunities to enhance quality of life for
Fort Saskatchewan residents, while maintaining essential core services. Bottom line: property taxes account for 56.4% of the City’s total revenue. The rest is made up of sales, user fees, rentals, penalties and interest, licenses, fines and permits, transfers from the provincial and federal governments, and transfers from reserve funds. Continued on page 3
A fun run for everyone! It’s time to dust off those runners and get ready for the LEGACY PARK FUN RUN & WALK, part of the Legacy Park Family Festival Saturday, June 7, 2014. All proceeds to go towards Fort Saskatchewan Meals on Wheels
eeping the peace and enforcing the law are priorities for all residents. As the city grows, policing requirements grow with it. This year, $280,000 will pay for two additional RCMP members, and an additional $140,000 will go toward hiring a School Resource RCMP Officer. Adding two new officers means all four watches will be fully staffed. The RCMP responds to calls on a priority basis, from Level 1 to 4. High priority calls, 1’s and 2’s usually require two officers to attend. The addition of two new officers helps towards providing a timely response for all priorities. Residents have asked for higher visibility in traffic enforcement including speeding and noise violations. The addition of the two officers allows staff to be restored to the
Traffic Unit, which is a high priority for Fort residents. The addition of a School Resource Officer (SRO) was approved by Council. The role of the SRO is to build strong relationships with students, staff and the parents. The SRO provides proactive education and enforcement concerning traffic safety around their assigned schools, they deliver presentations on personal safety, crime prevention, and attend community events outside of the schools as time permits. In the summer months, the SRO is reassigned to other units. The benefits of the new position additions are the maintenance of existing service levels, increase in public and officer safety, provision of both proactive and preventative programs, and increase in police visibility in the community. Work is well underway on the new RCMP/Municipal Enforcement building with an anticipated opening of spring 2015.
SENIORS WEEK June 2 − 8, 2014 Our seniors rock!
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NEWS
THE TAX TIMES
THE CITY OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN
•
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
MESSAGE FROM CITY MANAGER
Message from the Mayor
Message from the City Manager
INVESTING NOW TO PROSPER INTO THE FUTURE
CONTACT: GALE KATCHUR Mayor gkatchur@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6220
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chieving our vision of Engaged People, Thriving Community is at the centre of City Council's attention especially as our community continues to be one of the fastest growing in Alberta. As I said in this year's State of the City Address, it is crucial that Council keeps its eyes on the “big picture” as we invest in our future. Yes, we need tax dollars to meet today’s demands but it is a balancing act between doing the right thing today with tomorrow in mind. Council’s job is to ensure we can respond to economic shifts while continuing to provide services and facilities for our community. Striking a balance between wants and needs enables the City to manage the challenges of our fast-paced
growth. A challenge the City faces is funding our ten year capital plan with limited sources beyond property taxes. For 2014, we are in a good position with 71 percent of our capital project money coming from grants but we have no guarantee of funding levels in the future. Operationally, the 2014 Budget certainly addressed some “catch up to growth” issues by adding new staff where growth pressures meant we were falling behind in service levels; parks is a good example of a growing inventory needing additional resources. Council continues to challenge staff to look for efficiencies and new ways to conduct business. Pilot projects were approved for both Transit and Waste collection so we can learn and decide what works best for our community. Recreation is very important to our residents. The 2014 Budget includes a study to assess what the community wants before we make decisions.
be “engaged people” and a “thriving community.” The future of Fort Saskatchewan is very bright. Let’s all work together to keep what we have alive and well for our future citizens. Council will continue to work with our corporate sponsors and orders of government to make sure you are getting revenue outside of the tax base to support community enhancement.
“wants”, of our fast growing community. Our Community Sustainability Plan sets a vision for our future, with our Strategic Plan and annual budget turning that vision into reality. “Tax Times” gives you a snapshot of the role the City of Fort Saskatchewan plays in helping our community thrive. Hopefully it answers some of your questions, gives you a sense of where your money is spent, generates conversation among neighbours, and even spurs you to action to be a participant not a spectator in building our community.
KELLY KLOSS
City Manager kkloss@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6212
I hope you enjoy reading this Tax Times report. We are committed to keeping our citizens informed and please, do not hesitate to contact any member of Council with your thoughts.
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ort Saskatchewan is a vibrant community, alive with passionate and engaged citizens. The City of Fort Saskatchewan strives to serve and meet the needs, and hopefully many of the
Thank you for making Fort Saskatchewan your home.
Council’s role is not to simply look into the future, but to choose the path forward. By staying connected and talking about what our vision is for Fort Saskatchewan, we will
FINANCES
Highlights of the Financial Position for 2013 CONTACT: SUSAN MORRISSEY Finance Director smorrissey@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6184
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espite the rapid pace of growth in Fort Saskatchewan, we continue to be among the lowest in Alberta for our residential and non-residential tax rates.
Tax Rates City of Wetaskiwin City of Grande Prairie City of Lethbridge
Rate of Population Change (%)
City of Edmonton City of Medicine Hat City of Camrose City of Red Deer
30%
City of Cold Lake City of Calgary
25%
City of St. Albert Mackenzie County
20%
City of Brooks City of Leduc
15%
City of Spruce Grove 10%
City of Lacombe Strathcona County
5% 0%
City of Fort Saskatchewan City of Airdrie 1991-1996
1996 -2001
2001-2006
Fort Saskatchewan
2006-2011
Alberta
−
1
2
4
6
8
Non-Residential
10 12 14 16 18 20
Residential
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NEWS
THE TAX TIMES
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THE CITY OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN
FINANCES City in Strong Borrowing Position
How Your 2013 Municipal Tax Dollar was Spent
As at December 31, 2013 (in millions of dollars).
$.27
90
$.09
80 70 50
$.07
$.03
60
34% Outstanding 36% Outstanding
40 30 20
43% Outstanding
10 0
$.01 $.17
2011
2012
2013
City’s Total Outstanding Debt
The City only incurs debt for long term capital projects and currently sits at 43% well below our legislated debt limit. Additional debt of $10.2M was incurred to fund capital projects while $1.6M of principal debt was repaid in 2013.
$.18
Debt Limit Allowed by Legislation
$.18
FUNCTION
Elected Officials ($.01)
How Your 2013 Residential Property Tax is Split
Corporate Services ($.18) Protective Services ($.18)
Municipal Services Provincial Education Heartland Housing Foundation
65%
Planning & Development ($.09) Recreation & Parks ($.27) Culture & Library ($.07)
Transportation ($.17)
1%
Family & Community Services ($.03)
34% Note: Utility operations are self-sustaining for all programs except storm sewer.
BUDGET
For what it’$ Worth
CITY CAREFULLY ASSIGNING TAX DOLLARS TO WORK FOR EVERYONE Continued from cover
The 2014 Budget is the final year of a three-year strategy. Given the predicted assessment growth, this translates to an anticipated increase of approximately $4 per month, or $49 per year to a residential property assessed at $400,000. Non-residential properties are anticipated to increase at approximately 5% to 7%.
Infrastructure City's Revenue Sources Investment required to maintain current levels CONTACT: GRANT SCHAFFER Director, Project Managment gschaffer@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6237
Committed to maintain the infrastructure at its current level, the City has designated $5.4 million toward infrastructure improvements this year. The sewer re-line project takes place in areas of the city where infrastructure is in good shape but there are some issues such as trees in the sewer line.
Read on and see what kinds of services are funded through this budget. There is increased community and school safety with the addition of new RCMP officers, better transit service with benefits for students and seniors, increased culture and recreation opportunities and much more. Once citizens get a good idea of how their tax dollars are utilized, they’ll agree that it’s money being well managed and well spent.
LEGEND
“We are able to go in and reline sewers without having to disrupt the surface,” says Grant Schaffer, Director, Project Management.” That way we can stretch the money that much further.” Cost: $1.2 million. The City is doing surface rehabilitation on neighbourhood streets at a cost of $2.5 million to complete, as well as upgrading water and sewer lines in older areas of the city, as part of the Neighbourhood Rehabilitation project. Cost: $1.7 million. “Both the underground and
Taxation
29% 56.4%
Fees & Charges Permits, Penalties & Interest
6.5%
Grants Transfers, Investments & Other Revenues
5.6%
surface infrastructure need to be replaced so we do it all at once,” says Grant. “When everything is replaced, it’s like a brand new neighbourhood, in terms of infrastructure.”
Employee retention and attraction key focus CONTACT: RENEE FITZSIMMONS People Services Director rfitzsimmons@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6237
“The City of Fort Saskatchewan is an employer of choice. This
2.5%
happens through a multifaceted approach starting with maintaining our enviable corporate culture built around ‘Team Fort Sask,’ ” says Renee Fitzsimmons, Director, People Services. The City strives to attract the best people for our organization. As we have many communities in close proximity, the City regularly monitors our wage and employment opportunities to ensure we remain competitive in the region. The City’s staffing complement is made up of 179 full time,
59 part-time, 121 relief/ temporary, 49 on-call firefighters, and 27 RCMP officers. “Our team volunteers together, and we have fun together. This keeps our employees engaged and at the end of the day it inspires the best result for our residents,” Fitzsimmons added.
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THE CITY OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN
RECREATION
Fun for Everyone
LET'S TALK RECREATION – FINDING OUT WHAT RESIDENTS WANT
JUNE
CONTACT: BARB SHUMAN Director, Recreational Services bshuman@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6150
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s Fort Saskatchewan continues to grow, the need for recreational opportunities and spaces grows with it. In 2014, the City will invest in a public consultation process to ensure that residents have input on future planning for recreation programs and facilities. In 2015, the project will move to the concept and design phase based on the priorities that come from the public input. The City has recently completed a survey and some open houses to get an idea of what the public's recreation priorities are. The next step will be to engage the public through face-face discussions. “We hear the desire to expand the Dow Centennial Centre in the future but
Calendar of Events
The last Recreation Master Plan was done in 2008.
what we need to do first is a recreation infrastructure study to see if the existing facilities can be better utilized,” says Barb Shuman, Recreation Director. “We want the public to let us know how they want us to use their tax dollars for recreation,” Barb says “Some people want another ice arena, some want another pool, and others want different amenities entirely.”
Recreation Master Plan. The last one was completed in 2008 and it included public input as well. “We will make sure this is the guiding plan to help us decide how best to use our funds,” says Barb. $250,000 will be attributed to the public consultation and Master Plan update.
In addition, the City is doing an update to the existing
4 2 pm
Senior’s Week Celebration
7 10 am
Legacy Park 5K Fun Run and Walk
10:30 am Legacy Park Family Festival
11:30 am Sheep Arrival Parade
noon
Pioneer House BBQ
14 10 am
STIHL Timbersports Western Qualifiers
Kids Can Catch
1 pm
JULY 1 8 am
Canada Day Celebrations
AUGUST 15 9 pm
Movie Under the Stars
SEPTEMBER 1 11:30 am Sheep Leaving Parade 6 10 am
Neighbour Day
6 & 7
DCC 10 Year Anniversary Celebrations
14
Terry Fox Run
18 6:30 pm Take Back the Night
FCSS
20 8 am
FCSS Partnerships
NOVEMBER
BUILDING A COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS
CONTACT: BARB BIGELOW FCSS Director bbigelow@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6267
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n investment in the social structure of a community is as valuable as any capital investment, and Fort Saskatchewan invests in its people. This year Fort Saskatchewan Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) celebrates 40 years of providing supports and services to residents. FCSS is a partnership between the Province of Alberta and the City of Fort Saskatchewan that develops and funds locally-driven preventive social initiatives to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities. The City provides grants to not-for-profit social agencies through FCSS. The provision of grants enables these groups to offer important and needed services to our community at a fraction of what it would cost the City to provide.
FCSS builds relationships and provides people with tools for success by empowering them through children’s programs, seniors’ programs, parenting groups, community gardens, youth groups, Family Violence Prevention initiatives and more. Just take a look at the outstanding list of programs and services supported by FCSS to build and strengthen the social and cultural fabric of our city: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Individual and Family Counselling Grief Support Family School Liaison Workers Home Support Information and Referrals Whipper Snippers Snow Angels Bridging Generations Coming soon – Friendly Visitor Program Active living Expo Seniors Tea Triple P Parenting Courses Youth Action Club Roots of Empathy
• • • • • •
Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) Program STUFF YOUth Conference Nov 21/14 Neighbourhood Incentive Program Now We’re TalkingCommunity Presentations and workshops Building Bridges- a Community Collaboration Rainbows Program
Pioneer House Pancake Breakfast
15 1 pm
Christmas Pudding and Tea
Pioneer House Perogy Supper
5 pm
29 11 am
Santa Claus Parade
Christmas Marketplace
noon
DECEMBER 5 4 pm
Fort Saskatchewan Pottery Guild Sale
6 4 pm
Fort Saskatchewan Pottery Guild Sale
7:30 pm National Day of Remembrance
7 4 pm
Fort Saskatchewan Pottery Guild Sale
FCSS partners with local not –for-profit organizations to assist them in providing services like: • • • •
Special Transportation Services Society Meals on Wheels Volunteer Centre Family Violence Prevention Program
FCSS would not be able to provide access to all these programs and services without the support of our City Council – we thank them for making Fort Saskatchewan a truly compassionate community through their ongoing support.
IT’S ALL ABOUT ME ! Expand your horizons
ard get a ME C
Now anyone who is a member of the Edmonton, St. Albert, Strathcona County or Fort Saskatchewan libraries can apply for a free upgrade to their existing library membership card, which entitles them to borrow items from any of these libraries.
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THE CITY OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN
ART & CULTURE
Additions to Culture Scene HISTORICAL SITE IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW PUBLIC ART ENHANCE FORT CULTURE CONTACT: RICHARD GAGNON Director, Culture Services rgagnon@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6140
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rt, history and culture are part of the lifeblood of Fort Saskatchewan; they are what gives this community its identity, providing great joy and pleasure for residents. A new Historic Precinct Interpretive Centre is in the works, in addition to the Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) Fort stable exhibit design and construction.
“Provincial grant funding over two years will cover a large portion of the costs...” - Diane Yanch, Historic Precinct Supervisor.
NWMP Fort In 2009, the City began the building of the 1875-1885 North West Mounted Police Fort (NWMP) starting with the palisade walls and the bastion. The second phase of the project was construction of the Men’s Quarters and the Officers’ Quarters. The third phase of the 1875 – 1885
NWMP Fort which includes the Divisional Kitchen/ Guard Room and the Stables is complete. The City is investing $187,500 to design and build the exhibit that will properly showcase the NWMP story and artifacts.
Six themes are showcased: • • • • • •
Arrival and building of the Fort Daily life of the men Maintaining law and order Fort as the centre of the community Characters at the Fort The 1885 North West Rebellion
Historic Precinct Interpretive Centre Two years ago, a 10year guiding document was created and one important element of the recommendations was to come up with a plan for the entire area that encompasses the Fort Saskatchewan Museum and Historic site. An Interpretive Centre is the piece that would tie everything together; a place where everybody could go and find out how best to view the site or get background information that would drive them to go out on the site and experience the history.
General concept design of new Interpretive Centre approved by Council this year.
In the first phase, the cost of the new interpretive centre is estimated at $6.5 million. Phase two includes parking and road connections at an estimated $875,000 in 2016. “Provincial grant funding over two years will cover a large portion of the cost,” says Diane Yanch, Historic Precinct Supervisor. “Also a fundraising campaign will be launched to get community, industry and local businesses involved in the project.” Diane points out, “It gives us the opportunity to showcase our entire story and history, from the very beginning up until the time industry set up here and impacted the community.
Find out what the Fort’s youngest residents have to say about our hard earned tax dollars at work.
VISIT YOUTUBE/USER.CITYFORTSASK TO LEARN MORE!
The plan for the Interpretive Centre was inspired by the entire Historic Site. “We realized we had all these interesting pieces that together, tell our history,” says Diane.” We wanted to put them all together. We will have a proper place to store all the artifacts and archives we have and make them more available to the public.”
Public Art The City purchased two pieces of art in 2013 that proudly showcase Alberta artists and what they can do. One is a low relief steel sculpture titled “River Valley” by William Johnson. The second is a painting of the prairie surrounding Fort
Saskatchewan titled “Open Road” by David Shkolny. An emerging artists’ gallery was also installed in City Hall which changes monthly. It focuses on new, emerging artists and provides them a place to show their work. The program started in October 2013 and some works so far include submissions from the Robin Hood Association's Art program, River Valley Alliance, Jack Twells, and the Grade 4 class from Fort Elementary. The cost for art last year was $8,000.
Embrace the Cultural Experience Join us for the season release party for the Shell Theatre Performance Series 2014-2015.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 – 7:30PM Dow Centennial Centre, Shell Theatre
• Be among the first to hear what this exciting season has to offer • A live performance by the Braden Gates Trio
SHELL THEATRE
THIS IS A FREE EVENT everyone is welcome to attend!
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NEWS
THE TAX TIMES
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THE CITY OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN
WASTE PROGRAM
A New Face for Waste
NEW COLLECTION SYSTEM TESTED IN FORT SASKATCHEWAN NEIGHBOURHOODS
CONTACT: BRAD MACDONALD Manager of Utilities bmcdonald@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6259
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he City of Fort Saskatchewan has launched a pilot program designed to test the collection of organic household and yard waste, recyclables and trash using a specialized collection truck with a mechanized pickup system. Onethousand households across Fort Saskatchewan (five neighbourhoods of 200 homes each) were selected to participate in the pilot program. The intent is to increase the city’s efficiency and divert more waste from the landfill to recycling centres. “Using a mechanized arm to lift and empty the carts will reduce the need for manual
“It’s a proven system that will increase the amount of recycled materials and reduce what we send to the landfill…” - Brad MacDonald, Manager of Utilities labour,” sasy Brad McDonald, Utilities Manager. Areas were selected to ensure that the new collection system is tested in a variety of different neighbourhoods with unique variables. For example, narrow roads might be a concern in one area and overhead wires could be an issue in another area. This is done to help determine whether or not this pilot project, or one similar, will be rolled out City-wide. This pilot program is scheduled to run until the end of November 2015, which will align with the expiry of the general waste collection contract. The pilot
program may be shortened or modified depending on feedback received from participating households. “It’s a proven system that will increase the amount of recycled materials and reduce what we send to the landfill,” says Brad. “Similar systems are being used in an increasing number of communities across the province and across the world. More material can be recovered and turned into something of economic value. Dependence on ever decreasing landfill space can be reduced.”
CITY TRANSPORTATION
Enhanced Transit Not Just For Commuters NOW YOU CAN REALLY GO PLACES ON FORT SASKATCHEWAN TRANSIT! CONTACT: ROBIN BENOIT Director, Infrastructure Managment rbenoit@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6176
CONTACT: CHAD PADDICK Manager of Transportation Services cpaddick@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6157
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esidents have been asking for better local transit service and on April 26, two local routes started service within Fort Saskatchewan. Additionally, a second route connects to Park and Ride at the Dow Centennial Centre where the ETS service runs commuters to the Clareview LRT Station. “This is a pilot project, operated by a truly local
provider, Fort Taxi. It will operate until December 31, 2015 when we will then evaluate its success,” says Chad Paddick, Manager Transportation Services. Students ride the local bus for free if they have a valid U-Pass or for $1.00 cash fare – seniors can also ride within the Fort for just $1.00 one-way. “This new service makes it much more flexible for Fort Saskatchewan students to use transit with the addition of a mid-day run and later evening service on Route 198 from Clareview Station to the Dow,” says Robin Benoit, Director of Infrastructure Management. In 2014 the cost is $491,000 for the 198 with the reduced route, and more operational hours.
Fort Saskatchewan Transit launched local transit service on April 26 with over 200 riders using the service for the Trade Show
The local service will cost $400,000 for 2014. In addition, an enhancement to the commuter service will see a new $3 million park and ride facility at the Dow Centennial Centre with 60% of the funding coming from the Province.
Whipper Snippers Needed
on your give back yourcommmuntiy community at at thethe same time! WorkWork on your tantan andand give back totoyour same time. For more information on this excitingPick opportunity contact: package up your application Tammy Lautner, Senior Coordinator at 780-992-6623 or tlautner@fortsask.ca today at City Hall. 10005 102 Street
“This new service makes it much more flexible for Fort Saskatchewan students to use transit...” - Robin Benoit, Director of Infrastructure Managment
Follow us on twitter! @CityFortSask
help us reach 2000 followers!
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NEWS
THE TAX TIMES
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THE CITY OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN
PARKS
Happy Trails in the River Valley CONTACT: GRANT SCHAFFER Director, Project Management gschaffer@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6237
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ort Saskatchewan nature and fitness buffs enjoy more than 400 hectares of parks, open spaces and recreational areas throughout the community and in the river valley. With $1 million in funding from the City and an additional $2 million through the River Valley Alliance the City is able to further improve and enhance Fort Saskatchewan’s extensive open spaces, parks and trail system, and expand the river valley trail system this year. The trail system from the south and north corporate limits will be linked by completing the trail in the middle section. Additional
trails will be constructed in West River’s Edge including around the fishing pond. “The city currently has an extensive trail system that is very well used,” says Grant Schaffer, Director, Project Management. “These extensions will further enhance that system and allow our users to access areas of the city that maybe they haven’t been in before.”
“These extensions will further enhance that system and allow our users to access areas of the city that maybe they haven’t been in before.” - Grant Schaffer, Director, Project Managment
Funding from Shell Canada will further enhance the project with tree planting, a trail head feature including a bronze statue and interpretive signage and lookouts on the fish pond. The first phase of improvements started in May, in the West Rivers Edge area, and will be completed in late summer or early fall. Next year, the City will focus on the north part of the city, from Turner Park out to the Industrial area trails. A $3 million dollar project to extend the river valley trail system is planned for this year.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Better Prepared
ALERT SYSTEM REPLACES PHONE FAN OUT TECHNOLOGY
CONTACT: JAMES CLARK Fire Chief jclark@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6235
“Sign up!” That’s the message from Fort Saskatchewan Fire Chief, James Clark.
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his spring residents can sign up to receive important and timely emergency alerts affecting the City of Fort Saskatchewan. The Fort Sask Alert System is a state-of-the-art and critically acclaimed mass communication system that will keep you up-to-date in the event of an emergency. It issues messages about emergency alerts regarding the immediate threat to safety and well-being of some/all Fort Saskatchewan residents, severe weather warnings and watches (sent when Environment Canada issues weather alerts) and public safety notifications, including water, fire, RCMP and transportation alerts. “Basically, there are no new costs,” James explains. “It replaces an older existing system.”
The system is simpler and more user friendly than the existing system that utilized a one-dimensional alert system using phones. Now, the method of communication is in the hands of the resident/ recipient. Residents will log in to the system through a link on the City website and create a profile. When the City wants to send out a notice, they just push a button and residents receive the notice via text, social media, email or phone call – whatever the subscriber has specified. “If your home is in an area with, say, a boil water advisory, you will instantly receive a notice,” says James. Anyone in your family can be added to your profile and using smartphone technology, they will also receive a notice.” If you just have a landline, we can still communicate to them that way. James adds, “We just need residents to sign up their contact info for Fort Sask Alerts by going to our website, fortsask.ca.”
Keep informed on local emergencies through Fort Sask Alerts.
“If your home is in an area with, say, a boil water advisory, you will instantly receive a notice,” says James. Anyone in your family can be added to your profile and using smartphone technology, they will also receive a notice.” - James Clark, Fire Chief.
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THE CITY OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN
LAST LOOK
A View Ahead
RESIDENTS HELP SET BOLD DIRECTION FOR CITY WITH 30-YEAR PLAN
CONTACT: PATTY WALKER
and strategies that keep us moving towards this vision,” says Patty Walker, Director, Corporate Strategy. “This year we’re developing a four year strategic plan.”
Director, Corporate Strategy pwalker@fortsask.ca Tel: 780-992-6263
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hroughout 2009 and renewed in 2013, our residents helped us set a bold direction for our city with a 30 year plan. This document put into words what our future Fort Saskatchewan would be – a compassionate community with a strong social fabric, resilient economy, active citizenry, healthy natural environment and vibrant urban infrastructure.
Public input is an important part of this process, to ensure plans developed meet the needs of the entire community. This spring, citizens were asked about their priorities through telephone and online surveys, with public meetings held early May to follow-up on the results and further explore ideas brought forward. Is the City achieving this vision? What
“The City is now looking to set short-term goals
are the things that need to be done in the next four years to keep Fort Saskatchewan moving in the right direction? “We wanted to know how satisfied citizens are with services, programs, facilities – things like winter road maintenance, bylaw enforcement, land use planning, and recreation programs to name just a few,” Patty explains. “They were also asked about specific programs and services such as seniors programs, dropin programs, summer day camps, indoor recreation facilities, Harbour Pool,
Jubilee Recreation Centre, Dow Centennial Centre and across the full breadth of services the City provides.” Taking into consideration feedback from residents, the resulting four year plan will be used to prioritize the programs and services that the City provides, and
guide departments in their annual planning and budget processes. Patty says, “We are working hard to give taxpayers what they want, and what they think Fort Saskatchewan needs – and we want to get it right.”
FIND THE AUGGIES CONTEST
CROSSWORD PUZZLE bronze statue. 5 Fort Sask. mascot. 6 Number of new RCMP officers in Fort Sask. this year. 7 Name of closest campground. 8 What is Auggie to the city? 9 How many years has the sheep program been running? 10 How often does the Alberta Lottery Fund Art Gallery feature new exhibits? 11 Name of Fort Sask. lacrose team. 12 Four legged downtown fixture.
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3
16
4
17
5 6 19
18
7
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23
13
9
24 22
20
11
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21 10
ACROSS 1 What year was the jail built? 2 New critically acclaimed mass communication
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system that boosts emergency preparedness. 3 Slogan of Fort Sask. 4 Name of inspector made into
COLOUR IN THE MURAL
21
DOWN 13 City web address. 14 Company made from nickels. 15 Community and volunteer showcase. 16 They graze around town. 17 How many sheep (appx.) in the Fort Sask. flock? 18 Original Fort builders (Acr.). 19 Name of city pool? 20 How many sports fields in Fort Sask.? 21 They work with students and staff (Acr.). 22 Name of centenial centre. 23 Name of theatre in the Sherritt Cultural Pavilion.
ANY WANNABE DETECTIVES OUT THERE?
There are 7 Auggies (exactly like the one above)hidden amongst the contents of this edition of the Tax Times. We need your help to find them all! Write down the page number and location of each Auggie. Include your name and phone number on your entry. HOW TO ENTER:
Mail your answers to: Tax Times Contest 10005 – 102 Street Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5 Or: Drop them off at City Hall, Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Or: Send an email with your answers, your name and phone number to: info@fortsask.ca with the subject line: Tax Times Contest All entries must be received by June 30, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. to be eligible for a prize package from the City of Fort Saskatchewan. Prize must be accepted as awarded. No City of Fort Saskatchewan employees are eligible.
FUN FACT// DID YOU KNOW THE MURAL DEPICTS THE STORY OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN?
FIELDS FORT SASKATCHEW AN JULY 1, 2004
KIDS, SEND YOUR PICTURE TO CITY HALL AND WE WILL POST IT IN OUR LOBBY ART GALLERY.
Mail to Marketing and Communications, 10005 – 102 Street, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5 or drop off at the main floor reception between 8 am and 4:30 pm weekdays.