TestAgenda

KEY PRIORITIES

STONY PLAIN | ALBERTA | CANADA

2023 PROVINCIAL ELECTION

ACHIEVING UNIQUELY STONY PLAIN

OUR VISION

A connected community…embracing the future. Champion of progress and community values in a metropolitan region.

With the provincial election nearing, there is a shifting dynamic between all levels of government. During the upcoming election cycle municipal councils such as the Town of Stony Plain are taking a unified approach to engaging with their provincial counterparts to advocate for local priorities.

After extensive consultation with Town Council and Administration, a number of shared objectives have been identified leading up to the provincial election. The election priorities work in tandem and support the pillars of focus outlined in the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.

Investment in a new Stony Plain Recreation Centre Improve access and services from WestView Health Centre

To meet the needs of our community, strong partnerships and collaboration with other levels of government are vital. We have prepared this summary of key priorities to provide transparency of our goals and to generate open dialogue during and after the election campaign.

INVESTMENT IN A NEW STONY PLAIN RECREATION CENTRE

CHALLENGE

Stony Plain is a rapidly growing community. In the last fifty years, our population has grown by almost 18,000 residents, while recreation facilities in the area have remained stagnant. The last indoor recreation facility was built in 1967.

Growth in the region has put additional pressure on all recreation facilities and the demand for space is

SUPPORTIVE INFRASTRUCTURE REQUEST

limiting the opportunities for program growth and introduction of new forms of recreation in the area.

In addition to capacity issues across the Tri-Region, the loss of the local curling rinks highlights how the impact of recreation facilities, or the lack thereof, affects residents’ social and mental health, and additionally impacts the local economy.

An investment in recreation is an investment in residents’ individual health. The facility will fulfill the region’s indoor recreation needs and support meaningful and accessible recreation experiences. These experiences foster individual and community health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities for life-long participation and economic diversification.

The time is now to deliver on this critical piece of community infrastructure that benefits Stony Plain and the surrounding region.

Managing community and corporate infrastructure and assets to ensure continued delivery of services for a growing population.

BACKGROUND

Stony Plain’s proposed Recreation Centre has been in the works since 2017. An Indoor Facility Study was completed in 2017, in partnership with the neighboring communities of Spruce Grove and Parkland County, the Tri-Municipal Region, resulting in the 2018 plan and commitment to delivering various recreation facilities.

The plan reflected issues, gaps and demands for recreation facilities which are reflected in the current design intended to meet the needs of residents today and the community of

tomorrow. The new regional recreation centre is the final phase of the plan.

This recreation facility will have a significant economic impact for Stony Plain by diversifying and strengthening our economy through sport and recreation-based tourism. The new recreation facility will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, and will help to position the region as a major quality of life destination in Alberta. It will also attract and retain more skilled workers and employers, both directly and indirectly.

- Strategic Plain 2023-2026

GOVERNANCE AND PARTNERS

IMPROVE ACCESS AND SERVICES FROM WESTVIEW HEALTH CENTRE

CHALLENGE

Despite the facility only opening in November 2000, over the past 20 years, the WestView Health Centre has already seen significant decline in investments causing the Health Centre to be underutilized. The impact on services is felt by residents who are having to attend hospitals in Edmonton or St. Albert to avoid long wait-times.

Population growth throughout the region combined with the lack of investments in the facility is adding pressure on local health services. WestView Health Centre supports 90,000 residents across Stony Plain, Spruce Grove and Parkland County.

At various times, patients have faced extraordinary wait times when arriving at the centre that is pushed to the limits of its capacity. Residents are travelling out of the region to access health care services that have, at times, been available within our community.

The viability of WestView Health Centre will have significant impacts on healthcare outcomes for residents of Stony Plain and the surrounding region.

Pursuing partnerships and advocating with regional entities, municipalities, and other levels of government to provide infrastructure, programs, and services for a growing urban municipality.

- Strategic Plain 2023-2026

REQUEST

Investing in the WestView Health Centre can support improved health care access for residents across the Tri-Region. Given that healthcare access is a priority for residents and governments alike, WestView Health Centre provides an opportunity to augment existing health care services and relieve pressure on surrounding hospitals and clinics, ensuring that patients in rural areas can enjoy more convenient and efficient services and better healthcare outcomes.

From diagnostics to expansion, working with the Government of Alberta and healthcare providers collaboratively, to identify the best investments in this facility is critical for addressing healthcare challenges in the area.

POPULATION GROWTH SINCE 2010

15,051

16,127

17,189

17,993