Hubbry Logo
Strathcona CountyStrathcona CountyMain
Open search
Strathcona County
Community hub
Strathcona County
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Strathcona County
Strathcona County
Strathcona County
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region within Alberta, Canada between Edmonton and Elk Island National Park. It forms part of Census Division No. 11.

Key Information

Strathcona County is both urban and rural in nature. Approximately 73% of its population lives in Sherwood Park, which is an urban service area east of Edmonton, remains an unincorporated hamlet. The balance lives beyond Sherwood Park within a rural service area.

History

[edit]

In Treaty 6, the First Nations ceded their title to the land that would become Strathcona County. Local governance began in 1893 when the North-West Territorial Legislature established an area east of Edmonton as Statute Labour District No. 2.[6] It then grew in size over the following decade and was renamed Local Improvement District (LID) No. 517 in 1913.[6] In 1918, LID No. 517 became a municipal district under the name of the Municipal District (MD) of Clover Bar No. 517.[6] At the same time, the neighbouring LID No. 518 to the south became the MD of Strathcona No. 518.[6]

Predecessor municipalities (1918-1943)
  • Boundaries of the M.D. of Clover Bar No. 517
    Boundaries of the M.D. of Clover Bar No. 517
  • Boundaries of the M.D. of Strathcona No. 518
    Boundaries of the M.D. of Strathcona No. 518

The MD of Clover Bar No. 517 and the MD of Strathcona No. 518 amalgamated on March 1, 1943, into a larger municipal district under the name of the MD of Strathcona No. 517.[7] It was subsequently renumbered as the MD of Strathcona No. 83 in 1945.[6] Upon further amalgamating with the Clover Bar School Division No. 13,[6] the MD of Strathcona No. 83 incorporated as a county under the name of the County of Strathcona No. 20 on January 1, 1962.[7] Its county status reverted to municipal district status in 1995 when the County Act was repealed by the provincial legislature though its name remained County of Strathcona No. 20.[6] Its name was officially changed to Strathcona County on April 26, 1995.[7] Shortly thereafter, Strathcona County's status was changed from municipal district to specialized municipality on January 1, 1996.[7]

The purpose of Strathcona County's change to specialized municipality status was to provide "for the unique needs of a municipality that includes both a large urban centre and a significant rural territory and population."[7] The status change specifically designated Strathcona County's large urban centre, Sherwood Park, as an urban service area deemed equivalent to a city.[8] Its remaining rural territory was specifically designated a rural service area deemed equivalent to a municipal district.[8]

Geography

[edit]

Strathcona County is in the central portion of the province of Alberta[9] and forms the eastern portion of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.[10] It borders Lamont County to the northeast, Improvement District No. 13 (Elk Island National Park) to the east, Beaver County to the southeast, Leduc County to the south, the City of Edmonton to the west, the City of Fort Saskatchewan to the northeast, and Sturgeon County to the north.[9] The North Saskatchewan River forms its municipal boundary with Sturgeon County.[9] Some of its water bodies include Cooking Lake, Half Moon, and Hastings Lake.[9]

Communities and localities

[edit]

The following localities are located within Strathcona County.[13]

Localities
  • Adam Lily Acres
  • Akenside
  • Akenside Estates
  • Arddmoor-Rosswood
  • Ardmoor
  • Artesian Estates
  • Aspen Heights
  • Aspen View
  • Aurora Place
  • Avery Park
  • Ball Meadows
  • Baronwood
  • Beaver Brook Estates
  • Beaver Valley Estates
  • Beck Estates
  • Belvedere Heights
  • Belvedere Heights East
  • Belvedere Heights West
  • Berry Hill
  • Best Estates
  • Beverly Hills
  • Birch Park
  • Birchwood Village
  • Brecken Woods
  • Bremner
  • Bretona
  • Bretville Junction
  • Bristol Estates
  • Brookville Estates
  • Busenius Estates
  • Calebo Estates
  • Camelot Square
  • Campbelltown
  • Campbelltown Heights
  • Carriage Lane
  • Caswellem
  • Century Estates
  • Century Meadows
  • Chrenek Acres
  • Chrenek Estates
  • Claireridge Estates
  • Clarkdale Meadows
  • Clover Bar
  • Cloverlea
  • Colonel Younger Estates
  • Colonial Estates
  • Cooking Lake
  • Country Club Estates
  • Craigavon
  • Cranston Place
  • Croftland
  • Dasmarinas Estates
  • Deer Horn Estates
  • Deville
  • Dixon Crescent
  • Dixon Place
  • Donaldson Park
  • Dowling Estates
  • Dunbar
  • East Edmonton
  • East Whitecroft
  • Easton Acres
  • Eastwood Estates
  • Elk Island
  • Elkland Estates
  • Executive Estates
  • Farrell Estates
  • Farrell Properties
  • Forest Hills Country Estates
  • Fulham Park
  • Galloway Park Subdivision
  • Garden Estates
  • Garden Heights
  • Glenwood Park Estates
  • Good Hope
  • Graham Heights
  • Gray Drive Estates
  • Greenbrae
  • Greenhaven
  • Greenhaven Estates
  • Greenwood Estates
  • Griesbach
  • Gunnmanor
  • Half Moon Estates
  • Hanson Estates
  • Hercules
  • Heritage Hills
  • High Ridge Place
  • Highroad Estates
  • Hillsdale
  • Hillside Park
  • Holland Subdivision
  • Horton Place
  • Hulbert Crescent
  • Hunter Heights
  • Hunter Hill Estates
  • Hyland Hills
  • Ireland Subdivision
  • Ithacan Drive
  • Jidaro Valley Subdivision
  • Keding Estates
  • Lakeland Village
  • Lakeland Village Trailer Park
  • Lakeview
  • Lakeview Estates
  • Lakewood Acres
  • Lark Hill Farms
  • Las Villas
  • Laurina Estates
  • Levder's Ridge Subdivision
  • Lina Country Estates
  • Lincoln Green
  • Lindale[14]
  • Lindale Park
  • Lindberg
  • Lueder Ridge
  • Lynley Ridge
  • Mark Iv Estates
  • Marler Subdivision
  • Marvin Gardens
  • McConnell Estates
  • Meadow Court
  • Meadow Land Estates
  • Meadowbrook Heights
  • Meyers Lakeshore Estates
  • Midway Estates
  • Military Point
  • Miniskic Estates
  • Newton Estates
  • North Queensdale Place
  • Ordze Park and Wye Road Garden
  • Parker Ridge
  • Parklane Estates
  • Parkside Estates
  • Parkview Ridge
  • Parkwood Place
  • Partridge Hill
  • Paso Valley Subdivision
  • Patricia Estates
  • Pebble Court
  • Penridge Estates
  • Pine Grove Acres
  • Pleasant View
  • Pleasantview Acreages
  • Pointe Aux Pins Estates
  • Poplar Lake Estates
  • Portas Gardens
  • Queensdale Place[14]
  • Quesnel Country Estates
  • Regency Park Estates
  • Reno-Ville
  • Richlyn Estates
  • Rolling Forest Estates
  • Roman Estates
  • Rose Burn Estate
  • Rossbrooke Estates
  • Royal Estates
  • Royal Gardens
  • Ryedale Estates
  • Sconadale
  • Sconaglen Estates
  • Scot Haven
  • Scotford
  • Shady Lanes
  • Sherwood Place
  • Sierra Grand Estates
  • Silver Birch Hills
  • Simmons
  • Simpson Grange
  • Smithson Acres
  • South Bailey
  • South Queensdale Place
  • Springhill Estate
  • Spruce Bend Estate
  • Summerwood
  • Sun Hill Estates
  • Tanglewood Estates
  • Tidan Heights
  • Trans Oak Estates
  • Trevithick[14]
  • Trevithick Subdivision
  • Twin Island Air Park
  • Uncas
  • Valley Point
  • Verden Place
  • Voyageur Estates
  • Wellington Estates
  • West Whitecroft
  • Westpark Estates
  • Whitecroft
  • Wildwood Village
  • Williams Park
  • Willow Lake Estates
  • Willowdale Estates
  • Winfield Heights
  • Woodland Downs
  • Woodland Park
  • Woodville Estates
  • Wye Haven
  • Wye Knott Village
  • Wyeclif
  • Wyeknot Village

Demographics

[edit]
Federal census
population history
YearPop.±%
19316,293—    
19366,844+8.8%
19416,725−1.7%
19466,383−5.1%
19517,591+18.9%
19568,873+16.9%
196112,075+36.1%
196616,185+34.0%
197125,634+58.4%
197642,278+64.9%
198151,579+22.0%
198649,802−3.4%
199156,573+13.6%
199664,176+13.4%
200171,986+12.2%
200682,511+14.6%
201192,490+12.1%
201698,044+6.0%
202199,225+1.2%
Source: Statistics Canada
[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][4]

The population of Strathcona County according to its 2024 municipal census is 103,829, a change of 3.5% from its 2022 municipal census population of 100,362.[5] Its 2024 population includes 75,575 or 72.8% living in the Sherwood Park urban service area and 28,253 or 27.2% in the rural service area.[5]

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Strathcona County had a population of 99,225 living in 37,128 of its 38,203 total private dwellings, a change of 1.2% from its 2016 population of 98,024. With a land area of 1,170.65 km2 (451.99 sq mi), it had a population density of 84.8/km2 (219.5/sq mi) in 2021.[4]

Strathcona County municipal census population breakdown
Component[24] 2024 population[5] 2022 population[25] 2018 population[24]
Sherwood Park urban service area 75,575 73,000 71,332
Rural service area 28,253 27,362 27,049
– Hamlet of Antler Lake 428 435
– Hamlet of Ardrossan 919 532
– Hamlet of Collingwood Cove 375 376
– Hamlet of Half Moon Lake 187 214
– Hamlet of Hastings Lake 102 104
– Hamlet of Josephburg 117 118
– Hamlet of North Cooking Lake 48 57
– Hamlet of South Cooking Lake 277 270
Total Strathcona County 103,829 100,362 98,381

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Strathcona County had a population of 98,044 living in 35,567 of its 36,354 total private dwellings, a change of 6% from its 2011 population of 92,490. With a land area of 1,182.78 km2 (456.67 sq mi), it had a population density of 82.9/km2 (214.7/sq mi) in 2016.[23]

Ethnicity

[edit]
Panethnic groups in the Municipality of Strathcona County (2001−2021)
Panethnic
group 		2021[26] 2016[27] 2011[28] 2006[29] 2001[30]
Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %
European[a] 83,940 85.89% 85,990 88.63% 82,960 90.67% 75,970 92.82% 67,930 95.11%
Indigenous 4,600 4.71% 3,880 4% 3,480 3.8% 2,270 2.77% 1,510 2.11%
Southeast Asian[b] 2,820 2.89% 2,110 2.17% 1,150 1.26% 860 1.05% 365 0.51%
South Asian 2,650 2.71% 1,820 1.88% 1,425 1.56% 805 0.98% 485 0.68%
East Asian[c] 1,315 1.35% 1,280 1.32% 1,015 1.11% 980 1.2% 545 0.76%
African 985 1.01% 775 0.8% 455 0.5% 450 0.55% 360 0.5%
Latin American 570 0.58% 455 0.47% 525 0.57% 160 0.2% 85 0.12%
Middle Eastern[d] 370 0.38% 325 0.33% 175 0.19% 160 0.2% 50 0.07%
Other/multiracial[e] 480 0.49% 380 0.39% 315 0.34% 180 0.22% 95 0.13%
Total responses 97,730 98.49% 97,020 98.96% 91,495 98.92% 81,845 99.19% 71,420 99.21%
Total population 99,225 100% 98,044 100% 92,490 100% 82,511 100% 71,986 100%
Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses

Economy

[edit]
Industrial

As of 2020 Strathcona County had over $12.0 billion worth of industrial projects completed, announced, or under construction.[31] This is aided in part by the concentration of oil refineries on the west side of Sherwood Park. This district, known as Refinery Row, includes some of the largest industrial facilities in Western Canada, such as Imperial's Strathcona Refinery. Originally built in the 1940s, a new refinery was constructed in 1976 and is one of the largest refining facilities in Canada.[32] As well, the Suncor's Edmonton Refinery produces 142,000 barrels per day (22,600 m3/d) of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and aviation gasoline. This refinery sits on 247 hectares of land and has been operating for over 65 years.[33] A founding member of Alberta's Industrial Heartland, Strathcona County is home to Canada's largest hydrocarbon refining cluster.[34]

In 2002, when reporting on the industrial growth of Strathcona County, the National Post focused specifically on the companies Lockerbie & Hole Contracting and Jireh Industries.[35] Regarding Jireh Industries, the National Post stated that the company "does aerospace quality machining and makes robots that inspect on-surface and underwater pipelines for cracks and corrosion."[35] As of 2020, the leading industries in Strathcona County were extraction, manufacturing, scientific, construction, trucking and engineering.

Commercial

Strathcona County is home to more than 11,000 businesses, with 3,500 of those businesses comprising employees. A market area population of 1.4 million has resulted in household spending power of $5.6 billion. Strathcona County has over 15,800 highly-skilled graduates available with 94% of residents holding a diploma, certificate, or degree. Within the active business community, there are several resources available to local entrepreneurs to help support their businesses:[36][37]

  • Small Business Week and Conference
  • Business Visitation Program
  • Business Startup Seminars and Support
  • Business Planning and Site Selection Resources

Arts and culture

[edit]

Strathcona County Library is a publicly funded library with its main branch in Sherwood Park. Its bookmobile provides service to rural residents through 14 regular weekly stops.[38]

The Smeltzer House Visual Arts Centre is operated by Strathcona County as arts and culture programming space. The main home is primarily used for art exhibitions, while the 1920 and 1950s garages have been outfitted as a glass and clay studio respectively.[39]

Attractions

[edit]

Elk Island National Park is adjacent to Strathcona County to the east.[9]

Government

[edit]

Unlike most Albertan municipal districts, where council appoints a reeve, Strathcona County elects a mayor. Rod Frank was elected in 2017,[40] replacing Roxanne Carr who was elected in 2013.

Infrastructure

[edit]
Airports

Strathcona County is home to two public airports. Cooking Lake Airport, which operates as a condo board, accommodates 87 per cent of Strathcona County's public aeronautical transportation needs.[41][42] It is also the oldest operating public airport in Canada and approved for international flights under the Canada Border Services Agency CANPASS program.[43]

The Warren Thomas Aerodrome, better known as the Josephburg Airport, serves the remaining 13 per cent of Strathcona County's public aeronautical transportation needs.

Roads

The following provincial highways service Strathcona County.[9]

Transit
Main article: Strathcona County Transit
Sports

Strathcona Druids RFC

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Strathcona County

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Strathcona County is a in , , located immediately east of and encompassing both urban and rural areas within the . It covers a land area of 1,170.65 square kilometres (2021 Census) and recorded a population of 103,829 in its 2024 municipal census, with 75,575 residents in urban areas and 28,253 in rural areas; the government estimates 105,218 as of 2024. The municipality's history dates back to April 14, 1893, when the North-West Territories Legislature established Statute Labor and Fire District Number Two in the area, initially covering 36 square miles of land. Through mergers and expansions, it evolved into the Municipal District of Strathcona No. 83 by 1945 and amalgamated with local school districts to form the County of Strathcona No. 20 on January 1, 1962. On January 1, 1996, it was granted specialized municipality status by Municipal Affairs, enabling unified governance for its diverse urban and rural residents while maintaining rural autonomy. Strathcona County plays a pivotal role in Alberta's sector as part of Alberta's Industrial Heartland, North America's largest hydrocarbon processing region, which spans 194 square kilometres within the county and supports major operations. Its also features diverse agricultural activities, bolstered by the county's position in Alberta's agricultural heartland. Committed to sustainability and livability, the county invests in ecological preservation, , recreation centres, and cultural programs to serve its residents and foster community engagement.

History

Indigenous Presence and Early Settlement

The region now known as Strathcona County, particularly the Beaver Hills area, was inhabited by for thousands of years prior to European contact. The Nehiyawak (), including the amiskowacîwiyiniwak or Beaver Hills Cree subgroup, and the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) were primary groups that lived in and migrated through the area, utilizing its diverse landscapes for sustenance and cultural practices. These communities engaged in hunting large game such as , , caribou, and smaller animals like rabbits, as well as pursuing waterfowl; in rivers and lakes provided preserved food sources through drying techniques; and gathering wild plants, berries, nuts, fruits, and vegetables supplemented their diets and supported networks. The , who named the Beaver Hills amiskwaciy (bee-hills), thrived in this ecosystem, which offered rich resources for these traditional activities. In the early 19th century, the fur exerted significant influence on the region, transforming Indigenous-European interactions along and routes. The functioned as a vital corridor for transporting furs eastward and supplies westward, with nearby posts like —built by in 1795 near present-day —describing the area as abundant in beavers and otters. By the 1820s, the Hudson's Bay Company's Edmonton House on the river's north bank became a central hub where and other exchanged furs, meat, and hides for European goods such as guns, tools, and food. These interactions, while economically beneficial, introduced new dynamics to traditional land use patterns in the watershed. Homesteading waves accelerated in the late 1800s, driven by the Canadian Pacific Railway's expansion, which facilitated access and promoted the region as fertile for . Early settlers in 1881 trekked from to claim land along the North Saskatchewan River's black soil in areas like Clover Bar, establishing initial farms amid the promise of rail connectivity. In 1891, 53 Galician and Polish families (around 250 people) settled in Josephburg, northeast of . In 1892, promoter Thomas Pearce led about 300 settlers to districts such as Agricola, Partridge Hill, and Good Hope. The proximity to drew French Canadian migrants to Lake and Ukrainian families to nearby districts, with larger operations like Sandy Mann's 4,800-acre farm in Scotford emerging by 1906 as key employers in the area. A pivotal event in early rural organization occurred in April 1893, when the North-West Territories government designated the Clover Bar area east of as Statute Labour and Fire District No. 2, the first such entity in what is now . Spanning initially 36 square miles (one ) in the Clover Bar area and later expanding to 108 square miles in the Beaver Hills, this district empowered settlers to self-govern on critical matters like road maintenance via statute labor, livestock control, and wildfire prevention to sustain stable . This foundational structure paved the way for subsequent municipal evolution in the region.

Municipal Formation and Evolution

The Municipal District of Strathcona No. 517 was established on March 1, 1943, through the merger of the Municipal District of Clover Bar No. 517 and the Municipal District of Strathcona No. 518, consolidating rural governance in the region east of . The name "Strathcona" honors Donald Alexander Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, a prominent Scottish-born Canadian businessman and railway financier who played a key role in the development of . In 1945, the province renamed it the Municipal District of Strathcona No. 83 to align with updated numbering systems for Alberta's rural municipalities. Following , the 1947 discovery of oil at , located just west of the district, triggered an economic boom that accelerated rural development and attracted a significant influx to the area, transforming its agricultural landscape into a hub for resource-based growth. This period saw increased infrastructure needs, leading to boundary adjustments in the 1950s and 1960s; for instance, in 1955, residents southeast of Cooking Lake petitioned successfully to join the district, expanding its territory amid shifting school divisions and urban pressures from nearby . Further annexations occurred through the 1970s, including areas around emerging subdivisions like , as the municipality navigated growth while resisting larger encroachments from the City of . In 1962, the Municipal District of Strathcona No. 83 was restructured and incorporated as the County of Strathcona No. 20 under 's new County Act, reflecting its evolving administrative capacity to manage expanding rural and semi-urban areas. By 1995, following the repeal of the County Act, it reverted to municipal district status and was officially renamed Strathcona County to emphasize its unified identity. Effective January 1, 1996, the Province of designated Strathcona County as a specialized , a unique status allowing it to provide urban-level services in while preserving the rural character of surrounding lands and accommodating ongoing .

Geography

Physical Landscape and Climate

Strathcona County is situated in the central plains of , forming part of the , with its western boundary adjacent to the City of Edmonton and its eastern edge bordering . The municipality encompasses a land area of 1,170.65 km² (as per 2021 census; total area approximately 1,265 km² including water bodies), characterized by a mix of agricultural and natural lands. The physical landscape features rolling prairies and typical of the Central Parkland Natural Subregion, with gently undulating terrain formed by glacial deposits and 'knob and kettle' topography. This includes interspersed groves of trembling aspen and balsam poplar amid open grasslands, transitioning to boreal mixedwood forest edges along the eastern portions. Major water bodies include Cooking Lake, Half Moon Lake, and Hastings Lake, which support diverse aquatic habitats, while tributaries such as Beaverhill Creek and the Clover Bar Creek drain into the system. The region experiences a (Köppen Dfb), with cold, dry winters and warm, moderately humid summers influenced by its inland position. Average low temperatures in reach approximately -18°C, while July highs average 23°C, reflecting significant seasonal swings. precipitation totals around 450 mm, predominantly as rain in summer and snow in winter, supporting the parkland vegetation but occasionally leading to conditions. Environmental aspects highlight the area's role in biodiversity conservation, as part of the UNESCO-designated Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve since 2016, which preserves wildlife corridors and complexes for species like waterfowl and mammals. Efforts include conservation easements on private lands to protect native habitats from fragmentation, alongside public initiatives to manage and maintain ecosystem resilience. Notable sites such as Strathcona Science contribute to these goals by safeguarding river valley ecosystems and promoting geological and ecological .

Communities and Hamlets

Strathcona County encompasses a mix of urban and rural populated areas, with serving as the primary urban service area (USA). Established in 1955 as a east of , functions as the and administrative hub, hosting key municipal offices and facilities. As of the 2024 municipal census, it is home to 75,575 residents, representing the majority of the county's urban population. The area features diverse neighborhoods with residential, commercial, and recreational developments, supporting a suburban lifestyle integrated with natural surroundings. Complementing Sherwood Park are the county's rural hamlets and communities, which provide smaller-scale living options amid agricultural and natural landscapes. The eight official rural hamlets—Antler Lake, , Collingwood Cove, Half Moon Lake, Hastings Lake, Josephburg, North Cooking Lake, and South Cooking Lake—house approximately 2,820 residents, contributing to the broader rural population of 28,253 as recorded in the 2024 . Additional rural areas, such as the district with its community hall and historical significance, along with neighborhoods like Sherwood Heights, offer acreage-style properties and local amenities for those seeking a more countryside-oriented existence. Ongoing development is concentrated in growth zones like the Bremner area, an expansion of the urban service area located east of Highway 21 and north of Highway 16. Planned as a complete community, Bremner includes provisions for low- to high-density residential, commercial, and light industrial uses, with features such as walkable neighborhoods, parks, and transit-oriented design to accommodate future expansion. These areas emphasize sustainable growth while preserving rural character in surrounding zones. The county's populated regions are defined within boundaries that reflect its position in the , immediately east of the City of . Its eastern edge abuts , providing a natural transition to protected wilderness, while southern limits align with Highway 14, encompassing farmlands and emerging developments. This strategic location fosters connectivity through provincial highways and regional infrastructure, enhancing accessibility for residents across urban and rural divides.

Demographics

Population Growth and Distribution

Strathcona County's population has experienced significant growth since the mid-20th century, reflecting its evolution from a to a key part of the . In 1951, the population stood at 1,513 residents, according to the Census of . By 1961, it had increased to 12,075, with subsequent censuses showing steady expansion: 25,735 in 1971, 51,579 in 1981, and 92,490 in 2011. The 2021 federal census recorded 99,225 residents, while the 2024 municipal census reported 103,829, marking a 3.5% increase from the 2022 figure of 100,362. The distribution of the population remains predominantly urban-rural, with approximately 72.8% residing in Sherwood Park's urban areas and 27.2% in rural locales as of the census. Specifically, accounted for 75,575 residents, while rural areas had 28,253. This split has been consistent over recent decades, with urban growth slightly outpacing rural in percentage terms during the 2022-2024 period (3.5% versus 3.3%). Projections indicate continued modest expansion, with an estimated annual growth rate of 0.52% leading into 2025, based on recent trends. Several factors have driven this population increase, including the county's proximity to , which facilitates commuting and access to urban amenities, as well as employment opportunities in the energy sector. Housing developments, such as expansions in the area, have also attracted new residents seeking suburban lifestyles. Overall, the county has grown by 37% since 2003, with the most rapid period occurring during the 2008-2012 , when annual increases peaked above 3%.
YearTotal PopulationSherwood Park (Urban)RuralSource
19511,513N/AN/ACensus of Canada
196112,0752,9239,152Census of Canada / Municipal
198151,57929,28522,294Census of Canada / Municipal
200171,98647,64524,341Census of Canada / Municipal
202199,22572,01727,208Statistics Canada
2024103,82975,57528,253Municipal Census

Ethnic and Cultural Composition

Strathcona County's is predominantly of European descent, with the 2021 Census indicating that the majority report origins such as English (35.8%), Scottish (26.4%), and Canadian (25.6%), alongside other European ancestries comprising the largest share overall. South Asian residents form the largest group at 2.7% (2,650 individuals), followed by Filipino at 2.4% (2,340), at 1.0% (985), and smaller proportions of Arab, Latin American, and Southeast Asian groups. account for just under 5% of the . overall represent 9.4% (9,190 ), marking a 28.5% increase from 2016 and highlighting growing diversity. No detailed ethnic updates from the 2024 municipal census are publicly available as of late 2025, though it collected race/ethnicity data pending further analysis. English is the dominant , serving as the mother for 92.3% of residents and spoken at home by 93.1%. French accounts for about 2% as a mother , while non-official languages are reported by 7.7%, including Tagalog, Punjabi, and , driven by and contributing to multilingual households. Religiously, 54.9% (53,625 individuals) identify as Christian, encompassing various denominations, while 41.5% (40,595) report no religious affiliation, underscoring a shift toward . Minority faiths include Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu communities, collectively comprising 2.6%. Immigrants make up 10.8% (10,495 people) of the , with recent arrivals from 2016 to 2021 numbering 1,530 (14.6% of immigrants) primarily from the , , and the . This diversity fosters cultural integration through events like the annual African Festival, which showcases music, , and , and Culture Days programming featuring Filipino heritage activities. Community programs such as the Newcomer Connector support settlement by connecting immigrants to resources, subsidies, and local networks.

Economy

Primary Industries and Resources

Strathcona County serves as a key component of Alberta's heartland, hosting significant operations in the sector as part of Canada's largest processing region. The county is home to major refineries, including the Strathcona Refinery, which processes approximately 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day into products such as gasoline, diesel, and , and Suncor's Edmonton Refinery, with a capacity of 146,000 barrels per day focused on similar outputs from and feedstocks. These facilities underscore the region's role in upstream oil sands extraction and processing, generating substantial economic value through high-volume production. Agriculture remains a foundational industry in Strathcona County, utilizing a substantial portion of the land base for diverse farming activities that support local and regional food systems. With over 164,000 acres dedicated to cropland and 501 farms reported as of 2021, the sector emphasizes production, rearing—including and calves numbering around 19,000 as of 2021—and emerging opportunities in to diversify rural economies. The Strathcona County Agricultural Framework guides these efforts, promoting sustainable practices and integration with broader agrifood processing to enhance resilience and , building on the and Food Sector Development Strategy approved in October 2024. Beyond and , resource extraction in the county includes regulated and gravel operations, subject to an aggregate levy of $0.40 per to fund reclamation and infrastructure, alongside limited activities in aspen-populated areas. Recent shifts toward renewables post-2020 have introduced initiatives like wind energy development and renewable diesel production at existing refineries, aligning with provincial environmental goals while building on traditional resource bases. Collectively, these primary industries drive significant economic contributions to Alberta's GDP, with Alberta's Industrial Heartland—encompassing much of Strathcona County—featuring over $50 billion in capital investment as of 2025 and supporting more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, particularly in energy-related functions that form a major share of local . The sector, in particular, bolsters the county's base and workforce, employing a substantial portion of residents in processing and extraction roles.

Business Development and Major Projects

Strathcona County hosts over 11,000 businesses, serving as a hub for major employers in the energy sector, including Imperial Oil's Strathcona Refinery and Suncor's Edmonton Refinery, both key players in hydrocarbon processing. Logistics companies thrive in the region's transportation networks, while tech startups, such as Element 4 Technologies specializing in cleantech sensors, operate within Sherwood Park's industrial parks like the Sherwood Industrial Park. Industrial developments have seen significant investment, with over $12 billion in projects completed, announced, or under construction as of 2020, expanding to approximately $50 billion by 2025 through initiatives like the , which began commercial operations in May 2024 and increased capacity to 890,000 barrels per day from to the West Coast. Recent updates include pipeline infrastructure enhancements and the county's 2025 budget, which consolidates $470 million in operating expenditures and $167 million in capital spending to support growth and maintenance. Select Strathcona, the county's economic development corporation, drives innovation by partnering with industries on emerging technologies and offering workforce training programs to build skilled labor pools. Its efforts align with the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, which outlines a vision for prosperity through business attraction, small and medium-sized enterprise support, and strategic investments updated for 2025 priorities. The county's economy rebounded from the 2020 oil price crash triggered by the , with recovery strategies emphasizing diversification beyond traditional hydrocarbons into renewables and agritech. Notable progress includes Imperial Oil's $720 million renewable diesel expansion at the Strathcona Refinery, now producing up to 1.16 billion liters annually since July 2025 and creating up to 600 construction jobs. Agritech initiatives promote diverse agricultural markets and innovation in food production clusters, fostering sustainable growth amid global energy transitions.

Government and Politics

Municipal Governance Structure

Strathcona County operates as a specialized in , a designation granted effective January 1, 1996, by Alberta Municipal Affairs to accommodate its unique blend of urban and rural characteristics. This status enables a hybrid governance model that balances the needs of densely populated areas like with expansive rural districts, allowing for flexible administration without the constraints of standard municipal districts or counties. The county's governance traces back to 1893, when the Clover Bar area became the first rural self-governing entity in what is now , evolving through a 1943 merger of the Municipal Districts of Clover Bar No. 517 and Strathcona No. 518 to form the modern foundation. The municipal council consists of nine elected officials: a elected by all residents and eight councillors, each representing one of the county's eight wards to ensure localized representation across its diverse . Wards are periodically reviewed to reflect population changes, with boundaries adjusted for the 2025 to maintain equitable electoral districts. oversees key administrative functions, including a multi-year approved annually; for instance, the 2025 operating totals $470 million, incorporating a 3.90% revenue increase to fund while prioritizing fiscal sustainability. This process involves public consultations, departmental reviews, and council deliberations to align expenditures with community priorities. As a self-governing entity since its early rural incorporation, Strathcona County exercises broad powers in local affairs, including integration with the former Board for coordinated on growth and infrastructure until its dissolution in early 2025. The county tailors services to its hybrid landscape through departments handling planning and zoning to regulate across urban, industrial, and agricultural zones, as well as protocols adapted for both high-density populations and remote rural areas. These functions support autonomous decision-making while fostering suited to the county's varied communities.

Leadership and Recent Policies

Strathcona County is led by Mayor Rod Frank, who was first elected in , re-elected in 2021, and secured a third term in the October 2025 municipal with 76.90% of the vote. The council consists of eight ward councillors elected alongside the mayor: Ward 1's Robert Parks (63.67%), Ward 2's Mike (64.44%), Ward 3's Lorne Harvey (67.02%), Ward 4's Bill Tonita (67.39%), Ward 5's Aaron Nelson (acclaimed), Ward 6's Corey-Ann Hartwick (52.30%), Ward 7's Glen Lawrence (58.49%), and Ward 8's Katie Berghofer (73.42%). Municipal elections occur every four years, with the next scheduled for 2029. The county's governance is guided by the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, outlining four core goals: economic prosperity through business and ; a healthy and safe community emphasizing affordability and social supports; responsible development focused on sustainable and ; and municipal excellence in service delivery and stakeholder relations. affordability initiatives under the plan include promoting diverse options to meet demographic shifts and economic pressures. In recent policies, council approved the 2024 multi-year budget in December 2023, featuring a 5.87% property tax revenue increase to fund operational revenues of $443.1 million, with allocations for capital upgrades like fire stations and recreational facilities, hiring 50 new firefighters, and programs such as the Seniors Homeowner Tax Program. The Climate Resilience Plan, approved on November 19, 2024, establishes 13 objectives across four themes—built environment, people health and economy, natural environment and agriculture, and resilient government—to adapt to impacts like flooding and wildfires, funded partly by Alberta's Municipal Climate Change Action Centre. To address growth pressures from 2023 to 2025, including a 3.5% population rise to 103,829 by 2024, policies emphasize service planning via census data and budget investments in infrastructure to manage urban and rural expansion. The 2025 budget was finalized in spring 2025, with the 2026 budget process beginning in November 2025. Politically, Strathcona County aligns with 's provincial energy policies by supporting initiatives like development through 2023 resolutions to Alberta Municipalities and the Rural Municipalities of , while fostering regional cooperation in the Board for shared economic and environmental goals.

Infrastructure

Transportation Networks

Strathcona County's transportation networks facilitate connectivity within the region and to nearby urban centers like , supporting both daily commutes and economic activities through a combination of provincial highways, facilities, public transit, and active transportation . The county's strategic east of enhances its role as a key link in 's broader transportation system, with maintenance responsibilities largely shared between municipal and provincial authorities. The primary road network includes Provincial Highway 21, which serves as the main north-south corridor through the county, connecting rural areas to and beyond. Highway 14 provides essential east-west access, linking Strathcona County to communities like and integrating with the Trans-Canada (Highway 16). (Highway 216), a major freeway encircling , offers direct connectivity to the county, with travel times under 30 minutes to , facilitating efficient goods movement and commuter traffic. These highways are maintained by the , ensuring year-round accessibility for industrial and residential purposes. Aviation infrastructure in Strathcona County centers on general and recreational use, with no commercial passenger services but support for regional industry and training. Cooking Lake Airport, located in the southeast portion of the county, is Canada's oldest operating public airport, established in 1926, and primarily accommodates recreational flying, , and small aircraft operations, handling a significant share of the county's aeronautical activity. The nearby /Villeneuve Airport in adjacent , approximately 40 kilometers northwest, complements this by serving as a primary flight-training hub for the region, benefiting Strathcona County's aviation-dependent businesses through shared airspace and proximity. Public transit is managed by Strathcona County Transit, which operates local bus services within and commuter routes to , connecting key hubs like Bethel Transit Terminal to destinations such as the , , and NAIT. Services run from early morning to evening on weekdays, with on-demand options for evenings and weekends, and fares structured via a tap-on/tap-off system. In 2024, expansions under the updated Transit Master Plan introduced enhanced rural routes and new commuter lines, including Route 415 to NAIT and Route 600 to , adding over 150 annual service hours to rural areas to address growth and needs; further updates, such as school specials, took effect in 2025. Active transportation options emphasize non-motorized mobility, with over 287 kilometers of multi-use trails and bike paths in alone, supplemented by regional networks totaling around 300 kilometers across the county for walking, , and connecting to natural areas. These paths integrate with broader systems like the 22-kilometer Strathcona County Regional Trail along the . In 2025, construction projects advanced pedestrian infrastructure, including the completion of the Amisk Wâciw Âsokan (Beaver Hills Bridge), a new linking 167 Avenue in to Township Road 540, which extends trail access and promotes safe crossings for cyclists and pedestrians.

Utilities and Public Services

Strathcona County manages and services through its Utilities department, providing safe, clean, and reliable supply to urban and select rural areas. The county operates and maintains all underground sewer systems serving —the largest urban center—and the hamlets of , Josephburg, and Collingwood, ensuring full coverage for these developed communities. In , direct service reaches nearly all residents via municipal infrastructure, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial needs with a focus on exceeding Canadian guidelines. Rural residents outside serviced areas typically rely on private wells or trickle systems connected to nearby mains for access, with the county offering hauled options where feasible. For , the county targets residential use below 200 liters per capita per day, bolstered by 2025 infrastructure upgrades including a $4 million fill project and a new line extension to enhance capacity and efficiency. Utility rates for and are set to rise by 4.09 percent in 2025 to fund these improvements and long-term resilience. Electricity and natural gas services in Strathcona County are delivered by regulated providers rather than the municipal utility, with Gas handling distribution across the region and ATCO Electric or EPCOR managing electricity transmission depending on specific locales. These providers ensure reliable supply to and rural areas, with options for competitive retail rates through deregulated markets. The county supports transitions through initiatives like the Clean Energy Improvement Program, which finances up to 100 percent of costs for residential solar panels, pumps, and other upgrades at low interest rates. County-led pilots include a electric bus project launched in 2023, testing zero-emission technology in cold climates with a 480-kilometer range per fill, in partnership with the City of and funded by Emissions Reduction Alberta. Additional efforts involve a 2025 mobile fueling station to power local fleets, advancing integration without direct municipal generation. Waste management in Strathcona County emphasizes diversion and principles through the 10-year Waste Roadmap (2020-2030), which prioritizes reducing, reusing, , and recovering materials to minimize use. Curbside programs under the Green Routine system provide weekly collection of recyclables, organics, and trash via sorted carts, with a pay-as-you-throw model introduced in 2023 to incentivize lower volumes and supported by a free mobile app for sorting guidance. The county operates drop-off facilities like the Broadview Enviroservice Station for hard-to-collect items and transports residual to regional s, achieving notable diversion rates—over 5,000 tonnes in 2024 alone through enhanced sorting and composting. Green initiatives in 2024 included the Organic Waste Diversion pilot by the Circular Innovation Council, targeting commercial food for rescue and composting, which identified barriers and diverted surplus to social agencies while reducing from s. The "Catch the Cow" campaign complemented this by promoting innovation in organics handling, contributing to a 2024 Sustainable Communities Award for management excellence. Public safety in Strathcona County is coordinated by the Emergency Management Agency (SCEMA), which oversees fire services, RCMP policing, and disaster response through a structured Municipal Emergency Plan updated in 2023. The Strathcona County Emergency Services operates multiple fire stations, including Fire Station 6 in Sherwood Park, responding to fires, medical emergencies, collisions, and hazards with 24/7 availability via 9-1-1. An RCMP detachment serves the county, focusing on community priorities like traffic safety and crime prevention, with annual public surveys shaping 2023-2024 enforcement strategies. Emergency plans emphasize 72-hour self-sufficiency kits and family preparedness, integrated into broader resilience efforts post-2023 regional floods that prompted enhanced monitoring and coordination protocols. SCEMA maintains an Emergency Operations Centre with tiered activation levels—from monitoring for minor events to full mobilization for disasters like flooding—ensuring rapid response and recovery support across urban and rural areas.

Culture and Society

Arts, Heritage, and Cultural Facilities

The Strathcona County Museum & Archives, established in 1997, serves as a key institution for preserving the region's through a collection that includes photographs, maps, oral , and artifacts dating back to the late , reflecting early settlement and development in the area. The museum features exhibits on Indigenous , including artwork, stories, and objects from local First Nations and Métis communities, such as an immersive mural by Aaron Paquette titled The Past is Always Present, which highlights Treaty 6 territory and reconciliation efforts. It also offers programs focused on settler , such as guided tours and educational events that explore the evolution of Strathcona County from its origins as a late-19th-century district. Admission to the museum is by donation, with operating hours limited to Wednesdays through Saturdays to accommodate community visits. The Strathcona County Library system supports cultural access across the county, with its primary Central Library located in spanning over 64,000 square feet and offering spaces for quiet study, interactive children's areas, and community programs. Services extend to rural areas through outreach initiatives like the , which saw a 16 percent increase in visits in 2024 compared to 2022, alongside digital resources available via platforms such as OverDrive for eBooks and audiobooks. In 2024, the library expanded technology classes to include seniors' programs at local lodges and relaunched intergenerational activities, enhancing and engagement. The system received a 3 percent budget increase for 2025, totaling over $11.4 million, to sustain these services amid growing usage. Arts centers in Strathcona County provide venues for creative expression and community involvement. The Smeltzer House Visual Arts Centre, a historic Foursquare-style home built in 1920 and repurposed since the 1980s, hosts classes in , , , and crafts for all ages, marking 40 years as a cultural hub in 2025. Gallery@501, located in the Strathcona County Cultural Centre, functions as the primary gallery, showcasing exhibitions that blend , heritage, and contemporary themes, including works in fibre, glass, painting, and sculpture from local and regional artists. Annual events like Culture Days promote and through free performances, workshops, and displays, fostering diverse cultural participation. Heritage preservation efforts in Strathcona County are guided by the Heritage Resources Management Plan, a policy framework that enhances conservation of historical buildings and sites through and municipal support. In 2025, initiatives include ongoing collections care at the , highlighted by events like Ask a Conservator Day featuring staff expertise in artifact preservation. A feasibility study exploring options for a and archives facility to better accommodate growing collections was completed in late 2024. The Arts, Culture and Heritage Community Investment Program offers grants up to specified amounts for non-profit organizations and artists, with 2025 deadlines in November and May to fund diverse events, festivals, and preservation projects, such as special multi-day cultural activities. These grants prioritize equity-seeking artists and community-based initiatives, supporting over a dozen recipients annually to maintain cultural vitality.

Education and Community Programs

Strathcona County is served by two primary school boards for K-12 education: Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS), which enrolls approximately 17,750 students across 43 schools in the region including and other areas of the county, and Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS), which serves more than 9,400 students in faith-integrated programs throughout the same communities. Together, these boards provide comprehensive public and options for over 27,000 students, emphasizing quality education from through Grade 12 in diverse settings that support academic, social, and . For post-secondary education, residents benefit from the county's proximity to major institutions in the Edmonton metropolitan area, such as the (NAIT) and the , both located within a short commute and offering programs in , sciences, and . Local training opportunities focus on energy sector trades, with initiatives like the Industrial Heartland Career Forum providing workshops and skill-building events tailored to industrial and trades careers in the region's petrochemical hub. Community programs in Strathcona County emphasize family support and youth development, including the Family Resource Network (FRN), which delivers free services such as parenting workshops, playgroups, and resilience-building activities for families with children and youth aged 0-18. Youth services encompass counselling, mentoring through programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, and leadership opportunities via the Youth Council, fostering engagement and personal growth. The county's 2023-2026 Strategic Plan integrates and inclusion priorities, with initiatives like the (MHCB) program rotating support teams in schools from September 2025 to June 2026 to enhance and equity. Strathcona County Library plays a key role in educational outreach through programs, including summer reading kits for Grade 1 students and story times that promote early reading skills, alongside sessions to build foundational technology competencies. The library also hosts workshops on emerging topics like and resources via platforms such as , supporting STEM-related skill development without overlapping into cultural exhibits.

Attractions and Recreation

Natural and Outdoor Sites

Strathcona County offers a variety of natural and outdoor sites that emphasize pristine landscapes and habitats within the Beaver Hills Biosphere, a UNESCO-designated reserve. These areas provide opportunities for passive recreation such as , , and nature observation, supporting the region's amid agricultural and urban influences. Adjacent to the county's eastern borders lies , a key natural feature accessible via short drives from and rural areas. The park, spanning diverse ecosystems of forests, wetlands, and grasslands, allows visitors from Strathcona County to engage in bison viewing along designated viewing areas and over 80 kilometers of trails that wind through habitats supporting plains and herds, , and more than 250 bird species. These trails are open year-round, with entry points like the Astotin Lake area reachable from Highway 16, facilitating easy border access for day trips focused on . Within the county, Strathcona Science Provincial Park serves as a local gem for environmental exploration, located just east of near the Strathcona County line. Originally developed for scientific study and education, the park now features rugged trails through aspen woodlands and ravines, ideal for hiking and , with interpretive elements highlighting local such as native and geological formations. Though some sections remain closed for safety, the site promotes understanding of the valley's natural history through its preserved, rustic setting. The Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, situated in central Strathcona County, encompasses expansive forests, wetlands, and the namesake lake, offering boating opportunities on calm waters amid aspen-dominated terrain. This multi-use area supports non-motorized boating from designated launches, alongside 170 kilometers of trails for and viewing, where visitors can spot , deer, and waterfowl in a mixed and landscape. Broadmoor Lake Park provides a serene urban-adjacent escape in , with a 3-kilometer asphalt loop trail circling the lake for leisurely walks and . The surrounding wetlands and green spaces attract species like ducks and songbirds, enhancing its role as a nature hotspot without overnight facilities. Recent conservation initiatives, such as the 2022 reestablishment of wetlands in the area, expand rural wetland reserves to bolster bird habitats and flood mitigation, countering through nature-based restoration on previously drained lands. Strathcona County's conservation efforts protect significant natural features through legal tools like conservation easements on private lands, preserving forests, wetlands, grasslands, and lakes from development pressures. These initiatives, integrated with the Beaver Hills Biosphere framework, focus on enhancement by controlling and maintaining ecological connectivity, ensuring habitats for native wildlife persist alongside recreational access.

Sports and Entertainment Venues

Millennium Place, located in , serves as Strathcona County's largest multi-purpose recreation centre, offering a range of facilities including the Wellness Centre for fitness activities, the Cambrian Aquatics Centre with wave and lap pools, an indoor track, a gymnasium, fitness studios, a , and twin arenas for along with leisure surfaces. These amenities support various drop-in programs and organized , such as skating and , catering to residents of all ages. The centre also hosts community events, including the annual Strathcona Classic hockey tournament organized by the Strathcona Minor Hockey Association, which draws local teams for competitive play in November. Sports clubs in Strathcona County utilize these venues extensively, with the Strathcona Druids Rugby Football Club, established in 1960 and based in , promoting rugby through senior men's and women's teams as well as junior programs at Lynn Davies Rugby Park. Local soccer is supported by the Sherwood Park District Soccer Association, which operates community, competitive, and performance-level leagues for youth and adults, including recreational 7v7 games on outdoor fields and indoor sessions during winter. Arenas like Broadmoor Arena, situated in central , provide additional ice surfaces for hockey and , with ongoing discussions for safety enhancements and renovations to the nearby Sherwood Park Arena, including design work slated for 2025 and construction targeted for 2027 as part of a $12 million capital project. Festival Place, a dedicated performing arts and event space in Sherwood Park, hosts year-round concerts, theatre productions, and family-oriented shows through its Presenter Series and Festival Players, accommodating up to 489 patrons in its main theatre. Recent updates include accessibility improvements like an accessible box office, enhancing its role in community entertainment, though no major physical expansions were completed in 2024. The venue supports diverse programming, from musical tributes to jazz performances, contributing to cultural vibrancy without specific e-sports initiatives noted. These venues collectively align with Strathcona County's Recreation and Culture Strategy, which emphasizes creating healthy, active, and connected communities by providing inclusive spaces for and social engagement, as outlined in the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan's goal of a "healthy and safe community." Facilities like Millennium Place and Festival Place foster well-being through programs that promote exercise and cultural participation, supporting broader objectives for resident health and community thriving.

References

  1. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Strathcona%20County&DGUID=2021A00054811052&Gender=1&STATISTIC=1
  2. https://regionaldashboard.alberta.ca/region/strathcona-county/population/
  3. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/news/news/2024/9/17/census-24-3/
  4. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/facts-stats-and-forecasts/communities/sherwood-park/
  5. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/history-and-heritage/themes/municipal-government/
  6. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/facts-stats-and-forecasts/about-strathcona-county/specialized-municipality-status/
  7. https://www.strathcona.ca/business-and-development/development/albertas-industrial-heartland/
  8. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/facts-stats-and-forecasts/about-strathcona-county/
  9. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/history-and-heritage/at-a-glance/rich-and-plentiful-country/
  10. https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cree
  11. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/fb83a8f865fc4de8a073daccc373244b
  12. https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/blackfoot-nation
  13. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/history-and-heritage/themes/settlement/
  14. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/history-and-heritage/themes/municipal-government/statute-fire-and-labor-district-no-2/
  15. http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/MunicipalProfiles/basicReport/HIST/0302.pdf
  16. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/history-and-heritage/themes/municipal-government/local-government-timeline/
  17. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/history-and-heritage/themes/coal-oil-and-industry/
  18. https://strathconacablob.blob.core.windows.net/files/files/rpc-history-strathconacounty-timeline.pdf
  19. https://www.sherwoodparknews.com/2018/04/02/strathcona-county-city-versus-hamlet
  20. https://www.strathcona.ca/
  21. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?DGUID=2021A00054811052&Lang=E&SearchText=Strathcona%20County
  22. https://www.strathcona.ca/agriculture-environment/conservation/beaver-hills-biosphere/
  23. https://www.albertaparks.ca/media/6256258/natural-regions-subregions-of-alberta-a-framework-for-albertas-parks-booklet.pdf
  24. https://www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/parks-and-trails/trail-map/
  25. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset?q=%22North%20Saskatchewan%20River%20Basin%22
  26. https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?searchType=stnProvince&txtProvince=[Alberta](/page/Alberta)&searchMethod=icontains&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=27214&dispBack=1
  27. https://www.strathcona.ca/agriculture-environment/conservation/easements/
  28. https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/central/strathcona-science-pp/
  29. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/facts-stats-and-forecasts/census/past-census-results/
  30. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3ef333787fcc47669265bce381b6ba77
  31. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2017/statcan/CS98-1951-1.pdf
  32. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/history-and-heritage/at-a-glance/population-through-the-years/
  33. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Strathcona%20County&DGUIDlist=2021A00054811052&GENDERlist=1%2C2%2C3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0
  34. https://worldpopulationreview.com/canadian-cities/strathcona-county
  35. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/facts-stats-and-forecasts/statistics-demographics-resources/
  36. https://www.sherwoodparknews.com/news/local-news/strathcona-countys-population-continues-to-climb-with-3-5-growth
  37. https://strathconacablob.blob.core.windows.net/files/files/at-edt-census-imm-ethno2021.pdf
  38. https://www.emrb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Member-Muni-Profile-Strathcona-County-2023.pdf
  39. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/fogs-spg/alternative.cfm?topic=6&lang=e&dguid=2021A00054811052&objectId=4_2
  40. https://asosc.ca/
  41. https://www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/festivals-and-events/culture-days/
  42. https://www.strathcona.ca/community-families/community-programs/newcomer-connector/
  43. https://www.imperialoil.ca/company/operations/strathcona
  44. https://www.suncor.com/en-ca/what-we-do/refining/edmonton-refinery
  45. https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-markets/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles-alberta.html
  46. https://regionaldashboard.alberta.ca/region/strathcona-county/
  47. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/plans-and-reports/strategiesframeworks/agriculture-master-plan/
  48. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/plans-and-reports/strategiesframeworks/agriculture-master-plan/agriculture-and-food-sector-development-strategy/
  49. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/bylaws-and-policies/aggregate-levy/
  50. https://www.strathcona.ca/agriculture-environment/environmental-initiatives/
  51. https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/what-we-do/transforming-transportation/lower-emission-fuels/the-road-to-renewable-fuel
  52. https://industrialheartland.com/2025-alberta-industrial-heartland-conference/
  53. https://www.mcgcareers.com/booming-opportunities-in-albertas-industrial-heartland/
  54. https://www.strathcona.ca/business-and-development/business/supports/start-your-business/
  55. https://selectstrathcona.com/advanced-manufacturing/
  56. https://www.strathcona.ca/business-and-development/development/industrial-development/
  57. https://selectstrathcona.com/
  58. https://www.transmountain.com/projects
  59. https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-markets/market-snapshots/2025/market-snapshot-trans-mount-expansion-eases-pipeline-constraints-and-increases-exports-to-overseas-markets.html
  60. https://rfrank.ca/f/strathcona-county-capital-projects-q-a-fact-check
  61. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/plans-and-reports/business-plan-and-budget/
  62. https://selectstrathcona.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fss-2023-2026-strathcona-county-strategic-plan.pdf
  63. https://pub-strathcona.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=38805
  64. https://majorprojects.alberta.ca/details/Strathcona-Refinery-Renewable-Diesel-Expansion/4517
  65. https://www.imperialoil.ca/company/operations/strathcona/renewable-diesel-at-strathcona-refinery
  66. https://strathconabia.com/food-cluster-development-in-strathcona/
  67. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/history-and-heritage/themes/municipal-government/celebrating-25-years-specialized-municipality/
  68. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/history-and-heritage/at-a-glance/did-you-know/
  69. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/mayor-council/
  70. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/mayor-council/election/ward-boundaries/
  71. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/news/news/2024/11/25/budget-2025/
  72. https://cea.ca/files/Events/Partnering/2025/2.%20Strathcona%20County.pdf
  73. https://www.emrb.ca/
  74. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/administration/departments/
  75. https://www.sherwoodparknews.com/news/local-news/municipal-election-2025-frank-earns-third-term-as-mayor
  76. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/mayor-council/election/
  77. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/plans-and-reports/strategic-plan/
  78. https://storagecdn.strathcona.ca/files/files/fss-2023-2026-strathcona-county-strategic-plan.pdf
  79. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/news/news/2023/12/5/budget2024-approved/
  80. https://pub-strathcona.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=49609
  81. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/plans-and-reports/strategiesframeworks/climate-resilience/
  82. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/news/news/2025/11/17/strathcona-county-budget-2026-meetings-public-hearing/
  83. https://rfrank.ca/home/f/strathcona-county-hydrogen-resolutions-pass
  84. https://www.strathcona.ca/business-and-development/business/business-development/
  85. https://www.strathcona.ca/transportation-roads/roads/highway-maintenance/
  86. https://cookinglake.ca/
  87. https://flyeia.com/corporate/about-villeneuve/the-airport/
  88. https://www.strathcona.ca/transportation-roads/transportation/schedules-routes/
  89. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/plans-and-reports/strategiesframeworks/transportation-roads/transit-master-plan/
  90. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/plans-and-reports/strategiesframeworks/open-space-facility-projects/parks-fields-trails/regional-trails/
  91. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/news/news/2025/9/12/new-beaverhills-bridge-open/
  92. https://www.strathma.ca/
  93. https://www.strathma.ca/what-s-here
  94. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/history-and-heritage/
  95. https://sclibrary.ca/locations/central/
  96. https://www.sherwoodparknews.com/news/library-reports-increased-usage-sets-sights-on-next-branch
  97. https://sclibrary.overdrive.com/
  98. https://www.sherwoodparknews.com/news/local-news/library-budget-receives-3-per-cent-bump
  99. https://www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/arts-and-culture/smeltzer-house/
  100. https://www.sherwoodparknews.com/news/local-news/smeltzer-house-marks-40-years-as-arts-and-culture-hub
  101. https://www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/arts-and-culture/art-gallery-501/
  102. https://www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/arts-and-culture/art-gallery-501/exhibits/
  103. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/history-and-heritage/municipal-historic-resources/
  104. https://www.facebook.com/StrathconaCountyMuseumArchives/posts/for-ask-a-conservator-day-2025-meet-alessandra-alessandra-hood-is-the-collection/1586782275996015/
  105. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/public-engagement/museum-review/
  106. https://www.strathcona.ca/community-families/community-programs/grants-and-funding/arts-culture-grants/
  107. https://storagecdn.strathcona.ca/files/files/rpc-culture-grants-recipients-2025-achcip.pdf
  108. https://www.eips.ca/about-us/frequently-asked-questions
  109. https://www.eics.ab.ca/about-us
  110. https://www.strathcona.ca/community-families/learning/education/
  111. https://www.strathcona.ca/transportation-roads/transportation/student-services/
  112. https://industrialheartland.com/events/industrial-heartland-career-forum/
  113. https://www.strathcona.ca/community-families/parents-children-families/family-resource-network/
  114. https://www.strathcona.ca/community-families/youth/
  115. https://www.strathcona.ca/community-families/learning/education/mhcb/
  116. https://www.strathcona.ca/community-families/community-programs/diversity-inclusion/
  117. https://sclibrary.ca/
  118. https://sclibrary.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/112/2024/06/SCL_Summer2024_programs.pdf
  119. https://scl.bibliocommons.com/events/655c15b5b036662f008126c2
  120. https://sclibrary.ca/tech-help/
  121. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland
  122. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ
  123. https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/central/cooking-lake-blackfoot-pra/
  124. https://www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/parks-and-trails/parks-trails-sports-venues/parks-and-playgrounds/broadmoor-lake-park/
  125. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/broadmoor-lake-loop
  126. https://www.strathcona.ca/agriculture-environment/conservation/wetlands/wetland-replacement-program/
  127. https://www.strathcona.ca/agriculture-environment/conservation/invasive-species/
  128. https://www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/recreation-centres/millennium-place/
  129. https://www.smhahockey.com/
  130. https://www.druidsrfc.com/
  131. https://www.spdsa.net/
  132. https://www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/recreation-centres/broadmoor-arena/
  133. https://www.sherwoodparknews.com/news/local-news/12m-upgrade-in-the-works-for-sherwood-park-arena
  134. https://www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/arts-and-culture/festival-place/
  135. https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county/plans-and-reports/strategiesframeworks/recreation-culture-strategy/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.