Urban Flair, Rural Flavour

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1 Urban Flair, Rural Flavour Urban Flair, Rural Flavour Your guide to Strathcona County, Alberta, Canada Tourism About Strathcona County 2 Getting Here 3 Sector Overview 4 Tourism in Alberta 5 Attractions 6 Eco Tourism 9 Events 10 1 Guide to Strathcona County > Tourism

2 THE WEST REFINED. Strathcona County is a thriving community for business, for life. As a specialized municipality, the County includes the urban centre of Sherwood Park, eight smaller hamlets, and numerous rural communities. With 88,000 residents, the County is the secondlargest municipality in Alberta s Capital Region, situated immediately to the east of Edmonton. facebook.com/ strathcona.ca/enews youtube.com/ strathconacounty We take pride in our way of life offering a balanced lifestyle for residents and an entrepreneurial environment for business. A vibrant community, a strong economy, Strathcona County offers you the best of both. Discover all that we have to offer. Visit us online: 2 Guide to Strathcona County > Tourism

3 Redwater, Cold Lake, Fort McMurray 38 Getting Here Range Road STURGEON COUNTY CITY OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN 830? JOSEPHBURG Warren Joseph Aerodrome (Josehburg Airport) Township Road 550 CITY OF EDMONTON 21 Range Road 212 ive Dr Highway 830 g nin an M LAMONT COUNTY Township Road 540 d oa tr oa Gr Elk Island National Park 216 Trans-Canada (Yellowhead) Highway SHERWOOD PARK ARDROSSAN Baseline Road Township Road 530 Wye Road Anthony Henday Drive 23 Ave 216 Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Grazing, Wildlife, and Provincial Recreation Area ANTLER LAKE Township Road Township Road HALF MOON LAKE NORTH COOKING LAKE Highway 629 SOUTH COOKING LAKE Range Road 221 City of Edmonton University of Alberta Edmonton International Airport Strathcona Wilderness Centre 630 Highway Street Whitemud Drive Anthony Henday Drive 82 (Whyte) Avenue Wye Road (Highway 630) LEDUC COUNTY COLLINGWOOD COVE Highway Township Road Range Road Ave HASTINGS LAKE BEAVER COUNTY Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary Strathcona County is located minutes away from Edmonton. The urban area of Sherwood Park is less than 30 minutes from the Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Airport: Edmonton International Airport (YEG) Rail: Canadian National (CN) Canadian Pacific (CP) We are accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 16 Yellowhead) and Anthony Henday Drive (Highway 216). Other major arteries include the recently-expanded Wye Road (Highway 630), Baseline Road, and Highways 21 and 14. Charter flights and private aircrafts: Cooking Lake Airport Warren Thomas Aerodrome (Josephburg) Highways: Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 16 Yellowhead) Anthony Henday Drive (Highway 216) Wye Road (Highway 630) Baseline Road Highway 21 Highway 14 Strathcona County provides extensive public transit system for both local and commuter trips to Edmonton. 3 Guide to Strathcona County > Tourism

4 Sector Overview Families celebrate Canada Day at Broadmoor Park, Sherwood Park From shopping and dining to arts and entertainment, Strathcona County is home to a tourism industry that has an urban flair and rural flavour. We have classified businesses that can benefit from activity in the tourism industry; these businesses range and a spectrum that mainly include front line businesses and tourism related sectors allowing for a more inclusive view of potential tourism impacts. Tourism related sectors in Strathcona County (as it relates to the North American Industry Classifications Standards (NAICS)) are broadly: Accomodation Car and Vehicle Rental Food and Beverage Services Recreation and Entertainment Retail Transportation Travel Services Benefactors of Community Visitors 2009 Administrative Support, Waste and Remediation Services (25%) 25% 24% Transportation and Warehousing (24%) 11% Accommodation and Food Services (11%) Retail Trade (28%) 28% 1% 5% 6% Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (6%) Real Estate, Rental and Leasing (5%) Information (1%) 4 Guide to Strathcona County > Tourism

5 Tourism in Alberta Elk Island National Park, just minutes east of Strathcona County Alberta s 2011 Tourism numbers have shown slight improvement over For example, the first five months of 2011 had occupancy rates in Alberta (excluding resorts) at 59.0%, up +4.2 points compared to the first five months of 2010 (54.7%). 1 This is a moderate increase over the previous year, however showing a positive trending for the Province s tourism numbers. Many of Alberta s tourists are those already living in Alberta; however there are a significant amount of international visitors to Alberta (representing 24 % of visitors to Alberta in 2009). 2 It is the hope of many in the Province that Alberta tourism operators can continue to showcase exceptional hospitality and high quality experiences to ensure visitors are given a taste of what Alberta can offer. Continuing with the positive trends in Alberta Tourism, air passenger traffic continues to edge up over 2010 numbers in Edmonton. Edmonton International Airport reported that in May ,125 passengers either boarded or deplaned at the airport, a +2.5% increase compared to May While some of the traffic can be attributed to business, tourism can also be credited for the increase. City of Edmonton (provincial capital), west of Strathcona County According to results from Statistics Canada s Food Services and Drinking Places survey, Alberta s total receipts for April 2011 were up +7.5% to $585.7 million, compared to April Another great indicator Alberta s tourism economy is experiencing increases once again. Alberta s tourism industry is robust and of high quality, it is recovering from the impacts of the recession and will undoubtedly continue to improve over the course of this and future years. 1 Government of Alberta (Tourism Business Development Research and Investment Branch). Alberta Tourism Market Monitor (July 2011), MarketMonitorJuly2011.pdf 2 Government of Alberta (Alberta Finance and Enterprise Enterprise Division). Highlights of the Alberta Economy 2011, highlightsabeconomypresentation.pdf 3 Alberta Tourism Market Monitor (July 2011), tourism/statistics/docs/marketmonitorjuly2011.pdf Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Centre, southeast of Strathcona County s4government of Alberta. Alberta Tourism Market Monitor (July 2011), 5 Guide to Strathcona County > Tourism

6 Attractions in Strathcona County Historical murals are are seen throughout the Country. Sherwood Park Festival Place and Broadmoor Lake The bustling centre of Sherwood Park is home to arts, culture, shopping and entertainment. Festival Place, located along the beautiful shores of Broadmoor Lake, is a 500-seat Elizabethan-style theatre. Over 100 world-class performances are held each year, ranging from concerts, musical performances, comedy festivals and children s programs. Festival Place is also an excellent facility to hold luncheons and meetings. Festival Place 100 Festival Way Box Office: (780) / General Inquiries: (780) Strathcona County Museum and Archives To experience the region s unique history, be sure to visit the Strathcona County Museum and Archives. The museum features interactive, hands-on exhibits for visitors of all ages. Let professional interpreters and knowledgeable staff bring your experience to life. Tour groups and school trips are welcome. Strathcona County Museum and Archives 913 Ash Street Shopping and Dining Sherwood Park has a wide selection of retail venues and restaurants. Shop local and visit our independent, locallyowned businesses. Enjoy unique experiences such as fine dining and specialty products. For larger retail outlets, Sherwood Park is your one-stop location. For example, the Sherwood Park Mall has over 90 stores, including a multiplex movie theatre and grocery store. Commercial areas are also located along Wye Road, Baseline Road and Lakeland Drive. Find familiar, brandname outlets such as Save-on-Foods, Home Hardware, Home Sense / Winners, and many others. Heritage Mile To experience the region s rich heritage, take a stroll along the Heritage Mile, a scenic route stretching more than 110 km. Walk, jog or cycle down the Mile for an early 20th-Century impression of Strathcona County. Visit historical and cultural attractions along your way. Smeltzer House Centre for Visual Arts, the AJ Ottewell Community Centre, Salisbury United Church and the Lendrum Sisters Statue are all within walking distance. Telephone: (780) Guide to Strathcona County > Tourism

7 Rural Attractions Strathcona Wilderness Centre Experience the outdoors at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre! This popular hiking and cross-country skiing spot features 12 kilometres of trails that wind their way through the aspen parkland forest and along the shores of Bennett Lake. The centre is a great location for overnight camping, orienteering, geo caching and nature interpretation. The Strathcona Wilderness Centre offers 550 acres of natural serenity. Nestled among tall stands of poplar, friends and groups can stay in outdoor campsites, eightperson bunkhouses or in the modern pine lodge. The Strathcona Wilderness Centre also provides a variety of programs for people of all ages, including residential retreats and school programs. The facility is wheelchairaccessible and equipped with wireless internet Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Wildlife and Grazing Area The Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Provincial Recreation, Wildlife and Grazing Area is a 97-square kilometre (37-square mile) multi-use site. It is located 23 kilometres (14 miles) east of Sherwood Park, immediately south of Elk Island National Park. The area integrates cattle gazing, wildlife management and public outdoor recreation activities such as cross-country skiing, mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Provincial Recreation, Wildlife and Grazing Area Township 52, Ranges West of Fourth Meridian Telephone: (780) The Strathcona Wilderness Centre is located 16 kilometres (10 miles) east of Sherwood Park on Baseline Road (Township Road 530) and Range Road 212. Strathcona Wilderness Centre Range Road 212 Strathcona County Telephone: (780) The Canadian Birkenbeiner Ski Festival is the largest race of its kind in North America. Each winter it is held in the Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Wildlife and Grazing Area. The modern pine lodge at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre 7 Guide to Strathcona County > Tourism

8 Trails are open year-round for walking, jogging, inline skating, cycling and cross-country skiing in the winter. The Waskahegan Trail U-Pick Farms and Markets The Waskahegan Trail is a 235 kilometer long volunteer managed trail allowing excellent day hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Eating fresh has never been easier in Strathcona County! The trail is available of use year round by the general public. The Waskahegan Trail Association organizes weekly Sunday hikes throughout the year. Hikes are on different trails each week and usually go for about 10 km or 6 to 7 hours. Walking schedules are published on the Waskahegan Trail Association website. The County has some of the best farms and market gardens in Canada. Pick strawberries, cherries, and saskatoons at one of our many u-pick farms. Closer to Sherwood Park, fresh goods and produce can be found at our farmers markets. The Salisbury Farmers Market, located along Wye Road and Range Road 232, is open yearround. The Sherwood Park Farmers Market is held at Festival Place, and is open from May to October each year. Both markets provide excellent varieties of fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat products, gardening, and local crafts. Local goods and produce are available at farmers markets throughout the year. Picture above: Salisbury Farmers Market 8 Guide to Strathcona County > Tourism

9 Ecotourism Green spaces are woven throughout the community. Ecotourism offers experiences that enable visitors to discover natural areas, while preserving the integrity of the space. Experiences offer the educational opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural sense of place. It fosters respect towards the environment, reflects sustainable business practices and creates socio-economic benefits for the community. Also, ecotourism recognizes and respects local and indigenous cultures, traditions and values. Strathcona County hosts many unique and interesting features for the ecotourist. For those who may not know what ecotourism is, The International Ecotourism Society provides the definition as: Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. (TIES, 1990). The Society also states ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles: Minimize impact Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts Provide direct financial benefits for conservation Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people For those looking for ecotourism activities, Strathcona County is an ideal destination for wildlife, natural spaces, and ecological activities. Source: BEB9/What_is_Ecotourism The_International_Ecotourism_Society.htm The Beaver Hills Initiative The Beaver Hills area lies east of Edmonton in the Beaver Hills / Cooking Lake moraine, a geomorphological feature that encompasses 1572 km 2 (607 mi 2 ). The hummocky knob and kettle terrain of the moraine forms a patchwork of depressional areas, many of which support wetlands and small lakes. The Beaver Hills lie within five counties (Strathcona, Leduc, Beaver, Lamont, and Camrose). There are several federal and provincial protected areas located entirely within the Beaver Hills, including Elk Island National Park, the Ministik Bird Sanctuary, the Cooking Lake Blackfoot Recreational Area, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park and a number of smaller provincial natural areas. Nearby, there are other ecologically significant areas that are ecologically linked to the Beaver Hills. Beaverhill Lake, a designated RAMSAR site (a Wetland of International Importance), lies to the east and the North Saskatchewan River and is within 5 kilometers to the northwest. The Beaver Hills are truly a distinct feature on the regional landscape. Bird watching If you are a bird watcher, you have to be to hike in Strathcona County! There are over 230 species of birds, including trumpeter swans, pelicans and bald eagles. Nature buffs and bird watchers enjoy the County s numerous nature spots: Ministik Bird Sanctuary, Collingwood Cove, Hastings Lake, Kawtikh Retreat, North Cooking Lake, North Bruderheim, Astotin Lake, Baseline Pond, Bretona Pond and the locations described below. The Edmonton Nature Club offers local field trips, nature walks, Sunday drives and other activities. You do not have to be a member to participate. For a listing of events you can pick up a copy of Nature Networks newsletter at the Wildbird General Store, (780) Guide to Strathcona County > Tourism

10 Events The CP Holiday Train pulls into the community of Josephburg Every year the county is host to many events and gatherings for visitors to take part in. Here is an snapshot of just some of the events you can partake in this upcoming year! The Tomato Fare, in partnership with the Edmonton Regional Tourism Group (ERTG) and Travel Alberta, is a one day event focused on celebrating the versatility of the tomato, paired with fresh local produce, and transformed into culinary delights by talented regional chefs. In 2010, Strathcona County s first winery, Barr Estate Winery showcased their local raspberry and rhubarb wines. The event will continue into its third year in the summer 2011; EDT and ERTG are currently underway with the coordination and planning of the event, be sure to stay tuned and stay hungry! An event with Canadian Pacific Railway took Josephburg over this year. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train featuring musical guests, The Odds, raised awareness and collected donations for the Food Bank. CP Rail presented the local food banks with a cheque for three thousand dollars and donations from the over 1,500 people who attended. EDT coordinated Corporate Planning, Engineering & Environmental Planning, Recreation, Parks and Culture, Strathcona Emergency Services and the RCMP, Transportation and Agricultural services, and Utilities to ensure the success of the event. This event comes to Josephburg every second year, you can be sure EDT will be there to support our local food banks and CP with this great family fun-filled event in 2012! EDT and various partners coordinated, organized, and marketed Christmas in the Heartland, a spectacular showcase of rural flavour and hospitality in the holiday season. Event activities ran at eight different venues, each a short drive apart. Highlights included: free sleigh rides, choosing your own Christmas tree, a display of over 500 Christmas nativity scenes, and a nutcracker display. Ice carving competitions at six of the locations were an alternate feature having participants involved and engaged in the judging of the best sculpture. Christmas markets with hand crafted treasures and unique works of art, preserves, and even baking awaited those who came out. The day culminated with the light-up of a 60 foot Christmas tree on the Heartland Hall tower and a fireworks display at Heartland Hall. Planning for 2011 s Christmas in the Heartland is currently underway and will be sure to be even more successful Canada Day celebrations in the County take place every year. Recreation, Parks and Culture host County residents and County guests to fun filled activities for the whole family. The night is capped with a celebration of our great Country which shocases fireworks! Be sure to come out for Canada Day this and every year! The events detailed above just begin to explain how many events can be found in Strathcona County, we have a full detailed list of events to watch for throughout the year on the following page. Mayor Linda Osinchuk speaking at Christmas in the Heartland 10 Guide to Strathcona County > Tourism

11 Strathcona County Tourism Events 2011 Date Event Location Phone Website Sept. 18 Harvest Gathering Greenland Garden Centre (780) Sept. 25 Fall Open House Strathcona Wilderness Centre (780) wildernesscentre Oct. 14 Christmas Unwrapped Event Greenland Garden Centre (780) Oct Christmas in October Craft Show & Sale Festival Place (780) Nov. 5 Ladies Night Out for Cancer Greenland Garden Centre (780) Nov. 11 Remembrance Day Ceremonies Millennium Place (780) Nov. 11 Remembrance Day Memorial Strathcona County Museum (780) & Archives Nov. 19 Ardrossan Country Christmas and Ardrossan Memorial Hall (780) Craft Sale Nov. 19 Black and White Dinner & Auction Festival Place (780) Nov. 20 Celebration of Lights Community Centre (780) Nov. 26 Christmas in the Heartland Various locations in (780) Strathcona County Dec. 4 Country Christmas Greenland Garden Centre (780) Dec Christmas Musical Wizard of OZ Festival Place (780) Dec. 31 New Year s Eve Family Celebration Broadmoor Lake Park (780) Jan. 1 New Year s Day Family Celebration Community Centre (780) Celebrations Year Round! Events take place in every season. For the latest information and event updates, visit or contact (Dates and times shown here may be subject to change.) 11 Guide to Strathcona County > Tourism

12 Contact Find us online Strathcona County Economic Development and Tourism Website: Sherwood Drive Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada T8A 3W7 Phone: Fax: strathcona.ca/enews youtube.com/strathconacounty For more info Urban Flair, Rural Flavour is a series of information guides on Strathcona County. Topics include: Quality of Life Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (PSTS) Tourism Alberta s Industrial Heartland (AIH) Retail Market Agriculture Green Economy The Creative Class