Stony Plain, Alberta

“Environmental sustainability is one of our key pillars. When new subdivisions come, we make sure we maintain tree stands and build within the natural topography. At our Heritage Park Pavilion we have four big silos to catch all the rainwater off the roof. Then our trucks drain the water for non-potable use, such as watering the grass and flowers. Recycled water is better than using treated water and we allow businesses and developers to use it as well.” BVM: What are the main objectives for the next five years? Choy: “In our 2020 Corporate Plan, Council approved public transit to start this September, so now we’re consulting with our residents to see what’s the best route to go; if they want Park & Ride or a loop to Spruce Grove which has commuter service to Edmonton. Council is also part of the Regional Transit Service Commission which is looking at commuter services throughout the Edmonton region (13 municipalities) to start in 2022. When that starts, we’ll have a direct commuter bus from Edmonton to Stony Plain. That way, our residents will be able to travel to the Capital Region as speedily as possible. “Hopefully, in the next five years, we’ll have a new recreation center built and more subdivisions coming up and also some business development along the recreational corridors. We’d also like to have one or two more schools to support our youth. And we’ll be focusing on the environmental pillars to make sure we have storm management ponds to deal with the fluctuations in weather patterns we’re having. That involves planning and preparation to ensure our residents are safe. “Most importantly, Stony Plain is progressive, we’re friendly, and we’re rooted in tradition. We always have to remember where we came from, so we can be the best community as we can, going forward.”