agenda december 11, 2019, 7:00 pm

AGENDACOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

December 11, 2019, 7:00 PM

IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER

Pages

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

3. DELEGATION

3.1 Tie and Tye 3

4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

4.1 Adoption of the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes for November 13, 2019 4

4.2 Water System Services Renewal

4.3 Private Bulk Water Station

5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

6. ITEMS FROM ADMINISTRATION

6.1 Rogers Hometown Hockey Update 9

6.2 Community and Social Development Quarterly Report November 2019 14

6.3 Economic Development Update Report November 2019 28

6.4 Communications Strategic Plan and Update 36

6.5 Lambert Park 54

7. URGENT BUSINESS

8. IN CAMERA ITEMS

8.1 Item Pertaining to FOIPP s. 16



9. ADJOURNMENT

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DELEGATION

Report Date: December 4, 2019

Contact: Jennifer Sawatzky

Agenda Item Number: 3.1

Meeting Date: December 11, 2019

TO: Town Council

DELEGATION NAME: Tracy Cornett

SUBJECT: Environmental / Sustainable Stainless-Steel Straws

RECOMMENDATION: For Information.

REPORT SUMMARY Ms. Tracy Cornett will be speaking with Council regarding an initiative of selling Stainless Steel

Straw packages. A portion on the proceeds are being donated to the AWA (Alberta Wilderness

Association) and Friends of Kananaskis. These are made in conjunction and support of local

small businesses and is a great opportunity for learning for these young community minded

gentlemen.

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REQUEST FOR DECISION





TO: Town Council

FROM: Legislative Services

SUBJECT: Adoption of the November 13, 2019 Committee of the Whole Minutes

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council adopt the November 13, 2019 Committee of the Whole Minutes as

presented.

REPORT SUMMARY The November 11, 2019 Committee of the Whole Minutes are being presented to Council for Adoption.

REVIEWED & APPROVED BY Jennifer Sawatzky, Assistant Director, Strategic & Administrative Services

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____________________________________________________________________

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Fule called the meeting to order at 6:45PM.

Resolution No. 108.11.19A Moved by Councillor Corbiell

THAT Council move In Camera at 6:45PM.

CARRIED


THAT Council move out of Camera at 7:02PM.

CARRIED

Town of Strathmore

Committee of the Whole Meeting Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 7:00 pm Council Chambers

APPROVED MINUTES

IN ATTENDANCE:

COUNCIL PAT FULE LORRAINE BAUER JASON MONTGOMERY MELANIE CORBIELL DENISE PETERSON BOB SOBOL TARI COCKX STAFF JAMES THACKRAY MEL TIEDE RYAN ROYCROFT TRACY SIMPSON JENNIFER SAWATZKY

RECORDING SECRETARY DEBRA HEEMERYCK

Mayor Councillor Councillor Deputy Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor

Chief Administrative Officer Director of Corporate Services Director, Infrastructure, Operations and

Development Director, Community and Protective

Services Assistant Director of Strategic &

Administrative Services

Senior Legislative Assistant

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2

2. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA


THAT Council adopt the November 13, 2019 Committee of the Whole Agenda with the

following amendments:

Deletion:

6.3 - Prayer for Council

Addition:

7.1 - Memorandum of Understanding with Siksika Nation

CARRIED

3. DELEGATIONS

3.1 New Blood Presentation

Mr. Braeden James, Mr. Talon Manka and Mr. Rock Rabbit invited Council to the New

Blood play. Council has accepted the invitation for November 20, 2019 at 11:00AM at

Strathmore High School.

3.2 Summer Camp 2019

Two summer camp attendees, Ms. Kyla Koester and Mr. Effram Hook, were leaders

picked by the participants in the summer camp and as leaders spoke with Council to

inform them of their experiences at summer camp.

4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

4.1 Adoption of the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes for October 9, 2019

Resolution No. 111.11.19A Moved by Councillor Peterson

THAT Council adopt the October 9, 2019 Committee of the Whole Meeting minutes as

presented.

CARRIED


THAT Council move into Committee of The Whole at 7:41PM.

CARRIED

5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

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3

6. ITEMS FROM ADMINISTRATION

6.1 Programmer Committee Update

Ms. Marcie Brinton and Ms. Lauren McGougan updated Council on the Programmer

Committee.

6.2 Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act Review

Fire Chief Trent West updated Council on the Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Review

and asked that Council take the survey before the November 29, 2019 deadline. It will be

posted through the Town's Communications Department.


THAT Council come out of Committee of the Whole at 7:50PM.

CARRIED

6.3 Prayers for Council

DELETED

7. URGENT BUSINESS

7.1 Memorandum of Understanding with Siksika Nation

Resolution No. 114.11.19A Moved by Councillor Peterson

THAT Council accept the Memorandum of Understanding between Siksika Nation and

the Town of Strathmore effective November 15, 2019 upon the signing authorization at

Blackfoot Crossing.

CARRIED

8. IN CAMERA ITEMS


THAT Council move In Camera at 7:56PM.

CARRIED


THAT Council come Out of Camera at 9:35PM.

CARRIED

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4

9. ADJOURNMENT

Resolution No.117.11.19A Moved by Councillor Corbiell

THAT Council adjourn the November 13, 2019 Committee of the Whole Meeting at 9:35PM.

CARRIED

_________________________

Mayor

_________________________

Chief Administrative Officer

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FOR INFORMATION


Contact: Mark Pretzlaff



TO: Town Council

FROM: Community & Protective Services – Recreation & Culture

SUBJECT: Rogers Hometown Hockey Update

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council accept this report as information.

REPORT SUMMARY Rogers Hometown Hockey – Strathmore is scheduled for the December 21st and 22nd weekend. Administration is providing a report to Council on the Rogers event and other activities that are occurring over the weekend.

COUNCIL AUTHORITY/PREVIOUS DECISIONS Resolution #089.09.19A THAT Council approve $50,000.00 to be taken from Financial Stabilization Reserve Fund for event security, equipment rentals, and other logistical elements associated with hosting Rogers Hometown Hockey in the Town of Strathmore in December 2019

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS N/A

REPORT

BACKGROUND/CONTEXT Rogers Hometown Hockey is a part of Sportsnet’s national TV game of the week and is co-hosted, on-location, by Ron MacLean and Tara Slone from various Canadian cities as part of a nationwide

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Information Report Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Page 2 of 3

tour. Rogers Hometown Hockey – Strathmore is scheduled for the December 21st and 22nd weekend. In addition to the Rogers’ activities and the live telecast on Sunday evening, there are several other activities organized by Strathmore Minor Hockey, the Hometown Task Force, and Administration to complement the weekend.

DISCUSSION Rogers Hometown Hockey (RHTH) – Strathmore is scheduled for the December 21st and 22nd weekend. The RHTH team are scheduled to arrive in Strathmore on Wednesday, December 18th and will begin setting up in the Family Centre parking lot on Thursday, December 19th, and finishing on Friday, December 20th evening for the event. Other communities have indicated that RHTH could generate an estimated one million dollars in economic impact for the local economy, including over 200 room nights for accommodations, food service to visitors and the RHTH group, money spent in local shops and the visibility that the town will receive. On Friday, December 20th at 10:30am at George Freeman school, Rogers will be conducting a school assembly for all elementary students in Strathmore, Wheatland County, Sikiska Nation. Normally, Rogers conducts a contest to determine which school would host the assembly but because of the availability/size of George Freeman and Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre, they have invited approximately 1,300 students. The Economic Development team has been working with local business on a “Paint the Town Red” theme to show their support of the event. The Strathmore & District Chamber of Commerce, along with the Strathmore Lions, has organized a kickoff event in the downtown core, including a pancake breakfast and other family activities (hockey skill demonstrations, S’More tasting). The first day of the Rogers festival will begin on Saturday, December 21st and run from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at the Family Centre. The Hometown Task Force has also organizing a charity hockey game to add to festivities. On Saturday, December 21st at 7:00pm, the RCMP/Strathmore Fire Department will compete against a female minor hockey and ringette team. Both teams will be augmented with some NHL Alumni players. The schedule for the game is as follows: 1st period- Emergency Services/NHL Alumni vs Female Minor Hockey Team 2nd period- Emergency Services/NHL Alumni vs Minor Ringette Team 3rd period- Emergency Services/NHL Alumni vs Female Minor Hockey Team The Hometown Task Force has identified two charities to support, through the game, the Strathmore Food Bank and JumpStart. Admission to the event will be by donation and a 50/50 draw is also being organized. Representatives from Rogers, The Steve Goodtime Rockin’ Hockey

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Show, will be a part of the event. There will also be some intermission entertainment from our Mayor and Timbits hockey players. The finale of the Rogers Hometown Hockey weekend will conclude on Sunday, December 22nd. The Rogers festival will begin at 12:00pm, including a live outdoor viewing party of the NHL broadcast (Calgary at Dallas) from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio in Strathmore, and will finish at the conclusion of the broadcast (around 10:00pm). A number of other events, Wheatland Warriors (AA) Hockey game and Strathmore Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) ‘Fun Money Casino’ fundraiser are also scheduled during this weekend.

CONCLUSION The intention of this report is to provide Council with a brief synopsis of Rogers Hometown Hockey festival and other activities that are occurring over the weekend. It is Administration’s recommendation that this report be accepted for information.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Preliminary Budget

Parking Map

REVIEWED & APPROVED BY Tracy Simpson, Director of Community & Protective Services

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BRENT BOULEVARD

BRIARWOOD ROAD

THOMA

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WHEA

TLAND

TRAIL

MAPLE

WOOD

DRIVE

BAY ROAD

BRENT BOULEVARD

StrathmoreHigh School

CrowtherJr High School

AquaticCentre

CurlingClub

StrathmoreHospitalFamily

CentreCivicCentre

The Hub

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Rogers Hometown HockeyRogers Hometown HockeyParking Locations

COWBOY TRAIL

EVENTLOCATION

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Agrcultural SocietyGrounds

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°Strathmore Event: December 21Strathmore Event: December 21stst (12PM to 6PM) - 22 (12PM to 6PM) - 22ndnd (12PM to 10PM) (12PM to 10PM)

Public ParkingSpecial Access Parking

No Parking Access in this AreaEvent Organizer Parking

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NOTE:Access closed during eventhours only.

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1 50,000.00$ 2 550.00$

50,550.00$

1 1,500.00$ 2 600.00$ 3 15,000.00$ 4 2,000.00$ 5 5,000.00$ 6 2,500.00$ 7 10,000.00$ 8 150.00$ 9 250.00$

10 2,000.00$ 11 3,000.00$ 12 3,000.00$ 13 550.00$

45,550.00$

5,000.00$

Rogers Hometown Hockey

RevenueCouncilCharity Hockey Ice Rental - Donation

ExpensesOutdoor Lighting & Heaters (2)Construction Fencing (200 feet)RCMP, SecurityPersonnel/Parking Attendants

Videographer

Staffing (Overtime)Snow ClearingFirst Aid responders (lifeguards)Marketing Material

Radio AdvertisingCharity Hockey - Ice Rental

Safety & Codes - InspectionsPort A PottiesCharity Hockey Game Jerseys

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REQUEST FOR DECISION

Report Date: November 6, 2019

Contact: Linda Bernicki



TO: Town Council

FROM: Community & Protective Services

SUBJECT: Community & Social Development Quarterly Report

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council accept the report as information.

The Community & Social Development Department will be presenting Council with a

quarterly update (presentation attached).

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COMMUNITY & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Family & Community Support Services (FCSS)

Handi Bus

Indigenous Engagement

Child, Youth & Family Hub

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FAMILY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES (FCSS)

Information and Referral

Addressing community issues for the purpose of crisis prevention

Food Security

22%

Housing

Security…

Financial Security

41%

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FAMILY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES (FCSS)

Housing Continuum

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PARTNERSHIPS

Aspen Family Services – Parent Link

Tim Hortons – Smile Cookie Campaign

Wheatland Crisis Society

City of Chestermere

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GOA BUDGETAND

SERVICE CHANGES

Children Services Contracts

Stay at home Subsidy

Kin Child Care Subsidy

Rent subsidy Programs

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HANDI BUS

VECHICLES

PROGRAM EFFICIENCIES

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT

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Government of Canada Anti-

Racism Action Program

$5000,000.00/year for up to 3

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Strategic Plan

Alignment with TRC Calls to Action

Alignment with Siksika Nation Council and Strathmore Council Action

Plan

Training/Professional Development

Protocol

Land Acknowledgment

Elder Protocol guidelines

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CHILD, YOUTH & FAMILY HUB

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QUESTIONS?

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FOR INFORMATION

Report Date: November 4, 2019

Contact: Chuck Procter


Meeting Date: November 20, 2019

TO: Town Council

FROM: Strategic & Administrative Services (Economic Development)

SUBJECT: Economic Development Update November 2019

RECOMMENDATION:

Information for Council.

REPORT SUMMARY Town Staff have been working on Economic Development initiatives and want to present an update to Town Council. This report summarizes Spring-Fall 2019 activities and includes some initiatives and ideas for 2020. Many staff members including Alexandra, Thomas, Carla, Marcie, Mark, Chris, Mel, Les, Lauren, Cathy, Harry, Justin, Erika, and more worked together to achieve milestones. The following list is expanded in the Background/Context section of this report, with a one sentence summary of each milestone below for convenience. Staff are proud of the accomplishments from May-November this year and are looking forward to 2020. Summer Marketing Campaign – through 50% grant funding by Travel Alberta, Staff developed some advertising which helped local businesses and events this summer. Non-English Language Marketing Campaign – Economic Development created and ran a two-week summer marketing campaign which was run in the Punjabi and Tagalog languages. Video & Photo Library (Phase I) – funded in part through a Travel Alberta grant, Staff have started to create a professional video and photo library which can be used to promote the Town. Strathmore Promotional StoryBook Draft – Staff created a draft, highly visual, professional StoryBook which gives information about facilities, amenities, people, and culture in Strathmore. Economic Development Micro Website (Local Intel) Strathmore.ecdev.org – Staff have been working on a new economic development website which has tools for new and existing businesses

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Information Report Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Page 2 of 8

Richard White Everyday Tourist & Calgary Herald Article – Blogger and Calgary Herald writer Richard White wrote a trending article about our complete community and our many amenities CMRB Community Tours – Staff and Council hosted members of the CMRB in October and gave them a tour of the Town, showcasing our top features. Rogers Home Town Hockey – Led by Community Services, Economic Development is pleased to support this once-in-a-lifetime event as it comes to Strathmore on a prime-time holiday weekend in December (Dec 21 and Dec 22). (Future) EcDev 2020 workshop with Council – Staff would like to have a workshop style session with Council to determine economic development priorities for 2020. (Future) Survey Results & Meetings with Businesses – Staff have survey data and will begin to reach out to businesses on how best we can help them succeed. (Future) Meetings with lenders and CMHC representatives – Staff would like to meet with lenders and CMHC representatives to ensure these stakeholders have all the information they need to make decisions. (Future) Continuing to strengthen our relationships with our neighbours, Siksika Nation and Wheatland County – Staff would like to continue to meet with our neighbours, strengthen relationships, and strive for success in the region.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS That Council review the report.

REPORT

BACKGROUND/CONTEXT/DISCUSSION Summer Marketing Campaign (July & August 2019) Through a 50% co-op grant with Travel Alberta, Economic Development Staff developed a targeted 2-month summer advertisement campaign for the Town. Our goal was to increase awareness in the region about Strathmore and the many events, businesses, and amenities that we have. Since the grant restrictions limited advertisement to a 40km radius from Strathmore, our targets were Chestermere, the east side of Calgary, and visitors travelling along Highway 1. We created advertising on three public transit buses (back of bus) complemented by digital advertisements at bus stations on the east side of Calgary. Some of the taglines we used on the backs of buses and on the digital signs were:

“This Stop Courtesy of Strathmore – a sure sign of fun ahead”

“Hey You, Stop Daydreaming – make Strathmore your next stop”

“Warning. You may never want to leave Strathmore.” Along with bus ads and bus stop ads, staff developed targeted Facebook advertisements, which advertised the Strathmore Stampede and Downtown. Anyone visiting Facebook within the advertisement area was shown the advertisement. The use of highly visible, mixed media worked

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well and the Facebook ads were attractive and fun which drew attention to summer activities in Town. The results of the summer advertisement campaign were as follows:

Some of the participating Downtown businesses experienced an approximate increase of 10% to 15% in revenue.

The Strathmore Stampede experienced an overall increase of 20% on the grounds, bringing the total attendance to 38,650 over the 4-day event.

The Tradeshow during the Stampede event had a 10% increase in vendors.

100 additional volunteers signed up, bringing the total number of volunteers to 400 to help at the Stampede.

General Manager of Strathmore Stampede & Strathmore EcDev were interviewed on CityTV.

New magazines and bloggers picked up the event. Overall, we view the summer marketing initiatives as a success. We feel that the return on investment was a good one and that we achieved the objectives of the campaign. The stampede is Strathmore’s largest event and increasing cooperation Town-wide, interest, awareness, and regional significance are good goals to continue in the future.

Samples of some of the advertisements used in the summer advertisement campaign.

Non-English Language Marketing Campaign Economic Development created an innovative non-English language marketing campaign. This two-week summer campaign was run on RedFM radio (Calgary). The campaign focused on the benefits of living in Strathmore, including high quality of life, excellent schools and various housing options. The campaign was run in Punjabi and Tagalog and reached an audience of over 300,000 in Calgary and area.

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Video and Photo Library (Phase I) Partly funded through a Travel Alberta grant, Staff have started to create a professional video and photo library. We used professional photo and video equipment to capture footage, and we used professional models in our shoots. Professional media material will be used to help promote the Town. We can let these photos and videos help us tell the story of Strathmore and show off our many amazing amenities and facilities. Also, high resolution photos and video will help us stand out and make the first stop on our websites feel professional, warm, positive, and welcoming. Our goal was to develop an inventory of photos and video which speaks to an audience and helps us tell our story. We wanted to capture many different areas, activities, businesses, events, facilities, and amenities in town. We took footage of 6 events and more than 50 locations around town. We were able to showcase the Strathmore Stampede, our downtown, the field house, a handful of different businesses, and more. We also have 6 professional videos in progress, including videos on the Strathmore Stampede, the Indian Relay, Strathmore Recreation, Strathmore Tourism, Strathmore Business, and Indigenous. All of the videos will be included on our website and will help us put our best foot forward when promoting the town. Friends and families will be able to share videos to each other, and we can send potential future partners a professionally-made media bundle. The photo library (Phase 1) includes summer activities, while Phase 2 will include winter activities. Having a professional library has already helped with conversations with Rogers Home Town Hockey, coming to Town in December, as we can provide Sportsnet with some excellent photos and video for use in their showcase of Strathmore prior to the event.

Samples of some of the professional photos which will be part of Strathmore’s professional photo and video library.

Economic Development Micro Website (Local Intel) Strathmore.ecdev.org The EcDev micro website was developed over the summer months and will be launched in early November 2019. The website is a one-stop-shop for current businesses and for businesses seeking

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to locate in Strathmore. The site provides business information such as town advantages, business climate, customer demographics, competition data, available properties, community facilities, land uses, and current business directory. Data is pulled from sources such as Statistics Canada, Alberta Dashboard, and the Town’s GIS system. When first visiting the website, people are greeted with the Strathmore story, videos, and contact information. The website tools are easy to use and will help businesses make smarter, faster, and better decisions. Integrating well with our main website, the new EcDev website will be another tool in our belt for attracting new businesses and retaining existing businesses. Importantly, any Strathmore business with a business license will be included in the business directory and will be searchable by category, making it easy for people to find the businesses they need. Further to the EcDev micro website will be a tourism website, which is currently in its draft stages and will be presented to Council upon completion.

Screen capture from the new EcDev website showing the interactive business directory.

Richard White Everyday Tourist & Calgary Herald Article The Town of Strathmore was recently featured in the Calgary Herald and in a blog called “The Everyday Tourist” by Richard White. The article headlines Strathmore as a Town which has amazing amenities. It goes on to list our amenities which includes 10 schools, 100s of acres of parks and pathways, a hospital, an arena, an aquatic centre, a curling rink, a 18 hole golf course, a field house, and much more. The article describes us ‘more than a bedroom’ community, gives a demographic overview of the community, and sheds some very positive light on the town. The last word that blogger Richard White writes is that “Strathmorians love to brag ‘almost everything we need is a 5-minute drive away.’ I can’t think of any community in the Calgary region that can

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match Strathmore’s impressive list of amenities.” After the article went live, it was the top trending article on the Calgary Herald website and mobile app. Staff are happy with the result and we should continue to invite bloggers and other forms of media to do stories on us, our facilities, and our community. The blog post originated from one email from Justin Rebello, Development Services, and it resulted in very positive press for Strathmore.

Richard White’s Calgary Herald article about Strathmore was one of the most read articles on the Calgary Herald website in late September.

Calgary Metropolitan Regional Board (CMRB) Community Tours Staff and members of Council were invited on a CMRB tour on October 1 and had the opportunity to showcase the Town and highlight our best features. We toured our residential, our commercial development, our industrial development, the Solarkrafte site, our Field House, the pool, the downtown, and Kinsmen Park. The tour included a walking visit to the Standard Shoe Shop, Red Carrot, and Renaissance Bakery. The CMRB was impressed with the number of amenities a community of our size had. Members of the tour were given copies of the Draft Strathmore StoryBook, a high visual handout with information about our community. Moving forward, the CMRB will have a better picture of Strathmore in their minds when developing policy and working with the different municipalities in the region.

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Rogers Home Town Hockey Led by Community Services, Economic Development is happy to provide support as Strathmore prepares to host Rogers Home Town Hockey on December 21st and 22nd. The event involves a community showcase, interviews from NHL alumni, live music, food, and coverage of a Calgary Flames hockey game. A committee has been created which is tasked with inclusion of other events and investigating other synergies which may run alongside Home Town Hockey. Three staff members sit on the taskforce, along with a Councilor, a Minor Hockey representative, and public members, including Wheatland County Community Services & economic development staff. Home Town Hockey is a significant, once-in-a-lifetime event for Strathmore. Our community has roots in hockey, with NHL alumni living and owning land in our town. Our community will be part of a national event during a prime-time holiday weekend. Strathmore and Wheatland County, with the Wheatland Holiday Train on December 18, and Strathmore Home Town Hockey on December 21 and 22, have the opportunity to engage with the region and to attract Canadian families of all sizes to visit. The taskforce is investigating how we can engage the region to attend and how to best get our name out there. The taskforce is also investigating events that we can run alongside Home Town Hockey, and possibly starting an annual tradition, such as a hockey tournament in December. The committee meets 3 more times prior to Rogers coming to town and will continue to discuss ideas.

Roger’s Home Town Hockey is a national event, which comes to Strathmore on December 21 and 22.

(Forward Initiative) EcDev 2020 Workshop with Council Staff would like to hold a workshop with Council to establish direction and goals for Economic Development in 2020. Through a workshop style meeting, Staff and Council can brainstorm some ideas for economic development. The internal economic development team is comprised of many different departments and we are excited for future projects and ideas about the Town. We believe there is low hanging fruit which we can utilize to succeed. This workshop will be scheduled for early Q1 2020.

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(Forward Initiative) Survey Results & Meetings with Businesses Business retention is a critical element of Economic Development. Staff have survey data, from a recent survey by Triage BR+E, and will begin to meet one on one with businesses. We have interviewed some businesses, with more interviews planned. Our objectives are to listen to businesses, hear what they have to say about our community, and to see how we can best help them succeed. In the survey, there were several businesses which indicated they wish to expand operations in Strathmore. We intend to touch base with these businesses and help them achieve their goals.

(Forward Initiative) Meetings with lenders and CMHC Representatives Staff are interested in meeting with bank lenders and CMHC representatives to ensure they have all the information they need when reviewing loan requests and new developer initiatives for our community. There was a recent update to the Wheatland Affordable Housing study and staff want to ensure that these entities have all the information they require to approve funding for projects in town. A good relationship between local lenders will be good for the development industry and will help grow the town.

(Forward Initiative) Continue to strength relationships with our neighbours, Wheatland County and Siksika Nation Staff want to continue developing and strengthening relationships with our neighbours. We intend to set up regular meetings to discuss new ideas and work together to succeed in the region. We hosted the regional Economic Development Officers (EDO) Roundtable and EDOs from Calgary, Siksika Nation, Tsu’tina Nation, and elsewhere in the province attended. We are excited to continue initiatives which involves us and our neighbors.

CONCLUSION The report above summarizes economic development efforts from May to November 2019. Initiatives involve multiple staff members and departments and includes many projects of different sizes. The report also lists some future projects and action items which are looking forward to.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

REVIEWED & APPROVED BY THOMAS HANSEN

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FOR INFORMATION


Contact: J. Sawatzky



TO: Town Council

FROM: Communications

SUBJECT: Communications Strategic Plan

RECOMMENDATION:


REPORT SUMMARY The Communications Department will be sharing their Strategic Plan.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS That Council review the plan.

REPORT

BACKGROUND/CONTEXT The Communications Strategic Plan is an evolving strategy for the entire organization. The Plan has been developed to help build our communications capacity and allow us to develop positive and trustworthy relationships.

DISCUSSION The Communications Department is a fairly new department with the Town of Strathmore. The department includes one Communications Specialist (Carla Kautz - January 2018) and one Communication Ambassador (Ty Tomasta - March 2018). Additionally, a Communications Strategist (Geoff Person - November 2019) has joined the team temporarily to focus on communications for the New Municipal Building and Capital projects.

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The department is very busy as they service the entire organization's communications needs. Key functions of the department include Social Media Monitoring and Maintenance, Website Development and Maintenance, Citizen Communication Form Processing, Developing and Implementing Communications Plans for Capital Projects, Development of Town Publications, All Advertising (Newspapers, Website, Social Media, Radio), Council Support (Media Releases, Videos, Info Graphs, Speaking Notes), Support to Council Committees and External Agencies, Emergency Communications, Development of Communications Policies, etc. A few notable accomplishments of the department so far include: Launch of New Town of Strathmore Website Development and Publication of Annual Reports Communities in Bloom - Community Guide Advertisement Campaign - "Country Living Meets City Life" Capital Project Communications (i.e. Third Avenue) Internal Newsletter The development of the attached Strategic Plan will help guide the department to enhance town communication, improve stakeholder relationships and encourage public participation.

STRATEGIC ANALYSIS Communications has been identified a priority in Council's Strategic Plan. The development of the Communications Plan will help further Council's goals.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Communications Strategic Plan 2019 - 2021

REVIEWED & APPROVED BY J. SAWATZKY

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DEVELOPING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Communications Strategic Plan2019-2021

comms V7 12052019

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TOWN OF STRATHMORE Communications Strategic Plan 2019-2021 -V7 12052019 2

IMPORTANCE OF A PLAN

The Town’s Communications Plan provides a framework for the organization to enhance two-way communication, improve stakeholder relationships, and encourage public participation in the municipal process in alignment with Council’s Strategic Priorities.

All staff have a role to play to ensure the success of the Communications Plan. By working collaboratively across departments to ensure the Town’s communication efforts are well coordinated, transparent and responsive to the needs of the organization and the public, we will achieve a more informed and engaged Workforce, Community and Council.

This is an evolving strategy for the entire organization. The Plan will help build our communications capacity and allow us to develop positive and trustworthy relationships.

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COMMUNICATIONS VISION

An informed and engaged community, working collaboratively with Council and Administration on an enduring shared legacy for the Town of Strathmore.

COMMUNICATIONS MISSION

To build a framework that leverages existing strengths and encourages new opportunities in two-way communications with the Town of Strathmore’s stakeholder groups; and to deliver specific and measurable communications programs that help achieve the Town’s goals.

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Engaging Expedient, Proactive and Effective Information that

will resonate with the intended audience

StrategicAccessible,

Readily Available, Easy to find and

understand

Measured Track success,Always improve

TransparentHonest and Accurate Information, Utilizing

subject matter experts

COMMUNICATIONS PRINCIPLES

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EXTERNAL AUDIENCESINTERNAL

AUDIENCES

KEY AUDIENCES

Mayor and CouncilCAO

ManagementTown Staff

Chamber of CommerceBusiness Community

LibraryCommunity Groups

AssociationsSiksika NationStakeholders

Municipalities/CountyGovernment Alberta

Strathmore StampedeNon-ProfitsResidents

Park UsersVisitorsSchools

ChurchesMedia

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CHANNEL BREAKDOWN

TOS Social MediaFacebook accountTwitter accountYouTube accountInstagram accountFuture SM channel

Strathmore.ca WebsiteSubscribe to this page RSS featureHomepage bannersNews and Notices featureCommunity and Council CalendarCapital Projects pagesMunicipal Building pageStrathmore Commons pageMyStrathmore CRM

External Websites and Social Media PagesStrathmoreNow.comKijijiStrathmore Community WebsitesRegional Partners’ Websites (County, Siksika)Stakeholders

Regular MailingsUtilities BillsTax Statements

Town Operated Facilities for On-SitesCurrent Municipal BuildingFuture Municipal Building SiteCentennial Aquatic CentreStrathmore MP Sports CentreStrathmore Civic CentreStrathmore Family CentreStrathmore Curling RinkSeniors Drop-in CentreParks and PathwaysLions Regional Outdoor RinkSkate ParkTennis CourtsLions Splash ParkDisc GolfBocce Courts

Electronic Signage location #1 Highway

External MediaStrathmore TimesCalgary HeraldStar CalgaryThe Gauntlet (U of C)The Reflector (MRU)

Radio104.5 More Country93.7 CKUACBC Radio 1

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?

The Communications Team at the Town of Strathmore is in a unique situation.Our recent success in launching our new, scalable website ties into overall success in growing the channels we rely on to reach various audiences. Our social media channels continue to grow, both in total reach and engagement, and the recent Citizen Satisfaction Survey provides evidence that residents are looking to our official accounts for quality, timely information.

However, we also understand our weaknesses. A lack of formal policies and processes have created a culture of reactive and inconsistent communications, which is compounded by some departments communicating in silos. This, along with limited staff and past missteps, has sown a feeling of uncertainty that Communications can’t fulfill on its deliverables based on the expectations of residents and internal staff.

We know that the next year will require us to address external challenges such as budget limitations, concerns over the local and provincial economy, conflicting political messages, and the persistent potential to lose control over messaging around municipal projects. We are confident that the proactive planning we’re adopting on projects like the Municipal Building and Strathmore Commons can help shift our operations to a more strategic focus. From our solid foundation, we have a clear plan to build a high-performing and impactful communications department at the Town of Strathmore.

Strengths:

• Channels continue to grow• Residents are coming to us for info

Weaknesses:

• Lack of formal processes/policies• Reactive communications• History of mixed results

Opportunities:

• New capacity on team• Projects/events are opportunity to rally• Leadership believes in goal of mature comms

Threats:

• Budget limitations• Economic/political uncertainty• Potential loss of control over messages


SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

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COMMUNICATIONS MATURITY LEVELS

REFERENCE TOWN OF DEVON COMMUNICATIONS PLAN 2015

Sophisticated

Immature

Reliant on individual skills, little support, no objectives—every organization is automatically at this level

Initial Process

1

RepeatableProcess

2

OrganizationalInfrastructure

3

QuantitativelyManaged

4

Optimizing

5

Similar projects can be successfully repeated, operational tactics We are here

Organizational processes, policies, methodology and standards

Consistent project outputs, Specific strategy, key performance indicators,

Delivering the organizational strategy and adding value. Routines and workingmethods are improved. High level of buy-in, unified strategy, project benchmarks,measurable results, process control, organization collaboration

Two-way dynamic communication, organization wide trust, shared expertise, openness and transparency. Staff members

feel supported, valued, respected.

cross-departmentalknowledge exchange

and sharing

One-way controlled communication

individual department knowledge exchange and sharing

2016Past

2019 2018

Projection

2021

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OUR DIRECTION

To support and encourage an

engaged, informed community

To reduce the risk of escalation by

proactively identifying issues and responding

in a timely manner

Lead the Town of Strathmore to a strategic level of communications

To grow our reputation, brand, and audiences outside of Strathmore

To support mutually beneficial, trustworthy

relationships with stakeholders

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ACTION PLAN

GOALS OBJECTIVES / ACTIONS 2019 2020 2021

GOAL: To support and encourage an engaged, informed community.

Increase participation in public consultation and dialog • Ensure project timelines allow adequate time for consultation Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing • Include feedback options in public project messages Success Ongoing Ongoing • Shift messaging to include testimonials from groups who provided input Q3

Improve public awareness of local government processes and Town services • Provide communication materials and opportunities to inform citizens of the Town's

Services Success Ongoing Ongoing

• Evolve 'Council Highlights' into a highly shareable document Q1 • Support communication of Council's Annual Strategic Priorities Success Ongoing Ongoing • Communicate the Town's Budget Process including participatory budgeting initiatives Q4 • Publish annual report to the community outlining the outcomes of the Strategic Priority

WorkplansQ1

Improve public awareness and participation in major events, projects, and programs • Develop an annual communications planning calendar for capital programs/events Q1 • Develop Communications Plans for all capital projects Success Ongoing Ongoing • Develop a Communications Plan for All Major Town Events in Collaboration with

the responsible departmentsQ1

• Develop a Bi-Weekly Capital Projects Report Success Ongoing Ongoing • Incorporate on-site marketing of events, projects, and programs into comms plans Q1 • Journey map registration and opt-in process for events, projects, and programs Q1 • Set attendance benchmarks for recurring events with growth goals Gather info in

2020 Q1 benchmarks

Survey and audit communications channels to ensure continued alignment with resident and stakeholder needs • Assess annual Citizen Satisfaction Survey results for communications effectiveness Success Ongoing Ongoing • Track and report changes in social media and website usage and engagement Q2 • Complete an annual environmental scan on emerging channels Q1

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ACTION PLAN -continued


GOAL: To reduce the risk of escalation by proactively

identifying issues and responding in a timely

manner

Leverage the Corporate Civility Project messages to grow positive online communities • Provide a draft Corporate Civility Policy (CCP) for Council's review Q1 • Develop a plan to roll out CCP across channels, and engage community Q2 • Capture successful messages from recurring events Success 12 messages 12 messages • Build out library on successive events Ongoing Ongoing • Identify issues through social listening, Citizen Comms Forms, Phone Calls, and

Council/Staff commentsSuccess

Ongoing Ongoing

• Produce a monthly report on Citizen Communication Form activity Success Ongoing ongoing • Produce a bi-weekly social listening report for Council and Management Q2

Develop a crisis and issue management process • Develop an evaluation tool to measure emerging issues to determine the scale of response Model Q4 Tool Q2 • Develop a procedure that outlines the scale of response to emerging issues/crises including

roles and spokespeople, how to respond, who responds, types of communicationsQ3

Identify and engage key advocates when required • Identify key advocates/influencers among each channel's followers Top 1% of

audience Top 2% of audience

• Build stronger relationships with key followers Goal: 20 key relationships FB,

3 key relationships

Twitter

Revise targets Q1 2021 based

on account growth

Improve the team's outlook on editorial calendars and recurring events • Set 30/60/90 updates among team with action plans

Q2

Set 30/60/90 updates

among team with action

plans

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GOAL: To lead the Town of Strathmore to a strategic level of communications

Measure and develop standards around Council and Employee Newsletters • Improve content by balancing alerts of future projects with recognition for milestones Q1 • Track and report newsletter open/click-through rates for benchmarking Q2

Increase the percentage of employees that consider themselves well-informed about Town programs, issues, and initiatives • Incorporate pulse polls into employee communications Q2 • Identify better channels and tactics to reach employees Q3 • Enforce longer and repeated tactics to avoid 'one-and-done' comms Q1

Improve quality of communications deliverables by establishing clear workback schedules for supported departments • Set and communicate guidelines for schedules advocating benefits of longer timelines Q2 • Proactively reach out to departments at 30/60/90 intervals according to meta calendar Q1 • Track and report comms schedules to management Q1

Establish and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for campaigns and channels • Develop social media KPI dashboard Set KPIs Q1

Draft dashboard Q2

• Develop website KPI dashboard Q2 • Develop earned media report Q3 • Determine KPI goals for Communications Campaigns Q3

Organize communications training for Council and designated staff spokespersons • Include Communications Training and Best Practices as part of the Council Orientation Q4 • Provide Social Media Training and Media Training for Council Members Q2

Improve overall communications deliverables by ensuring consistency of tone and style • Adopt CP style guide for Town communications Q2 • Develop ongoing Town style guide as needs arise

Style overview Q4 More robust development

ongoing Ensure communications toolkit is complete and fully utilized

• Develop email management system Q3 • Audit communications software and subscriptions for continued use Q4

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GOAL: To lead the Town of Strathmore to a strategic level of communications

Measure and develop standards around Council and Employee Newsletters • Improve content by balancing alerts of future projects with recognition for milestones Q1 • Track and report newsletter open/click-through rates for benchmarking Q2

Increase the percentage of employees that consider themselves well-informed about Town programs, issues, and initiatives • Incorporate pulse polls into employee communications Q2 • Identify better channels and tactics to reach employees Q3 • Enforce longer and repeated tactics to avoid 'one-and-done' comms Q1

Improve quality of communications deliverables by establishing clear workback schedules for supported departments • Set and communicate guidelines for schedules advocating benefits of longer timelines Q2 • Proactively reach out to departments at 30/60/90 intervals according to meta calendar Q1 • Track and report comms schedules to management Q1

Establish and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for campaigns and channels • Develop social media KPI dashboard Set KPIs Q1

Draft dashboard Q2

• Develop website KPI dashboard Q2 • Develop earned media report Q3 • Determine KPI goals for Communications Campaigns Q3

Organize communications training for Council and designated staff spokespersons • Include Communications Training and Best Practices as part of the Council Orientation Q4 • Provide Social Media Training and Media Training for Council Members Q2

Improve overall communications deliverables by ensuring consistency of tone and style • Adopt CP style guide for Town communications Q2 • Develop ongoing Town style guide as needs arise

Style overview Q4 More robust development

ongoing Ensure communications toolkit is complete and fully utilized

• Develop email management system Q3 • Audit communications software and subscriptions for continued use Q4


GOAL: To grow our reputation, brand, and

audiences outside Strathmore

Leverage channels and stakeholders with strong representation among target audiences to amplify key messages • Identify target channels and stakeholders as part of comms planning Project/Campaign

stakeholders starting Q2

Town Objectives stakeholders Q2

• Develop relationships with target channels and stakeholder Target 3 key relationships

Target 5 key relationships

To develop content that attracts and retains new audience growth • Audit past content to identify winning messages/media Q2 Facebook, Q4

website

• Research competitor content for successful strategies set up tracking Q1, start quarterly

reporting Q4

• Set benchmarks for content engagement Draft benchmarks Q2, develop 2021

goals Q4

• Incorporate social listening report into comms planning Q3/Q4 for 2021 To engage paid media strategically to advance our brand and grow audiences

• Prioritize paid media campaigns using Council goals Q4 • Set and track goals for traditional media engagement Q2 • Incorporate greater digital paid media into overall media buy Q2 • Identify opportunities for grants or partner funding for campaigns Q1

To identify Town assets with high external visibility, and leverage these assets to advance our messages • Create a database of ranked potential on-site marketing opportunities Target list

complete Trials and ranking

Q1-Q3 Ongoing

refinement • Identify successful marketing tactics for key locations Ongoing Ongoing


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GOAL: To support mutually beneficial, trustworthy

relationships with stakeholders

Create a database of stakeholders and key contacts • Work with internal departments to create a master-list of stakeholders Work with

closest departments, build out from

there

Q2 master-list complete

• Set regular check-in dates to confirm contact details Q3: 20% stakeholders

Q3: 90% stakeholders

Establish or confirm regular communications with target stakeholders • Identify communications requirements for target stakeholders Ongoing Ongoing • Use email management system to deliver appropriate updates Q3

Grow inclusive relationships by providing adequate opportunities for stakeholder input • Ensure comms plans include feedback periods Project success Project success Organization

Success • Improve feedback user experience Q4

To recognize and thank stakeholders for project success • Identify meaningful opportunities to recognize stakeholders Q3 project

success

2022 Organization

Success • Track and report engagement around recognition Q2 • Add successful messages to message library Ongoing Ongoing


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MEASUREMENT

Communications has been shown to be a key element of effectively and efficiently achieving organizational goals, and it is important for the Town to evaluate how its investment in communication is influencing progress towards its outcomes. Communication objectives and action items will be monitored and measured for success through use of the following:

• Analytics will be reported through our internal website reports feature and google analytics • Social media reporting and analytics • CCF monitoring and reports • Public Feedback through surveys (Citizen Satisfaction Survey) • Monitoring of internal and external use of and satisfaction with the Town’s communication tools, policies, procedures and protocols, as well as informal conversation, and internal interviews.

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END OF DOCUMENTVERSION 7

LAST UPDATED DECEMBER 5, 2019AUTHORS: JEN SAWATZKY, CARLA KAUTZ, TY TOMASTA, GEOFF PERSON

COMMUNICATIONS

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FOR INFORMATION





TO: Town Council

FROM: Western District Historical Society & Communities in Bloom

SUBJECT: Lambert Park Renaming

RECOMMENDATION:


REPORT SUMMARY Council has received a letter from WDHS and Communities in Bloom requesting a name change for Lambert Park. Please see attached letter.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS That Council consider the letter.

REVIEWED & APPROVED BY J. SAWATZKY

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September 4, 2019

Attention: Jennifer Sawatzky

Western District Historical Society (WDHS) and Strathmore Communities in Bloom (CiB) would like to

request that the area of Lambert Park, north of Lakeside Views to the Library be designated “The Station

Garden of Lambert Park”.

The reason for this request is first and foremost to recognize the historical significance of this part of

Lambert Park and the town of Strathmore. As you are aware, the original CPR Station was located very

close to this area. The WDHS walking tours all begin at this point and the name would help advertise the

walking tours and the historical significance of the park.

The second reason is that there is a great deal of confusion as to what this area is called. Some have

called it a “Rose Garden”. There are some roses planted there but due to the shade of the large trees

this is an undesirable area to develop into a rose garden. Others have referred to it as an “English

Garden”. This implies a certain style of landscaping that contradicts what is presently there. The name

“The Station Garden” allows for the park to be developed as it is currently while acknowledging the fact

that historically CPR Stations across Canada had gardens that were diverse in their style and purpose.

We do not want to diminish the name of Lambert Park as it is a significant part of Strathmore’s history.

It is for this reason we are suggesting to designate the area as part of the current park.

If this designation is approved, we would like to put a sign and a flower bed at the corner of Lakeside

Blvd and Lakeside Views which displays the name and significance of the area.

We (WDHS and CiB) are more than willing to appear before Council to discuss our proposal. We have

discussed our proposal with Donna McCallum, Parks Supervisor and she is supportive of our suggestion.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Rhonda Stockwell – Chair of Western District Historical Society

Rob Pirie – Chair of Strathmore Communities in Bloom

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agenda december 11, 2019, 7:00 pm

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