Table of
C O N T E N T S
Welcome to Strathmore
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Message from the Mayor and Chair
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Fast Facts
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Our Team
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Community Appearance
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Environmental Action
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Heritage Conservation
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Tree Management
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Landscape
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Plant and Floral Display
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View the digital version at Strathmore.ca/CIB
Welcome to Strathmore
The truth is, Strathmore’s been brimming with life far longer than its Wikipedia page admits. A true wetland community, Strathmore’s story began much before the CP boxcars roared through. Today, it’s easy to see this town is on the cusp of something big. From its century old agriculture heritage to its up-and-coming entrepreneurs and community visionaries, Strathmore is attracting families, small business owners and start ups from across the country who are relocating and in turn, reimagining what it means to live rural right here in a true wetland community. Strathmore residents have always known how important our parks and green spaces are, not only to the look of our town but how we live our lives in it. These past few years have shown that however much we valued them, we couldn’t have imagined what a vital part they would play in our ability to cope with the changed lifestyles. Our town centre parks were silent at first as playgrounds were roped off and public gatherings of any sort were prohibited, but as conditions changed, life returned. People paraded in parks, took their exercise, and enjoyed a change of scene from their homes. Impromptu meetings of friends brought pleasure and brief social contact; for many it was a rare opportunity to talk face-to-face with another person. Strathmore’s parks are helping the community to bridge some of the divisions that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than the plants and flowers in these green spaces, the people who are filling them make Strathmore a Community in Bloom.
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Message from the Mayor
Strathmore is every bit as breathtaking as its profile suggests. Whether quickly passing through on the Trans Canada Highway or making yourself a home and staying awhile – Strathmore is blooming and for good reason. This vibrant town’s charm is exceeded only by the remarkable people who call it home – and boy do they love their home.
Pat Fule, Mayor Town of Strathmore
Message from the Chair
In every corner of Strathmore you’ll find the results of over a century of volunteerism. Parks, gardens, playgrounds, tree planting, and more – Communities in Bloom, Lions, Kinsmen, church groups, and youth clubs are growing our community. I’m proud to serve with a team of volunteers dedicated to the vision of Communities in Bloom.
Rob Pirie, Chair
Strathmore Communities in Bloom
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Fast Facts
Population
14,810 Number of grass mowing goats at solar field
400 Organic material converted to finished compost per year
1,085 6
Area in square miles
10.5 Meters of pathway installed in 2021
572 Annuals planted in 2021
779
Acres of recreation
3,830 Metric tonnes of plastc diverted from landfill per year
46.5 Trees planted in 2021
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The Team
Our Goal
Committee Chair
Partnerships
Rob Pirie
CIBStrathmore@gmail.com
Committee Members Deana Connington Donna McCallum Ginny Haubrich Jennifer Neufeld Karen Binns Lisa Sader Lois Wegener Lynn Anderson Mark Gudim Robert Breitwieser Terry Motley Theo Owel
Communities in Bloom has close working relationships with many key stakeholders. We will build more relationships with the local business community and likeminded organizations to help with our projects.
Urban Forest
Strathmore’s urban forest is growing. We will develop programs to encourage tree planting on private and public land to ensure this growth continues.
Education
Learning opportunities help to grow our community’s knowledge of horticulture and the environment, and they are valuable community-building events as well. We will host regular learning events in the community.
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COMMUNITY APPEARANCE
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Strathmore Municipal Building As one of the sunniest communities in Canada, it’s natural that Strathmore planned for the construction of solar panels on its new municipal building. In 2021 a 74 kW system was installed, with financial support from the Alberta Municipal Solar Program. A grid-tied system of 165 panels reduces the building’s dependence on the electrical grid by up to 55%.
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Pedestrian Bridges
Growing Strathmore’s pathway system also includes several new pedestrian bridges. These attractive bridges have helped to connect neighbourhoods previously cut off from the trail system by the canal. One bridge, the Tom Sadler Pedestrian Bridge, was named for a local community builder who has been active in preserving the natural environments and community history in Strathmore. An interactive QR code on the bridge signage allows people to quickly scan the code to hear Tom’s own words about the land around them.
Strathmore Lake
Strathmore Lake is the anchoring landmark for the nearby neighbourhood. Pathways and landscaping have helped to welcome more residents to the green space. Shoreline deterioration threatened these trails, and the Town has invested in highquality remediation to protect this park for decades to come.
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Westridge Road
Westridge Road is a priority revitalization area. The TransCanada Highway is Strathmore’s most visible route, with over 25,000 vehicles travelling it each day. Beautification of Westridge Road through trees, landscaping, and outdoor furniture has taken place in 2021 and 2022. The reconstruction of the roadway also included pathways linking the Town’s neighbourhoods as progress on Council’s vision toward a more walkable community.
Strathmore Pitches-In
Strathmore Pitches-In
This week long clean up event brings 500+ community members together annually.
A PITCH- IN CA NA D A EVENT
Back Yard Bounty
Back Yard Bounty is a popular public Facebook Group hosted by Strathmore CIB for local community members to share seeds, food, information or ideas regarding growing food.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION
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Council Priorities
Strathmore protects, manages, and enhances its local environment while preparing for future challenges due to climate change. Strathmore’s Town Council is committed to taking environmental action. Their vision has placed Climate Resiliency and Environmental Stewardship as one of the 6 priorities for this term.
Climate Resiliency and Environmental Stewardship
Phyto Organix
In May 2022 Phyto Organix announced their intention to construct a $220 million plant protein facility in Strathmore – the largest capital investment in the community’s history. The project perfectly aligns with the strategic vision for Strathmore. It is sustainable, using advanced waterrecycling technology and green building practices. It is community focused by already building relationships with key local stakeholders. And it leverages regional agriculture – building the economy through value-added manufacturing.
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Strathmore Solar
The Strathmore Solar Project became fully operational in March 2022. The project leases 320 acres of Town-owned land to provide over 40 MW of electricity. The innovative project is Capital Power’s first Canadian solar farm, and was built using bifacial panels and single-axle tracking – providing 25% greater output. The land under these panels is still productive. 400-600 sheep graze the land, providing sustainable land management while offering local farmers additional grazing pastures.
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Strathmore High School Geodesic Community Dome
In 2020 Strathmore High School, with generous support from Golden Hills School Division and local partners began to implement various sustainable food production projects through the school. The geodesic dome is a true community greenhouse. At completion, this space will be accessed by various schools and community groups and used to promote sustainable food production, sustainable energy practices and science education.
Invasive Species
Invasive species are a threat to Canada’s waterways. Reports of Prussian Carp in Strathmore’s ponds inspired a new annual event. As part of the Town’s 2021 Canada Day Celebrations, a fishing event was organized at Strathmore Lake. Staff from Alberta Environment were on hand to help educate about Prussian Carp and over two dozen fish were removed from the lake. The success from 2021 has now been carried over into 2022.
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HERITAGE CONSERVATION
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The Vault - Culture Collective
When a local family closed their shoe store in an iconic downtown landmark, they offered community cultural groups the opportunity to create a new shared space. The Vault Cultural Collective started their plans to open a historical and arts focused space in 2020, and hosted their grand opening less than a year later. The project is backstopped through funding from the Town and thousands of volunteer hours helped to create a unique space that has already enriched the community.
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Truth and Reconciliation Treaty 7 was signed in 1877 at Blackfoot Crossing – not far from present-day Strathmore. Siksika Nation has always been a part of Strathmore’s history, and work on events, memorials, anti-racism initiatives and other projects are helping to ensure all Indigenous people are warmly welcomed to Strathmore. Strathmore was gifted with a Blackfoot name in 2019. Omahksikokii is now featured on the crest of the Strathmore Fire Department and other Town apparel.
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Strathmore Day In 1905, the Hamlet of Strathmore moved from its original location at Eagle Lake, 4 miles north to be near the developing irrigation system. The Hamlet of Strathmore attracted settlers quickly and on March 20, 1908, it was incorporated as the Village of Strathmore. Strathmore Day officially launched in 2021 and is now an annual event that celebrates the anniversary of Strathmore’s incorporation and honours past generations who have built our community. It’s also a great way for our community to celebrate what Strathmore is today and the things that make our town so… well, great! March 20 is officially Strathmore Day, a day that honours the “Village that Moved”. 19
Our Wetlands
Unlike many communities that removed or filled sloughs, Strathmore developed around local wetlands. Spring runoff ponds were dredged and deepened early in the Town’s development. Incorporating these ponds into the storm management system ensured continued runoff throughout the driest parts of the year. After decades of naturalization, these artificial wetlands are now supporting complex ecosystems and migratory birds.
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TREE MANAGEMENT
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Heritage Trees
Canadian Pacific Demonstration Farm set an early precedent for Strathmore’s urban forest. A large orchard was planted, including the first apricots grown in Alberta. Efforts to identify and inventory heritage trees were led by Communities In Bloom through 2019 and 2020. Signs and maps have been installed to help people visit each of the heritage trees in Strathmore. The Town of Strathmore passed a Tree Protection Bylaw in January 2020, with participation and input from Communities In Bloom.
General requirements: •
10% of municipally owned lands shall have a xeriscape and/or naturescape component
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1 tree per 35 m2 and 1 shrub per 25 m2
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50 mm caliper for smaller deciduous trees and ornamental flowering trees (<6 m at maturity)
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85 mm caliper for larger deciduous trees (≥6 m at maturity)
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2 m height for smaller and 3 m height for larger coniferous trees
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600 mm height or spread for shrubs
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A minimum of half of the trees should be larger trees at maturity
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Coniferous tress/shrubs should comprise a minimum proportion of 1/3 of all shrubs/trees planted to a maximum of ½ mix
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Employ Terra-seeding for seeding lawns in Municipal Reserves
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No poplar or willow shall be considered for use
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All plant materials shall be tolerant to healthy growth in Strathmore. Hardiness Zone 3, resistance to disease and insect attack and ease of maintenance are also considered
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Parking lots to have shade trees with large canopies along the perimeter
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Small parking lots to include landscape islands or tree lines
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Residential yards to be landscaped with a minimum of 2 trees per internal lot and 3 trees per corner lot. Where applicable, trees should be first planted in the boulevard or on the street right of way
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At least 40% of park sites shall be covered by canopy at tree maturity 23
Birth Forest
A significant contributor to Strathmore’s urban forest is the Birth Forest Project. Started by CIB in 2008, the initiative plants 45 new trees each year representing the new babies born to local families. This project is a partnership between CIB, the Town, Eagle Lake Nurseries, and connectFirst Credit Union.
Horticulture Learning Sessions
Gardening is a great community-building activity. New Horticulture Learning Sessions were introduced by the Town in 2022, starting with a Winter Walk to learn about winter tree care. Additional sessions are planned for the future.
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TD Green Space Grant In 2020, Strathmore was one of 19 communities across the United States and Canada to be awarded the TD Green Space Grant from TD Bank Group (TD) and the Arbor Day Foundation. This grant was used to support innovative urban greening and tree planting projects in our community. TD provides funding for the grants, which are awarded annually for tree planting, maintenance costs and educational activities. The program is administered by the Arbor Day Foundation. TD Green Space Grants are made possible as part of the TD Ready Commitment, TD’s global corporate citizenship platform aimed at opening doors to a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow. On September 21, 2021, a team of 75 volunteers braved the cold rain and planted 150 trees for our community.
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LANDSCAPE
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PARKS PATROL A D O P T
A
P A R K
P R O G R A M
Nathan Haase Park
Strathmore Cemetery
Adopt a Park Program
Kinsmen Park has remained the centrepiece of Strathmore’s parks properties for the community’s history, but recent improvements throughout the community are ensuring beautiful and amenity-rich green spaces for all neighbourhoods. Nathan Haase Park in the Hillview area benefited from investments in ball diamonds and soccer fields. Pedestrian bridges across the WID canal near Brentwood, Lakewood, and Aspen Creek have connected thousands more residents into the Town’s growing pathway system. Tree planting near the Wildflower area is reducing noise from the nearby Highway 1.
Strathmore’s cemetery is also well cared for. Volunteers help to maintain gravesites on a weekly basis. A new columbarium was constructed in 2021 and another is planned for 2023, with landscaping for each to follow. Ongoing efforts to care for the plots also included a video project in 2021 to record all veteran monuments in the cemetery. The photos and videos were shared online leading up to Remembrance Day so that family abroad could pay respects to local veterans.
Strathmore’s green spaces are community treasures. Recent programs such as Adopt-a-Park and the Community Rinks Program demonstrate residents’ willingness to volunteer their time to care for these public lands.
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Water Remediation Water remains central to the Town’s landscape. Efforts to remediate water sources and lands around ponds in the community are leading to impressive returns. Residents are reporting greater numbers and varieties of nesting birds throughout the community. Caring for our water sources is creating a healthier and more vibrant community.
All In The Details Elements of Strathmore’s new brand are popping up around the community as well. Town Council approved a ‘Rural Reimagined’ brand in 2021. The visual elements have been incorporated into street furniture and signage in the community, with a complete wayfinding rollout planned for 2023/2024.
Legacy Farm Legacy Farm is a 118.5 acre tourism hub project being planned on the southeast of Strathmore, where the old CPR demonstration farm once was. This project celebrates the agricultural history of Strathmore and surrounding communities. RV Resort, Commercial businesses, institutional developments, green space, and agricultural businesses are included in the plan.
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PLANT AND FLORAL DISPLAY
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Kinsmen Park Landscaping
Landscaping around the Strathmore Municipal Building has rejuvenated the northern areas of Kinsmen Park. Ornamental trees surround the parking lot, delighting locals with an impressive performance of spring blossoms. Soft lawns are well-used for amphitheatre performances, summer events, and outdoor games. Planters in the parking lot and at the entrances of the municipal building carry on flower themes from beds and baskets throughout the rest of the park and in the Downtown Area.
Station Gardens
Strathmore continues to expand its plant and floral displays. Station Gardens is a 0.5 acre park that incorporates several heritage trees, perennial beds, and annual planters into an attractive display. The site is the former grounds of the CPR Station that welcomed many of Strathmore’s earliest settlers.
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Resident Gardens Resident gardens are also impressive. In 2021 Communities in Bloom featured an online map showcasing 39 gardens in Strathmore, including six local winners of the Miracle-Gro Best Garden Selection Program. The map was accessed over 950 times – helping people throughout the community celebrate these beautiful gardens.
Garden of Eat’n The popularity of the ‘Garden of Eatin’ community garden led to a second CIB-led community garden initiative. This second garden is located adjacent to the Strathmore Municipal Library and has already become a popular feature.
Healing Garden The Healing Garden celebrates Indigenous knowledge and use of native plants. It was blessed by Randy Alexander in spring 2021. Paving stones and beds were constructed and planted in early summer. The garden became an impromptu monument to residential schools with the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves near Kamloops in June 2021.
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