Town developing new corporate business plan for current council term

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore’s 2026-2029 corporate business plan was front of mind during the May 20 council meeting, outlining how council’s priorities aim to be delivered. 

The business plan effectively describes actionable methods which will be aimed at advancing, further developing, or establishing municipal services. 

Strategic priorities being utilized as a baseline, which council established earlier this year, will be tailored to each category. 

Regarding community connection, as an example, administration suggested utilizing the citizen satisfaction survey to address resident concerns, establish multi-year partnerships, and advocate for local skilled trades training and apprenticeships. 

“It is the how, but it’s what we also call the A-List, which are items that directly tie to council strategic plan,” said CAO Kevin Scoble. “To align with capacity and other legislative requirements, administration is currently waiting to finalize our ‘B-List’ which is our corporate activities, and they are not items that directly relate to council’s strategic plan.”

Regarding growth management, administration will complete a rewrite of the town’s municipal development plan by late 2026 in order to address housing density and future residence options. 

This rewrite will also include a growth estimate tool based on 2026 census data and will evaluate area structure plans for alignments with the new MDP. 

Through the new plan, the town will aim to move towards full cost recovery for all of its utilities, as well as to explore a vacant land tax bylaw.

“Council’s priority around economic growth will increase job opportunities and improve living standards through intentional strategies and actions, so activities supporting economic growth through non-residential development,” said Scoble. “This means more competitive and intentional interacting and attracting commercial and industrial investment. To support this, we will implement a comprehensive investment attraction and promotion framework, which will include developing a strong sector profile, launching targeted marketing, pursuing regional economic certification, and creating a dedicated external investment website.”

With regards to localized water and environmental concerns, town staff will develop a water continuity plan, conservation measures, and a long-term sustainable water access plan.

Additionally, a parks master plan will be created in order to describe a focus on enhancing existing green spaces.

RCMP staffing levels relative to Strathmore’s growth aim to be reviewed, as well as evaluating the feasibility of integrated fire and EMS services. 

It was also suggested that a business continuity plan be initiated for the event of a disaster such as a cyber-attack. 

An exact timeline for the completion and implementation of the new business plan was not indicated, only that it aims to be brought back before council before the end of the year.