Amid surging pet adoption trends in cities nationwide, a special story emerges about a lovable dog ready for her new chapter.

Stella, full of boundless energy, yearns for a devoted family to match her affectionate nature.

She follows her humans everywhere, thriving on pets and playtime that keep her youthful spirit alive.

Adaptable and eager, she fits seamlessly with other pets or as the solo star of the home.

Through consistent training, Stella is honing her leash skills and recall, impressing caregivers with her progress.

Her gourmet tastes lean toward dehydrated treats and crisp vegetables, adding charm to her personality.

Resilient after more than a year in shelter care, she's now fully vetted post-dental work in early 2025.

From road trips to lazy lounging, Stella promises unwavering companionship in a nurturing setting.

With events like shelter clear-outs boosting adoptions, local spots in Los Angeles and Washington DC host meet-ups through 2025.

Open your heart to this dynamic companion for a lifetime of joy and loyalty.

A major fire broke out Saturday morning at the GenAlta Recycling facility in west Sherwood Park, sending thick black smoke across Strathcona County and into Edmonton.

Fire crews from both Strathcona County and Edmonton responded quickly, battling the intense blaze that began around 8:30 a.m.

Mayor Rod Frank emphasized there was no immediate danger to the public, but urged everyone to avoid the area due to the toxic smoke produced by burning scrap metal and old appliances.

The cause of the fire at the facility, which processes automobiles and large metal items, remains under investigation.

By late afternoon, firefighters had contained the situation, and air quality tests showed no significant health hazards for neighboring communities.

Officials continue to monitor the area and are prepared to update residents as more details emerge.

Verna Stevenson, a spirited 92-year-old from Sherwood Park, continues to break boundaries on the golf course.

In July, Verna scored her second career hole-in-one during a ladies’ league game at Country Side Golf Club, acing the third hole with skill and a little luck.

Her first ace came at the age of 78, making this new milestone even more impressive.

With over thirty years of experience, Verna plays twice a week with her daughter, Karen, who has proudly witnessed both of her mother’s hole-in-ones.

Verna credits her achievement to years of consistency and enjoyment on the green.

Her remarkable feat delights fellow golfers and inspires the community, proving that dedication and passion for the game know no age limits.

SmartStop Self Storage REIT has significantly expanded its presence in Alberta by acquiring five new self-storage properties.

The facilities are located in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Red Deer County, Canmore, and Cochrane, adding approximately 330,000 net rentable square feet and about 2,770 units.

These new sites feature a mix of interior climate-controlled, heated, and exterior drive-up storage options, meeting diverse needs across residential, suburban, rural, and commercial communities.

Michael Schwartz, chairman and CEO of SmartStop, emphasized that Alberta’s growing population and thriving markets are fueling increased demand for high-quality storage solutions.

The company now operates 49 facilities across Canada, further cementing its Western Canadian footprint.

Based in Ladera Ranch, California, SmartStop manages self-storage assets throughout both Canada and the United States.

Founded as Campbelltown in 1955 by John Hook Campbell, Sherwood Park quickly adopted its current name in 1956 to avoid postal confusion, drawing inspiration from the famed Sherwood Forest.

Early residents overcame hardships such as rough roads and sparse utilities, forging a resilient spirit that fueled steady expansion.

By 1959, the growing community warranted new schools and a local fire hall as its population reached 500 homes.

Today, Sherwood Park is home to about 75,575 people, establishing itself as one of Alberta’s largest urban service centers.

Key projects are revitalizing the region, including the August 2025 opening of the Edmonton-Strathcona County Footbridge and an ambitious $12 million upgrade for the Sherwood Park Arena.

Plans are also advancing for a $65 million indoor fieldhouse, set to break ground in 2028, highlighting the community’s vibrant future and deep commitment to local recreation.

Sherwood Park began in spring 1956 as a muddy, undeveloped landscape where early residents like Venice Harris and Kay Saunders relied on rubber boots to navigate unpaved streets.

Neighborly efforts created makeshift walkways and community bonds grew as families faced daily challenges together.

David and Myrne Martin improvised deliveries, while Bob Blair’s Massey Harris tractor rescued stuck vehicles.

Access to Edmonton was treacherous, with gravel roads like 76th Avenue requiring careful travel, especially before the 1968 Sherwood Park Freeway and Highway 14 interchange improved safety.

Public transit evolved from private lines in the 1960s to today’s Strathcona County Transit, serving nearly two million passengers annually.

Modern advances include the Sherwood Care Redevelopment Project and the new Edmonton-Strathcona County Footbridge, reflecting Sherwood Park’s transformation from muddy beginnings to a connected, thriving community.

The new Edmonton-Strathcona County Footbridge is now open, creating a much-needed pedestrian and cyclist connection between Edmonton and Sherwood Park over the North Saskatchewan River.

This impressive bridge links 167 Avenue in northeast Edmonton to Township Road 540 in Strathcona County, strengthening access to the picturesque river valley trails.

Construction began in June 2023, with the public opening in August 2025.

The bridge offers scenic lookout points, gathering spaces, and new shared-use paths, all designed to boost outdoor recreation and community togetherness.

Costing $41.4 million, the project was a collaborative effort by the River Valley Alliance, City of Edmonton, and Strathcona County.

New amenities like trails, parking, and washrooms are coming soon, making this an inviting destination for all.

Heartland Housing Foundation is advancing affordable housing in Alberta, spotlighting major developments in Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan.

In Sherwood Park, the transformation of the former Clover Bar Lodge into a six-storey, 104-unit near-market housing complex is taking shape at 100 Fir Street.

This project addresses rising demand in the area and benefits from an $8.84 million provincial grant, with additional funding expected from various sources.

Demolition is scheduled for spring 2026, with construction set to begin by June of that year.

Over in Fort Saskatchewan, the recently completed Muriel Ross Abdurahman Court offers 83 affordable homes within an energy-efficient, net-zero building.

Tenants moved in during summer 2023, and the project has drawn praise for its sustainable design and positive community impact.

These efforts highlight HHF's dedication to innovative, accessible housing for Albertans.