In February 2024, the County of Strathcona Council members voted in favour of building an $86 million dollar hockey arena on land adjacent to Jackson Homesteaders, a 5th generation farm that is one of the oldest homesteads still in operation in Alberta. The proposed site for the arena is on land that was taken in a forced-sale from the Jackson family in 2015.  If developed, it will make future farming operations unfeasible, leading to the demise of this farm.  No public opinion or consultation was sought throughout the deliberation.  There was no transparency throughout the decision-making process.  The County is exposing itself to a massive financial risk with this arena.  Multiple alternative sites are available throughout the County and have even been proposed by the developers.

To:  The Council of the Municipality of Strathcona County in the Province of Alberta.

We, the undersigned, hereby petition the Council to strike the proposed arena for the following reasons:

1. There was no public engagement or transparency in the planning process.  The decision to fund an $86 million dollar hockey arena and find a suitable location for said arena was done behind closed doors.
2. The current proposed location for said arena will put the multi-generational farm, Jackson Homesteaders, at extreme risk for failure.