About Sturgeon County

Sturgeon County covers more than 2,300 square kilometres of idyllic farmland and is located close to several large urban centres. The County serves almost 20,000 residents and is comprised of 35 townships (including partial townships), 185 kilometres of secondary roads and 1,776 kilometres of local roads. Only minutes north of St. Albert and Edmonton, Sturgeon County offers some of the advantages of urban life while maintaining the serenity that can only come from country living.
 
In addition to providing a high standard of living, Sturgeon County ensures residents have access to diverse recreational, developmental and educational programs and facilities. The rich cultural heritage of the region is nurtured in local community halls, agriculture societies and churches and a significant rural volunteer base creates a strong link between government programs and community needs.
The County is served by three school divisions, which provide educational opportunities to about 5,000 students through 17 schools and three storefront learning centres. There are also several charter schools in the area that serve smaller, more specific student populations.
 Healthcare facilities are located in Morinville (Public Health Clinic), Redwater (Health Centre with 13 acute care beds) and St. Albert (Sturgeon Community Hospital) and the area is served by two RCMP detachments, located in Morinville and Redwater.
 
Sturgeon County has a population of 19,578 (2011 Federal Census). The median age of residents (37.1) is similar to that of the province (36.0); however the proportion of youths who are 5-19 years old and 40-69 are both higher than the provincial rates. The proportion of residents who are 70 years of age and older is lower than the provincial rate (4.8% versus 7.6%); which is common in rural municipalities as many elderly people move urban centres in order to be closer to health care. A younger demographic profile allows the County to grow more rapidly than the region, with the demand for skilled trades increasing over the next three to five years.
These demographics reflect some of the opportunities and challenges facing the County, including service provision for children and youth, local employment opportunities to attract the 20-39 age group, and housing and services so the elderly can “age in place” in the community. On a more global basis, the aging population places a strain on pension and health care costs, and the funding to meet future obligations of this age group will impact the earning potential of younger generations.
d in 2012