It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Canadians, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in our country have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, sometimes they cannot live independently without someone by their side to provide care. Unfortunately, many older Canadians aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Sherwood Park, AB is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Our family is very pleased with the care that is provided by Always Best Care.”
“Always Best Care has been providing my mom’s personal care since April 2024. They have”
“Awesome Team, all I got is love, understanding and Care. Always Best Care is such”
“They always have the best services both for clients and their caregivers. They are easy”
“Always Best Care Senior Services treats its clients and staff members like family. It offers”
“The team at Always Best Care is very considerate and caring. They are in business”
“Such compassionate and experienced caregivers, Always best care senior services was the best choice”
“They have a very flexible schedule and they are very respectful towards there employees,they create”
“We, as a family, are very happy and grateful for the compassionate care that is”
“It's great working with them. They are very transparent and open to communicate. The flexible”
“Gladys has been my nurse for quite sometime. She is always prompt and respectful of”
“I knew Owen via community outreach, and he provided a different approach regarding their company’s”
“The staff are great. They listen to your needs and are well experienced”
“I am so impressed with Always Best Care. My entire experience thus far has been”
“Our family is very pleased with the care that is provided by Always Best Care. The staff are punctual and always willing to help with anything that is asked of them. My husband’s personal care aide has become a close friend and companion.”
“Always Best Care has been providing my mom’s personal care since April 2024. They have been very helpful and hands-on in making sure my mom gets the best care possible. They are very open to suggestions and always eager to listen to our family’s needs as my mom’s situation keeps changing. Gladys and her company stands firm with carrying their company’s name - always giving the best care to their clients like my mom. I highly recommend their company. Thanks Gladys, Corrina and to all the caregivers. Our family appreciate all your care and support. ????????”
“Awesome Team, all I got is love, understanding and Care. Always Best Care is such a wonderful family who are out to help persons from diverse backgrounds achieve their dreams along side as we all grow. All they do is listening to everyone and bringing out solutions to every aspects.All thanks to God”
“They always have the best services both for clients and their caregivers. They are easy to communicate with 24/7. They always make sure that they have someone you can talk to whenever you need them. They make sure that everything is good both the client and their workers. 100% the best home care service.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services treats its clients and staff members like family. It offers a flexible schedule and shows great respect for its employees. They create a welcoming environment and make a significant effort to connect you with clients who are within a reasonable driving distance.”
“The team at Always Best Care is very considerate and caring. They are in business for all the right reasons. Their experience and looking out for the seniors they take care of is what sets them apart from the rest.”
“Such compassionate and experienced caregivers, Always best care senior services was the best choice we made to help my grandmother . Definitely, recommended !”
“They have a very flexible schedule and they are very respectful towards there employees,they create a very welcoming environment.They make a lot effort to get you clients within a drivable distances.”
“We, as a family, are very happy and grateful for the compassionate care that is provided to our parents”
“It's great working with them. They are very transparent and open to communicate. The flexible hours are a huge benefit, and they are truly accommodating when it comes to aligning with your availability, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.”
“Gladys has been my nurse for quite sometime. She is always prompt and respectful of my needs. Cant say enough about her other than she is the best I could ever be fortunate enough to have”
“I knew Owen via community outreach, and he provided a different approach regarding their company’s services. The company provides wide-array services with holistic, trauma-informed care that meets our community's needs. The company also strives to provide culturally sensitive care and, if possible, match appropriate employees to their clients’ needs. I recommend that people contact their company regarding home care services.”
“The staff are great. They listen to your needs and are well experienced”
“I am so impressed with Always Best Care. My entire experience thus far has been amazing. I initially heard about this company from family friends who are using their services, and also saw their advertisement on social media. I required care for my elderly Uncle, who has early stage dementia and requires assistance at times. I called Always Best Care and spoke with Corrina, the company coordinator. She asked several questions to determine our needs and then arranged a time for Gladys, the company’s Registered Nurse to come to our home for a full assessment. It was the most pleasant visit and my Uncle felt at ease the entire time. We were given every opportunity to ask all the necessary questions to determine how much care my uncle required, the cost and what schedule would best suit his needs, and I was comfortable knowing that he would be able to remain in his own home, instead of having to go into an assisted living facility. This was so important to him. Gladys was able to provide the name of his caregiver, tell us our the caregivers qualifications and coordinate a set schedule for home visits. She reassured us this would all work within our budget. My Uncle’s caregiver is pleasant and compassionate, has great attention to detail and is very well suited for this role. We feel very relieved to know he can be helped with his personal hygiene, ensuring his medication is being taken on time, his shopping, his meal prep and so much more. Even if he requires a companion just to sit and have a chat with, or play a game, Always Best Care is here to help. I would highly recommend Always Best Care. From the first phone call you make , your first home assessment or daily or weekly home visits, you’ll certainly have such a sense of relief knowing your loved one is cared for by such a wonderful team.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite activities and hobbies while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy other activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress helps reduce the risks of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
When it comes to non-medical home care, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
Studies on aging have found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Sherwood Park, AB, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the CBC, aging in place can be more affordable than living in a retirement home, which can cost thousands of dollars a month, with no extra care included.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With ABC's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Sherwood Park, AB understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced ABC Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your Care Plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Sherwood Park, AB 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Article contentOn the evening of Friday, April 18, a devastating fire broke out near the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThanks to the swift and courageous response of first responders, the site’s historical buildings were preserved. However, we are deeply saddened to confirm that the Visitor Centre buildings were lost in the fire. These buildings housed exhibit spaces and irreplaceable artifacts that shared the stories of generations of Ukrainian Alb...
On the evening of Friday, April 18, a devastating fire broke out near the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.
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Thanks to the swift and courageous response of first responders, the site’s historical buildings were preserved. However, we are deeply saddened to confirm that the Visitor Centre buildings were lost in the fire. These buildings housed exhibit spaces and irreplaceable artifacts that shared the stories of generations of Ukrainian Albertans.
This is a profound loss, not only for the Ukrainian community but for all Albertans who value and honour our province’s rich cultural heritage.
To the many who hold this site dear, please know that we share in your grief. We recognize the cultural significance of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and its role in preserving the identity, history, and contributions of Ukrainian Albertans. More information will be shared as it becomes available in the coming weeks. Alberta’s government is committed to supporting the site’s reopening when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
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If you would like to offer support or donate to the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, please reach out to the Friends of the Ukrainian Village Society at 825-419-3855 or [email protected].
This tragedy also highlights the vital work of our constituency’s incredible firefighting teams. Whether responding to fires, attending vehicle collisions, or delivering emergency medical care, our firefighters are essential to the safety and well-being of Alberta’s communities. As part of our ongoing support, the United Conservative government is investing over $1 million through the Fire Services Training Program Grant, supporting more than 65 local fire services across the province.
Locally, Lamont County is receiving $19,180, County of Two Hills is receiving $16,200, and Vegreville is receiving $11,810.
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These grants will provide essential training opportunities for our firefighters, ensuring they remain well-equipped to protect the communities they serve.
Additionally, we encourage all Albertans to support our province’s agriculture and food sector through our ‘Buy Local’ campaign. By choosing Alberta- and Canadian-made foods and products, you’re helping support our farmers, ranchers, and producers, and strengthening our local economy.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 780-632-6840 or [email protected].
Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk is the MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, which includes parts of rural Strathcona County, and Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees.
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Article contentConfirmed cases of measles in Edmonton has prompted a public alert from Alberta Health Services to potential exposures at a northside medical clinic and the Stollery Children’s Hospital.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been notified of confirmed cases of measles in the Edmonton area. Some of these cases have been in public settings in the Edmonton area while infectious,” reads the Sunday night AHS alert.AHS says those w...
Confirmed cases of measles in Edmonton has prompted a public alert from Alberta Health Services to potential exposures at a northside medical clinic and the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
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“Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been notified of confirmed cases of measles in the Edmonton area. Some of these cases have been in public settings in the Edmonton area while infectious,” reads the Sunday night AHS alert.
AHS says those who were in the following locations during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles:
March 12: Belle Rive Medicentres Family Health Care Clinic, 16703 82 St. #102, in Edmonton.
Exposure time period: Approximately 2:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
March 14 and March 15: Stollery Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, 8440 112 St., in Edmonton.
Exposure time period: Approx. 10 p.m., March 14 – 12:30 a.m., March 15
“Anyone who attended these locations at these times who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, is at risk for developing measles and is strongly encouraged to review their immunization records and monitor themselves for symptoms of measles,” says the AHS news release.
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Measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air, stresses the AHS warning.
AHS says symptoms of measles include:
Fever of 38.3 C or higher; and cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.
“If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy,” continues the warning.
“Measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications.”
Those born in or since 1970 who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine are susceptible to infection, says AHS.
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Individuals most at risk who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine include those who are pregnant; are under one year of age; are adults and/or have a weakened immune system.
Contact Health Link at 811 promptly if exposed to measles at these locations at these times, stresses AHS, explaining that those affected may be eligible for vaccine or immune globulin to reduce the risk of developing measles.
In Alberta, measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. Children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second dose at 18 months of age.
Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child’s immunization history, can text ‘vaccine record’ to 88111, call Health Link at 811 or your local public health office. Albertans can also text ‘Measles’ to 88111 to get measles health information texted to your mobile device. However, anyone who is not up to date for their recommended vaccines can receive them by booking an appointment with a local public health office.
For further information on routine childhood immunization, visit ahs.ca/immunize.
For additional information on measles disease, please visit ahs.ca/measles.
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Article contentNuclear power might be in Strathcona County’s energy future.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentIn partnership with Parkland County, the municipality hosted more than 400 industry and government delegates at the SMR Canada 2025 Summit at the Community Centre’s Agora on Tuesday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 5.SMRs — small modular reactors — are a modernized nuclear technology that’s more compact and considered to be more efficient and cost-effect...
Nuclear power might be in Strathcona County’s energy future.
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In partnership with Parkland County, the municipality hosted more than 400 industry and government delegates at the SMR Canada 2025 Summit at the Community Centre’s Agora on Tuesday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 5.
SMRs — small modular reactors — are a modernized nuclear technology that’s more compact and considered to be more efficient and cost-effective. Industry advocates say SMRs can provide reliable 24/7 power with minimal environmental impact.
Mayor Rod Frank said the gathering brought together experts, policy makers and innovators who are exploring the potential of SMRs in shaping Canada’s energy future. Highlighting success and business attraction in the county’s Refinery Row and in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, Frank said this area and the province is no stranger to innovation.
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“As we look to the future, we look for the next set of innovations and sustainable energy is a key part of the conversation,” Frank told the packed Agora during his opening speech on March 4. “A 2022 survey found that over 70 per cent of Albertans carry a positive attitude toward nuclear energy, so this tells us that the conversation about SMRs and nuclear is not off the table, on the contrary, it’s an exciting time to continue the conversation… Summits like this are very important first steps. Through innovation, collaboration with visionary thinking, we can ensure that our communities remain leaders in energy development, potentially driving economic growth and environmental stewardship.”
A partnership between Capital Power and Ontario Power Generational (OPG), which is looking at three possible regions to build an SMR in Alberta — including one in Strathcona County’s Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, said SMRs can be a cornerstone of the province’s sustainable energy future. The other two regions being explored include Woodland County near Whitecourt and Leduc County (the Genesse area). A site selection study will involve technical considerations — including access to Alberta’s transmission system to carry the electricity to major load centres, and access to major highways and water — engagement, and economic benefits.
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Capital Power and OPG are carrying out a feasibility assessment to explore the potential of deploying SMRs to supply the Alberta grid. This early phase work does not include confirming what kind of SMR technology will be used. The two partners are also studying the economic impact of a potential project, including the number of jobs that could be created.
During an Alberta SMR feasibility study presentation, Capital Power and OPG outlined that Alberta needs a stable supply of reliable and clean power generation to meet growing demand, and nuclear power has the potential to be a key solution to our energy needs today and into the future.
Regardless of what site is selected, seeing shovels in the ground for any SMR in Alberta would take years as it depends on various regulation approvals, licensing, environmental and site studies, labour studies, community engagement and support, including feedback from Indigenous and First Nations groups.
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OPG is currently close to construction of an SMR project near Clarington, Ontario. It took upwards of 15 years to complete the planning and consultation for that facility, according to the city’s mayor. Typically, SMRs are planned to operate for 60 years.
To get a better understanding of what’s underway in Ontario, Mayor Frank, along with Parkland County’s Mayor Allan Gamble, hosted a municipal panel that discussed the whole planning timeline and what it takes to get resident buy-in.
Mayor of Clarington, ON, Adrian Foster, who is also the current chair of the Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Communities, spoke about OPG’s Darlington plant and the benefits it has brought to his community. He noted that 20 per cent on Ontario’s power needs are generated by the facility, in addition to life-saving isotopes that are used around the world. About 2,000 people work at the existing site.
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“I have to tell you, Albert and Saskatchewan, your opportunity right now is absolutely amazing,” Foster said. “In the case of Darlington, there’s a $12.8 billion dollar refurbishment on the existing plants. They won’t tell us the cost of the first-of-its-kind small modular reactors, but it’s significant. The guesstimate is a $100 billion uplift to the Canadian economy, and that’s in our little tiny neck of the woods.”
The community outreach lead for the Township of Ignace, ON Giacomo Pastore also outlined the 15-year path that led that community’s mayor and council agree to having a nuclear water management facility. The small community of 1,300 residents is expected to receive its first bundle of used nuclear fuel from Darlington, Bruce or Pickering in 2043. He called the $26 billion dollar development “a once in a lifetime opportunity”, one that benefits the community’s youth and future generations. That project will create 700 to 1,000 jobs over the next two decades.
Both Foster and Pastore agreed for any municipality interested in being a host community for future SMR development, constant community education, project updates, and transparency are required.
“My office is not getting any calls in concerns of building those reactors,” Foster said. “There is a depth of knowledge, there’s a depth of understanding, and that’s because of stakeholder engagement.”
For more information and updates on the Capital Power-OPG project looking at the three sites in the capital region, go to albertasmr.ca.
X: LindsayDMorey
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Article contentAlberta could soon be adding nuclear energy to the list of industries powering the province.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentIn a conversation between WSP sector leader for Earth and Environment, Corey McNair, and parliamentary secretary for Utilities and Affordability MLA Chantelle de Jonge on Wednesday, March 5 in the Agora, attendees at the SMR Canada Summit 2025 learned about the steps the provincial government has taken towards making nuclear a reality in Alberta and the pa...
Alberta could soon be adding nuclear energy to the list of industries powering the province.
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In a conversation between WSP sector leader for Earth and Environment, Corey McNair, and parliamentary secretary for Utilities and Affordability MLA Chantelle de Jonge on Wednesday, March 5 in the Agora, attendees at the SMR Canada Summit 2025 learned about the steps the provincial government has taken towards making nuclear a reality in Alberta and the path that lies ahead.
“I think we’ve sent a very strong signal to industry and to Albertans that this is a conversation that we want to have, and are ready to have. Of course, we’ve signed many MOUs over the last number of years both with industry partners and with other jurisdictions,” said de Jonge.
Outlining the memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed with Ontario, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan, as well as Terrestrial Energy, X-Energy, ARC Resources, among others, de Jonge said Premiere Danielle Smith has been explicit in her mandate letters to the ministers of Energy and Minerals, Environment and Protected Areas, and Utilities and Affordability that nuclear energy is something she would like to see developed in Alberta.
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“Last year, the province released our emissions reduction and energy development plan,” said de Jonge. “SMRs are specifically mentioned in that for both electricity application but also to the decarbonized industry. I would say we’re well on our way to laying that strong foundation to take the next steps towards nuclear here in the province.”
While surveys from 2010-12 show Albertans were hesitant to embrace the new power source, de Jonge said the social conversation has since changed, noting that France, Ontario, and New Brunswick all rely substantially on nuclear for power.
Ensuring consultation with Albertans is coming soon, de Jonge said public engagement will be the next milestone in the development of the new industry.
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Other steps in moving towards nuclear include the regulatory task team made up of ministries, Alberta Energy Regulator, and Alberta Utilities Commission that aims to identify regulatory overlap with the federal government’s regulations and determine how hands-on Alberta will be in the regulatory process. Alberta Innovates and Emissions Reduction will also play key roles in determining the processes and policies of the new industry.
Three ongoing studies supported by Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) funds are exploring the feasibility of the project, looking at areas such as nuclear for electricity, application in industry at decarbonizing oil sands operations using the steam assets in safety operations, and repurposing an old thermal unit to be a nuclear station. The results from the studies will help the province determine the best suited applications of the technology.
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While SMRs have been explored in other areas of the country for energy purposes, de Jonge said Alberta would be the first province to adopt industrial application.
However, while de Jonge spoke with enthusiasm about the future of nuclear power, she also outlined some of the areas the province will need to work on to ensure success apart from the work being done with regards to regulators. Among those include ensuring a ready workforce, supporting the supply chain, and navigating the recently implemented tariffs from the United States. Noting that Alberta is already home to a skilled workforce, de Jonge said there is opportunity for those skilled workers to pivot into nuclear.
“We’re a province of innovators and we want to do it best… so if there’s a way to cut through red tape, we’re for that, we love cutting red tape so much we named a ministry after it,” de Jonge said.
Aiming for a sustainable electricity grid by 2050, de Jonge explained that nuclear power can play a role in emissions reduction and offers a reliable baseline power. Looking to the future, she noted that 10 years ago Alberta was largely powered by coal and today that has been eliminated, in the next 10 years, there will be just as many changes.
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