Rural Strathcona County
Strathcona County is a specialized munincipality where about two thirds of the population lives in Sherwood Park which has managed to hang onto its status as a Hamlet. In 2007 Strathcona County anounced plans to build another urban community similar to Sherwood Park but this time to the north between Sherwood park and Fort Saskatchewan. The plans allowed for a higher density with up to 200,000 residents and while opponents to the development point out it will destroy valuable agricultural land, the plans were shelved due to the US sub-prime crisis hitting. The southern areas of Strathcona County are dotted with beautiful Estate acreages and gated communities and Elk Island National Park to the East.