St. Albert Minute: Dandelion Debate, Photo Radar, and Criminal Code Charges

St. Albert Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of St. Albert politics

This Week In St. Albert:

• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, the Standing Committee of the Whole will meet. The Committee will discuss recommendations from the 2020/2021 Ernst and Young Operational Review related to The Arden Theatre’s operations. The Committee will also review several of Council’s financial policies, and hear an update on the 2027 Alberta 55 Plus Games. Administration is recommending that St. Albert not proceed with a bid for the Games.
  
  
• The Policing Committee will meet on Wednesday at 6:00 pm. The agenda includes succession planning for the Public Complaints Director, Police Act Updates, and the Policing Committee Workplan.
  
  
• On Friday, at 10:00 am, there will be a meeting of the Internal Auditor and Internal Audit Steering Committee. The agenda includes a discussion about the Committee’s draft 2024 Annual Report. The Committee will also have an in-camera (private) session to discuss an agenda item entitled “The Resource Planning Model Review”.

Last Week In St. Albert:

• Councillors debated proposed changes to the Community Standards bylaw regarding lawn care and weed control. A proposed amendment removed dandelions from the list of weeds requiring control, with arguments for their ecological benefits. However, some Councillors opposed this change, viewing dandelions as nuisance weeds. The bylaw also addressed clover, proposing it be planted only in containers and kept under 15 cm in height. With the issue generating strong community opinions, the bylaw will return for final approval on December 17th.
  
  
• Crime in St. Albert saw a 9% decline in Criminal Code charges between July and September 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the RCMP's quarterly report. Significant reductions were noted in drug offenses (down 42%). Traffic infractions also fell by 24%, though Criminal Code traffic charges rose by 23%. A public consultation tool will be introduced next year to enhance transparency and gather feedback.
  
  
• Mayor Cathy Heron expressed concerns about the future of automated traffic enforcement (ATE) following an Alberta provincial announcement limiting photo radar use to school, playground, and construction zones starting in April 2025. With the suspension of most photo enforcement in the city, including speed cameras, the city’s contractor may struggle to maintain operations. Mayor Heron emphasized the need for a Plan B from the RCMP, especially for school zone enforcement.

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