St. Albert Minute: Issue 65

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

📅 This Week In St. Albert: 📅

• The Arts Development Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday at 6:00 pm. The Committee will discuss drawing $90,000 from the Public Art Reserve - Maintenance Fund to support maintenance and appraisal work for 2025 and 2026. Planned 2025 projects include moisture protection for “Blooms,” structural repairs for “Hide & Seek,” outdoor artwork cleaning, fountain cleaning for “Butterfly Sails,” and plaque upgrades. In 2026, $35,000 will fund professional appraisals of up to 200 artworks for insurance purposes, while $30,000 is earmarked for general maintenance like graffiti removal and frame upgrades. If funding is denied, staff will be unable to complete necessary work, potentially leading to irreversible deterioration of the art. The Committee will also discuss allocating $250,000 from the Public Art Reserve to support three public art projects scheduled to begin in late 2025 or early 2026. These include integrating art into Midtown Park and Connector Park ($200,000), a mural at the Recycle Yard’s new shipping container office ($35,000), and a temporary activation of a “Secret Park” with community-led artwork ($15,000). Funding would come from the current Public Art Reserve balance.
  
  
• City Council unanimously approved an additional $102,000 to provide power to the lighting system on the Children's Bridge, increasing the total project cost to $210,000. Originally, the project planned to draw power from Millennium Park, but with that project cancelled, alternative power sourcing became necessary. The lighting will include undercarriage, accent, and walkway lights, and will be capable of changing colours for special events and milestones. Councillors highlighted the bridge’s iconic status in the community and noted the potential benefits for festivals and events in the river valley. The new power source will also improve electrical access on the north side of the bridge. While most Councillors supported the move, Councillor Natalie Joly expressed concern about the cost in light of other capital priorities. Others, however, felt the decision was obvious, noting that the lights were already purchased and now simply need power.
  
  
• St. Albert Public Library CEO Peter Bailey has announced his retirement, effective August 31st, after nearly 24 years of service, including 15 as CEO. Under his leadership, the library expanded its digital offerings, launched outreach programs, and opened the Jensen Lakes branch. Bailey is credited with steering the library through challenges like the 2022 funding crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to maintain it as a vital community hub. He also co-founded the STARFest Readers Festival and championed initiatives like makerspaces and computer classes. Bailey said his decision to retire was timed with upcoming staff transitions and the municipal election. The Library Board praised his long-standing commitment to public service and plans to appoint a new CEO by the end of summer.
  
  
• After nearly 30 years in the wall, a time capsule from the St. Albert Hudson’s Bay store has found a new home at the Musée Heritage Museum. Sealed in 1995 and meant to be opened in 2045, the capsule was discovered by staff on the store’s final day, June 1st, following the nationwide closure of Hudson’s Bay locations. The contents included staff photos, a company anniversary catalogue, a newspaper, cassette tapes, and a comic book about the company. Staff described the experience of opening the capsule as “like opening a treasure.” Museum curator Martin Bierens said the donation captures the end of an era, noting the Hudson’s Bay Company’s long-standing influence on the community. The museum called it a rare and meaningful addition to its collection.
  
  
• The recent lifting of Alberta’s three-month ban on US liquor imports has not significantly shifted buying habits in St. Albert, where many residents continue to favour Canadian and international liquor brands. Local stores like Campbell Liquor and Happy Hour Liquor have seen a sharp decline in US wine sales since the ban began, with customers increasingly supporting Canadian products. While American bourbon still sells fairly well, new Canadian bourbons from local producers have also gained popularity. Store managers report that many St. Albert shoppers remain hesitant to return to US liquors, reflecting a strong “buy Canadian” mindset in the community. The provincial government encourages local purchasing but is leaving the final choices to consumers.

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