St. Albert Minute: Issue 71

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

📅 This Week In St. Albert: 📅

• New Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs) are expected to be developed between St. Albert and Sturgeon County following the upcoming municipal election, as required by 2027 after the dissolution of the Edmonton Metropolitan Regional Board (EMRB). Mayor Cathy Heron said she anticipates productive negotiations to establish a buffer zone and coordinate on issues like infrastructure, density, and stormwater management. Despite Sturgeon County's growth focus in the Sturgeon Valley area, Heron believes their plans will have little impact on St. Albert, which has already built out most of its northern edge. Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw emphasized that the regional density targets of the former EMRB didn't suit her municipality and stressed that residents don’t want big-box stores, instead favouring small businesses and support for local producers. Heron said the IDP process would formalize cooperation but doesn't foresee major changes from St. Albert’s side.
  
  
• The Jarome Iginla and Kinex Arenas have recently been upgraded with the REALice water treatment system, which eliminates the need for hot water during ice building and resurfacing. This system is expected to reduce the facilities' annual electricity and natural gas consumption by over 8%, saving energy and cutting costs. The installation cost about $43,000, with significant grant support from environmental programs. The system also produces smoother, higher-quality ice that is less prone to scratches. While all City-managed rinks now have REALice, future plans include partnering with the local curling club and installing the system at new community amenities. The City says this upgrade is part of its broader sustainability efforts to reduce energy use and emissions.
  
  
• The City is reviewing the impact of recent provincial changes to photo radar rules and plans to present recommendations to Council in September. Since April 1st, Alberta has banned photo radar on numbered highways and limited Intersection Safety Devices to red light enforcement only. In response, Edmonton has stopped using photo radar in school and playground zones due to unsustainable funding. St. Albert currently operates under a temporary contract for photo enforcement in playground and construction zones but has removed several enforcement sites, leading to a 40% revenue drop compared to 2024. Despite this, traffic enforcement continues through Peace Officers and the RCMP, who have increased visibility and staffing for traffic monitoring. Unlike Edmonton, St. Albert contracts its photo radar services, which affects its cost-benefit analysis differently. The City is in the process of finalizing its photo radar enforcement strategy.
  
  
• Council has voted to begin creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) after a motion by Councillor Wes Brodhead passed 6-1. The committee would include people with disabilities, caregivers, and representatives from accessibility organizations to advise Council on accessibility issues specific to the community. Brodhead emphasized the need for focused attention on accessibility, saying the community’s needs are significant and diverse. Some Councillors expressed concerns that existing committees, such as the Seniors Advisory Committee, might already address these issues and warned against duplicating efforts or isolating accessibility perspectives. The City’s CAO noted the importance of avoiding underutilization of the new committee. Brodhead hopes the AAC will help improve practical access in the city, ensuring people with disabilities can participate fully in society. The bylaw to establish the committee is now being developed for Council’s consideration.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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