St. Albert Minute: Issue 87

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

📅 This Week In St. Albert: 📅

• Councillor Sheena Hughes is calling for a review of the City’s updated tax policy passed in July. The change raised the threshold for when new assessment growth can be used to help reduce a proposed tax increase. Instead of allowing it at a 3.5% increase, the new rules only allow it once a tax hike reaches 5%. The City’s 2026 budget proposes a 3.9% tax increase, and Hughes wants the new Council to reconsider whether the threshold change remains appropriate. The policy was originally adjusted to save money in reserves for major upcoming projects like a new fire hall and community amenities site. Hughes acknowledged that while the council could override the policy, passing such a motion would be challenging. She suggested that Council might still consider applying assessment growth to ease the burden on residents, given high inflation.
  
  
• The City is projecting a nearly $4 million surplus for 2025, driven mainly by savings in the RCMP contract, reduced natural gas and fuel costs, and higher transit ridership. Emergency Services saw $1.6 million in savings due to RCMP staff vacancies and reduced casual employee hours, while increased traffic enforcement brought in $305,000 more in municipal fines. Public operations saved $1.5 million, aided by the elimination of the carbon tax and a new diesel contract, and grant revenue increased from a one-time Low Income Transit operating grant. Utilities also contributed to savings, with Solid Waste Management under budget by $424,000 and water revenues higher by $201,000 due to development growth. 
  
  
• St. Albert lost $155,000 in fine revenue due to provincial changes that reduced photo radar services. The loss is being offset by increased traffic ticket revenue issued by Municipal Enforcement Officers and RCMP officers. Emergency Services’ proposed 2026 budget totals $46.7 million, reflecting increases in salaries, benefits, and the RCMP contract. A $300,000 business case for a policing services review was also proposed to prepare for potential changes. Council discussed whether hiring additional Municipal Enforcement Officers could offset lost revenue, though new hires would likely not fully cover costs.
  
  
• New Councillors Amanda Patrick and Sandy Clark attended the Alberta Municipalities convention in Calgary, describing it as a positive learning experience. They said they appreciated learning from officials across the province and observing the differences in governance between villages, towns, and cities. A resolution from Rocky Mountain House to have the Province take over education property tax collection passed with 80% support. In St. Albert, education property taxes increased 10.9% in 2025, with further increases expected, which has led to confusion among residents. Councillors emphasized the need for clearer communication from the provincial government about how education taxes are applied and collected. 
  
  
• St. Albert’s “Toys for Tickets” campaign has returned for its 16th year, allowing residents to pay parking tickets by donating new, unwrapped toys worth at least $25. Donations go to the Fill-A-Bus campaign, part of the Kinette Club of St. Albert’s Christmas Hamper initiative. In 2024, the campaign collected 115 toys valued at approximately $4,300, nearly doubling the 2023 total. Toys can be dropped off at the St. Albert RCMP Detachment until December 7th. The program accepts toys for children aged newborn to 16 and encourages donations even from those without tickets.

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