St. Albert Minute: Issue 95

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 agenda includes a presentation on Snow and Ice Control by John Potter, the Manager of Transportation Operations and Waste Management. The City of St. Albert is reviewing its Snow and Ice Control policy, and the presentation will outline how the policy is operationalized, including the science, methodology, and challenges involved. The policy prioritizes snow plowing and ice control based on road type, pedestrian traffic, and public importance, with Priority 1 roads and sidewalks - including major arterials, transit routes, and areas near civic buildings - receiving attention first. Snow plowing generally occurs after 2-5 cm of accumulation for roads and 1-5 cm for sidewalks, while snow removal happens at higher accumulations, with timelines varying from 48 hours for downtown streets to up to 10 days for residential areas. Sidewalks, lanes, and parking lots are cleared according to similar priority levels, with some exceptions managed at the discretion of the Operations Manager.
  
  
• Also on the agenda is a presentation regarding the City’s Municipal Development Plan, Flourish, a city-wide strategy that guides growth and development over the coming decades. It envisions a future population of 100,000 and the creation of up to 13,000 new jobs, while integrating environmental, economic, social, and cultural goals. Flourish outlines the city’s growth strategy, planned urban structure, and strategic policies, providing a framework for decision-making across departments.
  
  
• On Wednesday, at 6:30 pm, the Seniors’ Advisory Committee will meet. The meeting will include the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026. Committee members will review and approve the 2025 final report, set priorities for 2026, and discuss the 2026 Seniors and Elders Service Awards. Updates from City Council and the staff liaison will also be provided.
  
  
• A motion to rescind the sale of 13 Mission Avenue was defeated 5-2, with only Councillor Neil Korotash and Councillor Amanda Patrick supporting it. Korotash argued the City and residents should help shape the site’s vision rather than leaving it entirely to a future developer, citing both community value and his personal connection to the area. The property, sold by the Catholic school district in 1910 with a caveat to keep it as a public park, has no current legal restrictions on its sale, according to city administration. Councillor Sandy Clark emphasized the economic benefits of the sale, while Patrick stressed the importance of reconciliation and the City’s responsibility to preserve its history. Mayor Olivieri noted that pre-sale consultation could set a short-term precedent. Some Indigenous residents expressed disappointment, calling the site the “soul of the city” and urging broader consultation in the future. Concerns were also raised about potential unchecked development and the loss of a public gathering space.
  
  
• St. Albert’s Chamber of Commerce is bringing back a familiar leader for 2026: local entrepreneur Rob LeLacheur has been sworn in as Chair for a second, non-consecutive term. He first held the role in 2008. Chamber officials say LeLacheur stepped in after the incoming Chair had to leave the board, and his deep ties to the local business community made him a strong choice. LeLacheur, a St. Albert-born business owner and former local media publisher, says the past year has been a “roller-coaster” for businesses amid tariffs and trade tensions. He plans to focus on growing chamber membership, strengthening signature events like the Lifestyle Expo and farmers market, and exploring a permanent home for chamber offices. He also highlighted Lakeview Business District as a major opportunity to attract investment and jobs. His message to members: collaboration matters and supporting local businesses strengthens the entire community.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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