St. Albert Minute: Police Buildings, School Capacity, and a Water Quality Advisory

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

This Week In St. Albert:

• The Community Services Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday at 6:30 pm. The Committee will review and allocate Community Events and Capital Grant submissions, with some discussions held in camera.
  
  
• The Arts Development Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday at 6:00 pm. The agenda includes selecting recipients for the Young Artist Legacy Award, reviewing the Community Vision and Pillars of Sustainability, and providing updates on 2025 public art projects.
  
  
• On Thursday, at 6:00 pm, there will be a meeting of the Environmental Advisory Committee. The Committee will discuss updates on waste and diversion programs, a final report on the Home Energy Efficiency Grant, and the Community Recognition Program.

Last Week In St. Albert:

• Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a water quality advisory for the Sturgeon River in St. Albert due to elevated fecal bacteria levels, particularly in the area northeast of the Ray Gibbon Drive bridge. The advisory follows a sewage release earlier this year, though the contamination is now compounded by increased bacteria from various sources, including wildlife and runoff. AHS recommends avoiding activities such as swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding in this section of the river. Individuals are also urged not to eat fish from the river or use its water for consumption. Testing will continue, and the advisory remains in place until further notice.
  
  
• City Council has approved an additional $1.7 million in borrowing, bringing the total renovation budget for its police buildings to $6.7 million. The funding will support upgrades to Maloney Place and Beaudry Place, which are intended to meet current policing needs until a new $30 million RCMP detachment can be built. Renovations include a parking lot expansion, interior updates, and relocating displaced staff from St. Albert Place. Officials expect the project to be completed by spring or summer 2026. Some Councillors have raised concerns about investing heavily in a temporary solution rather than saving for the long-term facility.
  
  
• St. Albert Public Schools said they are preparing to surpass 10,000 students, making a new high school and expanding capacity in existing high schools the School Board’s top priorities. The Board Chair said that enrollment continues to grow, with utilization nearing 90% and multiple schools over capacity. Plans include a new 1,650-student high school in Erin Ridge North and the expansion of Bellerose Composite High School by fall 2026. The division also plans to replace aging modular classrooms and is requesting a site designation change in Chérot to accommodate a new K-9 school funded by the Province.

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