St. Albert Minute: Projected Surplus, Drive Thrus, and Wrapping Two Buses

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

This Week In St. Albert:

• Today, at 1:00 pm, Council’s Committee of the Whole will continue its October 24th meeting. This meeting will also continue on Wednesday at 1:00 pm. On Tuesday, at 5:30 pm, the Community Services Advisory Committee will meet to discuss FCSS Program Funding - 2025 Funding Recommendations and Outside Agency Grant - 2025 Funding Recommendations.
  
  
• The Arts Development Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday at 6:00 pm. Administration will request to proceed with using the remaining approved Public Art Reserve funds for Diversity and Inclusion, to wrap two transit buses and feature artwork on the interior placards to highlight the 10 priorities of the Community Social Needs Assessment.
  
  
• The Environmental Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday at 6:00 pm. The agenda includes the Integrated Pest Management Plan, Green Community Grant Program Applications, and the EAC 2024 Annual Report.

Last Week In St. Albert:

• The City has projected a nearly $9 million surplus for 2024, largely due to staff vacancies and increased revenues. Key factors include savings in policing and ambulance contracts, higher-than-expected interest rates, and stronger-than-forecast performance in cultural attractions like the Arden Theatre. The surplus also stems from savings in the recreation department and additional revenue from building permits and inspections, driven by growth. However, the City faced higher-than-expected costs for street lighting and wastewater services. The City is also on track with its capital projects, with 91% of them in progress or completed, many under budget.
  
  
• Councillor Sheena Hughes has proposed a motion to amend zoning regulations at 815 St. Albert Trail to allow drive-thru restaurants, responding to concerns from developer Landrex. The developer warned that three restaurants, including Chik-Fil-A, Chipotle, and Waves Coffeehouse, might withdraw from the East Village development if drive-thrus remain prohibited. City council has suggested the developer submit a formal application for the zoning change, emphasizing the need to maintain East Village’s vision as a walkable, pedestrian-friendly area. Hughes’ motion is expected to be discussed at a future council meeting, possibly in December. The decision could determine whether these restaurants proceed with their plans in St. Albert.
  
  
• The City said it will maintain its current recycling system under Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, which begins April 1st, 2025. By opting to continue managing its own curbside recycling, the City will be reimbursed by producer responsibility organizations (PROs) for some costs. The program aims to shift recycling expenses from municipalities to producers, encouraging them to adopt more sustainable packaging. Residents will see no immediate changes, with savings from the initiative passed on (hopefully!) through reduced utility rates. Mayor Cathy Heron highlighted the program’s environmental benefits, although public education efforts will be crucial as new materials, like soft plastics, become eligible for recycling. Future updates to St. Albert's Solid Waste Bylaw are expected early next year.

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