St. Albert Minute: Public Hearing, Store Opening, and New Census Numbers

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

This Week In St. Albert:

• On Tuesday, at 1:00 pm, there will be a meeting of City Council. Council will receive the Corporate Quarterly report. The report is produced four times a year to share progress made on Council’s strategic priorities, and to present the City’s financial position.
  
  
• Also on Tuesday, at 2:00 pm, there will be a Public Hearing regarding the St. Albert West Area Structure Plan (ASP). The new ASP includes a mix of commercial, industrial, and residential development. This plan aims to boost economic growth and make the city more appealing to businesses. It is expected to create 5,000 jobs and help achieve the City's goal of a 70/30 split between residential and non-residential property taxes.
  
  
• The Youth Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday at 6:30 pm. The agenda includes a Social Media Subcommittee Update, a Council Update, and a Grants Subcommittee Update, among other items.

Last Week In St. Albert:

• Census numbers revealed that St. Albert's population has grown by 9.2% since 2018, reaching 72,316 in 2024, an increase of 6,234 people. This growth rate is higher compared to the 8.34% increase from 2012 to 2018. The city has also added 3,466 new dwellings, which has helped accommodate the rising population. The census results are pending final confirmation and will be reviewed further by City officials.
  
  
• Best Buy has reopened in St. Albert at 386 St. Albert Trail, but in a smaller format than the previous Erin Ridge location that closed in 2019. This new store is part of Best Buy’s strategy to create more neighbourhood-oriented locations and is one of 167 small-format stores launched across Canada. Despite the smaller size, the store carries 90% of the inventory found in larger stores, though only about half is on display at any time.
  
  
• The West Country Hearth Attack has started preparing for its eighth annual obstacle race, set to take place on September 7th. The event, which will be held near Calahoo, involves 200 to 300 athletes and 100 volunteers navigating a six-kilometre course with about 20 obstacles. The race, aimed at raising funds for the West Country Hearth seniors’ facility in Villeneuve, includes challenges like climbing walls, crossing logs, and wading through mud. Participants can either complete the obstacles or bypass them with a $5 donation. Organizers hope to raise $50,000 for the facility, with heats beginning at 10:00 am and registration details available on the event’s website.

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