COUNCIL CONFIRMS PRIORITIES FOR FINAL YEAR OF TERM

At the City Council Meeting on February 1, Council confirmed priorities for the remainder of their term, as well as priorities that will take the community through many of the upcoming years. Through the media, key presentations in the community and City information products, these priorities are being shared with the community.

“City Council looks forward to focusing on completing the priorities we committed to when taking office and to ensuring progress is made on longer-term priorities,” said Mayor Nolan Crouse. “We are committed to taking the right steps and planning for a strong future for our community and residents.”

As approved, Council’s priorities for St. Albert are as follows:

Economic Development and Non-Residential Tax Base
Outcome Goal:  We have more businesses and local job opportunities for St. Albertans; we have more non-residential assessment

• Ensure a decision is made on the preferred location for a light industrial site.
• Continue to aggressively pursue non-residential development with a focus on industries such as: tourism (arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodations and food services); transportation; warehousing; distribution; professional; scientific and technical services; retail services; and construction trades.
• Continue Think Tank Forums to identify opportunities and priorities for economic development.
• Ensure a decision is made on servicing the northeast corridor to aid future development along St. Albert Trail.
• Develop a St. Albert Hosting Strategy focused on attracting and hosting a wide variety of events in the city.
• Develop a clear and compelling brand for the city to attract visitors and businesses, and support the Community Brand Leadership Team to implement plans for the new brand.

Community Safety
Outcome Goal:  St. Albert is one of the top five safest cities in Canada

• Develop a plan that supports St. Albert’s ongoing commitment to minimize substance abuse and violence in the community.
• Implement neighbourhood development initiatives that strengthen community safety.
• Increase traffic safety through the effective allocation of policing resources.
• Assess and potentially re-engineer high incident intersections.
• Develop a series of performance indicators related to community safety.

Social and Community Development
Outcome Goal:  Residents have a strong connection to the community and participate in the growth and evolution of the city

• Develop strategies to address the gaps identified as part of the 40 Developmental Assets for Youth review, as well as strategies to help meet the developmental needs for our youth.
• Complete the second phase of the Riel Recreation Park redevelopment, focused on the BMX track, rodeo grounds and Rotary Park.
• Ensure a decision is made on the implementation of Smart Growth guidelines.
• Complete infill guidelines for multi-family projects to ensure infill developments are well integrated with existing neighbourhoods.
• Complete a St. Albert plan for seniors and implement the plan to better meet the needs of St. Albert’s seniors.
• Encourage the Strategy and Mobilization Committee to continue supporting and advocating for the needs of seniors, youth and families; and that any appropriate strategic plans are initiated by community partners, developed and implemented to build stronger individuals and community.
• Implement the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) review recommendations to effectively meet the social and community needs of residents.
    
Financial Sustainability
Outcome Goal:  Strong financial policies and management ensures the city’s sustainability

• Review Council’s financial policies (borrowing, land strategy, offsite levies, etc.)
• Make a decision on offsite levies to fund the infrastructure necessary in further developing St. Albert.
• Acquire raw land in the annexation area for municipal purposes.

Environmental Sustainability
Outcome Goal:  We are taking care of the environment for future generations

• Implement the Environmental Master Plan and work on reaching its goals to: maintain air quality; reduce non-renewable energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; promote sustainable urban development; preserve and manage trees, parks and natural areas; reduce solid waste generation; reduce contamination by improving hazardous waste management; protect and maintain the Sturgeon River Watershed; and reduce water consumption.
• Implement a corporate-wide program that reduces the environmental impacts of the City’s day-to-day operations and adheres to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14001 standards).
• Establish and implement a solid waste plan, including: future landfill disposal, curbside collection, and full automation of collection and organics.
• Decide on the level of participation in a potential Capital Region Board waste reduction initiative.
• Ensure effective preservation and protection of natural areas – advocate for Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park development (possible 150th Anniversary Legacy Project); continue work to enhance the Red Willow Park and Trail System; and implement the Parks and Open Spaces Management Plan for efficient and effective management of the city’s parks and open spaces.
• Review potential for updates or development of new bylaws – Tree Bylaw (public and undeveloped lands) and Parks Bylaw.

Affordable Housing
Outcome Goal:  We encourage, nurture and lead change to bring more diverse accommodations and a wider range of affordable housing options to the city, ensuring people in all age groups and socio-economic categories have the ability to live in St. Albert

• Update the Affordable Housing Strategy.
• Continue to implement plans and further advance affordable housing development projects.
• Approve a 2010 grant disposition.
• Complete the Area Structure Plan for Badger Lands.

150th Year Celebration
Outcome Goal:  St. Albertans celebrate our history, arts and culture

• Plan the year-long 150th Celebration activities.
• Advocate for special funding for legacy projects that will be opened or in progress by 2011.

Downtown
Outcome Goal:  St. Albert has a vibrant downtown

• Complete the update of the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan, setting the stage for revitalizing St. Albert’s downtown, with work to include: consideration of existing lands, buildings and infrastructure; and consideration of requirements for, and integration with, civic needs and aspirations (tourism brand, museum, gallery, Business Revitalization Zone and the Hemingway Centre).
• Update the 10-Year Capital Plan to reflect requirements for downtown.
• Consider updates or new bylaws related to the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan.

Culture, Arts and Heritage
Outcome Goal:  The community is recognized for its culture, arts and heritage

• Create a Culture Master Plan, including the vision for cultural programs, services, support and space needs and update the stewardship agreement.
• Promote the Arts and Heritage District to residents and visitors, recognizing our rich history and culture, and capturing associated economic development opportunities.
• Advocate for increased funding from other levels of government.
•In cooperation with the Arts and Heritage Foundation, develop a long-term prioritized capital project development program for the enhancement of arts and heritage within the community.
• Complete work on heritage sites as recommended in the functional site plan.
• Develop a Heritage Sites Funding Plan to ensure heritage facilities are properly maintained and preserved.

Infrastructure Planning
Outcome Goal:  The city is growing, infrastructure is in place and we continue to plan for the future
    
• Update the Municipal Development Plan in 2011.
• Update the Long-Term Infrastructure Strategy document that effectively addresses the current infrastructure deficit as well as anticipated future and growth-related needs.
• Update the 10-Year Capital Plan to reflect civic facility infrastructure needs over the next decade.
• Plan for and address funding issues related to major roads – funding reimbursements from the province on Ray Gibbon Drive (Stages 1, 2 and 3).
• Decide on the timing for construction of Ray Gibbon Drive (Stage 3).
• Make a decision on the library space/branch needs.
• Implement short-term public transit system improvements (ie. queue jumps and bus rider/locator system) and plan for long-term system improvements.
• Continue to assist the City of Edmonton in the process of routing of Light Rail Transit between St. Albert and Edmonton.
• Leverage regional opportunities through the Capital Region Board.
• Develop a Community Standards Bylaw.


Council Priorities are partly developed from community feedback on issues, challenges and opportunities. As such, City Council wants to ensure that it is representing residents’ interests and making significant policy decisions to ensure continued improvements in our community and our quality of life.

For more information on Council’s priorities and City programs and services, please visit www.stalbert.ca 

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