City Council has to not only deliver the high quality community services St. Albertans desire, but also maintain aging infrastructure. All this while provincial funding is decreasing.

While I’d love to tell you I’m going to lower or freeze your taxes, that is simply not realistic and it is important to be honest with constituents. 

• I will ensure the spending of your tax dollars is aligned with the priorities of the community. I plan to have knocked on over 3,000 doors by the end of the campaign and so I should have a pretty good idea what those priorities are.  

• I will do my best to keep property tax increases at or below inflation

• I will continue the good work the previous council has done in developing the industrial lands (Lakeview District, South Riel, and others) to help offset pressure on residential taxes and look for other economic development opportunities that will benefit our community

• Make developing the downtown core a priority which will add to our residential tax base while taking advantage of existing infrastructure 

Our single family lots in neighbourhoods with wide, tree-lined streets have been a hallmark of our community and is in part why many of us live here.

That said, urban sprawl consuming acres of valuable farmland is something most of us don’t want to see either and we understand the value of density as it relates to sustainability, affordability, taxes, and service delivery.  So where does that leave us? It’s all about balance. That may sound like a cliché but I know it is possible:

• Protect mature neighbourhoods by restricting infill to developments to single family or semi-detached houses (no fourplexes / eight-plexes like what we’re seeing in Edmonton)

• Promote and allow for appropriate garage suites and basement suites

• Ensure strict rules for infill developments regarding parking, access, and the protection of trees and ensure those rules are enforced.

• Focus higher density & multi family developments infill in areas that are easy to service with transit and are within walking distance to basic services & commercial districts. The Botanica / Riverbank Landing and Careadon Village are good examples of these and opportunities for further developments like this exist on the old Grandin Mall site, downtown, and other brownfield and greyfield sites across the City.

I believe in our downtown. It has so much potential and we have so much to build on: the energy of Canada’s largest Farmer’s Market, the Arden Theatre, and beloved local establishments like Jack’s, Gracies, Cranky’s, The Candy Bouquet, La Crema and many more.

There are a variety of sites downtown where development has either stalled or not begun and we need to take control and create the downtown we want.  With all the talk of density, we have a tremendous opportunity to do that in the downtown core which will help spur on a more vibrant city centre.

• The lack of progress on the old Grandin Mall and DQ/Blind Pig sites is simply unacceptable.  I will pursue every avenue to get the landowners to develop those sites or take steps to reacquire them through expropriation or otherwise.  There is no reason why the Grandin Mall site can’t be the “next Botanica.”  Downtown is prime real estate, close to the river, trail system, festivals and events.

• I will investigate the possibility of a Municipal Development Corporation to drive the development we want to see in our downtown.

• No more dentist & doctors offices downtown! No offense to those that are there of course, but you get the sentiment.  Communities around the world find a way to create districts that restrict some types of business and promote others and we should be doing the same to curate the kind of downtown we want.  

• Let’s have a conversation about the historic Community Hall - is that the best use of that space? Can we retain its historic significance and turn it into something that brings more vibrancy to the downtown core? What about a pedestrian plaza or shared food hall? Though it is a popular venue for many community groups, it may no longer be the best use of that location.

Probably the most common complaint I get at the doors is that the traffic lights aren’t “synchronized.”

Programming traffic is more nuanced than that as creating a “green wave” in one direction creates other disruptions.  That said, I’ve heard you that you find St. Albert traffic frustrating!

• Adopt design standards that restrict the number of intersections on major roadways and promote the use of service or frontage roads.  For example, Liberton and Inglewood Drives allow for fewer intersections along St. Albert Trail than what we’re seeing in the North.

• I will push to expand and enhance the AI traffic monitoring technology currently being rolled out across the city

• I support the use of traffic circles where feasible. Though traffic circles are annoying when people don’t use them properly, I’d rather a traffic circle than lights ten times out of ten.  

• I will endeavour to create a mechanism where residents can submit specific feedback about traffic signals to make sure they are operating efficiently and programmed appropriately at different hours. I have received some very specific feedback about the timing at different hours of different sets of lights and the City needs to be able to collect and act on this feedback.

Sidenote – the fact that this is the #1 complaint I’ve heard at doors this Summer only reaffirms that we live in a pretty awesome city!

The Sturgeon River is intertwined with our City’s history, it is the centrepiece around which our Red Willow Trail system is based, and it is an integral part of our city’s identity. 

Unfortunately Increased sedimentation, increased nutrient levels, and reduced precipitation have all resulted in a river that is often less beautiful than we might.  It is becoming less navigable and like many others, I’d love to continue to be able to paddle and fish in the river and picnic along its banks.  Dredging or damming the river are options that are often suggested however they are not realistic options so what can we do?

• Lobby the provincial government to invest more in watershed management plans

• Increase floodplain setbacks and protect riparian habitat and wetlands (I have no idea how the Botanica development was allowed to be built so close to the river for example)

• Education is key - work not only with local schools on programs to educate about our watershed, but also educate residents on what actions they can take to improve watershed health

• Enhance local efforts to replant native vegetation along shorelines and increase naturalization along the river

• Ensure sewer infrastructure is appropriately maintained & investigate the use of technology such as hydrocarbon / grit interceptors and settling ponds to prevent sediment pollution

I was proud to help with the development of the first community standards bylaw to tackle everything from unsightly weeds to animal waste to sidewalk snow removal and everything in between and yet its current application is not what I envisioned.  We have derelict properties piling up with garbage and the owners are not being fined or forced to comply, yet on the other hand we’re cracking down on intentionally naturalized front yards.  This needs to be addressed!  

• Launch a full review of the community standards bylaw to better address such issues such as intentionally naturalized and sustainable yards, construction garbage, and derelict properties.

• Ensure that the bylaw is enforceable and provide necessary resources for municipal enforcement to enforce the bylaw.

After ‘Trees and Green Spaces,’ the safety of our community has been the second most common thing you’ve told me you love about St. Albert.  That said, many of you have growing concerns about vandalism, break-ins, and traffic safety among other concerns.  Safety is a hallmark of St. Albert and it must remain that way

• I support the RCMP.  They have served St. Albert well for decades and can provide stability amid talk of changing policing models in this province.

• I will commit to increasing supports for youth in our community by collaborating with all three school boards on issues such as digital safety, racism, and youth homelessness.  Meaningful collaboration could help given limited resources.

• Smart neighbourhood design is key to creating safe and welcoming high-density areas. By focusing on features like well-lit walkways, connected trails, parks, playgrounds, and green spaces, along with street-facing balconies and mixed-use developments that keep areas active at all hours, we can ensure new communities feel vibrant, inclusive, and secure.

• Whether it’s a crosswalk from Cherot across Ray Gibbon, or increasingly busy intersections on McKenney, many of you have told me about traffic issues in your area.  I will strive to create a transparent traffic safety response system where residents can log concerns, see how their request is prioritized, and receive follow-up from the City, supported by a dedicated budget for quick fixes such as speed notification signs, temporary crosswalks, and other low-cost safety improvements.

• I support the use of photo radar in all school and playground zones

• Partner with Neighbourhood Watch to bolster funding and advertising for block parties and play streets to encourage residents to get to know their neighbours.

Our trail system and Red Willow Park is one of my favourite things about St. Albert.  I am so thankful to those who had the foresight to develop the park system that we currently have.  That said, I know we can do even better.  

• Complete a contiguous trail network on both sides of the river the entire length of the City.  This should be non-negotiable as the city grows.

• Create policies and bylaws that promote river access and river-facing developments.  Where are all the restaurants, the patios, and the ice cream shops along the river valley? We have too many examples of private residences or parking lots facing the river rather than developments that bring the river valley to life and promote tourism.

• Ensure all new homes are within a minimum distance to trails connecting through to Red Willow Park and trail system

Our whole brand is focused around being the “Botanical Arts” city and for good reason.  Our trees, green spaces, community gardens, agricultural history, and the hidden gem that is the volunteer run St. Albert Botanic Park are all reasons to be proud of the moniker. Not to mention some of the outstanding yards I’ve seen while out door-knocking.  Time and time again however I hear that we could do just a little bit better.  Where are our hanging flower pots downtown? Where are our showy displays of annuals along our river valley, by City Hall, or at our central intersections? Why does Morinville’s entrance signage put ours to shame?  And don’t even get me started on the dark purple petunias this year!

• If we’re the botanical arts city, let’s show it.  I would support enhanced or re-allocated funding for beautification in key areas such as our downtown core, major intersections, and at the entrances to our City.

• Fund and promote partnerships and beautification initiatives to empower residents to take ownership such as the partners-in-parks program or other adopt-a-space programs like for neighbourhood entrances or in community parks.

St. Albert can’t afford to miss out on school funding because we don’t have our ducks in a row.  With the rapid pace of growth our school divisions are seeing, we need to identify and prepare school sites earlier in the planning process making sure that we can take advantage of provincial funding for new schools.

• I am excited to see construction get started on St. Albert Public’s 900 student K-9 school in South Chérot

• I support St. Albert Public’s goal of building a high school in the City’s North East (Erin Ridge) provided that the land can be serviced

• I support St. Albert Catholic’s goal of building a K-9 school in the Riverside neighbourhood

• I will endeavour to have more regular, purposeful dialogue with the school divisions so that all stakeholders are on the same page when it comes to school site planning

• Review and update planning policies to improve timeliness of school site allocation and reflect the needs of modern school construction

Recreation facilities are a key contributor to the high quality of life we experience in St. Albert. We must find a way to keep pace with growth and provide desired amenities without breaking the bank.

• City Council has just recently approved design funding for the Chérot amenities site which is set to include a pool, gymnasium space, an arena and some outdoor facilities. The next Council will be challenged to find the funds for construction and I’m up for that challenge!  

• I will explore creative solutions to providing recreation opportunities.  We’ve seen an evolution in the way some recreation services are being provided with the likes of Raise Athletics providing indoor court space and for-profit arenas in Nisku and Morinville.  We’ve also had creative solutions put forward by Activite Communities Alberta looking to partner with St. Albert Public Schools on an arena project and a proposal from St. Albert Soccer Association to build an indoor soccer facility. These kinds of partnerships will be key to providing recreation services given the limited fiscal capacity of the City.

• Swimming lesson registration is a frustration for many parents and it may be a few years before the new pool is finished.  I would like to explore the possibility of more in-school swimming lessons to maximize daytime use of the pool with the goal of alleviating pressure on peak-time swimming lessons.

• As an avid pickleball player, I see a need for more outdoor pickleball space as soon as possible!  

• I will start a regional discussion about future ice sheet needs.  For as long as I can remember, St. Albert has “needed” more ice and residents, including myself, have bemoaned the winter drives out to RQB, Calahoo, and Onoway!  I often hear that we spend so much on ice outside the city, that we might as well keep that money here and build our own arena but the reality is more complex.  Building and operating arenas is expensive, and those regional arenas have served us well over the years.  The new Chérot site will include a practice sheet of ice and beyond that I believe a regional approach is in order.

• I will make a a purpose built disc golf course a priority

• Spruce Grove’s new bike park is awesome.  Our kids deserve the same! A bike park is a high priority recreation need.

With the Business Incubator now gone and Ecole Father Jan set to be demolished, what is to become of Mission Hill? It is a significant space for many reasons.  It is a historic gathering place Indigenous people.  It is the site of Father Albert Lacombe’s mission here 164 years ago and home to the Founders’ Walk.  It is adjacent to our downtown core and it is connected to our Red Willow Trail system. It has also been a natural amphitheatre for those that remember Sevens Music Festival.  This site has the potential to be something really special and I intend to start that conversation in earnest.