Last weeks + Regular Council August 16, 2021
Monday is the third-last Council meeting of the 2017 term... Four years has flown by!
Last weeks
Unlike last summer, I was able to get away for a real break in the backcountry for some rest over the last few weeks. It was a delight to get out hiking, swimming and berry-picking with my family! Between opportunities to explore Alberta with my family, I also continued to have quite a few meetings with community members - it’s starting to get busy!
Homeland Housing
My role at Homeland hasn’t let up over the summer, so I've continued to meet with the CEO and go into Morinville for various business. We also hosted Minister Pon last week at Northridge Place to showcase the importance of provincial support for non-profit seniors and affordable housing.
Deputy Mayor duties
While Mayor Heron took holidays at the end of July, I took over a few duties including responding to residents, corresponding with Admin as needed, and a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting for a new business.
Public Participation - Planning Forward: Setting the Context
When I’m available, I have been attending Zoom sessions with residents to present some of the challenges that we’re facing as our revenues are declining, particularly due to changes in the way the province supports municipalities. I encourage all residents to consider participating in the online feedback tool to help us consider our options going forward.
pekiwewak awasiwak - ᐯᑮᐍᐘᐠ ᐊᐚᓯᓴᐠ - Children are Coming Home Walk
I attended this event “lead by Elders, survivors, and their families, [to] pay respects to the lives lost in residential schools, show support to those who survived, and recognize the intergenerational trauma residential schools have caused.”
Skatepark Opening Celebration
The skatepark was packed for during the full day of activities during an opening celebration. Thank you to New Line Skateparks, Greg Groves & all the residents who helped design the skatepark, and St. Albert staff for making St. Albert a destination for this amazing sport! (It was New Line & Greg who convinced me to stand on a skateboard for this photo!)
Agenda highlights
Council Remuneration Review Committee
Although we had intended to stand up a remuneration committee in 2020 to review the role, expectations, and remuneration of members of Council, this was sidelined by the pandemic. On Monday, we’ll hear a recommendation by our Community Growth and Infrastructure Committee to finalize a bylaw that would see this committee created in the first year of every term, with committee members appointed by the CAO, and recommendations presented to Council within 2 years of the election.
8 Inglewood Drive - Development Permit for Storage Use
Back in 2018, Council approved a permit for a mini-storage area behind some of the homes on Ironwood Drive, but that permit has since expired. On Monday, Council will consider granting a permit for the same use, just a bit smaller than what was proposed in 2018.
E-Scooter Pilot Project
Council will be voting on whether to implement an e-scooter pilot program that would wrap up at the end of 2022. Proposed conditions include that a helmet is required for users, they're allowed on sidewalks or paved trails (not roads), max speed is 15km/h, and users have to be 16+. There are also rules proposed about parking so they're not in the way. No-go zones include in buildings(!), the skatepark & waterplay park, Fowler Park, at the Farmer's Market.
2 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue Redistricting
This is the final reading of bylaws for a redistricting application for the commercial strip on the corner of Gainsborough Ave, to allow a few more commercial uses at the property.
Extension of Corporate Benefit to Retired CAF members
This is a motion that would include retired members of the Canadian Military in the corporate membership rates offered at Servus Place.
Liquor Consumption in Parks
This is a motion to trial allowing drinking in Lions Park, Kingswood Park, and Rotary Park this fall. Proposed hours when drinking is permitted are 11am to 9pm. If this passes, all goes well, and following additional public engagement, this program could be made permanent for Summer 2022.
This is a brief and incomplete overview of our meetings, with my personal comments sprinkled in - In no way are my opinions representative of the official direction of council or the City of St. Albert. Please let me know of any typos or errors. Members of the public can also register to speak if they have information to present to council. Full agenda packages can be found on the stalbert.ca website.
