Last week was challenging. The week started with a 2pm Council meeting that didn’t end until after 9pm, then accelerated from there. Seeing the impact of the illegal blockade in Southern Alberta on communities, businesses, schools, and people was extremely concerning. My thoughts go out to my colleagues across the country dealing with the disruption, destruction and violence that has occurred following what I understand started as a genuine attempt for a peaceful protest.
Last week
Provincial Affordable Housing Strategy session: I attended this information session on Alberta’s 10-year affordable housing strategy with advocates from across the province. As a member of the Homeland Housing board of directors, I’m particularly interesting in how goals relating to asset management and growth for both below-market housing and seniors’ lodges will be funded.
Homeland Housing: The update from our CEO is that, although outbreaks continue to hit our facilities and residents, we are continually meeting and exceeding the expectations of AHS. Our staff are tired, but they’ve also provided exemplary service through these challenges.
Youth Advisory Committee: This is fast becoming one of my favourite meetings. The committee provided feedback about a few topics that Council will be discussing in the next few weeks, including:
E-Scooters. Comments included that they “ruin the scenery”, are used for fun but not for transportation, they’re meant for more tourist-driven communities, the age restriction seems counterintuitive, as youth who can access free transit they wouldn’t pay to scooter for transportation.
Alcohol in Parks. Comments included that a prohibition bylaw doesn’t prevent drinking in parks, enforcement is not really possible, that more enforcement or walking patrols are needed, concerns about drinking & driving, concerns about litter, concerns about setting a bad example near playgrounds…
Engagement session for Alberta Provincial Police Service Transition Study : This was a session to get feedback from municipalities about the plan to transition away from the RCMP to a provincial police force. It might be the most challenging “engagement” session that I’ve ever sat through since being elected in 2017. Some of the (paraphrased) questions/answers included:
Q: How will the (~$180M/year) shortfall from removing federal funding be managed? A: There has been a commitment that municipalities will not pay more than they do now.
Q: Right now, the agreement with the federal gov’t isn’t flexible and doesn’t account for different needs - For example, St. Albert has different needs that rural counties. Will the province be more flexible? A: *enthusiastic appreciation for the question without attempting an answer*
Q: Are different models being considered, like regional policing or keeping the status quo? A: These aren’t part of the report.
CAO Recruitment update: This meeting, attended by all but one member of Council, was to give us an update on the recruitment process. The job posting is posted now.
Agenda highlights
There are a few reports being presented on Monday, and one first-reading of another clean-up bylaw relating to annexation, but otherwise there is only one big item requiring a public discussion & decision of Council.
Solar Farm
There are three possible operating models for a proposed municipal solar farm:
100% commercial, selling to the grid. (Maximum revenue potential, would have to be owned by a separate legal entity from the city like Epcor/Edmonton.)
100% municipal use. (1/3 the size of Option 1, best tax benefits, no revenue potential, could be operated directly by the city.)
1/3 municipal use, 2/3 commercial. (Blended option, might cost up to $800,000 more to construct due to Fortis requirements, would have to be owned by a separate legal entity from the city.)
Rather than incur approximately $75,000-$275,000 in additional expenses to investigate the feasibility of all three options, Administration is recommending that we focus on Option 3 for the detailed design stage.
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. Residents can register to speak if they have information to present to council. Full agenda packages can be found on the stalbert.ca website.
