Platform Summary

Important 2007-2009 Priorities for a Sustainable Future

Balancing the Pillars of Sustainability

• Environmental
• Economic
• Social

We must ensure we are planning the federal and provincial grant funds very wisely so that we have a long term sustainable financial plan to keep our property taxes comparable to our neighbours within the capital region. This includes having a clearly funded 10-year capital plan and implementing a 3-year budget process.

We must more aggressively market our economic development potential thereby diversifying our local economy, increasing our non-residential tax base and improving the job diversity available to St. Albertans.  This includes a review of our downtown future, increasing non-residential land development and showing potential businesses why St. Albert is a good place for commerce. 
         
We must more aggressively address the current and emerging environmental issues that face St. Albert. This includes improving our recycling program, better protecting and replacing St. Albert’s trees, improved maintenance of our natural areas, continue with measures to remove and reduce grit in the Sturgeon River, develop plans for all adjacent lands nearby the Lois E. Hole Provincial Park, and provide support for emerging air quality issues and provincial water shortage issues that we may face.
 
We must provide support, cooperation and leadership to regional planning. This includes working diligently with all regional neighbours and partners in cooperation to plan for such matters as transportation, utilities, economic development, tourism and social needs.

We must capitalize on the newly annexed lands while ensuring our growth plans are consistent with those of the region.  This includes ensuring that we have the necessary systems in place that encourage non-residential development.  This includes public transit growth, completing the west regional road network and encouraging “smart growth” for new residential developments.

We must continue to add facilities, programs and events to St. Albert to continue to strengthen our community’s social capital. This includes the completion of the Riel Park redevelopment, adding more celebration and volunteer-based events, growing our arts and heritage programs, continue to implement affordable housing initiatives, planning for St. Albert’s 150th anniversary and work to further reduce crime and other drug-related activities.