Re: the 22 St. Thomas St. Homeland Housing project:
I’ve lived in the Perron District for many years and really care about this community, so I wanted to share concerns about a new multi-story building planned right in the middle of our historic downtown.
St. Albert, like many communities, needs more diverse and accessible housing options. The question isn’t whether we should build affordable housing, it’s where and how to do it. While the exact height of this project hasn’t been confirmed, previous nearby proposals have included buildings up to 25 storeys tall. Given the lot size and surrounding context, this building will likely be much taller than any other in the core.
The Perron District is where St. Albert began, the home to the original mission, the Arden Theatre, the Art Gallery, and our popular Farmers’ Market. It's a walkable, people-friendly area that reflects the city’s heritage and small-town feel.
A building of this scale in this setting would overwhelm the low-rise streetscape and change the character of the district. Even moderate height can have a big visual impact in an area designed for people, not towers.
The Downtown Area Revitalization Plan permits buildings up to 25 storeys, but only along Sir Winston Churchill Ave, a designated corridor for higher-density development. The Perron District is not that kind of space, nor should it become one.
These concerns have come up before during public consultations about downtown development. Without major infrastructure upgrades, adding more high-density housing will only make traffic and parking problems worse. These issues are already noticeable on regular business days and even more so during farmers market days and other events.
I’m not against growth. But it needs to fit the setting. The Perron District deserves development that respects its scale and history, not one that competes with it.
Any project in the Perron District needs to be designed to add to the community, not overpower it.
This is an issue that should concern all St. Albert residents who value the history, charm, and cultural significance of our downtown.
Michael Krupa
St. Albert
