St. Albert is the best place in Canada to raise children, according to Today’s Parent magazine.
High household incomes, low crime and clean air were factors that helped St. Albert achieve the top ranking of 180 cities, says the magazine’s June issue.
The magazine crunched data from 18 categories, including weather, housing, crime and household income to create a list of the top Canadian cities to raise kids. It only included communities with a population of 10,000 or more. The data came from “reputable sources” such as Statistics Canada and Environment Canada, the magazine says.
Rounding out the top five list are Burlington, Ont., Repentigny, Que., Winnipeg and Ottawa-Gatineau. Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge all cracked the top 10.
An accompanying article highlights the fact the average St. Albert family brings in more than $125,000 “while paying relatively low taxes.”
The magazine looked at income tax but not property taxes, which draw ongoing complaints from St. Albert residents.
St. Albert ranked 58 and 89, respectively for clean air and crime rate. Other positives were the fact that St. Albert has its own hospital, “plenty of doctors” per 1,000 residents and “loads of kids,” the magazine said.
There is also lots for children to do, including the Woodlands Water Play Park, the skateboard park, St. Albert Children’s Theatre, the annual children’s festival and many sporting opportunities, the magazine said.
In March St. Albert placed fifth as a place to live in Canada in a ranking by Money Sense magazine, which is affiliated with Today’s Parent.
Mayor Nolan Crouse hadn’t looked thoroughly at the article but was happy with St. Albert’s placing.
“You’re better off to be at the top of that list than at the bottom,” he said. “The survey just reinforces all of the good things about our community.”
Lynda Flannery of the St. Albert Taxpayers Association said the article highlighted the events that make St. Albert attractive for children and families but it missed some key demographic data. For example, St. Albert has experienced a decline in the proportion of people aged 25 to 29, the typical age when many people start a family.
“The only problem with the analysis is that there is a dearth of young families who can afford to live here,” Flannery said.
