Once upon a time, St. Albert used to be true to its “Small Town Feel” – as described in advertisements. However, construction has been non-stop for the past 20 years with the infrastructure not matching the increase in population. And when the newly-approved multi-family housing developments are complete, will the City be caught up?
Riverside, the latest subdivision to boast about being urban-nature connected, now has, at its entrance, towering houses overshadowing the quaint pond.
I think of Elke Blodgett who persisted to ensure that the white spruce forest was not bulldozed down in The Grey Nuns Park. The spruce trees are now being encroached upon by apartment buildings. The plan would have been better to put the apartment buildings in another place, at least single-family housing in front of the forest would offer more breathing space for the trees, would be less smothering, and be more in sync with “The Botanical Arts City.”
The last untouched field in Riverside will soon be developed. At least there will be a few small parks and another quaint pond if all goes by plan. However, a lake, Jensen Lakes style, but for all the public to enjoy would add to the well-being of St. Albert residents. And a hill to hike to the top to view Big Lake would be beneficial since the Riverside development will soon block the view.
Hopefully in the planning, another dog park will be added to meet demand for the dog population that will rise along with the residents.
More tax money will come in with all the new residents to keep up the infrastructure, we have heard. In the meantime, it seems that St. Albert is struggling to keep up to its advertised #1 ranking, and its suburb standing has become more like an extension of Edmonton, but lacking the advantages of big city infrastructure.
The Red Willow paths used to offer serenity strolls, they are now as congested as St. Albert’s roadways.
Once upon a time, St. Albert used to be true to its “Small Town Feel.” Is building bigger and higher really better? Is meeting demand and affordability a false sense of security, especially when there may not be the infrastructure to maintain the City?
Skylar Davis, St. Albert
