There is something special about how the people of St. Albert feel about their home. There is a sense of passion in this city that many other communities of similar size – or even smaller – would be hard pressed to rival.
Whether good or bad, praising or critical, opinions surrounding everything from dog feces to community development abound. That engagement is evident by simply leafing through the pages of this newspaper and seeing the number of letters to the editor or attending public meetings hosted by the city.
Our city has no shortage of watchdogs and cheerleaders. Perhaps the best example of that dedication to ensuring St. Albert is the best it can be is the reaction the city received to its community vision and downtown redevelopment plan consultations.
Nearly 10 per cent of the population – more than 6,000 residents – answered a series of questions meant to guide the future of the city. Over the summer, city denizens offered more than 15,000 ideas to help guide the process.
Back in November, 200 people attended an open house for the City’s Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan, which is amazing attendance for a single meeting. Many communities struggle to garner any significant attendance to public meetings or reaction to online surveys.
Public engagement in the political realm is also quite strong with many third party action groups getting involved in a number of areas. The Polywings – who meet monthly – for example create a lively forum for political discussion. Earlier this year, a group of residents from the Grandin area got together to clean up Gloucester Park. The effort was sparked after the same group started a petition and went door to door to block the creation of a bike skills park in the area, which would use up much of the neighbourhood’s only green space.
Unfortunately, the city, similar to many municipalities in the province, still falls short in community engagement when it comes to the democratic process. A mere 34 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot in the last municipal election. On the bright side, the turnout was significantly better than Calgary or Edmonton.
While we all have the right to protest what happens in government regardless of whether we cast a vote, more St. Albertans need to speak at the polls or put their names on the ballot. A strong and healthy election is the most efficient way to ensure effective government and the most effective away to ensure St. Albert’s future vision is reflective of the wishes of the entire population. While the next election is still a few years away early engagement will make a better-informed electorate and candidate. It's never too early to start getting informed and involved.
