Wondering what kind of year 2014 will be? According to fearless predictions from the St. Albert Gazette, it should be the year of major developments across St. Albert.
On the north end of the city near Costco, St. Albertans should expect to see more planning for commercial and residential developments in that area, primarily by Landrex Developers. The company is already preparing for the next phase of housing developments and has yet to confirm the construction of a hotel in the area.
Cameron Development Corporation, owning lands south of Costco, is looking to build a commercial development rumoured to look similar to South Edmonton Common.
St. Albert may also see the start of a major commercial and residential development on the lands north and west of Walmart by Melcor Developments, complementing other major developments in the area – now working on an area structure plan with city.
Keep the address 525 St. Albert Trail in mind in 2014. It is another interesting development with the expected opening of GoodLife Fitness, Visions Electronics and Central Social Hall and various other smaller businesses in the spring of 2014.
In the south Riel area, the Gazette is still awaiting word from numerous developers on what is happening in this area but do know that GWL Realty Advisors recently confirmed it plans to put forward an area structure plan amendment for their 54 hectare property in south Riel.
Other developments in that area may move forward this year with getting their area structure plans approved.
Another area structure plan will come forward from the Avenir/Sports City folks early in 2014. Will it pass muster with city administration and council or once again fail to get any traction?
Looking at the sports scene, the St. Albert premier men's rugby team will not only scrum down in their sixth Labatt's Cup provincial final in seven years, they will knock off the perennial champion Calgary Hornets for their second premier title in club history and the first since 2010, predicts the Gazette’s sports department.
In 2014, a traffic study with depth will determine why so many pedestrians are getting struck and killed in St. Albert. There were six fatalities in 2013.
Also, the study will identify traffic flow issues and problems and offer well-thought-out options for increasing efficiency and more organic flow, particularly on St. Albert Trail.
Lastly, in 2014 the City of St. Albert and Sturgeon County will agree on a new Villeneuve area structure plan after the county lands St. Albert's support this time.
