St. Albert is poised for substantial economic and residential activity in 2014.
A look at today’s Scene front (pages 30-31) shows a plethora of additions and changes to St. Albert’s landscape. Costco started the St. Albert north-end development party when it opened up its doors to the public late last year. The parade continues with Cameron Developments chipping in a 300,000 square-foot development south of Costco. A Sobey’s grocery store, some national tenants and a sprinkling of mid-size retailers are said to be planned, and if history is any guide, the development will take on a familiar look – Cameron is the same company that developed South Edmonton Common.
All of these services will be needed in north St. Albert because of all of the residential development op tap, not to mention the recently announced elementary school going up in Erin Ridge North. As Landrex continues to develop residential in Erin Ridge North, the company also has plans for at least one hotel, recreational services, private businesses and medical services. Melcor has plans across St. Albert Trail for a mix of commercial and residential development. Housing options range from condos and apartments to duplexes and estate homes. It’s going to be a very busy part of the city. We can only hope the traffic planners don’t get too traffic-light crazy.
Speaking of traffic, it’s hard to imagine how the traffic will flow once the Shops at Boudreau and Botanica are developed. The very promising developments, located on the old Hole’s greenhouse site, will have a large impact on one of St. Albert’s busiest intersections, Boudreau and Bellerose. The Shops at Boudreau, by Chrisen Realty, will feature everything from high-end boutiques to retail and professional services, offices and restaurants. Botanica is the condo project moving in beside the chic Shops at Boudreau. Slated are 290 units of varying sizes. Lots of shopping, lots of residential are bound to equal lots of traffic. It’s a good problem to have, if you’re a proponent of development and economic growth, but perhaps not so good if you commute on the road every day. The city will have to work with the developer to try and mitigate traffic flow issues.
It’s good to see one of St. Albert’s stalwart businesses is looking to move into its new home this spring. Standard General, a major construction contractor serving the area for over 40 years, will be saying goodbye to its current digs on Bellerose Drive and hello to its new, 33,800-plus square foot facility in Campbell Business Park. North Campbell Park, certainly over the last five years, has become a huge success for developer Paul Wong. It does not have the look nor feel of a typical industrial park, and it is a selling feature for the city and developers as it exemplifies what can be done in St. Albert.
