The year 2013 promises to be a crucial one for St. Albert's oft-stated ambition to expand its industrial base. It is premature to say there are problems, but it's not too early to suggest there are clouds on the horizon.
Externally, everything is lining up in St. Albert's favour. Whether it's agriculture, forestry or energy, the key drivers of the economy are strong – and these were in place before the announcement of a new $5.7-billion upgrader in Sturgeon County and the promise of continued infrastructure spending by the provincial government.
Internally, the city has rebuilt its economic development department and council has approved a new economic development plan. On our southern flank, there's a magnificent new highway link to Edmonton and the world. We are sitting dead centre in the sweet spot of the North American economy.
So what's wrong with this picture? Well, maybe nothing. Maybe next year and for years to come, we'll be treated to successive announcements of new industries, jobs and prosperity. But maybe not. Because for all the talk, there remains an other-worldliness to St. Albert's intentions, a dreamy complacency that raises doubts about whether the city will deliver the goods.
Coun. Cam MacKay, who was in attendance during the business breakfast last week on the North West upgrader, said St. Albert has much to gain from the development. The key, he said, was to make sure the city has land available when the upgrader-related businesses come the city's way. Here's what he told the Gazette: "What the city has to do, we just have to make sure that the land is available for those opportunities when they come."
Really? Fans of W.P. Kinsella will recognize this as the Field of Dreams approach to economic development – "If you build it they will come." But why should they? Immediately south of the Anthony Henday, Edmonton is developing new and fully serviced industrial parks. To the south and east, but also in Edmonton, new retail outlets are in the works, outlets that may well pull consumers out of St. Albert.
In short, in the real world, there is competition and hard work to be done, and that means a policy of aggressively pursuing business and industrial opportunities. When city council approved the economic development plan in mid-October, it was told it would have land development agreements and incentive reports by Nov. 15. Alas, these have now been pushed back to 2013, which, to repeat, is shaping up as a crucial year for St. Albert.
The stars of good fortune are aligned in the sky. The question is whether the city will seize the opportunities on offer.
Thank you, Mr. Carney
It's unusual for a community newspaper like the Gazette to comment on a national figure, but Mark Carney is a well-deserved exception. For the past five and a half years, Carney has distinguished himself on every front. As governor of the Bank of Canada, he has helped to keep the Canadian economy stable and sound. As chairman of the Swiss-based Financial Stability Board, he has worked for global financial reform. He is universally recognized for his intellect and integrity. All Canadians have benefitted from his stewardship.
In June, he will leave Canada to take up a new post as governor of the Bank of England. Not bad for a guy who was born in Fort Smith, N.W.T. and attended high school in Edmonton. We should all wish him well and congratulate the British on an excellent choice.
