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City of St. Albert Designates Land for Industrial Development
City has designated nearly 285 hectares (700 acres) of land for future light industrial development to attract more business and employment to St. Albert, help reduce the tax burden on residents and ensure long-term sustainability of the city.
"Sustainable economic development is a priority for Council and today's decision sends the message that St. Albert is actively working towards that goal," says Mayor Nolan Crouse. "By designating future industrial lands, working with the development industry and by reviewing the City's Land Use and Infrastructure, we are helping to create a friendlier and competitive environment for businesses, more jobs in the region and reducing the tax burden on residents."
On December 5, 2011 Council voted to actively pursue with landowners the development of existing designated and districted industrial lands in the southwest and southeast corners of the city, to accommodate industrial growth for the next several years.
In response to Council's request to address stakeholders, Administration referred the original report and documents to the development industry, Urban Development Industry and St. Albert Economic Development Advisory Committee to get their feedback on developing in St. Albert.
Administration provided additional information to support its original recommendation of designating the 285-hectare (700 acres) on the west of the city, north of Meadowview Drive, for light industrial development.
The Future Study Areas Report: Potential Industrial Lands and associated studies and reports have been debated over the past year and received a wide range of opinions from landowners, business leaders, developers and the general public. The designation of industrial lands will enable stakeholders to focus on the next steps to bring this land area on stream and begin the focused task of marketing St. Albert's new industrial lands and further diversifying the land use and taxation revenue mix.
The next steps would involve amendments to the Municipal Development Plan and the Inter-Municipal Development Plan to be completed by fall 2012.
The reports are available online at www.stalbert.ca/future-industrial. 
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Calling all Green Thumbs! Help us Cultivate
St. Albert Front Yards!  A beautiful front yard benefits the entire community; it is appreciated by neighbours, admired by passing traffic, and increases residential pride.
The City of St. Albert is proud to introduce the first annual "Cultivating Front Yards." This friendly competition will reward residents in six categories: - Best "Natural Front Yard"
- Best "Business Yard" (visible)
- Best "Overall Front Yard"
- Best "Edible Front Yard"
- Best "Art in Front Yard"
- Best "Winter Front Yard"
You can nominate yourself, a neighbour, or even a business' front yard that you find botanically beautiful! Winners will be announced and celebrated at the end of the growing season. For more information and to download your nomination form visit our website. |
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| Cultivate Your Summer in St. Albert
... Just a few of our exciting 2012 events!
Rainmaker Rodeo - May 25 - 27
Bronc & bull riding, midway and a concert series www.rainmaker.ab.ca
International Children's Festival - May 29 - June 2
Cultivate the child in you and bring your family to enjoy performers from all over the world
www.childfest.com
Outdoor Framers' Market - Saturdays June 16 - October 6
Perron District (Downtown St. Albert) Vegetables, Art, Flowers, Local Producers, and more!
www.stalbertfarmersmarket.com
Father's Day Soap Box Derby - June 17
Bring back days of old with an old fashioned day at the races
www.spiritofstalbert.ca
Rock'n August - August 7-11
Cultivate the rocker in you and attend this international car show and music festival!
So mark you calendars and we'll see you there!
www.rocknaugust.com
Also to keep up to date on events and happenings in St. Albert check out www.visitstalbert.com. |
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St. Albert Council Clarifies City's taxation philosophy
Competitive residential and non-residential taxation sought
St. Albert City Council has amended its budget policy to include reference to the City's approach to municipal taxation and revenue neutrality. The amendments clarify the City's general taxation principles, adherence to revenue neutrality, and approach to tax splits, while also ensuring that residential taxpayers benefit from non-residential growth over time.
"We now have a clear taxation philosophy that ensures non-residential assessment growth benefits the residential property base," says Mayor Nolan Crouse. "Over time, this approach will contribute to improving the City's residential tax competitiveness. We will monitor the non-residential mill rate to ensure it remains competitive for business while we remain committed to an 80/20 assessment mix."
"The timing of this policy is important as we start the budget process for 2013 and as we promote economic development, which must be pursued within the context of providing a benefit to residents," adds Crouse.
City Council Policy C-FS-05 is amended as the Budget and Taxation Guiding Principles policy. The new policy provides Administration clear direction of factors to take into consideration each year when establishing the overall tax rates. The policy provides guidance for allocating tax burden and split tax rates between residential and non-residential assessment classes, and ensures that the City's tax revenues do not increase automatically with market assessment increases.
The policy supports a gradual decrease in the residential taxation burden in years of robust non-residential growth, while ensuring that the residential taxation burden does not worsen in years of low non-residential growth.
The changes follow significant discussion on the subject of assessment, taxation, split tax rates, revenue neutrality and taxation class fairness. In February, the Standing Committee on Finance considered a public report that discussed the likely reasons for St. Albert's residential property taxation levels in comparison to other municipalities.
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They've Arrived!
The new 2012 Travel Alberta Accommodation and Campground Guides are in at the Business and Visitor Centre. As well, new 2012 Alberta maps from Travel Alberta are available for a minimal cost of $2 each.
Other local, regional and Alberta maps are also available, along with many other brochures from around the province that are arriving weekly; you can plan your "Staycation" in Alberta this year. Come by and pick up your copies today - we are located in the Business & Visitor Centre at 71 St. Abert Trail. And if you have any questions about what St. Albert has to offer call Michelle at 780.459.1631 or email at msware@st-albert.net. |
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Focusing on...
Killer Color Designs
Each month, we feature a St. Albert business in our Focus on Business Newsletter to help support our business community and get the word out about all of the great businesses we have here! Claudia caught up with Corie LaLonde from Killer Color Designs to chat about doing business in St. Albert...
Why did you start your business in St. Albert?
I've always liked St. Albert and it seemed the right fit for my business.
 | | Back row - David Callander, Casey Ferguson, Ken Neuts. Front centre - Corie Lalonde (owner) |
Who is your target market / who are your customers?
The majority of my customers are going to be 18-40 year olds. But what we do appeals to all ages. We're a body shop but we can customize and personalize just about anything, trailers, motorcycles, ATVs, musical instruments, restaurants or night clubs. Our graphics and applications can include a variety of product from Glow in the Dark paint to Color Changing paint.
Our future plans include hydro graphics which again will appeal to all ages.
What makes your business different or stand out from others?
Our product and the services we offer are excellent. We airbrush custom paint and apply everything from hi-tech exotic finishes to fire proofing coatings that meet Health and Safety Standards.
Do you incorporate technology into your business - twitter, facebook, web etc.
Yes: Facebook, Website: www.killercolordesigns.com (under development)
Email: killercolordesigns@gmail.com and Online ordering is coming soon.
What's your favourite thing about St. Albert?
I have family here but really it's a clean city that I'd like to call St. Albert home some day soon!
Killer Color Designs
#106, 25 Chisholm Ave
St. Albert, AB
ph. 780.441.5037
www.killercolordesigns.com (under development) |
New Businesses in St. Albert
Commercial/Industrial Businesses
Aladdin Donair Wholesale 780-455-7746
Arcadia Cafe And Bar 780-458-8226
Cafe Bar, Soup, Sandwich, Panini Menu along with a Selection of Coffees, Lattes, Imported Beers & Wines
info@arcadiacafeandbar.com
Purchase Precious Metals On Site For Cash. Nothing Sold Back To Customer. Operate From Kiosk.
Get Balanced 780-975-6237
J Cubed Digital Inc. 780-651-7220
Website Design, Website Development, Digital Signage
Telus Retail Limited O/A Koodo Mobile
300 375 St Albert Tr
The Lingnan Express 780-460-8082
Quick Service Take Out and Delivery Restaurant
Home-Based Businesses
D&S Developments Incorporated 780-569-1973
(Trinity Homes of Distinction Inc.) General Contractor |
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March 2012 Charts & Stats
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