TAMRMS#: B06
5.3
REQUEST FOR DECISION
title
Social Development Policy (C-CS-16)
Presented by: Amy MacKinnon, Social Investment Coordinator, Community Services, Connie Smigielski, Senior Manager, Community Services and Elizabeth Wilkie, Director, Community Services
label
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
1. That Standing Committee of the Whole recommends that Council approve revisions to Council Policy C-CS-16, Social Development Policy, provided as an attachment to the agenda report entitled “Social Development Policy (C-CS-16)” dated July 8, 2025.
2. That Standing Committee of the Whole recommends that, upon approval of C-CS-16, Council Policies C-CS-14 FCSS Program Funding Policy and C-CS-17 Youth Development Policy be rescinded.
body
SUMMARY
Council previously adopted three policies governing social development work for the City. Administration recommends that two policies be rescinded, consolidating information into a single policy to streamline governance, ensure consistency, reduce redundancy, and simplify oversight. This update makes guidance clearer, easier to apply, and adaptable to evolving community social needs.
The revised Social Development Policy reflects current social needs and defines the City's role in delivering preventive social services.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The current policies inform the work of the FCSS Branch of Community Services, and guide recommendations and decisions by the Community Services Advisory Committee and Council. Administration recommends that two policies, C-CS-14 FCSS Program Funding and C-CS-17 Youth Development be rescinded, consolidating information into a single C-CS-16 Social Development Policy to streamline governance.
A requirement of the FCSS funding agreement with the provincial government is to identify the social needs of the community and ensure preventive services and programs reflect community demographics and meet the social needs.
The Community Social Needs Assessment conducted in 2023-2024 consolidated research, demographic analysis, public and stakeholder engagement, and information from parallel initiatives, to form the foundation for the Community Social Roadmap, a tool for planning, decision-making and resource allocation.
(Attachment - St. Albert Community Social Roadmap)
Consolidating three policies into the remaining "Social Development Policy" clarifies the City's role in delivering preventive social services and provides a streamlined guide for decision-making. The updated policy incorporates findings from the recent Community Social Needs Assessment, ensuring alignment with current community social needs.
(Attachment - Social Development Policy - Red Lined Version)
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Internal engagement occurred with departments currently supporting work immediately affected by the policies.
The Community Services Advisory Committee had the opportunity to provide feedback on the updated policy, no further feedback received.
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
The updated Social Development Policy will guide decision-making and support funding allocations for FCSS funded programs. Updating the policy to maintain compliance with our agreement, and the FCSS Act and Regulation increases the opportunity to continue our partnership with the Government of Alberta to provide the FCSS program.
Compliance & Legal:
The updated Social Development Policy is in alignment with the FCSS Act and Regulation. From a governance perspective, it is a best practice to consolidate similar information into one guiding document, if possible.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
Streaming the policies provides a clear and consistent approach to applying and implementing the updated policy across departments.
Risks
Streamlining the policies reduces the risks associated with gaps in the current policies. Updating the policy to reflect current social needs eliminates the risk of being non-compliant in our agreement with the Government of Alberta, the FCSS Act and Regulation.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
STRATEGIC PRIORITY THREE: COMMUNITY WELL BEING
Respond to changing demographics, accommodate the diverse needs of residents and continue to foster an inclusive community where everyone has an opportunity to fully participate and feel welcomed. This includes communicating and engaging in meaningful and transparent ways with the community.
Strategy:
Foster a cohesive community that supports the physical and psychological well-being of all residents.
Initiative aligned with Strategic Plan:
Community Social Needs Assessment
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
Service Levels
Service Levels are aligned with the updated Social Development Policy.
IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
ALTERNATIVE 1: Standing Committee of the Whole may direct Administration to make changes to any of the three policies and return to Standing Committee of the Whole or Council with updates.
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
Internal challenges in aligning the three policies. Efficiency reduced by navigating three policies rather than one. Effectiveness will be reduced due to gaps in the policies, as some functions and needs are not addressed.
Risks
Having three updated policies versus one will mean additional legal support and oversight required.
In addition to time and resources to update three policies, there would be an overlap and duplication of information across three policies. This will make it onerous to implement policies in an efficient manner.
body
Report Date: July 8, 2025
Author(s): Connie Smigielski, Debi Skoye, Amy MacKinnon
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Wilkie
Managing Director: Dinu Alex
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher