TAMRMS#: B05
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BUDGET INFORMATION REQUEST (BIR) - Arts and Heritage Foundation and Project Charter CULTR-009, 010, and 030
Requested by: Councillor MacKay
Date of Request: November 17, 2025
Date Response Due: November 21, 2025
Confidential: No
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QUESTION
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The Arts and Heritage Foundation budget presentation noted that conceptual work has been completed on a new Musée Héritage Museum by the foundation. Could you please provide more detail on this work and explain how/if it aligns with CULTR-009, 010 and 030?
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RESPONSE
The Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert (AHF), which operates the Musée Héritage Museum, St. Albert’s Historic River Lots and Grain Elevators, and other cultural and heritage facilities and programs on behalf of the City, is finalizing a report that includes a feasibility study for a new purpose-built museum. This report builds on recommendations from the 2024 Heritage Sites Functional Plan Update (Attachment A) and was informed by community engagement sessions hosted by AHF.
Administration has not yet reviewed the final report and anticipates that additional work will be required to reassess CULTR-009, CULTR-010, and CULTR-030. This will include updating project phases, scope, and budget estimates based on the findings of the report once it is received.
• Current Project Charters
CULTR-009, CULTR-010, and CULTR-030 represent a phased approach to implementing the 2024 Heritage Sites Functional Plan Update.
• New Museum Timeline and Funding
A new museum is currently listed in the 10-Year Capital Growth Plan for 2032 as an unfunded project (CULTR-030).
Administration anticipates the current budget allocation for CULTR-030 will be insufficient. It is also assumed that some work identified in CULTR-009 and CULTR-010 may overlap with the feasibility report, requiring rescoping of these charters.
• Museum Feasibility Study
AHF is leading the study with a consultant. AHF is expected to share the report with Council and Administration in Q1 2026.
• Site Access and Safety Adjustments
Realignment of entrances to the Heritage Sites and Meadowview Ball Diamonds will be required after the CN rail crossing is relocated from Meadowview Drive to Meadowview Lane. This adjustment is necessary for visitor safety and improved event hosting.
o ENGS-080, Meadowview Lane & Rail Crossing, is now planned for 2029.
o Phase 1A of CULTR-009 primarily addresses work required for the Meadowview Lane & Rail Crossing move:
§ Work on the proposed Event Grounds, including environmental remediation, earthworks, fine grading, topsoil and seeding, and security fencing.
§ Construction of the proposed entrance feature, Lac Ste. Anne Trail, initial trail formalization, and a temporary painted crosswalk across Meadowview Drive.
• Integration with Museum Concept.
Remaining work outlined in the three charters will need to be reviewed alongside the Museum Feasibility Study to see what work is included in the concept plan, and what work may need to be prioritized to maintain site safety and usability in the interim. Updates will reflect the proposed concept plan and be submitted as part of the 2027 budget process.
o Phase 1B of CULTR-009
§ Create the new entrance for the Heritage Site with the construction of the proposed Visitors Centre building, welcome plaza, and parking lot;
§ Phase will include all of the deep utility servicing for the proposed development, including the services required for the future museum building;
§ Power, lighting, and security all also included in this phase.
o Phase 2A of CULTR-010
§ The construction of the proposed Agricultural Pavilion building and Maintenance Garage/Shop;
§ Includes removal of existing buildings, earthworks, security fencing, deep utility servicing, power, lighting, security, walks and landscaping.
o Phase 2B of CULTR-010
§ Upgrading of the existing gravel parking lot into a formalized asphalt space for bus / overflow parking, or as a secondary event space;
§ The phase also includes the development of the two River Lot interpretive nodes, lighting and security upgrades.
o Phase 3 of CULTR-030
§ Includes the museum building, service access, additional parking, concrete sidewalk and landscaping.
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Report Date: November 18, 2025
Author(s): Adam Turnbull
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Budd
Managing Director: Dinu Alex
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher