TAMRMS#: B06
11.2
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Capital Charter - Performing Arts Centre
Notice given by: Councillor Joly
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PROPOSED MOTION(S):
recommendation
That, in consultation with community groups, school boards, etc., a capital charter be prepared to create a performing arts centre in St. Albert for addition on St. Albert's 10-Year Municipal Growth Capital Plan or as part of the Community Amenity site.
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ADMINISTRATION’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTENT OF THE MOTION
Administration understands that this motion directs Administration to prepare a new capital growth charter for a Performing Arts Centre as part of the Growth Capital Plan Update in Q1 2026. If added to the plan, it would then be prioritized alongside other Growth Capital Charters.
ADMINISTRATION’S RECOMMENDATION
That Council does not support this motion.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to provide additional context and information to assist Council in determining whether to support a motion for which Councilor Joly gave notice on September 16, 2025.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On September 16, 2025, Councillor Joly gave notice of a motion to prepare a capital charter for a Performing Arts Centre in consultation with community groups and school boards. The intent is to consider this project for inclusion in the 10-Year Growth Capital Plan or as part of the Community Amenity site.
Under C-FS-05 Budget and Taxation Guiding Principles, Section 12 states:
“With specific reference to the 10-Year Municipal Growth Capital Plan, a Council motion is required to add or remove a capital project charter to/from the plan”.
Adding a new project to the 10-Year Municipal Growth Capital Plan may require reprioritizing existing charters.
Current State
This section provides an overview of the performance and cultural facilities that are presently available within the City of St. Albert.
City Operated Performance Facilities
• The Arden Theatre (497 seats + 4 additional accessible seats) - rental rates start at $1,200 for local non-profits.
• City Arts Space (150 seats) - rental rates start at $250 per day.
• The Arden Theatre and City Arts Space have not reached full capacity and still have open rental dates available throughout the year.
Community Venues
• Community halls, schools, churches, and banquet halls are available for rent and use by community groups; however, availability data for these facilities is not currently tracked by the City.
Musée Héritage Museum:
• Arts and Heritage Foundation is currently leading concept planning for the future Musée Héritage Museum.
• Initial engagement identified a need for a multi-purpose space for community use and events.
• Project is part of CULTR-30 St. Albert Historic River Lots and Grain Elevator Park - Phase 3, Musée Héritage Museum Capital Growth Charter. (Attachment A - CULTR-30)
• Current charter likely underestimates construction costs and will need updating in future budgets. Arts and Heritage Foundation pursued early concept planning to ensure accurate budget estimates and strengthen opportunities for grants, sponsorships, and donations.
Historic Information
This section summarizes previous studies, plans, and decisions that have shaped the City’s approach to cultural and performance facility development.
Community Amenities
• Event hosting facility opportunities were explored as part of the Community Amenities site concept planning, however:
o A theatre was not included in the Council-approved concept design.
o Council considered changes during concept approval, but none included a theatre.
o Council did not approve any changes to the proposed concept plan.
• Administration is continuing work on the Community Amenities project currently through schematic design with funding approved by Council.
• A black box theatre is not part of the current scope of work.
Cultural Master Plan
• Completed in 2012, the Cultural Master Plan identified:
o The need for a multi-purpose performance venue to accommodate rehearsals and smaller performances.
o The need for a cultural capital facilities assessment, including maintenance renovation, and/or expansion of existing facilities, as well as the feasibility of new facilities. (Attachment B - Cultural Master Plan)
Entertainment Facilities
• The most recent review of entertainment facilities was completed in 2014 and would now require revalidation. (Attachment C - Entertainment Demand Study)
New Facility Predictive Model
• The retired New Facility Predictive Model (2016) projected a potential need for a new performing arts facility by 2029. While the model provided guidance based on population projections and benchmarking with other communities, further validations is required to understand St. Albert’s unique needs and ensure priorities are addressed sustainably. (Attachment D - New Facility Predictive Model)
Future Planning
This section highlights upcoming strategies and initiatives that will guide future decisions related to cultural infrastructure and community facility needs.
Community Well-Being Long Range Strategy
• Council approved development of a Community Well-Being Long Range Strategy (culture, recreation, social and policing) slated for 2026.
• Administration anticipates pursuing a Cultural Needs Assessment as part of this strategy to inform future cultural facilities needs and priorities, including smaller performance spaces.
Community Services’ Mid-Range Business Plan
• The City Arts Space lease comes up for renewal in 3.5 years. As part of the department’s mid-range business plan, alternatives will be reviewed, including renewal or identifying other spaces that may better meet a broader range of community needs.
IMPACTS OF MOTION
Financial:
If approved, the City may incur costs related to conducting research, consultation, and community engagement for the needs assessment in this area.
Addition to the current 10-Year Municipal Growth Capital Plan may require re-prioritization of charters currently on the plan.
Compliance & Legal:
In accordance with section 119(11) of the Procedure Bylaw, if this Notice of Motion is not moved by a council member during the November 18 City Council meeting, it will appear on the agenda for, and may be moved at, any of the next two regular City Council meetings which are scheduled for December 2, 2025 and December 16, 2025.
Program or Service:
None at this time
Organizational:
Ability/staff time and capacity to conduct consultation and research.
There would be no major implications at this time to create a charter, but if funded on the 10-Year Municipal Growth Capital Plan there would be implications for the City in terms of operating the facility.
Risks
Building a facility before it is needed may:
• Duplicate efforts of other planned facilities or amenities
• It could prioritize a project ahead of other community needs without clear justification
• Community organizations may be expressing concerns about affordability (lack of low-cost or no-cost options) rather than a complete lack of available or suitable facilities.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Item aligned to Strategic Plan:
None at this time
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
A.1.2 Cultural amenities: Provision of facilities or amenities for participation or engagement in cultural activities by members of the general public.
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Report Date: November 18, 2025
Authors: Andrea Gammon and Adam Turnbull
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Budd
Managing Director: Dinu Alex
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher