TAMRMS#: B06
7.1
REQUEST FOR DECISION
title
St. Albert Poet Laureate Appointment
Presented by: Kathleen Bell, Community Cultural Coordinator, Community Services
label
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
That Tyler Enfield be named St. Albert’s Poet Laureate for a two-year term commencing April 1, 2026 and ending March 31, 2028.
body
SUMMARY
In accordance with Council Policy C-CAO-24, St. Albert Poet Laureate, this report provides the recommendation of the Poet Laureate selection panel, as provided by the CEO, Laura Winton, of the St. Albert Public Library.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
On January 23, 2024 Council Passed the following motion:
CB-24-001 That the Council Policy C-CAO-24 Poet Laureate, attached to the Agenda Report entitled “Poet Laureate Policy Update” dated January 23, 2024, be approved.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In March, a Poet Laureate selection panel was convened by the St. Albert Public Library.
The selection panel consisted of the following members:
• one (1) Arts Development Advisory Committee member.
• one (1) member of St. Albert Public Library staff
• one (1) representative from the literary community (poets and writers)
The selection panel was organized and monitored by a St. Albert Public Library representative.
Nominees were assessed on the following criteria:
1. Clear and innovative ideas regarding the vision for the position of Poet Laureate
2. Demonstrated an ability to engage and inspire the St. Albert community
3. Ease and skill at presenting and performing work to the public
4. A body of literary work of superior artistic merit
The selection panel recommends that the following person be named the St. Albert Poet Laureate for a two-year term commencing April 2026 and ending April 2028:
Tyler Enfield
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Distributed information to the public via:
• St. Albert Public Library Website
• Social media platforms
• Direct communication with literary and arts organizations
• Various marketing tactics including inclusion in the St. Albert Gazette, St. Albert Live and City signage
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
The Poet Laureate will receive funding in April of 2026 and April of 2027 ($1000 has been allocated for 2026). These funds will come from the existing Community Services operating budget.
Compliance & Legal:
The process undertaken complies with Policy C-CAO-24 (attached).
Program or Service:
Existing program that supports the development of a robust cultural and literary community in St. Albert.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
None at this time.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
B.3.1. Cultural Programming: The provision of cultural programming for participants.
B.3.1.b Community Cultural Programming: Access to cultural experiences, artistic development and performance opportunities for residents. A range of diverse and relevant arts is provided to the community. Programming selection is based on demand and community needs (e.g. Poet Laureate, emerging artist programs, youth arts development).
IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendation, the following alternative could be considered:
ALTERNATIVE 1:
Council may choose not to approve the recommendation and refer back to the selection panel for further review and consideration.
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
Policy C-AO-24 outlines that the appointment of the new poet laureate should occur in April every other year. If Council does not support this recommendation, there is a risk the policy will not be complied with, which is not recommended.
Program or Service:
Delayed commencement to the Poet Laureate Program.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
See “Compliance & Legal” above.
body
Report Date: April 7, 2026
Author(s): Kathleen Bell
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Budd
Managing Director: Dinu Alex
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher