The City of St. Albert is committed to keeping residents up to date on the work done by our various departments. One of the ways this work is shared with the public and other stakeholders is through annual report cards. The Family and Community Support Services and Cultural Services branches of the Community Services department have released their annual report cards for 2023 that highlight their teams’ impacts and achievements from throughout the year.

Cultural Services Report Card

The City’s 2023 Cultural Services Report Card reflects on vibrant events, community well-being and fostering a vibrant downtown over the past year.

The Arden Theatre once again held their Plaza Series outdoor concerts. Music filled the downtown streets on Thursday nights throughout the summer where ticket holders and passersby enjoyed a variety of performers. Additionally, the theatre hosted 309 events in 2023 and attendance at these events totaled more than 74,000 people of all ages from St. Albert and beyond.

The International Children’s Festival of the Arts returned, bringing with it playfulness and joy to all those who attended. The Festival’s hours were extended in 2023 to include Friday and Saturday evenings in Lions Park to accommodate the Architects of Air luminarium, Daedalum — an interactive art installation. Ticket sales surged by 78 per cent as schools returned in full force to the Festival.

The St. Albert Children’s Theatre returned with registrations increasing by 15 per cent in 2023. They presented two sold-out productions: Seussical Jr., during the Children’s Festival and Elf the Musical, in Winter.

Amplify continued its diverse programming by celebrating its tenth anniversary with an inaugural album. Artists representing each year of Amplify programming were selected to record original tracks that were compiled to create an album of songs from the past decade.

As well in 2023, the City hosted two sold-out Arts Exchanges: Elevating Women in the Arts and Grants 101. These exchanges are designed to support the artistic community through networking and sharing.

Research shows that when people participate in the arts, both society and community benefit. Cultural programs boost inclusion, improve mental health and wellness, boost self-esteem, and create a sense of belonging. 

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Report Card

A healthy community supports all residents, fostering a sense of community well-being. In 2023, community initiatives supported an integrated network of social services to address the most pressing social issues in the community. Programs and social supports helped meet the basic needs of residents.

FCSS launched the Community Needs Assessment to help identify social issues, trends and community needs among children, youth, families, adults and seniors in St. Albert. Residents provided input on what social issues were important to them and shared perspectives on how the community can better meet the social needs of residents.

In 2023, Youth in Action (YIA) launched a year-round by-youth-for-youth program. YIA provides opportunities for youth to connect and be engaged with their community.

The Youth Transitional Housing Feasibility Study was also initiated in 2023. This housing is a supportive type of accommodation designed for teens’ and young adults' needs. It is meant to bridge the gap from homelessness to permanent housing.

With the belief that communities are strongest when diverse voices, perspectives and backgrounds are listened to, the FCSS team worked hard to advocate and support the City’s commitment to ensure St. Albert is a welcoming and inclusive community.

For more information and to read the full reports, visit the Arts and Culture or FCSS Annual Report web pages.

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Related Pages

FCSS Report Card ›

Arts & Culture ›

Family & Community Support Services ›