780-449-8733
St. Albert is situated on the northwestern boundary of the city of Edmonton. It was incorporated as a city during 1977. The city of St. Albert has a vibrant history that goes way back 150 years, and it has sometimes been recognized as the Finest City of Alberta. The city was founded by Father Albert Lacombe in 1861, is Alberta’s oldest non-fortified community and was considered as Winnipeg’s biggest agricultural settlement.
Father Albert Lacombe initially founded it as an Oblate mission, which was named after the patron saint of Lacombe by Bishop A. Tache. The log chapel was erected north of the Sturgeon River on high grounds. By 1970, a second larger church was erected which served as the region’s cathedral. In 1870, a smallpox epidemic plagued the land, and the mission was made into a refuge for 700 Metis and native peoples. The mission was then turned into the Oblate headquarters and residence of the bishop.
Father Lacombe was among the earliest missionaries that explore the west and declared that Mission Hill would be his home – creating the St. Albert mission settlement. He had built the log chapel which served for his ministering works to the Metis and Cree people. The Father Lacombe Chapel, which is considered as Alberta’s oldest building, has been restored to its original form but is not declared a Provincial Heritage Site. The chapel is open to visitors during the months of June up to September.
St. Albert was given village status during 1904 and was then turned into a town by 1962. It became an official city by 1977.
The city of St. Albert has greatly provided services for the huge farming sections north of Edmonton. The population has recently increased significantly as the city has been the home for many people from the adjacent city; however, it also has 2 business parks that have been attracting light industry. The city was able to resist the political advance of its developing neighbour.
Douglas Cardinal designed the famous St. Albert Place, which is home to many of the city’s cultural facilities like the Arden Theatre, public library, art studio, and the city hall. But just south of the Sturgeon River is the Red Willow Park which connects down the river banks, joining many of the other cultural and amusement facilities of the city.
The city has been able to conserve much of its missionary history. The structures in the mission still remain and the original church was restored and reopened as a historic site. The holdings of the chapel were moved and housed in the Musee Heritage Museum, which can also be found in St. Albert Place. The house of the bishop has been reestablished and the tombs of both Bishop Vital Grandin and Father Lacombe are now in the crypt of the modern church.
St. Albert today is a vibrant city with a population of 64,645. With over 1,100 acres of green space, 85 kilometers of trails, the Musee heritage Museum, visual arts studios, the Arden Theatre and various special shows, it’s no wonder that St. Albert is famous for its rich history, art, and nature.
