RE/MAX Real Estate Blog

St. Albert is located in Edmonton’s north-westernmost corner, with major throroughfares connecting the two. Though St. Albert’s borders are virtually indistinguishable from Edmonton’s, it is politically deemed a separate city. With a geographical area of just under 50 km squared and a population of over 61,000 and growing, it is a fraction of Edmonton’s size, yet encompasses all the amenities of, and proximity to, big city life.

Map showing Saint Albert’s proximity to Edmonton. Image Credit: nacha.ca

The surprisingly independent community has its own rich history separate from the development of Edmonton. Founded in 1861 by Father Albert Lacombe,2 the the small Métis community became the town of St. Alberta in 1904. It thrived, due to it’s proximity to Fort Edmonton, and become known locally as a popular resting point for journeying First Nations peoples on their travels. Agriculture, and specifically the construction of two important grain elevators, contributed significantly to the burgeoning economy.

St. Alberta, 1912. Image Credit: St. Albert Historical Network

Through it’s evolution from settlement, to Town, to City, St. Albert has developed a strong foundational infrastructure. The city has it’s own transit system, the renowned Sturgeon Community Hospital, a public school system, an Athabasca University satellite campus, and a municipal governing body comprised of a mayor and six city councilors. The city also has a blend of residential communities and major commercial areas, including St. Albert Centre, a premier shopping destination.

Just last year, MoneySense Magazine, published an article on the best places to live in Canada, and the top ranking city was none other than St. Albert, Alberta.  The ranking accounted for criteria such as employment rate, public transit, arts and culture, crime rates, and access to medical care. Here is the SHAW TV report on the article:

St. Albert has a noteworthy arts and cultural community, with thriving establishments like the Art Gallery of St. Albert, and St. Albert Place. For the more recreationally  inclined, the city is renowned for it’s Red Willow park trail system, the recently developed, Servus Credit Union Place.

St. Albert Place. Image Credit: AlbertDiary.ca

CLICK HERE to view available properties in St. Albert.

The town of Lamont is about a 45 minute drive out of Edmonton to the north-east. The 9.3 square kilometre community is home to a population of around 1700 residents. Lamont is also known as the “Gateway to Elk Island National Park“, which is located directly south of town. Within the park is Astotin Lake which is less than a twenty minute drive from town. To to west, along highway 15  is the town of Bruderheim and then Fort Saskatchewan.

Lamont Park Trail. Image Credit: Town of Lamont

The town is named after the prolific historical figure John Henderson Lamont. Lamont was a Canadian politician, lawyer, and supreme court justice; he received his law degree in 1893 and was active legally and politically until his death in 1936. Lamont was famously described by settlers as “the nicest open country a person could wish for.”  Infrastructure development began in 1912 upon the opening of the Lamont Hospital.

Original Lamont Hospital, as it looked in 1912. Image Credit: United Church of Canada Archives

Lamont has a rich cultural history, which carries into present day. In honour of the large Ukrainian population in the area, a Mohlya was erected just north of the town in 1991 to honour the centenary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada. Additionally, the town has an array of art, craft, and antique shops in which to display and sell cultural relics.

Parade on Main Street. Image Credit: Town of Lamont

In addition to a public library, hall, and curling rink, Lamont is home to a regulation NHL sized hockey arena. The small community is incredibly active in organizing festivities year-round at these various facilities and in outdoor public spaces. Activities include the Family Fun Circus,  Town Wide Garage Sale, Picnic in the Park, Fairs, Rodeos, Public Skating, and numerous Christmas events.

NHL Sized Hockey Arena. Image Credit: Town of Lamont.

Lamont has all necessary amenities including hotels and motels, pubs, daycare and youth programs, grocery, health and beauty services, an elementary and junior high school, and all means of medical care. A whole host of restaurants are in close proximity, as well as shopping, and recreation.  Lamont is also home to the Elk Island Golf Course, an historic 9 hole course built in 1936, one of the provinces oldest!

CLICK HERE to view properties available in Lamont.