Westward Momentum at Shoppes at Giroux

For many businesses, visibility is only part of the equation. Along St. Albert Trail, retailers benefit from high traffic volumes but compete alongside dozens of established commercial operators. In west St. Albert, a different story is unfolding: commercial sites are already in place, while thousands of future residents continue to move into the surrounding neighbourhoods.

At the centre of that growth is Ville Giroux, where The Hat @ Giroux offers final remaining commercial spaces (from 1,130 to 1,250 sq. ft.), and welcomes its first residents this November.

The 245-unit rental development is expected to bring more than 700 new residents to the community developed by Cidex. It will be supported by a new amenity clubhouse opening concurrently with the building, and residents will have access to a fitness centre, yoga studio, indoor pickleball court, lounge, business centre, and meeting spaces.

The project is part of a larger buildout that envisions approximately 1,200 multifamily homes and 3,000 residents south of Giroux Road, alongside future townhomes, residential towers, and a potential grocery store site.

Growth across west St. Albert continues to accelerate. Rohit’s Chérot has completed roughly 400 lots, with another 175 currently under servicing. Genstar’s Riverside has delivered approximately 585 homes and is advancing an additional 15 hectares of residential development. Together, these communities are creating a growing residential foundation for existing and future businesses.

Shoppes @ Giroux is already evolving to serve that demand. A thermal spa and physiotherapy clinic are among the newest additions to the tenant mix. Coffee shops, restaurants, optometry clinics, pet services, and veterinary practices are among the uses that would complement the area's growing population and expanding amenity base. As west St. Albert continues to build, the customer base is arriving alongside it.

BBuBBusiness Excellence Awards of Distinction 2026

Join us during Small Business Week for one of the most celebrated and anticipated events of the year for the St. Albert Business Community. The Business Excellence Awards of Distinction, hosted by the St. Albert & District Chamber of Commerce will take place at the Glendale Golf & Country Club on October 22nd.

From emerging businesses to long standing local champions, the evening shines a spotlight on the people and the organizations helping shape St. Alberts future.

Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, community partner or simply someone who loves supporting local, this is an evening you wont want to miss!

Get your tickets and join us in celebrating St. Albert's exceptional business community!

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Glendale Golf & Country Club

Drive-Thru Burger Franchise Opportunity

A nationally recognized burger franchise is preparing to open in St. Albert, and local entrepreneurs and investors are invited to explore this exciting ownership opportunity.

Located in an affluent, high-traffic area with significant surrounding residential and commercial development, this new drive-thru restaurant is positioned for strong market potential.

The minimum required unencumbered cash investment is approximately $240,000.

Entrepreneurs with an interest in, or experience with, hospitality, food service, or business ownership are encouraged to submit an expression of interest.

To explore this opportunity, qualified individuals interested in pursuing a franchise agreement are invited to email mallard@recipeunlimited.com with your interest and experience. 

Maximizing Alberta’s Current Training Grants

Recent announcements regarding the Alberta Industry Skills Grant (AISG) have generated significant interest across the province. However, with applications closing on October 30, 2026, many small businesses have found the program's $300,000 minimum project threshold and 30% matching requirement structurally out of reach.

Fortunately, local employers can still leverage this provincial funding through two strategic approaches:

1. Participate in Industry-Led Cohorts (Subsidized Training): Individual businesses do not need to be the primary applicant to benefit from the AISG. Major industry associations and regional networks utilize these multi-million dollar grants to establish sector-specific training programs. Once launched, these cohorts are made available to local businesses at little to no cost. We recommend contacting your relevant industry association to inquire about upcoming winter training intake opportunities for your staff.

2. Leverage the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (Direct Funding): For businesses requiring targeted, immediate upskilling for specific employees, the CAPG serves as the optimal direct application tool. This program circumvents large capital requirements, funding up to 50% of training costs (up to $5,000 per existing employee) and up to 75% of costs (up to $10,000 per individual) when hiring and training previously unemployed Albertans.

Navigating provincial funding does not require enterprise-scale resources. If your organization has identified immediate professional development needs, we encourage you to bypass the broader industry grants and review the eligibility requirements on CAPG the GOA portal.

Upgrade Your Storefront This Winter

Want to enhance the look of your storefront this winter?

Add outdoor heat lamps, ice sculptures, cold-weather tolerant plants, outdoor lighting and more. Up to $3000 in matching funds available to support enhancements that elevate the look of your business.

Accepting applications for 2026 until November 30th.

NABI Pulse: From Zero to one – Before you make your first hire

This free NABI C2P webinar focuses on the decision point every solopreneur eventually faces: when and how to make that first hire.

You'll Discover

• How to know if you are actually ready to hire, versus just burned out
• Employee vs. contractor vs. freelancer, and what that distinction means for your taxes and legal obligations
• How to identify the first task worth handing off
• Budgeting for a hire, including the costs beyond wages
• Where to find candidates and how to set them up for a strong start

Who Should Attend

Solopreneurs and micro business owners who are:

• Considering growing their team for the first time
• Feeling stretched thin by tasks that don't move the business forward
• Ready to build a foundation for sustainable growth
• 
  

Reserve your spot today and take the next step from Zero to One.

St. Albert Business Licence renewals are coming up fast!

Business owners who have signed up for MyCity e-billing services may renew their business licence starting on Dec 1, 2026. (Business owners will receive their renewal invoices in the first few weeks of December).

A reminder that all business licences expire on Dec 31, 2026, and must be renewed to avoid penalties or having your account closed.

Autumn Festival Night Market in Downtown St. Albert

Farmers’ Market October Season Closer.

The St. Albert Farmers’ Market is the largest fully outdoor farmers' market in Canada. With 275 vendors, 10 food trucks, and 10 buskers each weekend it attracts upwards of 25,000 visitors per week. Vendors offer high-quality products that follow the market’s “make it, bake it, grow it” mission.

St. Albert Farmers Market has its last market of the season on Saturday October 10th, so make sure you stop by and pick up your favorite products and enjoy the atmosphere.

📍 Location: Downtown St. Albert — 5 St. Anne Street

🕙 Hours: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, including the market map, parking options and vendor list, visit St. Albert Farmers’ Market.

Embrace the crisp autumn air and celebrate the season at the Downtown St. Albert Autumn Festival!

Join downtown businesses and participating vendors along Perron Street on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a vibrant evening. Explore a bustling night market filled with unique local artisan booths, enjoy festive fall entertainment, and take advantage of seasonal specials from your favourite downtown shops and eateries.

Whether you are looking to shop local, grab a delicious seasonal treat, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere with family and friends, there is something for everyone.

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Perron Street, Downtown St. Albert