The City of Prince Albert ’s current Development Plan was adopted more than 17 years ago by Bylaw 2 of 1987 as a result of the implementation of the Planning and Development Act and to replace the previous plan, the Municipal Development Plan of 1982. Prince Albert ’s population growth has slowed considerably since 1987. Prince Albert ’s Policy Plan was oriented toward the Target Year, when the city reached 50,000 people, projected to be shortly after 2000. Prince Albert ’s population has remained relatively constant throughout the past ten years. Statistics Canada reported a 1.4% decline during the last census period (1996-2001), though Saskatchewan Health figures report a small rise in population with a larger population, closer to 40,000. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider this Target Year in terms of development needs and phasing.

In particular, transportation and infrastructure needs must be reexamined. Significant infrastructure upgrading requirements are anticipated, necessitating a long-term action plan. Furthermore, in terms of a development phasing and servicing strategy, it is necessary to consider potential changes that could substantially affect Prince Albert ’s development strategy such as the construction of a second bridge, which would considerably shift development pressure areas within the city.

The city is expected to maintain a steady positive growth pattern in the coming years. Prince Albert is in a unique situation with respect to its demographic situation. Whereas many Western Canadian cities are struggling to provide adequate services for an expanding elderly population, 40% of the population of Prince Albert is between the ages of 25-54, typically working age, and the median age for the city is 33.5, more than three years lower than the provincial median. Therefore, we have a relatively young population and must accommodate this segment of the population along with the growing elderly and youth age groups. Moreover, a young population combined with a lack of employment presents the possibility of increased social problems.

A significant issue that needs to be addressed in an updated Development Plan is that of a growing aboriginal population. In-migration from reserves is increasing. According to the study Understanding the Early Years: Early Childhood Development in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – April 2002, by 2010, fifty per cent of Prince Albert ’s population is expected to be aboriginal (p. 14 – 15). [1] This is a dramatic change to the face of Prince Albert over the next several years. Other challenges facing Prince Albert are actual and perceived crime, downtown redevelopment and sustainable development.

In all, the demographic context in Prince Albert has changed and will continue to change over the next several decades. Consequently, the City of Prince Albert needs to realign its development goals with these realities.