Tuesday, March 23, 2010

"New St.Albert Gang Paints The City," Megan Perras




Several St.Albert teens were found running around the streets and vandalizing the vehicles and yards of residents at two in the morning on Wednesday, March 24.

A self-proclaimed “gang” of 18-year-olds were arrested by police when they were caught throwing paint and eggs throughout three different neighborhoods, causing damage to many vehicles as well as house fronts.

When confronted, the teens were found to have tazers on them, as well as drug paraphernalia. According to the RCMP, they had been participating in this act of vandalism to make themselves known as the “new St.Albert gang.”

Ricki Cundliffe, a homeowner who had her car painted with profane words and images says, “It’s really too bad that our youth have to do things like this to the people around them. I think it’s because they’re bored in this city. I hope somebody is going to pay for this.”

All of the teens were arrested and charged with vandalism, two with carrying an unregistered weapon, and are awaiting their court date which will be decided upon in the next few days, say RCMP representatives.

The teens, all boys, will be charged as adults, but their names have not yet been released.

The crime-rate among youth in St.Albert is rising, and the city is attempting to circumvent this by promoting teen participation in their many festivals this year, including the upcoming youth conference on May 6th-7th, promoting positive behavior in the youth of the city.

Although St.Albert is considered the ninth safest city out of 100 of Canada’s largest cities according to Maclean’s magazine in 2008, and the 95th most dangerous city in Canada in 2009, many parents hope that through fostering positive youth development, the city will become safer for their children to grow in.




The city of St.Albert was founded by Father Albert Lacombe in 1861, when he decided to create a settlement on Mission Hill. There he built a church to preach to the local natives, and the city grew from there.

St.Albert became a village in 1900, then a town in 1904, and finally a city in 1977.

The City is a family-oriented place to live, with events catering to all ages. The International Children’s Festival is held at the end of May. Children have the opportunity to learn about different cultures around the world through the medium of “play.”

The Rainmaker Rodeo is also a family-fueled attraction, hosting rodeo events over the weekend of May 28-30th, and including rides for the kids as well as many live bands for the older crowd, and of course, rodeo competition.

In August, Rock n’ August gives the automobile lovers time to admire cars and trucks from the past in the downtown streets of the city. All throughout the summer weekends one can also stroll through the enormous farmer’s market that starts on Perron Street and weaves downtown, and be entertained by the many buskers and try the fresh vegetables for sale.

This vibrant city has managed to hold on to its small-town atmosphere while still providing rich cultural opportunities as well as amenities such as the large recreation centre, Servus Place.
IMAGES FROM: car, City of St.Albert

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