Woodlands

IF YOU SPENT any time in Woodlands this summer, it was probably in the company of friends and family. Whether you were cooling down in the spray park with your kids or catching a recital at the Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church, you’ll likely have noticed that Woodlands takes community

very seriously. But the Woodlands we know today has a more controversial past than many people realize. In fact, during its planning stages, many hoped Woodlands would never come to be. Why? Here’s a glimpse back at its history.

DID YOU KNOW? Woodlands was the first residential development in St. Albert to make use of the concept of “show homes” or as it was known back then, a “home parade.” It was a sales experiment inspired by homebuilders in California, and needless to say, it was a success.

FUN FACT When Woodlands was first proposed, it was set to cover the area that is now occupied by Woodlands, Pineview and Kingswood, which would have increased the area of St. Albert by over 25%.

Today

Woodlands never did become the tipping point that was predicted during its development. In fact, instead of tearing the city apart with traffic and crime, Woodlands has brought the people of St. Albert closer together through the many community gathering spaces that the area has become known for. t8n