Braeside
St. Albert was incorporated as a village in 1899 and as a town in 1904. Braeside’s development started in the 1900s, making it one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city.
Ideally situated on the banks of the Sturgeon River, Braeside has a population of ~2,810 with an average age of 40. The majority of residential real estate is single family homes, with a small selection of apartments, duplexes, condos and town houses. The average residential home price is in the $300,000s.
The single-family neighbourhood aesthetic is strongly prompted and preserved in this historic neighborhood. During the community’s revitalization in the 1970s, building luxury homes overlooking the river, a feature that remains a highlight of the neighbourhood today, became a common occurrence.
The majority of the real estate is low density residential. The neighbourhood is home to St. Albert’s prized Red Willow Park, along with the sprawling Butterfield Park, and two spectacular ravine green spaces (Burnham and Braeside ravines). Although two schools and an athletic park are within the neighbourhood’s boundaries, commercial amenities are located just across the river where residents can walk to St. Albert Centre along with other shops and services. Students have access to elementary, French immersion (elementary), junior, and high schools.
St. Albert Transit (StAT) services Braeside with weekday local routes, access to weekday commuter routes to Edmonton, and Dial A Bus.
About Braeside
Development began: 1900s
Type of homes: Single detached homes, apartments, condos, and townhouses
Parks in the area: Red Willow Park, Burnham Ravine, Braeside Ravine, Butterfield Park, Fowler Athletic Park. Braeside Park
Schools in the Area
- Elementary: Sir Alexander Mackenzie, Leo Nickerson
- Junior High: Lorne Akins
- High School: Paul Kane, St. Albert Public Outreach High School, Paul Kane (for French immersion only)
Characteristics
- Picturesque, mature, walkable community on the banks of the Sturgeon River
- A footbridge to St. Albert Centre
- Easy access to major commuter routes
- One of the few neighbourhoods in St. Albert that has back lanes/alleys
- Home to the St. Albert Track & Field Club
- Ample green space
- Luxury homes
History
Braeside, one the first neighbourhoods established in St. Albert, has always taken advantage of its location along the Sturgeon River and it’s lush and plentiful green spaces.
This neighbourhood has had several iterations. Its’ development was part of St. Albert’s new status as a town, having outgrown the village title within five short years. As one of the first communities in the new town, it featured affordable family homes on ample lots with back lanes and alleyways (to this day, Braeside is one of the very few neighbourhoods to retain this feature). If you are thinking that the early community looked like a Norman Rockwell painting, you are correct.
As the mid century drew to a close and the 70s began, property developers and homeowners started taking advantage of the river and ravine views. Large, luxury houses became synonymous with the area, and are still a defining feature of the neighbourhood.
To live in or visit Braeside is to experience some of the earliest history of St. Albert. It is a beautiful location that perfectly integrates nature into the community.
