May 2026

FROM THE EDITOR

I’m constantly amazed at the disposition of the folks living in St. Albert. Several are blessed with a can-do spirit blended with humility, kindness, and a drive to make this community better than it was before.

One reason why we run our reader survey, The Best of T8N, is to recognize those individuals and the outstanding businesses many of them operate. Find out who topped their respective categories this year. 

Interestingly enough—and I assure you, by no means was this planned—two of the survey’s businesses have owners profiled in this edition. We look at Toast entrepreneur Ann Brady, who, after immigrating to this part of Canada, found a niche for her successful breakfast franchise. Read about how Gracie Jane Genereux parlayed her psychedelic experiences and artistic talents into creating one of the city’s most unique nightspots.

Thomas Lukaczuk’s name doesn’t appear in this year’s survey, but his recent Forever Canadian campaign to combat the burgeoning threat of provincial independence is worthy of attention. He shares his thoughts on the separation movement and the current UCP government.

We’ll also showcase some products shaded with Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s pick for colour of the year, offer a culinary perspective on this year’s World Cup, and platform several St. Albert schools named after exceptional individuals, many of them local.

This edition’s content is our way of highlighting the best this city has to offer. Happy reading!