city, central Alberta, Canada, immediately northwest of Edmonton, on the Sturgeon River, in a mixed-farming district. The settlement developed around a mission that was built in 1861 by Father Albert Lacombe, a heroic religious figure. It was named after his patron saint. Most of the early settlers were Métis (people of mixed French and Indian blood). In later years the mission became a major centre for the Oblate Order. Visitors can see Lacombe's original log church—now a provincial historical site—as well as the Musée Héritage Museum, which preserves St. Albert's missionary past. Since World War II, St. Albert has grown into one of Edmonton's largest suburbs. Inc. town, 1904; city, 1977. Pop. (2006) 57,719.