There are no Council meetings this week and just one Committee meeting - the Agenda Review Committee on Tuesday at 8:30 am. Perhaps someone needs to remind Council that the long weekend was last week…
City Councillor Andrew Knack has officially entered the race for Mayor in the upcoming October civic election. With over 12 years on Council, Knack is emphasizing priorities like managing rapid population growth, improving affordability, enhancing public safety, and working collaboratively with the Province to address the City's fiscal challenges. He highlighted Edmonton’s status as the most affordable major Canadian city to build a home and called for efficiency in supporting small businesses. Knack also raised concerns about the concentration of revitalization funding in a small area of Downtown, advocating for more balanced investments across the city. On homelessness, Knack said the City must take a more proactive leadership role, even if the responsibility technically lies with the Province. He framed his campaign around listening to all Edmontonians and making decisions based on community needs rather than party directives.
The Alberta government is funding 280 body-worn cameras for the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), covering hardware and software costs, but not the operational expenses tied to video monitoring and redaction. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi expressed concern that the City may need to hire up to 40 staff for these tasks. Body cams became mandatory for all Alberta police agencies in March 2023 and are expected to boost accountability, reduce misconduct allegations, and support court proceedings. Officers must activate recording during investigative or enforcement interactions, but they aren't legally required to inform the public when filming. Edmonton’s implementation began last summer and is being rolled out in phases across various police units. Sohi plans to raise the cost issue with Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis, saying he was led to believe the Province would cover all associated costs. Meanwhile, police have also raised concerns about the loss of automated traffic enforcement, arguing it reduces road safety and requires more manpower they don’t have.
Speaking of traffic enforcement, EPS issued 695 traffic infractions during their most recent “Operation 24 Hours” blitz. Speeding was the top offence, with 195 tickets handed out through both automated and in-person enforcement. Officers also issued 83 red-light violations, 111 moving violations, and 152 tickets for non-hazardous offences such as expired documents or loud vehicles. Additionally, five distracted driving charges and six criminal code driving offences were recorded. While the total number of infractions is lower than in past years, police say it reflects recent changes to automated traffic enforcement. EPS emphasized that enforcement continues near playgrounds, construction sites, and select intersections.
A dispute over bike lanes in Edmonton’s Delton neighbourhood has escalated into a broader clash between municipal authority and provincial oversight. The City is investing $100 million in a multi-year bike lane project, sparking local opposition, including from resident Jeremiah Rawling, who questions the city’s consultation process and is calling for provincial intervention under the Municipal Government Act. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen criticized the city for reducing vehicle access without adequate community input and signalled a broader review of traffic-calming measures across Alberta. While some City Councillors acknowledge concerns from residents, others see the province's involvement as political overreach and a threat to municipal autonomy. We’ve been speaking out against these bike lanes for several years now, with more than 6,500 residents signing our petition against the boondoggle a few years ago!
Council has approved a rezoning bylaw aimed at encouraging growth in five designated “priority growth areas,” including parts of Wîhkwêntôwin, Garneau, and major corridors like 124th Street and Stony Plain Road. The bylaw allows for increased residential and mixed-use development in these areas, which were selected for their development potential and proximity to public transit. Despite public opposition and concerns about affordability and land speculation, a motion to remove part of Garneau from the plan was narrowly defeated. Critics argued the changes could drive up housing costs, while supporters highlighted the need for more housing and better land use near transit and the University of Alberta. The bylaw passed with a 9-3 vote, with some Councillors expressing concern about community input and long-term impacts. The City defended the plan as a balanced response to growth, shaped by extensive public consultation.
Speaking of rezoning, one year after Edmonton implemented a new set of zoning bylaws aimed at increasing urban density, City officials say the changes have successfully spurred redevelopment and boosted housing supply. The City reports a 30% rise in new dwelling units, including a fourfold increase in row house approvals within redevelopment areas. However, many residents are pushing back, saying the developments, especially eight-plexes replacing single-family homes, are disruptive and poorly integrated into existing neighbourhoods. They argue the process lacked adequate consultation and threatens community character. While City officials acknowledge the frustration, they say major changes to the bylaw are unlikely. Instead, they’re focusing on improving design standards to better fit new developments into mature areas.
