• We’re launching a new series of Pints & Politics events across Edmonton, giving residents the chance to meet their City Councillors and have real conversations about City Hall. There will be events in different areas of the city, and every Councillor will be invited. Attendees are welcome at any event, not just the ones with their own Councillors! The first event will take place on Friday, February 20th with Councillors Thu Parmar and Reed Clarke. Attendance is free, but please RSVP due to limited capacity
• There will be a City Council meeting on Tuesday at 9:30 am. On the agenda is a proposed private tree protection bylaw to address the city's declining urban canopy. Currently at 13%, Edmonton aims for 20% coverage by 2071, a goal that requires an additional 2,900 hectares of canopy on private land. Expected benefits of the expansion include better climate resilience, improved drainage, and enhancing mental health and long-term affordability. City Administration has recommended against the bylaw, citing concerns regarding increased red tape for developers and homeowners. Ward Nakota Isga Councillor Reed Clarke expressed concern that further regulation could stifle popular residential infill projects during a period of tightening capital. The debate now moves to City Council as they weigh environmental targets against the need for a streamlined development process.
• Edmonton’s Urban Planning Committee hosted a packed meeting last week regarding the City’s infill strategy, with speakers providing diverse feedback. This high level of engagement comes amidst a population increase of 187,000 residents since 2021, which has placed additional strain on the city’s housing supply. Critics of the current strategy called for greater resident consultation, citing impacts on private property investments such as solar installations. Conversely, housing advocates and student groups argued that infill is essential for market affordability and talent retention. While Administration proposed reducing maximum units per lot from eight to six, some advocates warned this could inadvertently raise individual unit costs. With some citing recent election results as a mandate for growth, the committee continues to weigh regulatory changes against the preservation of neighbourhood quality of life.
• Edmonton is advancing a proposal to establish "Seventy Gr8 Ave," a new entertainment district located on 78th Avenue. By utilizing provincial liquor laws, the designation allows for public alcohol consumption during road closures, reducing the administrative burden on local businesses hosting community events. The initiative, which targets an area known as "Happy Beer Street," received 87% public support during consultations for its potential to create vibrant pedestrian spaces and bolster the local economy. To address noise and safety concerns, the district would implement a 10:00 pm closing time, maintain a security presence, and require events to be family-friendly. City officials say that the project will not cost taxpayers, as participating businesses will cover operational expenses. Following a unanimous committee vote, the bylaw proceeds to City Council.
• Edmonton restaurants are raising concerns over new patio licence fees set to take effect April 1st, with some operators questioning whether they can afford to continue offering year-round patios. Under the new shared-investment model, large year-round patios on public space will cost $6,900 annually, while large seasonal patios will cost $3,700, though small sidewalk patios remain free. The City says the fees are necessary due to budget shortfalls and will only cover part of the maintenance costs. Business owners, including those downtown, argue the industry is still recovering from pandemic losses and rising operating costs, and some doubt the City’s cost calculations. Critics worry the added expense could undermine efforts to build a vibrant, year-round patio culture and potentially lead to fewer patios across the city. While larger restaurant groups say they may absorb the costs, smaller establishments could face tougher decisions about whether patio season remains viable.

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ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council will consider a below‑market land sale in Wedgewood Heights, decide whether to remove municipal reserve land in Edmiston Industrial, and review a revised capital request from the largest non-profit social housing operator in Alberta.

There is a council meeting scheduled for Feb. 17 and 18, and a non-regular council meeting scheduled for Feb. 20.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• Administration has proposed selling a portion of a surplus school site in Wedgewood Heights for $1 to Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta for a 60-unit mixed-market affordable housing development. If council approves the sale, administration will use part of its Housing Accelerator Fund allocation to expedite the development. Some nearby residents have opposed development on the site in Ward sipiyiniwak because it would remove green space from the community. Council will hold a statutory public hearing about the sale during its meeting on Feb. 18.
• Council is scheduled to debate at a statutory public hearing whether it should sell municipal reserve land in the Edmiston industrial area. The city acquired the land at 17803 114 Avenue NW in 1987 and planned to build a park, and later a new eco-station, but both uses are now deemed unnecessary. Administration plans to subdivide the property into three industrial lots. Council is required to hold a public hearing to dispose of municipal reserve land.
• Council is scheduled to review a revised capital budget request from GEF Seniors Housing. Council rejected the organization’s request for an additional $4.7 million during the fall supplement budget adjustment and advised it to bring the budget down to $2.1 million. Administration said it will work with GEF to determine its operating and capital expenses for the 2027-2030 budget cycle, and said it will work to establish and fund a capital reserve to address the organization’s longer-term capital needs.
• Councillors will discuss council’s priorities and related performance measures for the 2027-2030 budget cycle at a non-regular meeting on Feb. 20.
• Council will meet in private to discuss a confidential negotiation, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference, council priorities, and the Office of the City Auditor’s 2026 work plan.