Reg Rygus

The latest Millwoods Mosaic has just been published and is below.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council is set to discuss a budget increase for a new recreation centre on the west end, hear an update on the financial stabilization reserve, and review shortlisted candidates for boards and commissions.

There is a community and public services committee meeting, urban planning committee meeting, and executive committee meeting on March 16, and a city council meeting on March 17 and 18.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• Administration recommends increasing the budget for the Lewis Farms Community Recreation Centre and Library by an undisclosed amount because the project is facing significant financial pressures, despite several scope reductions. Administration has decreased the overall size of the facility at 6210 Rosenthal Way NW by about one-third, including a 20% reduction of the aquatic facility, a 32% reduction in fitness space, and the removal of the dryland training space. The city said several components have been deferred, with administration planning to build a skate park, spray park, and ice rink outside of the facility at a later time. However, the project is still forecast to exceed the current budget, administration said. “Although significant cost reductions have been achieved during the initial stages of construction, the project is now currently at a pivotal stage where there are diminishing returns to continuing value engineering efforts as the project continues to chase inflationary pressures,” an update on the project reads. The approved budget for the project is $309.3 million, and administration’s recommended increase is included in an attachment that is not available to the public.
• Edmonton’s financial stabilization reserve could reach its minimum balance one year earlier than planned, administration said in an operating budget update. Preliminary year-end results show a $31.1-million surplus due to higher franchise fees from utilities, increased revenue from membership and admission to city recreation facilities, and lower-than-anticipated fuel costs, among other factors. The surplus will bring the reserve to about $87.4 million, putting it on track to reach the minimum balance of $150.4 million by 2028.
• Edmonton’s rental market appears to have softened in 2025 as supply began to catch up to demand, according to the city’s Q4 2025 economic update. The purpose-built rental vacancy rate rose from 3% in October 2024 to 3.8% in October 2025, coinciding with more than 4,200 units being added to the city’s rental supply. Rental price growth also slowed from 7.2% to 3.3% in that period. Edmonton’s population grew by 3.4% between 2024 and 2025, a notable moderation compared to the previous two years. There were nearly 16,000 housing starts in Edmonton in 2025, an 18% increase over 2024 and the highest level since at least 1990, the report said. More than half of the starts were rental apartments.
• Coun. Michael Janz is set to introduce a motion calling for council to advocate to the provincial government to remove restrictive covenants that allow grocery chains to ban similar businesses near a site, even if the chain’s store closes.
• On March 16, councillors on the community and public services committee, urban planning committee, and executive committee will meet in private to receive membership reports and recommend shortlisted candidates for various boards and commissions.
• Council is set to receive a private update on procurement by the Edmonton Police Service. The next meeting of the Edmonton Police Commission is on March 19.

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• There will be a City Council meeting on Tuesday at 9:30 am. City Administration is recommending that Council approve funding for the Francis Winspear Centre for Music (FWCM) expansion through the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL), with one-time budget increases of $15.5 million in 2026 and $17.9 million in 2027 and a grant agreement of up to $33.4 million. The project, which adds 50,000 square feet, including a 550-seat performance hall and community spaces, has been under construction since 2020 and has faced COVID-related delays and rising costs. Funding would come from a CRL reserve that already has a $20.9 million deficit, requiring the use of City working capital and potentially affecting other projects and investment earnings. While the $33.4 million grant would not cover a $6-7.5 million shortfall, FWCM intends to cover that gap without additional City funding. Payments would be reimbursed quarterly for eligible expenses, with a 10% holdback until project completion. The expansion would create a second, community-focused performance space, support youth music programs, and may attract additional investment along 97 Street. 
• Since 2021, City of Edmonton employees have filed 5,226 Workers’ Compensation Board claims, including 4,613 physical injuries and 613 mental health claims, marking a 15% increase. Councillors are raising concerns about workplace safety and the growing financial impact on the City’s budget, with some warning that the rise in claims reflects deeper cultural and operational issues. Ward Anirniq Councillor Erin Rutherford has opposed budget cuts to WCB funding, emphasizing the need for a concrete plan to reduce claims rather than simply increasing spending. Mayor Andrew Knack has confirmed that workplace safety will be addressed in the upcoming four-year budget. Recent incidents, including abuse of City workers during snow clearing, highlight the risks employees face on the job. Council discussions suggest Edmonton is considered “high risk” compared to other municipalities, prompting calls for stronger occupational safety measures. Rutherford has asked Administration to develop strategies that improve worker health, safety, and infrastructure while reducing the number of claims.
• Edmonton is considering charging private contractors and neighbouring municipalities a fee to dump snow at City-managed sites, a service that has been free until now, with fees potentially in place by 2030. Officials say 60-70% of snow at these sites comes from the private sector, and introducing fees could free up resources for the City’s own snow removal operations. The City is also exploring automated parking enforcement during snow-related parking bans to improve traffic flow, though questions remain about where displaced vehicles would go. Proactive traffic signals that adjust based on vehicle presence are also under review to reduce delays at intersections and improve overall road efficiency. Councillors expressed renewed interest in these technologies following the fifth-heaviest snowfall on record, emphasizing the need for quicker, safer winter road access. An audit of Edmonton’s snow and ice removal operations is expected in August, which may inform future improvements.
• Edmonton has received roughly half the number of pothole complaints this year compared to 2025, with just under 2,100 notifications submitted to 311, while crews have filled over 18,600 potholes so far. By comparison, early last year the City had more than 4,300 complaints and filled nearly 50,000 potholes. The City maintains five dedicated winter pothole crews, which expand to 15 during the summer, and uses inspections, data, and citizen reports to prioritize repairs. Despite fewer complaints, local mechanics report seeing a steady number of vehicles with significant pothole damage, including bent suspension components and blown tires, with repair costs ranging from $300 to over $1,000. Residents say rough roads, especially near construction zones, are still a concern, and some suggest marking or blocking hazardous potholes until crews can address them. 
• Councillors are reviewing when two-lane arterial roads should be expanded to four lanes, particularly in the city’s outer areas where traffic often exceeds capacity. Currently, the City uses a threshold of 18,000 vehicles per day to trigger widening, but some councillors argue this standard is outdated and contributes to congestion and safety issues. Expanding roads is complicated by the need to secure adjacent land and higher maintenance costs, and building wider roads too early may not be cost-effective if traffic volumes remain low for years. Councillors are considering recalibrating these thresholds, looking at practices from other jurisdictions, and balancing road expansion with long-term transit options to reduce car dependence. While public transit improvements are part of the discussion, some outer neighbourhoods rely heavily on driving, making adequate road capacity essential. Legal limits under the Municipal Government Act also restrict early overbuilding, creating delays before roads meet demand. 

• A new Leger poll finds that most Albertans support Premier Danielle Smith’s immigration-related referendum proposals, including restricting access to health care, education, and other public services to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and provincially approved immigrants. About 63% of respondents supported this restriction, while 64% also backed requiring non-permanent residents to pay a fee for services. Support was broad across regions and political lines, with health care cited as the top concern by 24% of respondents, above the economy, inflation, or separatism.
• Despite a sudden surge in oil prices, Alberta is expected to end the 2025-26 fiscal year with a $4.1-billion deficit. Finance Minister Nate Horner noted that while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices briefly exceeded $114 per barrel, well above the budgeted $60.50, there is insufficient time remaining in the fiscal year to return to a surplus. Recent price volatility is attributed to geopolitical tensions and strikes on Iran. However, the spike is unlikely to trigger the provincial fuel tax relief program by the April 1st deadline, as average prices must exceed $80 to $90 for reductions. Meanwhile, opposition finance critic Court Ellingson has called for the immediate removal of the fuel tax to address inflation and high living costs, as pump prices in Edmonton have risen above $1.50 per litre.
• An Alberta judge has denied an injunction request from the Alberta Teachers' Association to pause the province’s back-to-work legislation that ended last year’s teachers’ strike. The law, passed by the Government of Alberta in October after a three-week walkout, forced more than 51,000 teachers back to work and imposed a four-year contract while invoking the Notwithstanding Clause to shield it from Charter challenges. A judge ruled the union had raised a serious constitutional question about the use of the clause but failed to prove irreparable harm or that granting the injunction would better serve the public interest. The court also found that allowing the injunction could lead to renewed strike action that would negatively affect students and families. While the ruling keeps the legislation in place for now, the broader constitutional challenge to the law is expected to proceed to a full hearing in September. Union leaders say they are disappointed but plan to continue the legal fight, while the Province says the decision supports its use of the notwithstanding clause to maintain classroom stability.
• The Government of Alberta plans to partially fund the construction and expansion of more independent schools through a new capital program proposed in the 2026 provincial budget. The initiative would allocate $90 million over three years to help create space for about 6,000 additional students in independent schools, with institutions required to contribute matching funds. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the program is meant to help address overcrowded classrooms as Alberta’s student population has grown significantly in recent years. The Province is also investing billions to build new public, Catholic, and francophone schools, and officials say expanding independent school capacity can relieve pressure on the broader system. Supporters say the funding could help schools expand faster and meet rising demand.
• Starting March 13th, the Alberta government is increasing traffic fines for the first time since 2015 to improve road safety. Penalties for high-risk behaviors such as excessive speeding, racing, and careless driving will rise by up to 50%, with standard fines increasing from $567 to $852. Distracted driving fines will see a 30% increase, rising from $300 to $390. While demerit points remain unchanged, authorities emphasize that distracted drivers are three times more likely to cause collisions. The policy change follows a series of recent incidents, including 80 pedestrian-involved collisions in Calgary during the first two months of 2026. Beyond the immediate fines, insurance experts noted that these offences can lead to significantly higher premium costs. The Province is also considering further updates to the Traffic Safety Act to enhance protection for all road users.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Learn the basics of Métis flower beadwork and how to bead a Prairie Rose with Métis artist Connie Kulhavy, check out the new exhibit Pysanka & Petrykivka by Daena Diduck and Natalia Stativa-Zharko at the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts, experience Edmonton through the eyes of young artists from racialized backgrounds at Love Letters to YEG, step into a world of joie de vivre as singer Mireille Rijavec and pianist Roxanne Classed bring their signature cabaret back at Brie, Baguette, and a Broad, wake up to spring with a concert celebrating the vibrant and expressive world of handbell music at Uniquely Ours, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Hello BetterInfillers—

The unintended consequences of the sweeping changes imposed by the 2020 City Plan and the subsequent zoning bylaw keep rolling over Edmonton’s neighbourhoods.

That eight-plex being built beside you? Those “rowhouses” planned down the block? Under the city’s de-regulated zoning bylaw, you can’t assume they’ll be rented as apartments. It’s quite possible they’ll be rented by the bedroom, becoming, in effect, lodging houses.

On March 3, Global News ran a story about rooms in new infills being rented by the day and even the hour. These infills were described as seven- or eight-unit buildings, and neighbours were surprised to learn they had up to 32 bedrooms.

With the help of community members, Global reporter Sarah Ryan found unregulated online advertising for these infills in at least two neighbourhoods. The ad began with this: “Are you looking for a room ($35 to $65/night) short term stay in Edmonton, no contract and flexible days/nights, or hourly stays…”. The landlord offered to take cash. (See full text below.)

When interviewed by Global News, councillor Michael Janz said, “That’s a business bylaw issue…owners need to be held accountable.” But accountability doesn’t seem to be coming from city hall. Community members took the issue there months ago and nothing changed. Shortly after Global aired its story the landlord took the ad down.

It’s difficult to see this as just a “business bylaw issue.” After all, it’s the new zoning bylaw under which construction of these buildings is approved. As Rhonda Bell of McKernan told Global News, “When it walks like a duck and moves like a duck and quacks like a duck — at some point people have to call it a duck.”

It’s time to start calling some of these infills what they are --lodging houses-- and treating them accordingly. These aren’t providing homes for families. Lodging houses have a role, but they pose particular issues for fire safety, health, and social impacts, and there are no managers on site. When rooms are rented by the hour and paid for with cash, city hall shouldn’t pretend these are good for the community.

Lodging houses, whether approved or not, are going up in various neighbourhoods. In September, a developer applied for a lodging house in Belgravia, asking for a total of 28 sleeping units on a fifty-foot lot. Under the zoning bylaw, a sleeping unit can have up to two people. A single-family home had stood on the lot, which was in the middle of a block where several new homes had been built, including next door. The new zoning bylaw meant neighbours had no say about the application.

To their credit, the city’s development officer turned down the application because the maximum number of sleeping units allowed for a lodging house under RS zoning is eight.

But here’s the catch: the building was already built. It had been completed in 2024, the first year of the new zoning bylaw. Tenants say they rent by the room and share bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas, which sounds like a de facto lodging house.

Neighbours are left with a series of questions:

🡪 How was a building with more than twenty-five bedrooms, with shared kitchens and bathrooms, allowed to be built when lodging houses are restricted to a maximum of eight sleeping units with two people each?

🡪 Was the building built in accordance with the plans submitted to the city?

🡪What is happening at the location now? Is it being run as an illegal lodging house? Are city inspectors visiting the site to enforce bylaws?

Infill like this is happening for a reason. Edmonton was built around neighbourhoods, but the 2020 City Plan eliminated neighbourhoods from the planning process. It was part of the blanket zoning, one-size-fits-all, de-regulate infill mindset of the times, and Edmonton took it to an extreme in Canada. As a result, at city hall it doesn’t much matter what happens next door, or on your block, or in your neighbourhood, because that’s not part of the plan.

And yet, what the city allows to happen next door makes all the difference.

--from the team at BetterInfill

See the full Global News story here: https://globalnews.ca/news/11715263/edmonton-infills-rooming-house/

Double click on the image below to get the full text of the ad referred to in the Global News story.

• The Utility Committee will meet on Monday at 9:30 am. On the agenda is the Waste Reduction Roadmap ‘30, a five-year plan running from 2026 to 2030 aimed at cutting residential waste per person to 14% below 2019 levels. The roadmap builds on earlier efforts that already reduced waste per person by about 10% by 2025 and forms part of the City’s longer-term goal to achieve a 20% reduction by 2044. The plan includes 14 actions across 5 focus areas, such as making it easier to donate and reuse items, encouraging reusable food containers, reducing waste at public events, preventing food waste at home, and cutting waste from City operations. Initiatives under the plan include a curbside giveaway weekend pilot, promoting reusable cups and foodware, expanding donation drop-off opportunities, and providing tools to help events operate with less waste. Developing the plan involved research across dozens of jurisdictions and engagement with more than 5,000 residents and organizations. The program is expected to cost about $1.5 million over five years, with $300,000 already allocated for 2026.
• The Council Services Committee will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am. The agenda includes a report on options for office upgrades within the Office of the Councillors. Following a December 2025 motion, Administration consulted with councillors between January and February 2026 to identify needs and priorities. Feedback highlighted inequities in lighting and cable services, preferences for flexible workspaces, concerns about wall and window coverings, and a lack of clarity around budgets for maintenance. Current policy allows some discretionary expenses through the ward budget for communications, furnishings, and decor, while the common budget covers office furnishings with a total annual maximum of $11,278 for all 12 offices. Larger projects, such as structural changes, would require coordination through Integrated Infrastructure Services. The report also recommends exploring dedicated budget line items for accessibility and maintenance to address individual needs and provide clearer funding guidance, noting that annual budget carry-forwards cannot be used for these purposes.
• Edmonton officials say property tax revenue is now being used to cover a growing funding gap in traffic safety after provincial restrictions significantly reduced photo radar use. Previously, revenue from automated traffic enforcement helped cover the costs of traffic safety programs, keeping the system largely revenue neutral, but changes introduced by the Alberta government have sharply reduced those funds. City Administrators estimate the program will face a $4.4-million deficit in 2026 and an ongoing annual shortfall of about $14.7 million. Mayor Andrew Knack said the City has limited options to fund traffic safety and that property taxes are currently the only way to make up the lost revenue. The City plans to present a new long-term funding proposal later this year while also adapting to the new rules, including investing in road design changes such as speed bumps and curb extensions. Knack also suggested the Province should reconsider its restrictions on photo radar, arguing the tool previously helped reduce dangerous driving and improve road safety.
• Chinatown businesses are urging City Council to restore street parking on 101 Street, saying the removal of parking spaces to create a dedicated bus lane is hurting local shops. A representative speaking for business owners said many customers, particularly seniors with mobility challenges, relied on the street parking and are now forced to park in nearby alleys that face issues with garbage and disorder. Some Councillors indicated the decision could still be reviewed at a committee meeting later in March, with Mayor Andrew Knack suggesting the bus lane might only be necessary during peak hours. At the same time, the City is considering several proposals as part of a broader Chinatown revitalization plan, including installing surveillance cameras, hiring a dedicated cleaning team, adding secure waste bins, and building a staffed public washroom. The proposals could cost around $5 million, with the largest expense being a $3.3-million camera system to improve safety. Council is also exploring changes to the 97 Street overpass, which community members say divides the neighbourhood and hinders revitalization efforts.
• Edmonton is planning a busy 2026 road construction season with 109 projects scheduled, including 28 road projects, three bridge upgrades, and 78 utility-related works across the city. Officials say the extensive work is needed to maintain infrastructure and accommodate rapid population growth that has added more than 100,000 residents and tens of thousands of vehicles. To reduce disruptions, the City plans to expand a pilot program that closes certain intersections so crews can work around the clock, after most pilot projects were completed ahead of schedule. Some projects have been postponed, including repairs to the Low Level Bridge and work on 107 Avenue, which have been pushed to 2027 to limit congestion. The City will instead prioritize projects such as the Wellington Bridge, sections of Terwillegar Drive, and major arterial road upgrades. Drivers should still expect delays on several key routes, including the Yellowhead Trail, Whitemud Drive, and areas affected by ongoing LRT expansion projects. Officials say while the City will try to avoid overlapping construction zones, some disruptions are unavoidable due to years of deferred infrastructure maintenance.

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ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors will review the waste reduction roadmap for the next four years, vote on rezoning applications, and continue planning the 2027-2030 budget.

There is a utility committee meeting on March 9, a public hearing on March 10, a council services committee meeting on March 11, a city manager and city auditor performance evaluation committee meeting on March 12, and a special city council meeting on March 13.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• Utility committee will be asked to approve the 2026-2030 Waste Reduction Roadmap. Administration said it aims to pilot a Curbside Giveaway Weekend where residents are encouraged to place items on the curb with a “free” sign for others to take. Such programs exist in Winnipeg and Spruce Grove. The roadmap also calls for a circular foodware pilot where businesses and event planners provide reusable dishes and cups. Administration intends to research how it can be easier for businesses to borrow reusable items.
• A preliminary waste characterization study suggests that more food scraps are being sorted out of the garbage collected from apartments and condos. In 2022, before administration rolled out green cart and recycling collection to some multi-unit buildings, food scraps made up about 45% of garbage collected from apartments and condos. In 2025, that number was 39%. There was also a decrease in Eco Station waste, such as electronics, building materials, and bulky items. However, the amount of recyclable material in the garbage stream increased.
• Council will review a rezoning application at 7404 108 Street NW. There is a seven-unit complex on the site. The applicant has applied to rezone the property to the small-medium scale transition residential zone, which would allow for a three-storey building with larger site coverage. Administration supports the application because the lot is a corner site near a secondary corridor. Some residents in Queen Alexandra oppose it because they feel a larger building could lead to more parking congestion and would not fit with the neighbourhood’s character.
• There is a lack of clarity regarding the budget for furniture and equipment maintenance in the office of the councillors, says a report that will be presented to council services committee. Administration has outlined adjustments to the budget available for the office of the councillors. The report said that the ward budget in Edmonton is about $2 per constituent, compared to $3 to $7.50 in other large Canadian cities. The proposed adjustment is included in a private document and will not be considered until the 2027-2030 budget deliberations at the end of the year.
• City departments will continue presentations at a special city council meeting on March 13 as part of the new results-based budget process.

• Alberta and the federal government have reached an agreement that would give the Province greater authority over environmental and impact assessments for major infrastructure projects. Under the deal, Ottawa will recognize Alberta as best positioned to lead reviews for projects primarily under provincial jurisdiction, while federal and provincial regulators will coordinate assessments for projects that involve both levels of government. Both governments say the goal is to streamline approvals and reduce duplication, allowing projects such as pipelines, rail, and power infrastructure to move forward more quickly. The agreement builds on a previous memorandum of understanding between the two governments and is similar to arrangements Ottawa has signed with other provinces.
• Alberta’s utilities regulator has rejected a proposal to build a natural gas power plant that would supply electricity to a massive AI data centre complex planned for Olds. The Alberta Utilities Commission said the application contained significant deficiencies, including incomplete information, inconsistencies in documents, and insufficient environmental and noise assessments. The proposed 1.4-gigawatt facility - intended to power what the developer called Canada’s largest data centre campus - would have generated roughly enough electricity to power a city the size of Edmonton. Residents near the proposed site had raised concerns about noise, water use, environmental impacts, and limited consultation, with some saying they only learned about the project after it was announced by the provincial government. While the decision blocks the project for now, the developer is allowed to submit a new application that addresses the regulator’s concerns.
• Alberta’s Transportation Minister says the Province will release its long-awaited passenger rail master plan within the next few weeks. The plan is expected to outline proposals for a high-speed rail connection between Edmonton and Calgary, including links to both cities’ international airports. Officials say the corridor is a priority because about 80% of Alberta’s population lives between the two cities. Passenger rail in the region has been discussed for more than a decade and could still take many years to build. The provincial government previously announced plans to create a Crown corporation to oversee rail development as population growth increases pressure on highways. The Minister also emphasized that private sector investment will play a key role in making the project a reality.
• Alberta’s government is scrapping its controversial value-based wine tax after just one year, a move welcomed by retailers and the hospitality industry. The tax, introduced in the previous budget, added extra charges based on the price of a bottle, meaning more expensive wines were taxed more heavily. In the latest provincial budget, the government announced it will return to a standard volume-based tax starting April 1st, though the rate will increase by $0.58 per litre. Officials say the tax proved unpopular and generated far less revenue than expected, bringing in about $10 million instead of the projected $22 - $23 million annually. Industry representatives say the tax discouraged purchases of higher-end wines and hurt a niche segment of the market. 
• Alberta MLAs are now operating under a revised set of legislative rules after the government passed changes to the assembly’s standing orders. One major change replaces the old time allocation process with “programming motions,” allowing cabinet ministers to set a fixed number of debate hours covering multiple stages of a bill. The rules also limit opposition MLAs to three written questions at a time and extend the government’s timeline to respond, potentially up to 120 sitting days. Another change restricts each caucus or independent MLA to one request per day for an urgent or emergency debate. Finally, starting March 19th, Thursday sittings will begin earlier at 10:00 am and end at 2:30 pm, a change intended to help MLAs return to their constituencies sooner. The government says the changes will increase debate time and improve efficiency, while the Opposition argues they could limit scrutiny and reduce meaningful debate.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Enjoy a collaborative singer-in-the-round concert celebrating the women in the Folkways Records catalogue, attend the opening reception of BEING by Natalie Gerber at Alberta Craft, get transported to the magical Land of Oz in the Citadel’s enchanting retelling of The Wizard of Oz, celebrate one of the most radical and influential figures of postwar experimental music at Ghosts in the Machine: A Celebration of David Tudor’s 100th Year, recognize International Women’s Day with a concert featuring powerhouse RIWO, watch all of the 2026 OSCAR® nominated Animation Shorts at the Edmonton International Film Festival’s annual OSCAR® Nominated Short Films Fundraiser, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Hello KEP neighbours!

As our new board begins working together, you may notice ongoing updates and changes to our programs, facilities, and communications. We appreciate your patience and input as we strive to make KEP an even more welcoming, active, and safe community.

March may still feel like winter here in King Edward Park, but there’s plenty of ways to stay active, connected, and involved this month.

Community Survey (Closing March 13th)

This survey is critical to helping us prioritize programming, communications, and operational improvements as a new board.

Items: 

• KEP Fun Facts 
• Community Engagement Opportunity: Duncan Innes Park
• Reminders
• ODR Update
• Community Swim Update
• Stay Connected

KEP Fun Facts

King Edward Park is a strong and vibrant community with a rich history of community engagement:

• Approximately 5,000 people live in King Edward Park.
• KEP had the first community league hall in Edmonton in 1923!
• Earlier this month, the league shared that they may have to dissolve if they could not find more volunteers. A Special General Meeting was called, requiring at least 15 attendees and 8 board members to continue. Last weekend neighbours absolutely packed the hall, with a line out the door, to elect the new board and ensure the league continues.

Community leagues offer vital programming year-round, events, and opportunities to celebrate and connect with one another. None of this would be possible without dedicated volunteers who care about their community and want to make it a better place for everyone.

Thanks to everyone who attended the meeting, to the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues for facilitating the elections, to the outgoing board members, and to the new board members who have stepped up.

Share Your Favourite Thing About KEP! What makes King Edward Park special to you?

👉 Reply to this email with a fun fact, favourite memory, or community tip. We’ll highlight submissions in next month’s newsletter.

Engagement Opportunity

Duncan Innes Park is getting a new playground and the City is looking for input on the design! Meet the project team at an in-person event at Spirit of Hope Church on March 7th between 12 and 2pm to check out options and help select a preferred playground design. Please feel free to share the attached poster with interested parties!

Reminders

Snow & Sidewalk Safety ❄️

Spring is still a few weeks away, and many of our sidewalks remain snowy or icy. Let’s look out for one another: it’s tough to walk safely on an unshoveled sidewalk even for those without mobility challenges — and especially difficult for seniors, folks with disabilities, families with strollers, and neighbours recovering from injuries.

Rink at Duncan Innes Park Still Open!

Our full-size outdoor rink at Duncan Innes Park (8008 – 81 St) remains open daily, weather permitting, from sunrise to 11 PM.

Some friendly reminders while enjoying the ice:

• Helmets are strongly encouraged for everyone
• Please remove nets and scrapers after use so they don’t freeze into the surface
• Push shovelled snow toward the south boards — this helps keep the ice smooth for others

Let’s keep our outdoor rink a fun and respectful space for all who visit!

🏊 Community Swim Update

Community swim continues during March! Due to pool closures, swim times have shifted:

• Commonwealth: Sundays 1–3 PM
• The Meadows Recreation Centre: Friday 6–8 PM

Swims are free with your community league membership. Haven’t joined yet? Details on how to sign up are below.

With Bonnie Doon pool closed again from February 2, 2026 - April 7, 2026.

The league has moved the swim to the Meadows with the exception of the following March 21, 28 and April 3 and 4

KEP League Membership 

Have you purchased your 2026 membership yet?

For just $20, you get big benefits: access to community swims, complimentary Tool Library membership (with proof), free skating at the outdoor rink, free or discounted City recreation passes, and more. 

Ways to purchase:

• Online: CLICK HERE

Stay Connected

Stay Connected

• Email: kep.membership@gmail.com 
• Website: KingEdwardPark.org 

ON TAP

Stephanie SWensrude

This week, councillors will begin hearing presentations about the 2027-2030 budget, review a new attainable housing incentive, and get an update on the Chinatown Strategy.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on March 2, an urban planning committee meeting on March 3, an executive committee meeting on March 4, and a special city council meeting on March 5 and 6.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• City departments will begin delivering presentations at a special city council meeting on March 5 and 6 as part of the new results-based budget process. Staff will present an overview of the branch with a line-by-line budget and information on the funding model, key drivers of cost increases, structural budget variances, staffing composition, outputs and deliverables, services and service levels, benchmark comparisons with other municipalities, and audit information, where applicable. The presentations are expected to continue throughout March and will give council an overview of department and branch budgets before it decides on the four-year budget in December.
• Council’s executive committee will review the Downtown Attainable Housing Incentive, which is expected to fund between 570 and 850 units fixed at 30% of Edmonton’s median renter income. The incentive would be funded through the extended downtown community revitalization levy and is structured as a 10-year tax rebate. Applicants are required to construct a new rental building with at least 25% of units meeting the attainable housing criteria for at least 10 years. Executive committee is expected to recommend a course of action to council, which will make the final decision at a future meeting.
• Executive committee will review a report weighing the benefits and drawbacks of selling a parcel of land in the Edmonton Research Park to Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation for a nominal fee. API leased two parcels from the city for $1 starting in 2023, and has requested an unconditional nominal-value land sale without development timelines to help it obtain financing to complete its new facility. The sale would increase property tax revenue for the city, help remove barriers to research-intensive economic development, and finalize the sale or lease of the last parcel of city-owned land in the research park. However, the report said, the sale comes with reputational risk and creates preferential treatment within the city’s biotechnology leasing program.
• Construction of the new Harbin Gate in Chinatown is expected to begin soon, according to an annual update on the city’s Chinatown Strategy. The previous gate was removed in 2017 during construction of the Valley Line Southeast LRT. The new gate will be built on 97 Street between Jasper Avenue and 101A Avenue, where the original Chinatown began. Administration said the Chinatown Transformation Collaborative is working with the University of Alberta to create a tourism strategy for the neighbourhood. The report also highlights achievements from 2025. The city renovated Mary Burlie Park, worked with the Chinatown Business Improvement Association to retain businesses, and advanced neighbourhood renewal with a focus on walkability, accessibility, and streetscape quality. Executive committee will review the update on March 4. Applications for the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund closed on Feb. 28. Council has directed administration to bring options for extending the fund to the 2027-2030 budget deliberations in December.

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• This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Community and Public Services Committee. The agenda includes an overview of complaints and enforcement related to election signage during the 2025 municipal general election. Between March and November 2025, the City received approximately 240 complaints, resulting in 135 warnings and no tickets, reflecting recent changes to the provincial Election Act that limit municipal authority over election signs. By comparison, 298 complaints were recorded during the 2021 election, when three tickets and 26 warnings were issued. Election sign concerns were handled by Community Standards Peace Officers as part of their regular duties, with no overtime or additional staffing deployed despite increased workload during the election period. Officers focused largely on education and compliance, and upcoming bylaw amendments will clarify that the City’s Public Spaces Bylaw does not apply to election signage, aligning municipal rules with provincial legislation.
• The Executive Committee will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am. The Committee will receive an update on Edmonton’s Chinatown Strategy, a long-term, community-driven framework supporting revitalization, cultural vibrancy, economic development, and safety. In 2025, the City focused on community-led cultural programming, business support, and advancement of public realm projects, including the Chinatown Gate, Mary Burlie Park renewal, and streetscape improvements. Council renewed the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund, providing $480,000 annually to support festivals, public art, and initiatives like Chinatown Dining Week, Lunar New Year, and the new Chinatown Chow Down culinary experiences. The Chinatown Transformation Collaborative delivered guided food tours, cultural workshops, and participated in international events, engaging over 1,000 participants. Administration also advanced the Public Space Management Framework to support year-round activation, cleanliness, safety, and community partnerships, while maintaining quarterly coordination with the Chinatown BIA and Chinese Benevolent Association. Safety and public order remained a priority, and Administration plans to continue funding and monitor outcomes through a performance report card. Future steps include implementing funded initiatives and developing a tourism strategy.
• The Committee will also discuss a proposed Downtown Attainable Housing Incentive Program to encourage new residential development in the downtown core, addressing high construction costs and low rental rates that have limited development without support. The program offers developers a tax rebate grant for up to 10 years based on the proportion of units classified as attainable, rented at no more than 30% of median renter income, with a minimum of 25% of units required to qualify. Funded through the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) with an initial $30 million budget, the program is expected to support 570 to 850 attainable units and up to 3,400 total units, leveraging private investment and creating construction jobs. The program will be monitored annually to ensure effectiveness and adjust to market conditions. While it aims to increase downtown population and economic activity, it does not specifically target households in core housing need.
• City Council has set four key strategic priorities for its current four-year term: economic development, growth management, quality services, and safety, guided by the principles of affordability, fiscal sustainability, and relationship-driven governance. Mayor Andrew Knack emphasized that the process was about focusing on what matters most rather than trying to tackle every issue, allowing the City to align its budget, measure progress, and hold Council and administration accountable. Council plans to set metrics to ensure the City Manager and administration follow the strategic direction, with public reporting to show progress and explain any shortcomings. The goal is to limit priorities to help prevent distractions from day-to-day concerns, support clear decision-making on motions and budget allocations, and provide voters with a clear framework to evaluate Council performance in the next election. Knack highlighted the distinction between Council governance and City Administration operations, noting that clear direction is needed to assess effectiveness. 
• On Thursday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Special City Council Meeting. Administration will present detailed budget information from various departments and branches to City Council to support decision-making for the 2027-2030 budget. These presentations will cover branch overviews, funding models, cost drivers, staffing, services, service levels, and, where possible, comparisons with other municipalities. The purpose is to provide Council with the foundational knowledge needed to make informed decisions in the next budget cycle, rather than to debate the current budget. Additional meetings will take place, if required, on March 6th, 13th, 24th, 25th, and 27th.

• Alberta’s 2026 budget projects a $9.4-billion deficit, marking a second straight year deep in the red and setting up four consecutive deficits, which would violate the Province’s own fiscal framework limiting consecutive shortfalls. Finance Minister Nate Horner acknowledged the difficult outlook and signalled the government may revisit its fiscal rules as revenues decline, largely due to a $3.1-billion drop in non-renewable resource income tied to lower oil price forecasts. Total revenue is expected to fall to $74.6 billion, while expenses rise to $83.9 billion, driven in part by increased spending in education, health, and social services. The Province’s total debt is projected to climb to $128.7 billion in 2026-27, with further increases anticipated in the following years and growing debt-servicing costs. The budget also includes tax and fee hikes, such as higher education property taxes and a new 6% vehicle rental tax.
• Alberta is advancing plans for its Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS) through Bill 15, which would allow roughly 600 sheriffs already performing “police-like” duties to become fully trained police officers with six weeks of additional training. The legislation transfers the staff and budget of the Alberta Sheriffs branch to the new Crown corporation, while the remaining sheriffs continue roles like courthouse security and prisoner transport. Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis framed the move as enhancing safety and providing faster response times, but critics have raised concerns about training adequacy, recruitment challenges, cost transparency, and potential overwork for sheriffs who don’t transition. The government says that the new service supplements rather than replaces the RCMP.
• Alberta’s government plans to introduce legislation this spring giving the Province greater control over immigration and regulating medical assistance in dying (MAID). House Leader Joseph Schow said the immigration bill would license international recruiters and increase oversight of employers hiring foreign workers, aiming for a fair and transparent process. The MAID legislation would restrict access for certain groups, including mature minors, individuals with only a mental health condition, adults without decision-making capacity, and those making advanced requests, while strengthening oversight of health-care workers involved. Other legislation will address major projects, red tape reduction, and the potential creation of an independent provincial police service. The spring sitting is scheduled to run until May 14th.
• Half of the recall petitions launched against United Conservative Party MLAs have now failed, with four more efforts recently falling short, according to Elections Alberta. One of the unsuccessful campaigns targeted Agriculture Minister R.J. Sigurdson, gathering only about 9% of the nearly 16,000 signatures required to trigger a vote in his riding. Petitions against other caucus members, including Muhammad Yaseen and Speaker Ric McIver, also failed to meet the threshold, while one effort was withdrawn before the deadline. There are still 12 active petitions against UCP members, including one aimed at the premier, as well as two targeting Alberta NDP MLAs. Many petition organizers cited concerns over the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause and dissatisfaction with local representation. To force a recall vote, organizers must collect signatures equal to 60% of ballots cast in the 2023 election within a three-month window.
• Alberta is once again challenging Ottawa’s Impact Assessment Act in court, arguing that the federal law oversteps constitutional boundaries by regulating projects like pipelines, mines, and ports that fall primarily under provincial jurisdiction. The legislation, enacted in 2019 and amended after a Supreme Court ruling, is intended to assess environmental, economic, health, and social impacts of major projects, but Alberta contends its core purpose remains unconstitutional. Environmental group Ecojustice is intervening to defend the Act, emphasizing that it promotes responsible decision-making rather than blocking development, while the Canadian Constitution Foundation supports Alberta’s position, citing provincial control over local resources. The legal dispute comes amid efforts to expand energy infrastructure and exports, including a recently signed energy agreement between Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney covering pipelines and carbon capture projects.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Enjoy an exclusive presentation and celebration of G. F. Handel’s rarely performed oratorio, Hercules!, celebrate Black History Month through the art of figure drawing in a workshop with Shaihiem Small, join the Edmonton Youth Orchestra for the Thelma Johannes O’Neill Memorial concert, check out FAVA FEST 2026 that shines a spotlight on the depth and diversity of talent within the local film community, and so much more!

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