Reg Rygus

We're in our summer season but the news doesn't stop for a holiday. For one perspective of Millwoods news here's the latest Millwoods Mosaic.

This week, council committees will hear updates from administration on the city’s supply of industrial land, debate a new policy for street design, and explore options for what would have been the ArtsCommon project.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on June 16, an urban planning committee meeting on June 17, and an executive committee meeting on June 18.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• Edmonton has 230 hectares of shovel-ready industrial land, 1,150 hectares of partially serviced industrial land, and 7,000 hectares of land that are vacant and can be developed or is planned for development, according to an update on the Industrial Investment Action Plan that will be presented to council’s executive committee on June 18. The update said there are 747 vacant industrial sites in the city. To streamline approval processes for non-residential investment, administration has created a program that will provide new proposals for industrial buildings that meet certain criteria a guaranteed timeline of 40 days for development and partial building permits. Administration has also worked with 12 regional partners to create a collaborative economic development program where Edmonton could invest in non-residential sites outside of its boundaries. Municipalities would share in the costs of making a site shovel-ready and also share in the resulting revenue. The action plan was developed to address Edmonton’s decreasing share of non-residential land in the region. Such land is critical to the city’s finances because industrial land is taxed at a higher rate than residential properties and can therefore lessen the tax burden on residents.
• Administration has prepared amendments to the Complete Streets policy, which will guide Complete Streets design and construction standards. The amendments align the policy with other new city documents like the City Plan, Accessibility for People with Disabilities Policy, and the Energy Transition and Climate Resiliency Strategy.
• Administration intends to list the property that would have held the ArtsCommon 118 development for sale, according to a report set to be presented to council’s executive committee on June 18. The city will place conditions on the sale that encourage developers to align with the original vision for the community-based arts facility, and will accept proposals for about six months. Developers will be required to start construction within two years and complete the project within four years of closing. Administration will return to council with a summary of the proposals. The ArtsCommon project, in the works since at least 2018, was planned to create 78 live-work artist studios, two floors of market space for artists, performance spaces, a rooftop garden, and industrial kitchen space at the corner of 118 Avenue NW and 92 Street NW.
• The Edmonton Arts Council gave artists and collectives nearly 20% less money in 2024 than it did in 2023, according to numbers within an update on the Connections & Exchanges arts and heritage plan that will be presented to city council next week. As the update shows, the total amount provided to artists and collectives through grants in 2024 was $3.4 million, or 18% less than the $4.2 million provided in 2023. Nearly 1,100 individuals and collectives applied for EAC grants in 2024, and 254 were successful. More than 60% of the successful applicants self-identify as Indigenous or from another equity-deserving group, the report said. Funding to arts festivals and organizations declined, too, but less drastically, falling from $11 million in 2023 to $10.7 million in 2024, according to the report, or a 2.7% decrease. The report also includes updates from the Edmonton Heritage Council. That organization updated the Edmonton Commonwealth Walkway digital story map with 46 Indigenous stories. The council also convened 30 Edmontonians who are interested in saving the old Royal Alberta Museum building from demolition. Lastly, the report contains updates from Arts Habitat Edmonton, which reopened the rehabilitated Ortona Armoury Building in July 2024.
• The budget for the Edmonton Convention Centre and the EXPO Centre cannot be absorbed into city-wide budgets without a decrease in the level of service at the facilities, according to a report set to be presented to council’s executive committee on June 18. Council had asked administration to analyze if it could take over the operating and maintenance costs for those buildings from Explore Edmonton.
• The former home of Ernest William Morehouse, an architect who heavily influenced the early development of the Highlands neighbourhood, could be designated a municipal historic resource. The current owner of the home would receive about $53,000 to rehabilitate the property. If executive committee approves the designation at a meeting on June 18, it will go to council for a final vote.
• Council’s urban planning committee will examine the environmental impact assessment for the replacement of the Mill Creek trestle bridge and culvert under 76 Avenue NW. The project involves daylighting Mill Creek, as the culvert will be replaced with a vehicle bridge. The report said the project is expected to have minor environmental impacts. The committee will also review the environmental impact assessment for the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance skills park, which is planned for Queen Elizabeth Park. The assessment said the park is expected to have low to moderate impact on the environment, as it is proposed to be located on the site of a former wastewater treatment facility that was demolished and reclaimed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• On Monday, at 9:30 am, the Community and Public Services Committee will meet. The Committee will receive a report outlining Edmonton’s current parking ban enforcement strategies and four options for future improvements. The goal is to encourage voluntary compliance to improve safety and enable efficient snow clearing and street sweeping. Currently, five temporary officers enforce winter bans without towing capacity or spring enforcement funding. One-time funding in 2022 allowed a more proactive program with additional staff and towing, but this was not continued. The four options range from maintaining the status quo at $274,000 annually to adding towing for an estimated extra $100,000, increasing staff and towing capacity for about $1 million, and finally using an external enforcement contract with towing for over $1.5 million per year. Public input called for stricter enforcement and clearer signage, and the City is developing tools to focus on low-compliance areas.
• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, the Urban Planning Committee will consider amendments to Edmonton’s Business Licence Bylaw aimed at modernizing the fire inspection process for new business licences. Under the new approach, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) would no longer be required to complete consultations before a business licence is issued. Instead, internal notifications will be used, allowing most businesses to begin operations more quickly. The City’s business licensing team would simply notify EFRS once a business licence is issued. Data from 2022 to 2024 showed that 90% of inspections found no issues, while only 0.2% required serious intervention. EFRS will still conduct inspections and respond to complaints, particularly for higher-risk categories. The changes are expected to reduce delays, support economic development, and improve equity in access to business opportunities. Council approval would trigger immediate implementation.
• Edmonton faces a $4.4 billion need to renew and renovate roads, bridges, and City buildings between 2027 and 2030, but Council currently lacks $1.8 billion to cover these costs. Outgoing Mayor Amarjeet Sohi criticized past administrations for delaying investments, while Councillor Tim Cartmell argues that inefficiencies and overspending on unnecessary infrastructure improvements contribute to the problem. Cartmell is calling for a thorough review of the infrastructure budget, citing examples like costly fire stations and overly extensive sidewalk projects. However, Councillor Erin Rutherford says that the City has already examined these issues and that calls for more spending are political tactics. Rutherford supports a new property tax levy aimed at funding infrastructure renewal but warns that future austerity measures could worsen the problem. A special infrastructure committee will begin meeting in late June to address these challenges. Meanwhile, the provincial government asserts it has increased funding to Edmonton through grants and promises more support ahead.
• Two businesses in Edmonton’s Belgravia neighbourhood report sales have dropped between 20% to 50% due to an ongoing EPCOR construction project for a new mid-to-high-rise apartment. The project has closed a key westbound entrance on 76 Avenue, limiting access and deterring customers. Residents and business owners express growing frustration as multiple developments have turned the area into a near-constant construction zone. Belgravia is a busy area near the University of Alberta and the Cross Cancer Institute, serving as a main route to the south side, causing significant traffic congestion. Community leaders say exiting the neighbourhood can take up to 30 minutes during peak times. Council acknowledged the congestion partly stems from the Capital LRT line being built at ground level, a decision with long-term impacts. While the construction is expected to finish by the end of June, a traffic study is planned to address longer-term issues.
• A natural wetland called Poplar Lake, or Klarvatten Wetland, in north Edmonton has suddenly dried up, leaving residents puzzled and concerned. The shallow body of water, which supported diverse wildlife including 21 bird species, had been a stable feature for decades, and water levels were controlled to maintain the wildlife's habitat. However, the water began dropping about two years ago and disappeared completely about two weeks ago, leaving only mud and vegetation behind. The lake is a natural feature, unlike man-made stormwater ponds managed by EPCOR. EPCOR investigated recent local projects and found that their drinking water infrastructure upgrade last fall did not impact the lake. Now, EPCOR is exploring ways to help restore water levels by possibly diverting water from a nearby stormwater pond, while ensuring no harm to wastewater systems or the environment. Residents continue to seek answers as officials work on potential solutions.

• Premier Danielle Smith says the Province is actively seeking private-sector partners to build a new crude oil pipeline to the West Coast, potentially ending in Prince Rupert. Smith emphasized that no company will proceed without a clear path to regulatory approval, criticizing federal policies like the tanker ban and emissions cap as key obstacles. Smith encouraged attendees of the Global Energy Show, where she was speaking, to pressure Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to support major infrastructure as part of his “energy superpower” vision. She’s also exploring export options via the East Coast and Hudson Bay, praising Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew for supporting oil shipments through Churchill. While Trans Mountain remains the only westbound pipeline to tidewater, Smith argued that additional routes are essential to diversify markets beyond the United States.
• Speaking of Premier Smith, her approval rating has risen to 51%, the highest since she took office in 2022, according to recent Angus Reid polling. While most provincial premiers saw declining support, Smith and Manitoba’s Wab Kinew were the only leaders with month-over-month increases. Smith’s rise coincides with her increased profile on the national and international stage, including visits to Mar-a-Lago and advocacy on oil and gas issues. Despite the improved rating, polling shows Smith remains one of Canada’s most polarizing premiers, with Albertans sharply split in their opinions: about a third strongly support her, while a slightly larger share strongly disapprove.
• The 2025 G7 Summit is underway in Kananaskis, bringing together world leaders to address pressing global challenges like security, economic instability, and climate-related disasters. Prime Minister Mark Carney, hosting for the first time, has outlined priorities including foreign interference, critical mineral supply chains, wildfire response, and securing new investment partnerships. Invited guests include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and world conflicts are expected to dominate discussions. Security is extremely tight for the summit, with the RCMP managing Canada’s largest-ever domestic security operation, including drone defenses and wildfire monitoring. Protesters will be kept far from the site but allowed to livestream their demonstrations into the summit.
• A recent report claims that Alberta’s new cleanup rules for renewable energy projects, introduced in early 2024, are making the province less competitive for investment. These regulations require developers to provide a substantial upfront reclamation security - 30% initially, increasing to 60% after 15 years - to cover future site cleanup costs like dismantling equipment and restoring vegetation. The Business Renewables Centre-Canada found Alberta’s upfront financial demands to be the highest among 27 jurisdictions, especially since the rules don’t consider the salvage value of materials like metals and concrete. Alberta’s government says the new policies aim to avoid past mistakes seen in oil and gas cleanup liabilities, but critics say clearer, more balanced regulations are needed to maintain investor confidence.
• Premier Danielle Smith has renewed her criticism of former federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, now Heritage Minister, calling him out for trying to create new federally protected parks in Alberta that could block pipeline and energy projects. Smith says she will not agree to any new federal parks in the province and insisted that any protected areas should be managed provincially instead. Guilbeault, responsible for Parks Canada, denied the claim, emphasizing that park approvals involve collaboration with Indigenous groups, provinces, and local governments, not unilateral federal decisions. Smith pointed to past cases where Ottawa bypassed Alberta’s government to work directly with municipalities on park creation, which led to a provincial law requiring consent for urban park expansions. Critics also blame Guilbeault for poor management of Jasper National Park before the devastating wildfires in 2024 and for sidelining provincial officials during recovery efforts.

The City is going to require about $4.4 billion for infrastructure renewal from 2027-30. The problem that creates is now becoming evident, the City is approximately $1.8 billion short and that has fueled comments and controversy that I'm sure will grow and intensify during this election season and beyond.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Join local artist Eunju Park to create meaningful art using Hanji (traditional Korean paper) and Hangul (the Korean alphabet) at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse, learn all about hybrid publishing in a free webinar with Wild Skies Press, check out a heart-led showcase that celebrates the voices, visions, and creations of emerging local artists at The Bloom Room, enjoy a late-night offering of ‘60s-era spiritual jazz with Biboye Onanuga at the Yardbird Suite, join artist and storyteller Naomi Steinberg for stories and a signing of her book, Goosefeather — Once Upon a Cartographic Adventure at Audreys Books, attend Script Salon for the reading of Last Supper, a new play by Conni Massing, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has voted once again to proceed towards a teacher strike.

A neutral mediator had proposed a 3% pay increase retroactive to September 1st, 2024, another 3% increase on September 1st of this year, and another 3% increase in 2026.

She also proposed more generous sick leave, group health benefits, northern and remote allowances, and so on.

The mediator even proposed that each school division be required to establish a “Complexity and Inclusion Working Group” to address local class size and complexity concerns.

This proposal was rejected by the ATA and then they ratified their intention to strike.

Indeed, with most teachers in Alberta required by law to join and pay dues to the ATA, whether they'd like to or not, the ATA has every incentive to occasionally threaten or carry out strike actions.

Because there is no free market in teaching services, there is no way to find the correct wages for a teacher without the blunt instruments of strikes and threats of strikes, holding student learning hostage.

Not that this guarantees that teachers get what they deserve, either, since the government also has a very blunt instrument: they can legislate teachers back to work.

So, we have a system that ensures nothing like fairness, but does ensure families with kids in school, who don't get a seat at the table, are held in the balance from time to time.

And let's be clear, the cost to families and their students is substantial!

Studies of the impact of teacher strikes have found that they:

1. lower immediate test scores,
2. increase absenteeism,
3. reduce the life-long education students attempt to receive,
4. harm life-long earnings for students, and
5. hurt immediate earnings for the family of the student.

School closures during COVID-19 were, at some times and places, difficult to distinguish from teacher strikes (including even some demands to abolish charter schools before teachers returned to the classroom).

Sure enough, a flurry of research all over the world confirms the same harms applied in these recent school stoppages, as well.

The major difference in a teacher strike is that they are unlikely to offer remote schooling (for the little good that did).

If a student's school is closed, the money should follow that child to any education their family chooses to fill the gaps!

Then their school would have an incentive to cater to the needs of the families who actually pay the salaries under dispute and entrust our most precious children to their supervision.

Importantly, the government would also lack a perverse incentive to keep wages down and endure occasional strikes, in which they don't spend money educating your kid.

Instead of being caught in the crossfire of regular labour disputes they are not a party to, families and their students should have an Education Continuity Allowance.

These could be used towards a school that is open and willing to take the child, tutoring, temporary home education materials, an online course, hands-on training in a profession, or any combination of these.

With the money that would already be spent on a given child, families should decide how best to replace the education opportunity torn away from the child by squabbling adults!

We're calling on the Government of Alberta to strike-proof Alberta students by introducing an Education Continuity Allowance.

If you agree, sign our petition to Strike-Proof Alberta Students today:

SIGN THE PETITION

Putting Children at the Center of Education, Not Just the Middle of Education Disputes,

Better Edmonton officially launched a slate of candidates for October's civic election. In addition to Tim Cartmell who is running for mayor, a full slate of 13 council candidates were introduced last week. Their campaign slogan and logo is simple but effective, their website informative and apparently their coffers are well stocked. Although PACE (Principled and Accountable Coalition for Edmonton) were the first civic party to form they have been slow getting out of the gate and based on their start last week, Better Edmonton is out front, at least in the media.

What happens the next few months will tell who the public supports, civic party or independent (so called) candidates.

Hello BetterInfillers—

This Saturday BetterInfill is hosting a live discussion and QnA with Larry Beasley, Canada’s most renowned urban planner. Larry is a strong advocate of neighbourhood engagement in urban planning, believing that people have a right to a voice in how change is managed in their neighbourhoods. You may know of Larry from his webinars with us.

Larry will be projected live onto a screen and people in the room will have a chance to ask questions. What is reasonable to expect in neighbourhood planning? How can neighbours organize? What is neighbourhood-led planning? What works and what doesn’t? There’s no end to the topics.

Larry will field questions and share a lifetime of experience to take back to your neighbourhood.

There are about a dozen spaces still open. BetterInfill is covering the cost so there is no charge. Meet and linger in person with other concerned citizens.

The session is this Saturday, June 14, from 2-4 pm in the upper hall at Belgravia Community League, 116 Street and 74 Avenue.

Register by email to betterinfill@gmail.com. Space is limited.

THIS WILL BE AMAZING.

--The Team at BetterInfill

P.S. If you don’t think it’s time for people to regain a voice in what happens in their neighbourhoods, the photo below was recently taken in Crestwood by the man whose house is in the middle. If this can happen there, it can happen anywhere.

P.P.S. Please, no candidates for the upcoming election.

This week, city council will discuss a shortfall in the city’s maintenance and renewal budget, increasing the capital budget, and several rezoning applications in the Belgravia neighbourhood.

There is a public hearing scheduled for June 9 and a city council meeting scheduled for June 10 and 11.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• The city faces a $1.5-billion shortfall in its 2023-2026 capital budget for infrastructure maintenance and renewal, according to an administration report that council will review on June 10. Administration estimated that the ideal renewal portion in the 2027-2030 capital budget will be $4.5 billion. The report said staff will introduce a dedicated tax levy to fund renewal projects in the next capital budget and only include projects “mandated by legislation, required due to safety concerns, eligible for external funding, or show significant benefit to the overall prosperity of the city.”
• The capital budget should increase by a net of $75 million in the forthcoming spring supplemental adjustment, administration said in a report. Part of the increase that administration has suggested can be attributed to projects that have completed design and need budget for construction or projects that have seen their scope grow. The adjustment also proposes a $5-million increase to fund security upgrades at recreation centres, attractions, and major event sites. The upgrades include an Edmonton Police Service video surveillance initiative, enhanced lockers and change rooms, and a project to convert ladders to staircases in pools.
• Council will consider three applications to rezone properties in Belgravia at a public hearing on June 9. The properties are located at 11607 76 Avenue NW, 11618 76 Avenue NW, and 11603 75 Avenue NW. Two applications were submitted by BM Homes; the third was submitted by Kaimar Properties. Each of the applications proposes rezoning the property from the small scale residential zone, which allows a maximum of eight units in a building up to three storeys, to the small-medium scale transition residential zone, which allows buildings up to three or four storeys with no unit maximum. Public opposition to the two applications along 76 Avenue was particularly high, with roughly 90 people responding to each. Many opponents raised concerns about traffic congestion and parking, and said that the existing zone was sufficient to add density to the neighbourhood. Council is set to vote on each of these applications on June 9.

The City of Edmonton faces a $1.5-billion shortfall in its 2023-2026 maintenance and renewal budget. (Mack Male/Flickr)

Here are other key items on the agenda:

• Council is expected to continue discussing an extension to the downtown community revitalization levy. An extension would allow millions of dollars to go toward a deal between the Oilers Entertainment Group and the Alberta government for several large-scale downtown projects that include an event park, plus open up funding for downtown housing, Jasper Avenue upgrades, and other “catalyst” projects. The extension is part of the wider Downtown Action Plan, which involves a $553 million investment to revitalize the core. Last time the plan was discussed, councillors mulled requests from the Edmonton Downtown Business Association that included that the city should develop a plan to keep parks and public places clean and safe, and that it should use a public-private partnership model to guide investment attraction, land development, and stewardship of public space. There is a motion on the floor to add the EDBA’s requests to the plan. Council is scheduled to revisit the discussion on June 10 or 11.
• Administration has presented options for the final three priorities in the anti-racism strategy, which is to establish an independent anti-racism body. Council could choose to create a non-profit organization, use a collaborative model, or return to a council advisory board. The stakeholders advising administration on the creation of the independent body prefer the non-profit model, where a small staff would work closely with the city, other non-profits, post-secondary institutions, and Edmontonians to address racism across the city. From 2021 to 2024, administration has granted more than $4.4 million to anti-racism initiatives, and is forecast to contribute $1.5 million more in both 2025 and 2026, according to an update on the anti-racism strategy.
• The Mustard Seed has applied to rezone its property at 9526 106 Avenue NW so that it can continue to operate as a year-round, 24/7 shelter. The shelter use portion of the property’s current direct control zone will expire on July 1. An updated direct control zone would allow the shelter to operate past that date. Council is scheduled to vote on the application on June 9.
• The owners of the historic Union Bank Inn have applied to add a patio on the east side of its building at 10049 Jasper Avenue NW. The building has undergone renovations and a restaurant, Roca by Sabor, is scheduled to open in the space in spring 2026.
• Council is scheduled to receive a private update about the region, membership of the Edmonton Police Commission, and collective bargaining.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council meeting. On the agenda is the Spring 2025 Supplemental Capital Budget Adjustment. This adjustment is part of Edmonton’s multi-year 2023-2026 Capital Budget process that allows Council to adjust the budget twice yearly to respond to changing project needs, funding opportunities, and priorities. Council will assess a proposed net increase of $75 million to Edmonton’s 2023-2026 Capital Budget, bringing it to $11.03 billion. Key contributors to the increase include new growth and renewal projects, cost overruns, and expanded project scopes - most notably $66.6 million for Dunluce Neighbourhood Reconstruction and $14.3 million for Ottewell. Although some costs are offset by project savings, fund transfers, and external funding (like federal housing grants), the overall capital spending is still rising. The City is monitoring tariff impacts on material costs, which could further impact project budgets.
• Council will also discuss options for creating an Independent Anti-Racism Body, a priority identified in the City’s 2022 Anti-Racism Strategy. A Community-led Advisory Panel recommended forming a non-profit organization as a backbone entity to support anti-racism work, while the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative suggested a collaborative model working with existing organizations and hiring a Collaboration Manager. A report presents three options for City Council - establishing that new non-profit, adopting the collaborative approach with local leaders, or updating the existing Anti-Racism Advisory Committee’s mandate. Council has allocated $1 million in 2024 and $1.6 million annually thereafter to fund this body, with each option using the funds differently.
• A request to stop train whistling at three Canadian National (CN) railway crossings will be discussed by Council. The request comes after following safety upgrades that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. Public notifications and consultations with CN Rail and community groups have been completed as required by law, and the crossings at 162 Avenue East of 142 Street, 167 Avenue East of 142 Street, and 64 Avenue East of 30 Street have been improved with new warning systems like gates, lights, and signage. Whistle cessation is intended to reduce noise pollution near residential areas while maintaining safety, as train operators can still sound whistles in emergencies. Work continues on three other crossings to prepare them for future whistle cessation.
• Edmonton police have introduced Canada’s first in-cell biometric monitoring system to enhance safety for detainees in custody. The wireless sensors track vital signs like heart rate, breathing, and movement in real time, allowing staff to intervene quickly if a medical emergency arises. Originally designed for senior care, the system is now being expanded and adopted by other cities, including Regina and Medicine Hat. The initiative follows past in-custody deaths, such as overdose and stroke cases, highlighting the need for better health monitoring. The program costs about $3,500 per unit annually, but police say it could save lives, prevent lawsuits, and reduce employee trauma. Detainees also undergo extensive health and safety checks during intake, and are monitored until their bail hearings. The overarching goal is that no one dies in custody.
• Speaking of police, the Edmonton Police Commission has launched its search for a new Police Chief, following extensive public and internal consultation to develop a candidate profile. Chair Ben Henderson said the feedback revealed a strong consensus on the need for a leader who can connect with communities, communicate effectively, and maintain steady progress rather than push for radical change. The new Chief must possess both leadership and technical skills to manage a complex, evolving organization. Public input emphasized a desire for collaboration, innovation, and ongoing improvement in community safety, particularly amid challenges like crime, social disorder, and post-COVID recovery. Concerns were also raised about internal staff well-being, given that one in ten EPS employees are currently on leave. The Commission aims to make a recommendation by October, though the process may extend into November to ensure the right fit. Interim Chiefs Devin LaForce and Warren Driechel have been jointly leading the force in the absence of a permanent Chief.
• Edmonton residents have been voicing plenty of concerns to Council about the impacts of rapid densification driven by recent zoning bylaw changes. Edmontonians stressed the issue isn't just the pace of change though, but the lack of community consultation and thoughtful design. While the City approved over 16,000 new housing units last year - many in mature neighbourhoods - residents argue the shift to larger developments like eight-plexes has led to increased traffic, parking issues, and disruptions to neighbourhood character. City staff have proposed amendments to address some of these concerns, including reducing building length, limiting side entrances, and improving facade design. The proposed changes will be debated at a public hearing on June 30th, offering Edmontonians another chance to voice their views. If approved, the amendments would take effect immediately. 
• Edmonton is moving to replace its outdated Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw with a new, modernized version that would significantly raise fines and strengthen enforcement around pet ownership and animal welfare. The updated bylaw, if approved, would overhaul how the City handles dog attacks, animal neglect, feral cats, and responsible ownership standards. One major change includes a tiered fine system for dog attacks, with penalties starting at $250 for chasing and reaching $1,000 or more for repeat bites or severe injuries. Another key feature is the expansion of rules for restricted dogs, requiring microchipping, behavioural training, and offering a possible review of their status after three years of good conduct. Humane management strategies like trap-neuter-return would be officially recognized, aiming to reduce Edmonton’s feral cat population, estimated at up to 70,000. The bylaw also seeks to clearly define the differences between owned, unowned, and feral cats - closing a legal loophole that unintentionally penalized residents who informally care for stray animals. A final decision is expected from Council in August, and if passed, the new rules would take effect in May 2026 following a public awareness campaign.

• The Alberta government has reversed a controversial beer tax increase that would have significantly raised costs for mid-sized breweries, including Big Rock Brewery. The original policy lowered the production threshold for the highest tax rate from 40 million litres to 18 million, which Big Rock said would have cost them an extra $1.4 million annually. Citing US aluminum tariffs and the need to support local businesses, the Province has now raised the threshold to 30 million litres and made tax increases more gradual. Big Rock welcomed the move, noting the timing is ideal as summer production ramps up and aluminum costs rise. The company had already paid an estimated $400,000 more under the short-lived fee schedule. Alberta’s Small Brewers Association praised the reversal and is pushing for a 50 million litre cap, similar to Saskatchewan. While Beer Canada initially supported the original change as fairer to smaller brewers, it is now calling for broader, lasting tax relief.
• Speaking of alcohol, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the immediate return of US liquor products to store shelves after a three-month suspension. The original ban, imposed in March, was meant to support Canadian producers in response to American tariffs. Premier Danielle Smith had justified the move as a way to prioritize local alcohol purchases amid trade tensions. While US liquor imports are now allowed again, products shipped after March 4th will still face a 25% surtax. Minister Dale Nally said lifting the restrictions reflects Alberta’s renewed commitment to fair trade with the US and opens the door for smoother negotiations ahead of the next Canada-US-Mexico trade agreement renewal.
• The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has introduced a temporary cap on how many large-scale data centres can be added to the provincial power grid due to an overwhelming surge in demand. Until 2028, only 1.2 gigawatts of capacity will be allocated for new data centre projects exceeding 75 megawatts, despite receiving proposals totalling over 16 gigawatts. AESO CEO Aaron Engen emphasized the need to balance investment with grid reliability and said the limit is designed to maintain system integrity while enabling gradual development. The cap still allows for billions in potential investment, and AESO is prioritizing projects based on municipal support and financial readiness. Alberta’s government remains optimistic about attracting up to $100 billion in AI-focused data centres, many of which may generate their own off-grid power. AESO is currently evaluating 15 filtered proposals, with more possibly being excluded based on feasibility. While it’s unclear how many projects relate to AI, cloud computing, or cryptocurrency, all must demonstrate their impact on the grid before gaining approval.
• Alberta has signed a new agreement with the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors to reduce inspection stops for oilfield service rigs. Under the deal, rigs that meet specific safety standards and subscribe to the Drivewyze pre-clearance program will be allowed to bypass certain weigh and inspection stations. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the move addresses long-standing industry concerns and will allow rigs to spend more time in the field and less time on administrative tasks. The rigs, which often operate in consistent convoys with little variation in weight or equipment, will now be equipped with transponders for automated clearance, similar to the Nexus system for border crossings. Industry leaders say the change reflects the unique operating conditions of oilfield service rigs, which often travel limited distances annually.
• Premier Danielle Smith says she sees a “breakthrough” in talks with US officials on energy cooperation, particularly regarding Canada's potential role in supporting American energy dominance. During meetings in Washington, Smith emphasized Alberta’s resources - such as oil, gas, uranium, and electricity - as crucial to a shared North American energy strategy. Despite ongoing concerns over President Trump’s steep tariffs on steel and aluminum, Smith believes there’s growing recognition in the US of Canada's value as an energy partner. She criticized the aluminum tariffs as counterproductive, noting that the US relies heavily on Canadian aluminum, which is produced more efficiently using hydroelectricity. Smith acknowledged that discussions around other sectors like manufacturing, food, and timber remain unresolved, but the tone of the talks has been positive. She also expressed hope for progress on trade issues before the G7 summit in mid-June, possibly through a temporary agreement.
• Alberta and Ottawa have announced what they’re calling a “grand bargain” that would link new oil pipelines with major investments in decarbonization technology. Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled openness to fast-tracking a West Coast pipeline if it carries “decarbonized barrels.” While both leaders expressed optimism, energy experts are skeptical, warning that carbon capture may not be profitable and could deter future investment. The proposed $16.5-billion Pathways project, which aims to store emissions underground, has stalled due to lack of funding and uncertain returns. Smith argued that revenues from expanded exports could make such initiatives viable, but critics say international competitors like Mexico and Venezuela have an advantage by not requiring costly emissions technology.

Sunday is Tax Freedom Day, a great reason to celebrate!

This Sunday is Tax Freedom Day — when Canadian families start working for themselves!

If Canadians paid all their taxes up front, they would work the first 158 days of this year before bringing any money home for themselves and their families.

That total tax burden comprises more than five months of income — from January 1 to June 7.

So, on June 8th — Tax Freedom Day — Canadians finally start working for themselves, and not government!

Tax Freedom Day helps put the total tax burden in perspective, and helps Canadians understand just how much of their money they pay in taxes every year.

But it doesn't tell the full picture on its own: Canadians should also be worried about the $90 billion in deficits the federal and provincial governments are forecasting this year, because they will have substantial tax implications in future years.

To better illustrate this point, the study also calculates a Balanced Budget Tax Freedom Day — the day of the year when the average Canadian finally starts working for themselves if governments paid for all of this year’s spending with taxes collected this year.

This year, Balanced Budget Tax Freedom Day won’t arrive until June 21.

See the provincial breakdowns – and use our tax calculator to find your own personal tax freedom day! – by checking out the full study here.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Partake in a celebration of African culture, music, food, and art at Africanival 2025, support the resilience and impact of women and underrepresented artists at Art on the Block 2025, check out Ociciwan’s First Art Market, get an exclusive sneak peek at Northern Light Theatre’s 50th season at their season launch party, enjoy a brand new backstage comedy at Rising Sun Theatre’s performance of WICKED DISASTER!, venture beyond the ordinary as Pro Coro Canada and their emerging artists in #connect take you on a journey with a performance of cutting-edge choral music, attend the group exhibition Ortona Diaspora at the AGA to experience a dynamic reflection of this unique arts community in flux, catch the emotionally charged season closer featuring Carl Orff’s masterpiece cantata with Richard Eaton Singers and guests, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS