Reg Rygus

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!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Valley Line West LRT: Preparing for the 2026 construction season The City of Edmonton and Marigold Infrastructure Partners (MIP) are preparing for another busy construction season on the Valley Line West LRT project. While details are still being finalized, some of the most disruptive work for commuters, businesses and residents will occur along 102 Avenue between 102 Street and 107 Street, and along 87 Avenue between 156 Street and Anthony Henday Drive. To stay informed about Valley Line West construction, sign up for the City's newsletter and MIP's construction notices. Find information about the project on the Valley Line West LRT website. Build a blueprint towards a Climate Resilient Home Extreme weather and storms can test how our homes perform when it matters the most.

The City’s interactive Climate Resilient Home online tool is designed to build a customized blueprint for homeowners and builders to make thoughtful choices towards creating a more climate-resilient home. By identifying potential risks and simple actions, the tool can help homeowners understand how and where to start to enhance the safety and comfort of their home, regardless of the forecast.

Discover how to improve your home's climate resiliency by using Climate Resilient Home.  Industrial, Commercial and Institutional companies participate in waste reduction pilot program Edmontonians have been doing great in sorting their food waste by making sure they are putting it on their food scraps carts for disposal. Now, thanks to funding from the City of Edmonton Climate Task Force, Edmonton Waste Services is getting the commercial sector involved in this work in a new pilot program. 

The new program has two goals: rescue edible surplus food and collect and compost inedible food. Participants in this program are what we call the ICI sector: industrial, commercial and institutional. The City is running a pilot project for this by partnering with the Circular Innovation Council, a waste collection company, a food rescue organization and 30 non-residential organic waste generators, including institutions such as schools, hospitals, supermarkets, restaurants and hotels during this pilot.

Waste from the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional sector amounts to about 770,000 tonnes, 25 percent of which is food waste.

During the year this pilot project will run, Waste Services estimates the City will avoid nearly 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from landfills and transportation, and over 300 tonnes of organic waste will be turned into 150 tonnes of rich compost. Additionally, the pilot hopes to see 30,000 meals created from rescued food and provided to equity-deserving Edmontonians seeking access to nutritious, fresh and culturally appropriate food. For more information, visit Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Waste.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors are set to discuss an integrated approach to construction planning, a rezoning application in Wîhkwêntôwin, and aging infrastructure.

There is an infrastructure committee meeting on Feb. 23, a public hearing on Feb. 24, and an audit committee meeting on Feb. 25.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• Administration said it will make changes to construction plans for a more integrated, proactive, and coordinated approach, after what it called a “challenging traffic season” in 2025. In a report set to be presented to infrastructure committee, the city said it has deferred the construction of the northbound Low Level Bridge until 2027 and has hired a manager to focus on integrating projects and minimizing traffic impacts downtown. Administration will also work with contractors on schedules that allow for work to be completed faster, as it did with the accelerated Valley Line West construction last year. Jason Meliefste, branch manager of infrastructure delivery, told CBC Edmonton the city is keen to avoid overlapping construction projects this year.
• Administration said it does not support a rezoning application for a lot in Wîhkwêntôwin because the proposed zone allows for development that would not align with the neighbourhood’s heritage-defining features. The report said the site at 11202 99 Avenue NW is located in a dense node of unique historic buildings. The Armstrong Residence, a historic building that once sat on the property, was demolished in September. The current zoning allows for a four-storey building, and the report says the developer wants to rezone the property to allow for a mixed-use, three-storey building with a wider variety of potential commercial uses. Administration said it offered to work with the applicant to create a direct control zone that mimics the proposed zone while regulating architectural controls. Council is scheduled to debate the application on Feb. 24.
• StreetSide Developments has proposed rezoning a church and park space at 11520 Ellerslie Road SW to allow for small and medium-sized forms of housing. The developer proposes rezoning part of the lot along Ellerslie Road SW to allow for a six-storey tower and another part for a three-storey development. Administration heard from about 150 residents who said they oppose the rezoning because it could make traffic and parking congestion worse, and because the church and open space are well-used by the community.
• The replacement value of Edmonton’s infrastructure assets has grown by 37% to nearly $40 billion between 2013 and 2025, according to a report that will be presented to council’s infrastructure committee. More than 50% of the assets are in good or very good condition, but administration said investment must be increased to prevent assets from falling into poor condition. The report is meant to provide context for upcoming council decisions, including the 2027-2030 capital budget deliberations that are scheduled for later this year.

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• The Infrastructure Committee will meet on Monday at 9:30 am. The Committee will discuss the City of Edmonton’s 2026 Traffic Management Plan. It focuses on reducing congestion and disruptions caused by major construction projects, building on lessons from the challenging 2025 season. The plan emphasizes five key priorities: improved sequencing of projects, prioritizing innovation, proactive operational coordination, better integration with developers and utility companies, and enhanced communication with residents and businesses. Traffic modelling will guide project timing, lane restrictions, and signal adjustments, while communications will include newsletters, project websites, social media, real-time navigation updates, and community engagement events. Major City projects include Valley Line West LRT, Capital Line South LRT, Yellowhead Trail upgrades, and Whitemud Drive improvements, with developer and utility projects also affecting arterial roads. Mitigation strategies include traffic calming in adjacent neighbourhoods, accommodating vulnerable road users, and ensuring multi-modal access. Traffic relief is expected in fall 2026 as key projects such as Wellington Bridge, 95 Avenue, and Terwillegar Stage 2 are completed.
• The Audit Committee meets Wednesday at 9:30 am. On the agenda is a recent data analytics audit of the City of Edmonton’s gift card program for attractions and recreation centres. The audit found that controls were only partially effective. While gift card sales and redemptions were properly recorded in the accounting system, significant issues were identified with access and data integrity. Access to gift card records is not restricted to employees with a valid business need, with over 500 active accounts belonging to terminated staff or unrelated departments, creating potential risks for unauthorized access or fraud. Data integrity problems were also noted: about 14% of gift card reference numbers did not meet the required 5-digit format, 7% contained non-numeric characters, and some duplicates or out-of-range numbers were present, which could hinder citizen redemption and open opportunities for misuse. The audit recommends implementing a formal access management plan to limit user permissions and enhancing data validation procedures, including staff training and software improvements, to ensure accurate gift card numbers. To support ongoing monitoring, an internal dashboard has been created, providing weekly automated updates on flagged transactions and audit metrics. Management has committed to completing access controls by June 30th, 2026, and improving data integrity by March 31st, 2027. 
• Edmonton has emerged as Canada’s leader in new cycling infrastructure, adding 517 km of weighted bike lanes between 2022 and 2024 - more than double Calgary and over three times Toronto. A Simon Fraser University study highlighted the City’s fast-paced development, including a well-connected network along the river, downtown, and neighbourhoods, with a focus on protected, high-comfort routes. While Edmonton expands its cycling network, other cities and provinces, such as Ontario, Winnipeg, Halifax, and Charlottetown, are slowing, pausing, or even removing bike lanes due to budget, planning, or political pressures. Officials and advocacy groups stress the importance of thoughtful design that balances cycling access with road and parking needs.
• The City brought in 100 private graders to bolster snow-clearing efforts as a winter storm and deep freeze hit the region. Crews began working around the clock, expanding from 20 to 120 graders, alongside roughly 120 plow trucks, in an effort to clear major routes quickly. A Phase 1 parking ban took effect Wednesday at 7:00 am, restricting parking on major roads, arterials, collector roads, and transit routes, with officials hoping early contractor deployment would improve road conditions sooner. The City has faced criticism in past snow events over slow clearing and low compliance with residential bans, but reports say compliance improved during the most recent Phase 2 effort. A broader review of snow and ice operations is planned later this year, as budget pressures and expanding infrastructure continue to challenge winter maintenance efforts.
• Edmonton Riverbend MP Matt Jeneroux has crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party, citing a "national unity crisis". Previously a provincial MLA and long-time Conservative representative, Jeneroux will now serve as a special adviser on economic and security partnerships under Prime Minister Mark Carney. This move marks the third Conservative defection recently, bringing the Liberal seat count to 169 - just three shy of a majority. If the government sweeps three upcoming byelections in Toronto and Montreal, they could secure a majority through these parliamentary shifts. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the decision, stating it betrays Edmonton voters who supported affordability and the resource sector.

• Premier Danielle Smith says Alberta will hold referendums on October 19th with 5 yes/no questions on immigration and additional questions on constitutional changes. Smith said she is seeking a mandate to pursue policies that would restrict eligibility for provincially funded programs to citizens, permanent residents, and those with an “Alberta-approved immigration status,” and to require non-permanent residents to live in Alberta for 12 months before qualifying for provincial programs. Other questions include requiring proof of citizenship to vote in provincial elections, seeking more provincial control over immigration, and whether Alberta should charge a fee to non-permanent residents to access health care and education. Smith tied the proposals to pressures on services and a tougher financial outlook, ahead of Budget 2026 on February 26th, while promising no drastic cuts to social services.
• A third recall petition, this time against UCP MLA Nolan Dyck, has failed to meet the signature threshold, while another petition against Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton was withdrawn. Dyck’s petition gathered just over 1,000 signatures - about 10% of the required number. The petitioner said the effort still engaged the community, noting some supporters had voted for Dyck in 2023 but felt misrepresented. The withdrawal of the petition against Turton’s was blamed, by the petitioner, on delays and confusion over privacy assurances from Elections Alberta, though Elections Alberta disputes this. Petitioners had three months to collect signatures equal to 60% of the votes cast in each riding in the last election.
• Alberta is investing $400 million to purchase five new water bombers for its aging wildfire-fighting fleet, with the first delivery from De Havilland expected in 2031. The Canadair DHC-515 amphibious planes can refill their 6,100-litre tanks from water sources in about 12 seconds, enhancing rapid response capabilities. The purchase is separate from the Province’s annual $160-million wildfire response budget and aims to ensure fleet renewal as current Alberta-owned aircraft, built in the late 1980s, near the end of their service lives. Forestry Minister Todd Loewen highlighted the proactive approach to replacing aging planes, while Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the investment’s role in long-term wildfire preparedness. The deal is expected to strengthen the Province’s ability to respond to increasingly intense wildfire seasons. 
• The Alberta government has released its first classroom size and complexity data in six years, accompanied by $143-million for specialized "complexity teams". This funding targets K-6 schools facing the highest pressures, primarily within the Edmonton and Calgary school boards. Complexity is determined by student composition (including disabilities and language needs and is ranked on a scale from low to high), class size, and the number of students requiring additional support. Notably, 62% of Calgary classrooms and 34% of Edmonton classrooms report high occurrence rates, meaning 11 or more students per class have complex needs. 
• Alberta’s tourism sector is outpacing the national average, reaching a record $15.2 billion in visitor spending last year. While Canadian tourism overall saw declines in international and US travel, Alberta recorded growth of 4% and 5%, respectively. Travel Alberta’s "Higher Ground" strategy aims for $25 billion by 2035 by promoting year-round destinations beyond the Rocky Mountains and expanding direct flight access. A key pillar of the agency's plan is the Indigenous tourism sector, which has received $12 million in taxpayer support since 2021 to meet high international demand for authentic cultural storytelling.

Keren Tang's February newsletter is quite long so I click the link below to read it.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Enjoy an evening of dance featuring Peggy Baker presented by BWDC, celebrate Mile Zero Dance’s 40th Anniversary Salon: RUBY CABARET with two nights of performances, attend the Pocket-Sized Series kick off

at Paper Birch Books with the Mbira Renaissance Band, welcome the Year of the Horse at the Royal Alberta Museum with a lively outdoor parade and other activities, discover emerging talent at the Yardbird Suite’s Emerging Artist series featuring Raphael, join songwriter Stephen Fearing for a benefit concert at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Below is the latest issue of the MILL WOODS MOSAIC. Included in this edition is Part 2 of a series on the History of Mill Woods written by Catherine C. Cole.

• 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.