Help Us Clean Up Our Community

Sign-up the Capital City Clean Up!

We’re trying something new this year—and we’d love for you to be part of it 💚 We're participating in the Capital City Clean up. 

Join us as we come together to clean up the litter around our parks and green spaces, so we can all enjoy them even more this summer. It’s a simple way to connect, give back, and take pride in our community.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

📅 Date: Sunday, May 17

🕘 Time: 10:30 AM 

📍 Meeting Point: We’ll be gathering at two locations this year—choose the one that’s closest or most convenient for you:

• Large Hall | 7708 - 85 Street NW
• Small Hall | 8008 - 81 Street NW 

All supplies will be provided—just bring yourself, dress for the weather, and wear closed-toe shoes.

👥 All ages welcome

🧤 Gloves, grabbers, & bags provided

🌱 Make a visible difference in your community

Event Schedule: 

10:30 AM – Doors Open: check-in & supply pick-up

11:00 AM – Cleaning teams head out

12:30 PM (approx.) – Return to the large hall for light snacks, refreshments, and supply drop-off 

Save the Date!

KEP Community League Annual General Meeting

📅 Date: May 31, 2026

🕘 Time: 1:00 PM

📍 Location: Large Hall | 7708 - 85 Street NW

Please mark your calendars. Further details, agenda, and materials will be sent closer to the date. All community members are welcome to attend.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council will discuss the drivers of tax increases, vote on increasing the budget for various capital projects, and consider approving the first phase of the River Crossing Community Development.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on April 13, an executive committee meeting on April 14, an urban planning committee meeting on April 14, and a city council meeting on April 15 and 17.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• The four main factors driving tax increases in Edmonton are the increased cost of services, population growth, slower growth in non-tax revenue, and increased operating expenses linked to new services and capital projects, says a report set to be presented to council. Administration forecasts that if no more service packages or debt-serviced capital projects are approved, the city will need tax levy increases of 5.6% in 2027, 4.3% in 2028, 3.9% in 2029, and 3.7% in 2030. Council will continue to direct administration in creating the budget before deliberations in the fall.
• Council is set to vote on amendments to borrowing bylaws that adjust how much capital projects cost. If council supports the bylaws, the budget for the replacement of light rail vehicles will increase by $80.8 million to a total of $321.3 million, the budget for the design and delivery of ramps at 137 Avenue NW and Anthony Henday Drive will increase by $8.5 million to $15 million, and the budget for the downtown district energy initiative will increase by $18.4 million $54.3 million.
• Administration will ask council to approve $15 million to begin work on the first phase of the River Crossing Community Development, which would see the construction or rehabilitation of the roads north of Re/Max Field and the first steps toward housing development on the field’s parking area. Executive committee considered the project last week and requisitioned the decision to council without a recommendation. Steve Hogle, fun advisor for the Edmonton Riverhawks, told Taproot the organization will trial a park-and-ride this season to prepare for potentially losing the lot next year.
• Council will vote on a motion from Coun. Michael Janz directing administration to bring forward two funding packages for bus rapid transit and wider sidewalks on Whyte Avenue to budget deliberations. It will also consider funding simultaneous improvements to the pedestrian realm along Whyte Avenue, which would involve removing some vehicle parking to make way for wider sidewalks. The motion also calls for an unfunded service package to advance transit priority measures across the city.
• Council will vote on a motion from urban planning committee recommending that city council direct administration to reinstate parking on 101 Street, from 107 Avenue to Kingsway, weekdays from 9:30am to 3:30pm.
• Members of the executive, urban planning, and community and public services committees will meet in private to receive governance updates from various boards and commissions.

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• The City has reported a $45,000 loss in revenue after fraudulent transactions were made through a malfunctioning Arc transit fare machine. According to the city auditor, about $65,000 in suspicious activity occurred between September 2024 and June 2025 before the issue was detected and reported to police. While more than 300 compromised Arc cards were identified and blocked, roughly $20,000 was recovered, reducing the overall financial impact. Edmonton Transit Service has since said it has strengthened its internal controls to prevent similar incidents in the future. Police say efforts to identify suspects have so far been unsuccessful, and there is no indication of organized crime involvement. 
• The Edmonton bus report card for fall 2025 shows wide gaps in on-time performance across 122 routes, with “on time” defined as leaving between one minute early and five minutes late. The best-performing routes reached about 95% reliability, but several major routes fell well below that standard. Route 8 (Abbottsfield–University) recorded about 67% on-time performance, despite being one of the busiest lines in the city. Route 106 came in at about 66.4%, while Route 107 followed at roughly 65.6%. The express Route 110X from Eaux Claires to downtown was about 65.2% on time, showing that faster commuter routes are still frequently delayed. Route 924 performed worse at about 60.8%, and the lowest-performing Route 900X dropped to about 57.4% on weekdays, falling even further on Saturdays. Overall systemwide punctuality sits around the low 80% range, slightly down from 2023 even though it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.
• The planned Southeast Transit Garage was significantly scaled back from its original design, reducing capacity from about 430 buses to between 255 and 290. The facility, now expected to cost roughly $670 million and be completed by 2031, is intended to support both the City’s current diesel fleet and future transition to zero-emission buses. Critics argue the reduction could create long-term capacity issues, with warnings that the City may hit limits again shortly after the garage opens if transit expansion continues. Some Councillors want a full-cost comparison and a return to the original 430-bus capacity plan. The City also says federal funding discussions are still ongoing and that final budget details will be shared in upcoming budget updates.
• An audit found that the City spent about $21.9 million in 2025 on overtime to cover short-term disability absences, adding up to more than 518,000 lost work hours. These absences were linked to illness, injury, and a growing number of mental health-related claims, which have increased significantly since the pandemic. While overall disability claim rates have stayed relatively stable in line with workforce growth, officials noted a steady rise in complexity and case volume in recent years. The audit also raised concerns about management of the program, pointing to poor record keeping, inconsistent documentation, and limited follow-up on cases. In some instances, auditors found errors such as incorrect dates and incomplete medical records, raising concerns about data reliability. City staff also reported being stretched thin, with case managers handling far more files than recommended standards. Officials say they are working on reforms, including better tracking systems, improved case management, and a stronger focus on helping employees return to work sooner.
• Edmonton’s planned Ice District Event Park has officially moved into the design phase, marking a step forward in the long-delayed downtown project. The City of Edmonton and OEG Sports and Entertainment have selected a joint design team made up of DIALOG and HNTB, both firms with experience in major civic and sports venue projects. The new facility will be built next to Rogers Place and is intended to host concerts, festivals, cultural events, and sporting activities year-round, with features designed to handle both indoor and outdoor use in Edmonton’s climate. The project carries an estimated price tag of about $250 million and is part of a broader public-private agreement worth more than $400 million when combined with related developments and demolition work. Costs are being shared between the Province, which is contributing about $97 million, and the City, which is contributing about $69 million. Officials say the design process will need to balance large-scale entertainment use with affordable community access. Construction is now expected to begin in 2027 as planning work continues.

• A judge has ordered a one-month pause on the validation of signatures for a petition seeking a referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada, temporarily blocking the Chief Electoral Officer from certifying the results. The ruling also prevents the group behind the petition from advancing the process to the Justice Minister, though it does not stop organizers from continuing to collect signatures ahead of the May 2nd deadline. The decision follows legal challenges from First Nations groups, who argue the process could violate treaty rights and the government’s duty to consult. The court found there are legal questions to consider, including potential constitutional issues, and that allowing the process to proceed could cause irreparable harm to treaty relationships. The judge concluded that pausing validation is the most balanced approach while the case is reviewed. First Nations leaders welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting treaty rights, while organizers of the petition said their campaign will continue as planned.
• A recent poll by Leger shows the United Conservative Party holding a significant lead over the Alberta NDP, with a clear gap in voter support. The survey found that 53% of decided respondents would vote for the UCP, while 36% would choose the NDP. This double-digit advantage would result in approximately 70 seats for the UCP and just 17 seats for the NDP if an election were held today. The results suggest that voter preferences across the province have remained relatively stable in recent months. While public opinion can shift over time, the current numbers point to a strong position for the UCP.
• A stabbing in the emergency department at Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital has renewed calls for stronger hospital security measures, including weapons screening and increased protective services. The president of the United Nurses of Alberta said hospital violence has become a frequent issue, warning that staff face threats of violence almost daily and linking the problem in part to overcrowded emergency rooms. The incident involved a confrontation at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, where police intervened and a man was later charged. Alberta’s Health Minister Matt Jones said the Province is moving to speed up the rollout of weapons detection systems and increase security staffing. Officials also noted that similar screening technologies and security models are already in place or expanding in other provinces. The government says implementation at the hospital is expected in the coming months as part of broader efforts to improve safety in emergency departments.
• The Alberta government is also spending $22 million in school security upgrades following the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC, earlier this year. Funding will be distributed to school boards based on student enrolment and can be used for measures such as improved surveillance cameras, window coverings, and other safety infrastructure. An additional $2 million will go toward emergency response training for school staff to better prepare them for critical incidents. The government also says it plans to introduce new provincial school safety standards later this year. Education officials say the funding is intended to improve preparedness and strengthen overall school security systems.
• The Alberta government is facing a new legal challenge over its plan to close supervised consumption sites in Calgary and Lethbridge, with a former user arguing the decision violates Charter rights. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to keep the sites open, claiming their removal would endanger lives and limit access to critical harm-reduction services. The applicant says these sites played a key role in his recovery and argues that eliminating them could lead to more overdose deaths. The province, however, maintains it is shifting toward a recovery-focused model and plans to defend its position in court. The case follows a previous ruling in Red Deer that found closing a site did not breach Charter rights, though that decision is under appeal. Legal experts say the new case may be more compelling due to the scale of usage in larger cities, but courts may still hesitate to require governments to provide specific health services.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Catch a high energy improv performance at Rapid Fire Theatre’s Bonfire Festival, enjoy a performance of Fringe favourite Rat Academy, celebrate Korora’s 30th anniversary with a performance from Namibia’s internationally renowned Collective Singers, attend the NorthWestFilmFest to see all three of the Edmonton Film Prize finalists’ films, join Chorale Saint-Jean to hear the première of a brand-new eight-movement work on the iconic legend of the Flying Canoe, come celebrate some of your favourite horror icons from films old and new at the Icons of Horror: A Drag Showcase, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Public Hearing to address several land use matters. If approved, changes in Hawks Ridge will allow for larger parks and amenities to support a planned school, while in Boyle Street, new rules permit medium-scale housing to increase residential capacity. Garneau will see a rooftop restaurant added to an existing building, and updates to Horse Hill and Quarry Ridge neighbourhood plans enable small to medium-scale housing. Blatchford is opening up for low to medium-rise residential and mixed-use development, and Rosenthal will accommodate housing with supporting infrastructure. Also, McKernan is set to allow a mid-rise mixed-use building.
• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Infrastructure Committee. The Committee will hear an update on the Southeast Transit Garage project. The project is a key part of the City’s plan to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet and accommodate future growth. Land acquisition and schematic design are complete, with the facility now planned to house 255 to 290 buses, down from an initial 430 due to rising construction costs and phased fleet expansion. The project is funded through a municipal-federal partnership. Key upcoming milestones include detailed design, early site work, and phased construction, with the garage expected to be operational by late 2031. 
• Mayor Andrew Knack has appointed former NDP MP Blake Desjarlais as his new Chief of Staff, succeeding Gabrielle Blatz. Desjarlais represented Edmonton-Griesbach from 2021 to 2025. Knack emphasized that Desjarlais was chosen from hundreds of applicants for his commitment to serving all Edmontonians and claimed his prior political history would not affect his role. The Mayor expressed gratitude to Blatz, who is moving on to serve as provincial women’s representative of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta.
• Councillor Michael Janz is calling for more data before the City moves forward with plans to remove diagonal “scramble” crosswalks along Whyte Avenue, just five years after they were installed. The proposed removal at Gateway Boulevard, 104 Street, and 105 Street is part of a plan to create dedicated bus lanes for Bus Rapid Transit. Janz noted significant public concern over pedestrian safety, citing fears of distracted drivers and the importance of street design for protecting people. He is requesting that Administration provide calculations on how the crosswalks affect transit speeds and whether other transit priority measures could offset delays. Janz emphasized that Whyte Avenue’s pedestrian traffic supports local businesses and that the street should prioritize people over commuter traffic. If implemented, pedestrians would return to crossing at traditional 90-degree intersections, with added curb extensions and turn restrictions intended to enhance safety.
• Mayor Andrew Knack and City Manager Eddie Robar have embarked on an 11-day trade mission to China and Japan to promote the City’s manufacturing and clean energy sectors. Organized and funded by Edmonton Global, the trip aims to attract foreign investment to expand the non-residential tax base and provide property tax relief to homeowners. The delegation will visit Beijing, Tianjin, Wuhan, and Tokyo to meet with leaders in agri-food, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Edmonton Global estimates the mission could eventually generate up to $2 billion in capital investment and create hundreds of permanent jobs. Mayor Knack emphasized that the presence of senior leadership is vital for answering investor questions regarding permitting and local business supports. 

• The Alberta government has introduced a bill aimed at limiting children’s access to sexually explicit images in public library materials. No books would be removed from libraries or "banned", but the legislation would require such content to be kept in restricted areas or controlled by staff so those 15 and under can't access it without parental permission. The Province argues this balances parental expectations with continued library services, building on earlier restrictions applied to school libraries. Critics, including opposition politicians and advocacy groups, argue the proposal amounts to censorship and could restrict access to important educational content. 
• That same bill would give the Minister of Municipal Affairs greater authority over municipalities, introducing a range of new rules and restrictions. It would establish a universal Councillor Code of Conduct with a third-party roster of investigators, allow the Minister to adjust or reject their recommendations, and impose transparency requirements, including publishing permit timelines and a “sunshine list” of staff salaries above a certain threshold. The bill would restrict municipalities from charging higher taxes on vacant properties and limit how development fees can be used, allowing them only for critical infrastructure. It also introduces automatic approval systems for certain permits and changes how charter and independent schools can build on municipal reserve lands, while preventing municipalities from charging off-site levies on those projects.
• Speaking of bills, the Alberta government has introduced Bill 25, an omnibus education proposal aimed at removing politics and ideology from schools by requiring teachers and school boards to remain neutral and impartial. The legislation would restrict flag displays to the Alberta and Canadian flags, mandate weekly playing of the national anthem, and give the Education Minister oversight over school board decisions such as naming schools, approving superintendent contracts, and repurposing vacant school buildings. Supporters say the bill reinforces professional standards for teachers, ensures civic pride, and addresses challenges around school facilities and administration. The bill also proposes digital provincial exams, enhanced support for students struggling in literacy and numeracy, and additional ministerial authority over charter schools.
• Legislation has been introduced requiring businesses to register provincially before hiring temporary foreign workers, aiming to protect vulnerable employees and give Albertans first access to jobs. Jobs and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow said the bill targets exploitation by employers and recruiters who misrepresent job conditions or illegally withhold documents, while ensuring that hiring foreign workers occurs only when local labour cannot fill positions. The legislation would create a public registry of approved employers, license immigration consultants, and establish penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment, for violations. While supporters argue it strengthens oversight and protects both workers and lawful businesses, critics warn it adds red tape, duplicates federal processes, and could burden small businesses, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, where timely access to workers is essential.
• In the last of this week's bill news, the Province has introduced the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, aimed at improving transparency and protecting election integrity. The legislation would lower the “sunshine list” threshold for public-sector salary disclosure to $130,000 and shift reporting from twice a year to once a year. It also proposes changes to the Citizen Initiative Act and Recall Act, including allowing scrutineers to observe signature verification, extending the retention period for petition records, and implementing a 12-month freeze on petitions and recalls before and after provincial elections. Additionally, the bill would ban the creation and distribution of political deepfakes that could mislead voters, with fines of up to $10,000 for individuals and $100,000 for organizations.

Commuters along Whitemud Drive can now spot a striking new addition to the city’s public art landscape: a vibrant floral artwork climbing along the exterior of the Gerry Wright Operations and Maintenance Facility. Created by Toronto-based Afghan-Canadian artist Shaheer Zazai, In Community We Grow depicts a pixelated vine system with flowers in different stages of bloom. The pixelated floral design symbolizes growth, unity, and resilience, forming a dynamic visual story about interconnectedness and the relationships that help communities flourish.

To explore the inspiration behind In Community We Grow, we spoke with artist Shaheer Zazai about how the project evolved from his usual studio practice, and how the artwork explores transit's role in supporting movement, connection, and collective growth.

READ THE BLOG

event calendar

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Celebrate the passing of yet another Canadian winter with an outdoor dance party at The Downtown Defrost, create a beautifully crafted Oopik Owl at an Inuit Art & Culture Workshop led by Tracy Alikamik, check out a performance of Casey & Diana at the Citadel Theatre, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Hello KEP neighbours!

Following our first official board meeting this month, we wanted to share a quick update on what we’ve been working on and where our energy is headed over the next few months.

Now that our new team is in place, our primary goal is a smooth and effective transition. To ensure the league is set up for long-term success, we are focusing on four key areas:

• Strengthening Governance: We’re working on policies and procedures to make sure we are operating as transparently and efficiently as possible.
• Modernizing Our Records: We are hard at work digitizing our documents to ensure our community’s history and records are secure and easily accessible for future boards.
• Grant Writing: We are actively pursuing grant opportunities to bring more resources and funding into our neighbours projects.
• Reporting & Compliance: We are staying on top of upcoming reporting deadlines to keep our league in good standing and ready for the year ahead.

While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it is the foundation that allows us to host events and maintain the spaces we all enjoy. We are excited to keep this momentum going!

In the meantime, we’re excited to be launching our first Community Clean-Up Day—see below for details. It’s a great opportunity to come together, connect, and help get our parks and green spaces ready for spring and summer.

Thank you,

Your King Edward Park Community League Board

Items: 

• KEP Fun Facts 
• Save the Date: KEP AGM
• League Programs: Yoga & Zumba
• Men’s Shed
• Community Event: Spirit of Hope United Church
• Reminders
• Community Resources

KEP Fun Facts

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

• In 1943, KEP residents were concerned with the lack of transit in the area. With over 300 people in attendance, residents wanted a bus that would run every 30 minutes. It was proposed to run up 81 street to Whyte Ave, to connect with the Bonnie Doon line. Long walks with groceries were the main concern.
• From pasture to cricket to Edmonton's Littlest Folk Fest:
• In the early 1920's, sports tended to focus on the rink at 81 street and 80th ave, but when spring came around, the focus switched to the cricket fields at 91st street between 79 and 80 ave. This area had mostly been pasture for horses and cows until the King Edward Park Cricket Club obtained the land under a 4-year renewable lease. Eventually, the Bonnie Doon Cricket Club started using the field as their home field as well

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!

Save the Date!

KEP Community League Annual General Meeting

• Date: May 31, 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM
• Location: 7708 85 Street NW

Please mark your calendars. Further details, agenda, and materials will be sent closer to the date. All community members are welcome to attend.

League Programs

Yoga Classes: Yin Mobility

📅 Every Thursday

🕘 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

📍8008 – 81 Street NW (Small hall)

Only $10 per class or just $5 per class with a KEP Community League membership.

Please email king.ed.hall@gmail to register. Walk-ins are also welcome!

Zumba Classes

📅 Every Thursday

🕘 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

📍7708 - 85 Street NW (Large hall)

Only $10 per class or just $5 per class with a KEP Community League membership.

Please email king.ed.hall@gmail to register. Walk-ins are also welcome!

Southeast YEG Men’s Shed (Kenilworth Community League)

Men’s Shed is a welcoming, inclusive space where men can connect, build friendships, and work on hands-on projects while sharing skills and learning from each other.

Drop-ins welcome—coffee and snacks provided!

Click here to learn more

📅 Every Thursday

🕘 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

📍Kenilworth Community League (7104–87 Ave)

To learn more about Men’s Shed Canada Click Here

Community Event: Spirit of Hope United Church

Youth, young adults, and young families are invited to share food, have fun, and dream together about what you’d like in the community.

• Sunday, April 12th: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
• 7909 - 82 Ave NW, Edmonton

Contact Judy at community.spiritofhope@shaw.ca for more information.

Reminders

Blocked or Frozen Catch Basin

Blocked Drain? Clear It!

If ice or snow is blocking the drain in front of your home, safely clear it to help prevent flooding. For big snow piles or drainage problems, call 311 or 780-412-4500.

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

Community Resources

• Edmonton Community Programs
• Contact 311: Issues related to City services, programs or bylaws
• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Edmonton Community Resources
• HELP Community Resources List

Stay Connected

Stay Connected

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

• Edmonton has launched public consultations for its 2027-2030 budget, inviting residents to provide input on spending priorities and taxes through town halls in each ward, online submissions, and pop-up sessions. Mayor Andrew Knack emphasized transparency and accountability, noting that public feedback will inform Administration's recommendations this fall. Council is focusing on four broad priorities: economic development, growth management, quality services, and safety, while attempting to address $42.2 million in structural budget variances that have reduced the City’s financial stabilization reserve to $87.4 million, below its $150-million target. The City also faces a $2.8-billion cost to renew aging infrastructure, expenses for essential services like 6 new fire halls, and proposals to overhaul snow removal and resume weekly trash pickups. To offset costs, Council is exploring revenue options beyond property taxes, including paid parking, tiered facility fees for non-residents, investment fund growth, and tipping fees for snow disposal. The engagement period is open until May 1st (see below for how to participate).
• In Edmonton’s 2025 Mayoral race, campaign spending varied widely in terms of cost per vote, highlighting that more money does not always translate to more efficient results. Andrew Knack, who won with 78,519 votes, spent $240,770, or roughly $3 per vote, making his campaign the most cost-efficient among the top contenders. Tim Cartmell spent $812,472 in 2025 alone, or about $13 per vote, and together with his Better Edmonton organization’s additional expenditures, the combined cost rose to $22 per vote. Michael Walters and Omar Mohammad spent $14 and $10 per vote, respectively. Overall, Edmonton’s low voter turnout of 30.4% showed that municipal elections require both strategic spending and grassroots effort to mobilize voters effectively.
• Council has launched a multi-year effort to address long-vacant commercial properties that have become havens for crime and safety hazards. The plan involves creating a new property tax sub-class for derelict non-residential buildings, building on the success of a similar residential derelict property tax. Administration has identified 20 properties totalling $29 million in assessed value, but before the punitive tax can be implemented, the City must upgrade its taxation software at a cost of $700,000 to $1 million, legally define derelict non-residential properties, and wait for properties to remain vacant for a full year, per provincial rules. The maximum tax increase is limited to 57%, significantly lower than the rate for residential derelict properties. Officials and community members stressed that the tax is intended to encourage remediation or demolition, with potential tax forgiveness for compliant owners, and the earliest warning assessments could be issued in 2028, with full implementation by 2030.
• Edmonton’s Downtown community revitalization levy (CRL) is projected to generate a $412 million surplus by 2044, but only if no additional projects are approved and tax revenues meet expectations. The CRL, designed to spur private investment and development, currently faces a $21-million deficit that is expected to grow to $138 million by 2032 before revenue from completed projects begins flowing in. Council recently approved a $33.4-million payment for the Francis Winspear Centre expansion and earlier approved funding for the downtown attainable housing initiative, both of which will reduce the projected surplus. Since its creation in 2015, the levy has supported major developments, including the Ice District, parks, and community amenities, while adding 3,100 residential units and planning more office and retail space. City officials note the surplus is contingent on market and development conditions, with 6 major projects still eligible for CRL funding, and warn that if conditions fall short, revenues and surplus could decline. 
• The City is claiming that business owners are split on whether they support bus-only lanes, with support or opposition depending on the neighbourhood where they're located. On 101 Street, merchants report that removing street parking during weekdays has hurt mid-day sales, particularly for seniors and those with mobility challenges, prompting the City to consider reinstating limited parking hours. Meanwhile, along Whyte Avenue, the Whyte Avenue business association supports dedicated bus lanes. Of course, the Whyte Avenue business association does not necessarily represent the views of businesses in the area (it's compulsory for businesses in the area to be members and pay the association fees). Eagle-eyed readers will also notice that the area of the city where businesses oppose bus-only lanes is the area that has actually experienced them, while the area of the city where businesses supposedly support them is the area that hasn't experienced them yet.

• Alberta and the federal government have reached an "agreement-in-principle" giving the Province control over regulating its methane emissions, with final rules expected by the end of 2026. The deal, part of a broader energy policy accord from November, aims to eliminate overlap between federal and provincial regulations, reducing costs and duplication for Alberta’s energy sector. Under the agreement, federal methane rules would be paused in Alberta, replaced by equivalent provincial standards. The Province and Ottawa plan to release a draft equivalency agreement later this year for 60 days of public consultation before finalization. The broader Memorandum of Understanding includes targets to cut methane emissions 75% from 2014 levels by 2035, streamlined project reviews, and ongoing discussions around industrial carbon pricing and carbon capture projects. Both governments framed the deal as balancing environmental responsibility with protecting jobs and energy competitiveness. Premier Danielle Smith says that the agreement keeps decision-making within Alberta while building on existing regulatory systems.
• Alberta plans to introduce a province-wide Municipal Code of Conduct through amendments to the Municipal Government Act, aiming to create a standardized framework for councillor accountability. The legislation would direct complaints to an independent third party and allow investigations either by municipalities or the Province, with appeals handled by a commissioner from a provincial roster. The Code will cover issues such as misuse of municipal assets, confidentiality breaches, financial conflicts, and serious misconduct, while still allowing councillors to speak openly within a framework of civil conduct. Penalties will mirror previous municipal rules, with pecuniary offences potentially resulting in court action and removal from office. Municipal officials would also be required to disclose salaries and report certain administrative actions to council. Alberta Municipalities and stakeholders will help shape regulations to ensure the framework is adaptable to different-sized municipalities, balancing accountability with practical costs. The legislation follows last year’s removal of individual municipal Codes of Conduct.
• Alberta’s new proposed electoral map increases the number of MLAs from 87 to 89, with Calgary and Edmonton gaining additional seats while central Alberta sees some ridings consolidated. Calgary will add three new constituencies, including Calgary-Nose Creek and Calgary-Confluence, while Edmonton adds one seat and reorganizes several central and southern districts, including Edmonton-Beaumont and Edmonton-Enoch. Some northern and central ridings, such as Lac St. Anne-Parkland and Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, are being merged, though Lesser Slave Lake remains unchanged following public feedback. The map also introduces 8 new hybrid constituencies that cross municipal boundaries. The updated map will take effect for Alberta’s next provincial election, scheduled on or before October 18th, 2027.
• Alberta has introduced legislation to ease interprovincial trade barriers for consumer and capital goods, following a November agreement with other provinces and the federal government. The changes aim to reduce duplicative inspections and regulations, allowing businesses - particularly in industries like oil and gas, lumber, and fertilizer - to expand into new markets more efficiently. Certain products, including pesticides, plumbing equipment, and gift cards, remain subject to Alberta-specific rules, while alcohol, food, cannabis, live animals, and tobacco continue to be exempt from the agreement. Government officials say the legislation will benefit small- and medium-sized businesses by reducing regulatory burdens and freeing up resources for hiring and innovation. The law also establishes a process for future mutual recognition agreements between provinces, offering flexibility for updates without reconvening the legislature. 
• Premier Danielle Smith is advocating for expanded pipeline infrastructure at a global energy conference in Texas, citing record demand for Alberta oil. Amid rising prices driven by Middle East instability, the provincial government aims to double production to eight million barrels per day by 2035. This strategy involves seeking new routes to international and American markets, including potential discussions to revive the Keystone XL project. Federal officials also support maximizing production to address global supply shortages. Additionally, shifting political dynamics in Quebec may reopen debates regarding eastbound energy transport. Proponents emphasize that Canada’s role as a reliable energy partner is critical to North American security. While previous projects faced significant costs and cancellations, current geopolitical factors are prompting renewed efforts to integrate and secure regional energy flows.

Check out advocacy work underway + we're hosting a special AGM this year to celebrate 10 years! 🚶🧑‍🦽🚴

Join us at our AGM on April 20th! 

Register to attend this special in-person event where we will recap our 10th year and celebrate how far we've come. We'll review the past year of advocacy, finances, and elect new board members, then stick around for questions, socializing, and a treat.

Learn more and register here!

Help show the love for Whyte Ave!

Paths for People is teaming up with Edmonton Transit Riders, the Old Strathcona Business Association, and the French Quarter BIA to ensure renewal and BRT are done right along Whyte Avenue. Continued vibrancy depends on coordinated renewal and transit planning. Every voice saying such sharpens our ability to advocate at Council during the upcoming 4-year Capital Budget discussions this Fall.

Learn more and complete the survey here!

Also complete the City's Budget Engagement Survey

Help us save the Whyte Avenue scramble crosswalks!

Back in January we talked about how we love that Transit Priority Measures are coming to Whyte Avenue, including some pedestrian focused improvements BUT also noted that we think the City’s plan to remove scramble crosswalks is a mistake! Well others are upset too and there's been lots of talk about it on socials (linked above);

Scramble intersections are a proven Vision Zero tool that eliminates conflict points between cars and humans. We want faster buses too, but we shouldn’t have to sacrifice pedestrian safety to get them. We also disagree with some of the statements made in the project team's posted FAQ.

We’re asking the project team to find efficiencies elsewhere, like with solutions proposed as part of the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy, in order to maintain scramble crossings as they are the safest option. 

Want to help us save the scrambles? Email your councillor and cc us (info@pathsforpeople.org) or tag them on our instagram post in the comments! 

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Take a journey with University of Alberta’s Symphony Orchestra, Madrigal Singers and Concert Choir in From Paris to the New World, with Love, catch the final performances of AGA x Ballet Edmonton: Soft Currents, join instructor Sharon Moore-Foster for an illuminating workshop exploring human form and energy through the medium of clay at Harcourt House, enjoy two free choral performances with Te Deum Singers at Celebrating Spring with Song, explore Rutherford House and make a spring-themed craft at the Easter Eggstravaganza, and so much more!

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