Reg Rygus

• 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!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Read the latest issue of the Boyle McCauley News below.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors will hear an update on community revitalization levies, consider a higher tax for derelict properties that aren’t residential, and make a recommendation on renewing part of the Rossdale neighbourhood.

There is a community and public services meeting on March 23, an urban planning committee meeting on March 23, a special city council meeting on March 24 and 25, and an executive committee meeting on March 26.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• Revenue generated from The Quarters community revitalization levy is not projected to cover the investment the city has made in the neighbourhood, a report set to be presented to executive committee said. Municipalities can use CRLs to finance infrastructure developments needed to attract private development to targeted areas, and the investment is meant to be paid back through the property tax uplift of new development. The Quarters CRL has funded $100 million in “catalyst projects,” including The Armature, upgraded drainage servicing, Kinistinâw Park, and the adaptive reuse of City-owned buildings into new art spaces. The report said the improvements attracted more than $450 million in private development. Despite this, the revenues from the CRL are expected to be about $63.6 million short of covering all outstanding costs of the catalyst projects. The general tax revenue in The Quarters could cover the outstanding debt by 2041, 10 years after the CRL ends, the report said. Meanwhile, the city’s revenue projection for the Belvedere CRL has increased by $5 million to $35.4 million, and that project is expected to break even by the end of its 20-year term in 2032. The downtown CRL was extended in 2025. The revenue projection for that CRL has decreased by $77 million to $1.4 billion.
• About 20 properties in Edmonton with a total assessment value of $29 million could be considered candidates for a derelict non-residential tax subclass, a report to be presented to executive committee said. The subclass is one way to address issues associated with abandoned, fenced-off, or dangerous non-residential properties. Edmonton introduced a higher tax rate for derelict residential properties in mature neighbourhoods starting in 2024, and assessed about 200 properties at the higher rate. The tax was deemed a success — about 60 properties were demolished or remediated after it was introduced — and the derelict residential rate will be expanded city-wide in 2027. If council chooses to pursue a derelict tax for non-residential properties, administration said it recommends establishing the subclass but keeping the normal tax rate at first as assessors develop and refine the process. The report said the threat of higher taxes can sometimes be enough to motivate owners of derelict properties to demolish or sell. A cross-referenced report details other ways to address vacant residential and non-residential properties, especially in the redeveloping area within Anthony Henday Drive. Council could establish a tax subclass for vacant properties or a tax incentive program to help spur development, the report said.
• Administration is looking to start construction on the first phase of the River Crossing plan in Rossdale, 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. Councillors will be asked to approve $15 million for underground servicing, subdivision, and planning applications for the parking area, which would be divided into four lots for buildings between four and 12 storeys high, with up to 300 units. Executive committee is scheduled to review the proposal and make a recommendation to council.

Urban planning committee will examine options for funding transit priority measures and bus rapid transit. Administration said it is seeking funding sources for the next design phases for two BRT routes in the 2027-2030 budget, including from the Canada Public Transit Fund. Prioritize Whyte Ave, a coalition of area business associations and pedestrian advocacy groups, is urging councillors to support BRT along Whyte Avenue in the four-year budget, among other investments.

Executive committee will be asked to approve a $5.4-million grant for the Brentwood Builds affordable housing redevelopment, which will deliver 112 new affordable units. Edmonton’s Housing Accelerator Fund agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation requires the city to approve building permits for nearly 2,000 affordable units by November 2026. Administration said the grant would allow the builder to expedite the design and enable the submission and approval of building permits before the November deadline.

A report set to be presented to urban planning committee listed the roadways that need the most investment: 124 Street between Jasper Avenue and 107 Avenue; Jasper Avenue between 109 Street and 102 Street; and 127 Street between Yellowhead Trail and 137 Avenue. The report said it’s unlikely these corridors will receive renewal funding in the 2027-2030 budget.

Administration said it doesn’t have legislative authority to refuse construction permits to builders who have a negative history. However, an update on the city’s construction accountability program said the city is taking other steps within its jurisdiction to address builders who don’t comply with construction standards. Administration said it has established a performance-based system to identify builders with low compliance rates and will require project implementation plans for such builders.

Community and public services committee will be asked to recommend that council remove four surplus school sites from the First Place Program, which created 900 units for first-time home buyers. Administration proposes retaining sites in Dechene and La Perle for open space and sites in Dunluce and Sifton Park for affordable housing.

Urban planning committee will examine options for funding transit priority measures and bus rapid transit. Administration said it is seeking funding sources for the next design phases for two BRT routes in the 2027-2030 budget, including from the Canada Public Transit Fund. Prioritize Whyte Ave, a coalition of area business associations and pedestrian advocacy groups, is urging councillors to support BRT along Whyte Avenue in the four-year budget, among other investments.

Executive committee will be asked to approve a $5.4-million grant for the Brentwood Builds affordable housing redevelopment, which will deliver 112 new affordable units. Edmonton’s Housing Accelerator Fund agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation requires the city to approve building permits for nearly 2,000 affordable units by November 2026. Administration said the grant would allow the builder to expedite the design and enable the submission and approval of building permits before the November deadline.

A report set to be presented to urban planning committee listed the roadways that need the most investment: 124 Street between Jasper Avenue and 107 Avenue; Jasper Avenue between 109 Street and 102 Street; and 127 Street between Yellowhead Trail and 137 Avenue. The report said it’s unlikely these corridors will receive renewal funding in the 2027-2030 budget.

Administration said it doesn’t have legislative authority to refuse construction permits to builders who have a negative history. However, an update on the city’s construction accountability program said the city is taking other steps within its jurisdiction to address builders who don’t comply with construction standards. Administration said it has established a performance-based system to identify builders with low compliance rates and will require project implementation plans for such builders.

Community and public services committee will be asked to recommend that council remove four surplus school sites from the First Place Program, which created 900 units for first-time home buyers. Administration proposes retaining sites in Dechene and La Perle for open space and sites in Dunluce and Sifton Park for affordable housing.

Urban planning committee will examine options for funding transit priority measures and bus rapid transit. Administration said it is seeking funding sources for the next design phases for two BRT routes in the 2027-2030 budget, including from the Canada Public Transit Fund. Prioritize Whyte Ave, a coalition of area business associations and pedestrian advocacy groups, is urging councillors to support BRT along Whyte Avenue in the four-year budget, among other investments.

Executive committee will be asked to approve a $5.4-million grant for the Brentwood Builds affordable housing redevelopment, which will deliver 112 new affordable units. Edmonton’s Housing Accelerator Fund agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation requires the city to approve building permits for nearly 2,000 affordable units by November 2026. Administration said the grant would allow the builder to expedite the design and enable the submission and approval of building permits before the November deadline.

A report set to be presented to urban planning committee listed the roadways that need the most investment: 124 Street between Jasper Avenue and 107 Avenue; Jasper Avenue between 109 Street and 102 Street; and 127 Street between Yellowhead Trail and 137 Avenue. The report said it’s unlikely these corridors will receive renewal funding in the 2027-2030 budget.

Administration said it doesn’t have legislative authority to refuse construction permits to builders who have a negative history. However, an update on the city’s construction accountability program said the city is taking other steps within its jurisdiction to address builders who don’t comply with construction standards. Administration said it has established a performance-based system to identify builders with low compliance rates and will require project implementation plans for such builders.

Community and public services committee will be asked to recommend that council remove four surplus school sites from the First Place Program, which created 900 units for first-time home buyers. Administration proposes retaining sites in Dechene and La Perle for open space and sites in Dunluce and Sifton Park for affordable housing.

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• A motion, put forward by Councillor Karen Principe to reconsider the City’s new patio licensing fees, has failed. The fees, set to take effect in April, would charge $6,900 for a large year-round patio and $3,700 for a large seasonal patio, reversing years of waived charges during the pandemic. Principe and supporters argued that the fees could harm small- and medium-sized businesses already struggling with inflation, pandemic-related debt, and rising operational costs. The Edmonton Downtown Business Association emphasized the need for a balanced approach that protects patios’ economic and social value downtown. Opponents, including Ward Anne Stevenson, noted the fees help cover costs from lost parking revenue, regulatory oversight, and reduced photo radar income, which previously funded the Safe Mobility Strategy. The motion failed in a 3-9 vote, with Councillors Principe, Clarke, and Elliott in favour.
• City Council voted 12-1 to urge the Alberta government to ban grocery store restrictive covenants, which create what some call "grocery deserts" by blocking competitors from using vacated retail sites. Mayor Andrew Knack will lead advocacy for provincial legislation to reform the Land Titles Act. Councillor Michael Janz, who introduced the motion, noted that major industry players may be willing to end the practice if regulations are applied uniformly. Councillor Mike Elliott highlighted the need to eliminate "dead zones" in the city, and Councillor Reed Clarke supported the motion, citing his background in local groceries. While Councillor Aaron Paquette expressed skepticism regarding provincial cooperation, he supported the advocacy effort. Councillor Karen Principe was the lone dissenting vote. 
• Council approved an additional $33.4 million from the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy to complete the Winspear Centre expansion, ensuring construction won’t be stalled for years. The project, already over-budget due to pandemic-related costs, will add a 550-seat acoustic hall, new educational spaces, and enhanced indoor and outdoor public areas. Previous funding included $11 million from the provincial budget and federal contributions, contingent on raising the remaining amount. Winspear president Annemarie Petrov said the levy allows the centre to open immediately instead of keeping the building shell while fundraising, which could have taken a decade. Council noted the expansion’s value to downtown, including increased activity and safety during evenings and weekends. Only Councillor Jo-Anne Wright opposed releasing the funds, suggesting the centre could raise the money independently. Construction is expected to resume immediately, with the interior of the new Music Box slated to open in fall 2027.
• Edmonton Police Chief Warren Driechel is defending his February trip to Israel, which has drawn criticism from local Muslim community groups and some city councillors. The visit, organized by the Major Cities Chiefs Association, allowed Driechel to learn from Israeli policing practices and meet officers and community leaders from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Druze backgrounds. Driechel described the trip as an opportunity to discuss community trust, crime management, counterterrorism, and crisis response in complex environments. Critics, - including Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack, who recently travelled to China - raised concerns about human rights issues in Gaza and the impact on council-police relations. Some Councillors emphasized the need for Driechel to rebuild trust and engage more broadly with all communities. Driechel responded that policing focuses on behaviour rather than beliefs and maintained that the experience offered valuable perspectives for serving Edmonton residents. He stated he stands by his decision and intends to continue community engagement despite the controversy.
• The Alberta government announced plans to eventually close Edmonton’s two remaining supervised drug-consumption sites, at the George Spady Centre and Radius Community Health and Healing, as part of a shift toward a recovery-focused model. Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis and Mental Health and Addiction Minister Rick Wilson said closures will occur once more recovery communities and support staff are in place, but the change is not imminent. A new 450-bed compassionate intervention centre and 11 additional recovery communities are expected to assist roughly 2,000 Albertans annually. While opioid-related deaths have dropped provincewide, Edmonton remains an outlier, accounting for 60% of fatalities, with 613 deaths recorded from January to November 2025. Ellis emphasized the province does not support “safe supply” or ongoing consumption sites, arguing that supervised use does not drive recovery. The government plans to prioritize treatment over continued drug use while mitigating risks to the public, including exposure to overdoses or unsafe conditions on streets. 

• Alberta’s proposed Bill 18, the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act, introduces significant restrictions on medical assistance in dying (MAID). The legislation limits eligibility to patients whose death is "reasonably foreseeable" within 12 months and prohibits MAID for mental illness or via advanced requests. It also generally requires a direct family member to be present during administration. Under the bill, healthcare providers are prohibited from suggesting MAID to patients or providing out-of-province referrals. Furthermore, health facilities cannot publicly display MAID information, and 150-metre exclusion zones would be established around facilities that refuse the service. Supporters believe these measures protect vulnerable populations from coercion, while critics argue they infringe on individual rights and create barriers to care. While legal challenges are anticipated, provincial officials assert that the bill falls within Alberta’s authority over healthcare regulation.
• Premier Danielle Smith is seeking higher-level security clearance so she can receive intelligence briefings from Canadian Security Intelligence Service about possible foreign interference in the province. She argues this step is necessary because her government is not being directly briefed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, particularly with a potential referendum on separation looming this fall. Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi has pushed back strongly, saying he does not believe Smith should be trusted with such sensitive information and raising concerns about her past interactions with foreign governments. The criticism includes scrutiny of a recent trip where Smith accepted travel and accommodations from Saudi officials, though she maintains the arrangements were approved and appropriate. Meanwhile, Alberta officials say the clearance process is complex and would require secure infrastructure for briefings.
• Alberta’s legal regulator, the Law Society of Alberta, will no longer require lawyers to complete Indigenous cultural competency training due to new provincial legislation known as the “Peterson law.” The law, formally called the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act, prohibits mandatory training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, prompting the society to also dissolve its EDI committee. The now-optional course, known as “The Path,” had been introduced in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada calls to action and was completed by thousands of lawyers over recent years. Supporters of the change argue professionals should not be forced into specific ideological training, while critics say removing mandatory requirements weakens efforts to ensure lawyers can effectively serve Indigenous communities. 
• The Alberta government and federal officials are negotiating agreements on carbon capture and pricing to meet a bilateral memorandum of understanding. To secure the suspension of federal Clean Energy Regulations, the Province must commit to a new carbon pricing framework and industry-led carbon capture projects by April 1st. While an agreement on provincial project approvals has been reached, details for remaining components are still being finalized. Concurrently, a report indicates that expanding pipeline capacity by 1.5 million barrels per day could add $30 billion to the national GDP and create 110,000 jobs over ten years. Premier Danielle Smith cited these findings to support the need for enhanced energy infrastructure. The government aims to establish clear regulatory guidelines soon to facilitate project proposals and potential approvals by the end of the year.
• Alberta is struggling to meet the federal $10-a-day childcare target by the March 2026 deadline. While the province reduced fees to approximately $15-a-day in January 2025, Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides characterized the $10 goal as "unsustainable" without an additional $2 to $3 billion in federal funding. In December, both governments signed a one-year, $1.17 billion extension to maintain current fees while negotiating a long-term deal. Nicolaides is seeking a new agreement that includes an income-tested system and funding flexibility for both non-profit and for-profit providers. The office of Federal Minister Patty Hajdu stated that provinces must develop systems responding to their specific community needs while remaining committed to national affordability and sustainability. Alberta is currently awaiting further policy direction from the federal government, expected by late spring.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Celebrate Indigenous storytelling at

ᐋᒋᒧᐃᐧᐣ âcimowin, Fringe’s Winter Storytelling Series curated by MJ Belcourt, immerse yourself in a curated selection of five Francophone films from around the world at the Francophone Film Festival at Metro Cinema, come hear the compositions of some of jazz history’s most important tenor saxophone players at the Don Berner Big Band’s presentation of The Titans of Tenor vol. 1, celebrate the Cosmopolitan Chorus’s 40th anniversary with a one-of-a-kind sing-a-long party, enjoy a concert featuring MacEwan’s Guitar Band and A Cappella Ensemble, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

School choice is popular in Alberta.

But, school vouchers remain controversial.

They shouldn't be, and the Alberta Parents' Union is working hard to change that, but at least for now, they are.

That's not the case, across much of Europe and the United States, however, where the debate is largely settled.

In much of Europe, school choice and school vouchers have long been the norm, while in the United States, state governments increasingly recognize that giving parents more flexibility over how their children are educated is both popular and effective.

In fact, many of the places that once fiercely debated school vouchers - both Democrat and Republican - have now fully embraced them.

Interestingly, until recently, Texas was something of an outlier.

For many years, Texas legislators resisted implementing a broad school voucher system, with much of the opposition actually coming from rural Republicans.

But that changed last year when the Texas legislature finally passed a major new program known as the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program.

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the program will allow up to 100,000 students to receive a voucher for funding that they can use toward school tuition, tutoring, instructional materials, and other approved education services.

Students attending any of the thousands of schools that sign up to participate will receive $10,474 per year in funding.

Applications opened on February 4th, 2026, and the response from parents was immediate.

On the very first day, more than 42,000 students applied for the program.

The number of applications has now surged to more than 200,000 students - more than double the number of available spaces.

To put that in perspective, Texas has roughly 5.5 million K-12 students, so more than 3.5% of all students in the state have already applied for the program.

Clearly, parents and students want more choice in education.

And this pattern is not unique to Texas.

Across the United States, once school choice programs are introduced, they quickly grow in popularity.

As families experience the benefits firsthand, entire communities have been left wondering what the controversy was about to begin with.

It really is one of those things where seeing is believing.

And it's high time for Alberta families to get to see the benefits of a voucher program, too.

Alberta once led the way on school choice.

The province developed a uniquely flexible system that includes open enrolment policies within the public system, public, catholic, and francophone flexibility, alternative programs, charter schools, independent schools, and homeschooling.

But while voucher programs expanded across the United States and the world, previous Alberta governments stood still.

And, as a result, the choices available to Alberta parents and kids have fallen behind what's available elsewhere.

To its credit, the current Alberta government has now taken important steps to expand school choice by removing the artificial cap on the number of charter schools permitted to operate in the province.

That change has allowed new charter schools to open and expand, and since 2019, enrolment in charter schools has grown by 55%, compared to just 9% in public schools.

But demand for school choice continues to far outpace supply.

Only a tiny fraction of those who wish to attend a different school in Alberta can do so.

Estimates suggest that waitlists for charter schools in Alberta are more than four times the current total charter school enrolment, meaning the province would need to increase charter school spaces roughly fivefold just to accommodate the students on the list right now.

And, as new schools open and the word gets out, we should expect demand to grow even faster.

The experience of Europe and the United States shows that expanding school choice strengthens our education system by giving families the ability to find the learning environment that works best for their children.

That is why the Alberta Parents’ Union made school vouchers one of our core policy goals when we were founded.

We continue, of course, to also support policies that make incremental improvements to expand educational choice, such as the opening of more charter schools, more flexible funding models, and greater support for alternative education.

But it's high time for Alberta to take the next step.

Our kids' futures shouldn't depend on the length of a waitlist or the outcome of a lottery.

All parents and all kids deserve the same freedom to direct education funding toward the school or learning environment that best fits them.

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

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

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

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

Here are some key items on the agenda:

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

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

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