ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors will discuss a proposed community court program, potential solutions to traffic in and around Belgravia, and two new incentive programs for industrial development.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on Oct. 19, an urban planning committee meeting on Oct. 20, an executive committee meeting on Oct. 21, and a special city council meeting on Oct. 23.

Here are some key items on the agenda this week:

• A community court program, which aims to connect people to supports as an alternative to prosecution, would cost about $1.17 million annually, says a report that will be presented to community and public services committee. Administration has presented the program as a way to mitigate the negative consequences that the public spaces bylaw may have on vulnerable Edmontonians. A community court aims to break the cycle of repeat infractions by addressing the underlying issues that contributed to the disorderly behaviour. Research on existing community court programs in North America suggests they reduce recidivism and court costs while providing a return on investment. David Rivera-Kohr of the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness told CBC that such a program would still criminalize poverty. Administration will present a funding package for the program as part of the 2027-2030 operating budget.
• A traffic study found that drivers attempting to avoid congested roads south of the University of Alberta by shortcutting through Belgravia resulted in delays of five to 25 minutes for those trying to leave the neighbourhood, while some residents told the city that it can take 45 minutes or more to exit. The roadways that surround and bisect Belgravia are considerably congested during rush hour periods because of heavy use from drivers going to and from the University of Alberta and the Groat Road Bridge, as well as those waiting for the LRT on the line running along 114 Street NW. Administration has presented options to reduce shortcutting, with a focus on improving traffic flow on the arterial roads surrounding the neighbourhoods to avoid incentivizing shortcutting. In the short term, administration proposes reconfiguring the intersections and signal timing where 114 Street crosses 76 Avenue, University Avenue, and 87 Avenue, with a pedestrian scramble proposed at 87 Avenue. The short-term measures are estimated to cost around $2 million and would require approval in the 2027-2030 capital budget. Longer term, options include redesigning intersections at 87 Avenue and Groat Road, Belgravia Road and 114 Street, and at Fox Drive and Whitemud Drive to significantly improve network efficiency and traffic flows.
• Council will be asked to approve two new incentive programs for industrial development as part of the 2027-2030 operating budget, says a report that will be presented to executive committee. The industrial infrastructure first mover program would fund a single major component of oversized industrial land development sites across the city, while a new tax abatement program would reduce property taxes by 25% over three years to accelerate construction of industrial buildings within priority sectors. Administration also recommends retaining nine existing industrial incentives and programs. Several key performance indicators on the 10-year industrial investment action plan did not meet their target, the report said. While administration purposely set high targets to keep pace with the results of residential growth, the KPIs signal that changes are needed to speed up a positive trajectory.
• Regional municipalities told Edmonton’s administration that they routinely send residents to Edmonton or elsewhere when they require social supports, according to the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, which will be presented to community and public services committee. The only municipality outside of Edmonton that operates an emergency shelter during extreme cold is Spruce Grove, and there is no permanent supportive housing in the region. “Ultimately, these insights reveal that addressing regional housing need requires a holistic approach that considers the interplay between housing affordability, regional connectivity, and the social and health supports required for residents to thrive,” the report said. Administration recommends sustaining investment in supportive and affordable housing; bridging crisis substance use response to recovery and housing; and refining the overall social service system to address barriers that vulnerable people face when accessing support.
• Administration will take three targeted actions to pursue municipal leadership in the integration of housing and health solutions, says a report that will be presented to community and public services committee. The city plans to establish joint targets for supportive and recovery housing with the provincial government; inform the renewal of the National Housing Strategy to reinforce federal commitments toward integrated housing and health support models; and combine municipal, community, and health data sources to build a deeper understanding of substance use and mental health supports. Administration will include $93.9 million in the 2027-2030 operating budget for affordable housing investment. Staff will also include $18 million for the renovation of 11 city-owned social housing properties.
• Administration has developed a plan to introduce a one-year trial of a voluntary naloxone training program for transit inspectors. The employees don’t necessarily operate transit vehicles; instead, they act in a managerial role, providing mentorship to operators and assistance to riders. Inspectors receive standard first aid training, making the group of employees a good trial for naloxone training, administration said. If the trial is successful, administration could expand voluntary training to other employee groups.
• Community and public services committee will be asked to approve a contract with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society for the Community Outreach Transit Team (COTT) partnership. Administration proposes a three-year term, valued at $700,000 annually, starting on Jan. 1 with the option to extend up to 10 years. The team recorded a nearly 150% increase in interactions in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
• Councillors on the executive committee will review an update to the storefront improvement program that increases the maximum grant amount, which is based on 50% of eligible costs, to $50,000 per building. The update also adds a grant covering 50% of permanent landscaping costs up to $10,000 per building. Council approval is required.
• Administration laid out options to strengthen city supports for business improvement areas, split among four themes: recognizing BIAs as economic development partners, autonomy for operations and procurement, interdepartmental alignment, and agility in service baseline and regulations. Some of the action items can be carried out using existing resources, while others would be included in the Edmonton Advantage implementation service package that is set to be debated as part of the 2027-2030 budget deliberations.
• Administration presented two options for proactively communicating upcoming infrastructure projects. The first option involves administration installing a sign about 18 months before construction begins on major capital projects. The second option relies on digital communication during the year before the project and a physical sign about six months before construction begins.
• There are no resources dedicated to directly supporting the nighttime economy, says a report that will be presented to executive committee. The Edmonton Advantage economic development plan helps businesses broadly and could indirectly help nighttime businesses, the report said, and Explore Edmonton also supports the tourism economy generally.
• Administration recommends that council refuse a developer’s request to create a statutory plan for the Winterburn Industrial area because it does not align with city policy. The 107-hectare parcel is bordered by undeveloped and developed industrial land, an active landfill, and a mobile-home park. The developer has proposed residential, mixed-use, and open space uses. However, the district policy generally discourages residential development in industrial areas, and the Winterburn Industrial area structure plan specifically aims to prohibit residential land uses. Further, administration recommends retaining the industrial designation because Edmonton lacks shovel-ready land.
• Urban planning committee will hear from the Edmonton Design Committee and the Naming Committee, and community and public services committee will hear from the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Family and Community Support Services Advisory Committee, and the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission for the first time since approving a new governance framework for council committees. The framework requires council to approve terms of reference and a two-year work plan for the committees.
• Council will meet in private on Oct. 23 to discuss the future of the community safety and wellbeing framework and government relations.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

• The Community and Public Services Committee will meet today at 9:30 am, and one of the items on its agenda is a proposed non-competitive contract with the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society to provide outreach workers for the Community Outreach Transit Team. The team pairs Transit Peace Officers with outreach workers across the transit network, and Bent Arrow's current agreement expires on December 31st. Administration is recommending a new three-year deal from 2027 to 2029 worth $2.1 million, or $700,000 a year excluding GST, with options to extend it by up to seven more years, for a total of up to $7 million through 2036. Because the contract exceeds $1 million and was not competitively tendered, it needs Committee approval, and Administration says trade agreement exemptions for non-profits and social services apply. Administration claims a long-term deal will provide stability and cut the work of repeated short-term approvals, and says the cost fits within the existing operating budget with no new tax levy. Since it launched as a pilot in 2020, the program has logged more than 26,000 interactions and engagements, and Administration recommends keeping it at its current capacity.
• The Committee will also discuss a pair of reports on how the City can combine housing with mental health and addiction services. Administration reports that since 2019 the City has provided $89.3 million in grants and $20.8 million in land value for supportive and transitional housing, leveraging $224 million in outside funding for 1,419 units. For the 2027-2030 budget, Administration's plan includes about $23.475 million a year, or $93.9 million over four years, for affordable housing, which it estimates could support about 1,376 new units, or about 835 if Council directs the money exclusively to supportive and transitional housing. The budget is also expected to include an estimated $18 million to renew City-owned social housing. Administration is recommending that Council approve an option for formal correspondence from the Mayor to other orders of government, but the options are in an attachment it wants kept private, citing harm to intergovernmental relations. The companion report notes that Civida's affordable housing wait-list exceeds 10,000 households and that Edmonton recorded 666 opioid-related deaths in 2025.
• The Executive Committee will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am, and a report on City support for Edmonton's 13 business improvement areas and main streets is scheduled for 1:30 pm. The Committee asked for options in June to strengthen City support for the areas, whose member businesses pay a levy that the City collects and passes on to their associations. Administration counts nearly $7 million a year in City financial support for the associations and their members, not including staff costs, including $3.1 million for Centre City maintenance, an $850,000 enhanced services grant, and $500,000 for the Storefront Improvement Program. In 2025, member businesses owed $689,479 in unpaid levies, and Council wrote off $167,616 owed by businesses that had closed. The associations told Administration they want to be formally recognized as economic development partners, to hire their own contractors for streetscape maintenance on City property, and to see published baseline standards for City services. Administration says some of the requests can be met with existing resources, while others would need Council direction or new money, including an economic development service package in the 2027-2030 operating budget.
• A new City report lays out how Edmonton could run its own community bylaw court, offering an alternative for people fined under the City's public spaces bylaw for offences such as panhandling, loitering, and open drug use. Under the proposal, eligible participants would have their fines waived and be connected with community services instead of being prosecuted, with the aim of breaking the cycle of repeat infractions. Administration estimates the program would cost about $1.17 million in 2027 and a similar amount in each of the following three years, including new staff and a subsidy to a third-party agency that would provide legal advice and social supports. Ward 5 (O-day'min) Councillor Anne Stevenson, who brought the motion to explore the idea, says repeatedly ticketing people who have no other options is not solving the problem. The Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness opposes the plan, with board member David Rivera-Kohr calling the mandated care plans coercive and arguing that an administrative process could waive fines without putting people in a courtroom. Calgary has run a community court since 2024, and 526 of its 950 participants had graduated and had charges or fines removed as of June 2026. If Council funds the program in its 2027-2030 operating budget, the first court date would be in late 2027.
• The City of Edmonton is asking residents for input as it redesigns its residential parking program, which manages parking in high-demand neighbourhoods through restrictions and permits. The program was established in the 1970s and has remained largely unchanged since. There are 19 residential parking zones in Edmonton, with 4,800 resident permits and 1,200 temporary permits issued each year. Residents can share feedback online until November 15th through a public survey, weekly polls, and the City's curbside compass, an interactive tool that explores parking options and their trade-offs on a sample street. Administration will use the input to shape recommendations for a redesigned program, which it plans to present to City Council early in 2027.

• An incident that took place at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday has resulted in four confirmed deaths and dozens more injuries, as of the time of writing. It appears that an accident during a live-fire training exercise triggered a fire and that the accident and fire have both caused significant casualties, though full details are not yet available. The soldiers training at the base at the time were from one of Canada's main front-line infantry regiments, whose members are based in Edmonton and at CFB Shilo in Manitoba. Premier Danielle Smith convened her Emergency Management Cabinet Coordination Committee, said she was heading to Edmonton to meet with her ministers and federal officials, and said flags at provincial government buildings would be lowered to half-mast.
• Alberta's referendum, featuring 10 questions, is today. Polls are open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and we have information on how to vote below. Over the weekend, both sides held rallies across Alberta. The Alberta Federation of Labour organized 15 rallies across the province but cancelled its Okotoks event at the last minute because of the wind. In Calgary, hundreds gathered outside City Hall to campaign for Canadian unity and protest the United Conservative Party and Premier Danielle Smith, and NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi told the crowd the job now was to get every supporter out to vote for Option 1 and against the other nine questions. In Edmonton, an independence rally organized by Let Alberta Decide outside the Alberta Legislature Building started an hour late because of the weather. Speakers included campaign co-chair Keith Wilson and Pathway to Independence founder Cory Morgan, who said he would continue to advocate for an independent Alberta after the vote. Elections Alberta figures show 703,824 people voted over the first four days of advance polls, and 516,000 special ballots had been processed as of Saturday morning.
• Prime Minister Mark Carney says Alberta does not need a referendum to secure greater cooperation from Ottawa on immigration. Carney said he expects closer federal-provincial cooperation on immigration regardless of how Albertans vote today, because the province is closer to the needs of its industries. Five of the referendum's questions deal with immigration, including whether the Alberta government should take more control over immigration to reduce it to more sustainable levels, prioritize economic migrants, and give Albertans first priority for new jobs. Premier Danielle Smith has advocated for an arrangement similar to Quebec's, which gives that province greater authority over selecting economic immigrants. Carney claimed his government has cut asylum seekers by 70%, temporary foreign workers by 60%, and foreign students by 80% over roughly the past 18 months. He also recently told the New York Times that a "controlled increase" in Canada's population could begin again.
• Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery are hailing two federal judicial appointments as a sign of new collaboration with Ottawa. Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser named Malcolm Lavoie to the Court of King's Bench and Thomas Rothwell to the Court of Appeal. Lavoie was Alberta's Deputy Minister of Justice and personally argued the province's position on the notwithstanding clause before the Supreme Court earlier this year. Amery claimed the appointments marked a concrete change in the selection process with real input from Alberta, but a spokesperson for Fraser said the established federal process was followed for both. Question 6 asks whether Alberta should join other provinces in seeking a constitutional amendment transferring Superior Court and Court of Appeal appointments from the federal government to the provinces. Will van Engen, an Edmonton defence lawyer with Alberta Lawyers for Judicial Independence, said both judges were recommended through the non-partisan Judicial Advisory Committee, which has always given the provincial government a seat at the table. He noted that just 5% of court cases in Alberta are handled by federally appointed judges, and argued the push for more appointment powers undermines judicial independence.
• Most Albertans expect to vote on separation again in the future, according to a new Abacus Data survey released ahead of today's referendum. The poll found 61% of respondents expect another vote on Alberta separation at some point, while just 14% believe the debate will be settled for a generation or longer even if most Albertans vote to remain in Canada. At the same time, 67% want the provincial government to focus more on everyday issues like health care, affordability, and jobs, while 22% want the province to keep pressing for greater autonomy. Only 32% expect Albertans who disagree on separation to move past their differences after the vote, and only four in 10 believe the final result will be respected by both sides, although 68% trust Elections Alberta to count the ballots fairly. Premier Danielle Smith has said there will be no other question on separation while she is in office if Albertans vote to remain.

Things to Do This Week

• Check out Galactic Atmosphere, a space-themed light art festival
• Until Oct. 25, Churchill Square in Downtown Edmonton has transformed into a glowing cosmos at Galactic Atmosphere, a space-themed light art festival. The FREE event features space-themed light art installations featuring big glowing planets, immersive visuals and a magical atmosphere.
• Celebrate the 20th year of LitFest: Canada’s Original Nonfiction Festival
• There are LitFest events running until Oct. 21, including a FREE double book launch featuring Nisha Patel and Kathryn Lennon on Oct. 17 and a Brunch and Learn Panel: Defiance, resistance and breaking the mold on Oct. 18.
• Catch a triple feature Drive-in Movie Night (Edmonton Valley Zoo)
• Horizon Drive-In Night is presenting three films on Sunday, Oct. 18. It’s Carload Night so pack everyone into the vehicle and pay one ticket price for screenings of Moana (7 p.m.), Back to the Future (9 p.m.), and Smile (11 p.m.)
• Mark Vietnamese Women’s Day in Edmonton (Lucky Supermarket South)
• Chúng Ta Cùng Nhau Vietnamese-Edmonton Cultural Society is hosting a Vietnamese Women’s Day event on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 1-4 p.m. at Lucky Supermarket South Edmonton (2950 Calgary Trail) and everyone is invited! There’s an Ao Dai (Vietnamese gown) market, art vendors, and heritage displays that’s free drop-in, and tickets are just $25 if you’d also like Vietnamese food, a custom Good Good Pal portrait, and a take-home gift. Depending on turnout, you may also be able to get $5 portraits as a standalone ticket on site. Hope to see you there!!

Here’s a few Halloween activities taking place around Edmonton:

• The 15th annual Halloween Spooktacular in Spruce Grove runs Oct. 15-18 and 22-31 with 200+ inflatables and free entry (donate to the Parkland Food Bank).
• There’s a family-friendly Halloween Haunt in St. Albert from 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 17.
• Manning Monster Mash at Manning Town Centre features free family Halloween activities from 12-3 p.m. on Oct. 17.
• There’s a Dinosaur Haunt at Jurassic Forest north of Edmonton on Oct. 17 & 24.
• Book a Haunted Trolley Tour over the High Level Bridge Oct. 17, 23-25, 28-31.
• The Witchery Market, Hallowen-themed market runs until Oct. 18.
• NorthwestFEARFest, the scary Halloween season edition of Canada’s longest-running documentary film festival, runs until Oct. 18 at Metro Cinema.
• The Rocky Horror Picture Show is on at Metro Cinema Oct. 24 and 31.
• DARK, Edmonton’s Halloween Festival at Fort Edmonton Park with four haunted (ware)houses, two scare zones, music and food, is on until Oct. 31.
• Pumpkins After Dark, featuring illuminated pumpkin displays, carving demos, live entertainment and more, is on at Borden Park until Oct. 31.
• Kiwi Garden Centre’s family-friendly Haunted House and trails runs weekends through October.
• The Haunted Pumpkin Festival takes place every weekend in October at Prairie Gardens in Bon Accord, about an hour north of Edmonton, featuring spooky-fun, playful family-friendly attractions.
• Chuck & Crumble Farm in Onoway, about an hour north west of Edmonton, is holding a Harvest Festival every Saturday & Sunday in October.
• The Haunted Hike in Vegreville, about an hour east of Edmonton, features 20 themed rooms and live actors, runs Friday through Saturdays in October.
• University of Alberta Ghost Tours run nightly until November 5.
• The 13th Deadmonton Haunted House features three haunts and runs until November 7.

And a few other events you may be interested in this week:

• The Edmonton Fall Home Show runs Oct. 16-18.
• GEDFest YEG a Tragically Hip and Gord Downie concert celebration is Oct. 17.
• Edmonton Short Film Festival runs this weekend Oct. 17 & 18.
• There’s a couple of final Edmonton Design Week events this weekend.
• YAGA kicked off this week at Varscona Theatre and is on until Nov. 1.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Journey across generations, cultures, and landscapes at the 2026 St. Albert Readers Festival; learn how to make a beautiful beaded poppy in a workshop with Métis artist Joly-Davis; walk through an exhibition of youth-created work at Stories That Echo: The Artivism Cohort Showcase; discover films you may not otherwise have the chance to see, from Canadian voices to international perspectives, at the 2026 Edmonton Short Film Festival; join CIVIQ Labs Society during Edmonton Design Week for Culture as Infrastructure, an afternoon of conversations about the people, places, and partnerships that make Edmonton a creative city, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Below is the Ocober issue of THE MILL WOODS MOSAIC. Read on!

Hello KEP Neighbour,

Here’s what’s happening around the community this October! Inside you’ll find updates from the King Edward Park Community League - upcoming events and programs, City news, road and construction updates, local resources, and more.

Know something happening in the neighbourhood or have an idea for the newsletter? Let us know — we’d love to hear what you’d like to see featured here!

Thank you,

Your KEP Community League Board

 League Membership 

Community League News

Souper Social

Looking for a cozy way to connect with your community? Join us for Souper Social on the last Thursday of every month!

Come enjoy a warm bowl of soup, good conversation, and the company of neighbours in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. With both vegan and non-vegan options available, there’s something for everyone!

When: Thurs, Oct 29 | 6:00–8:00 pm

Where: KEP Small Hall, 8008 – 81 Street NW

What to bring:

1. Your own bowl & spoon
2. A container for any delicious leftovers

Bring your appetite, invite a neighbour, and stay awhile. We look forward to sharing a bowl of soup and building community together! 💛

Zumba Alert - Big Energy, Big Changes!

When: Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Where: KEP Large Hall (7708 - 85 Street)

💰 Drop-in: $10

🎟️ KEP Community League members: Just $5!

💃 Get ready to dance, sweat, and SMILE! 🕺🔥

Shake off the week with Zumba and your King Edward Park neighbours! No experience needed, no perfect moves required, just good music and great energy. All ages and all fitness levels welcome.

Girl Guides at KEP

66th Edmonton Guides (9-11 years) has just moved into KEP’s Community League on Tuesday evenings and currently has room for 5 more youth members. Register Today

Girl Guides helps girls and youth build confidence, friendships and skills that last a lifetime. From outdoor adventure to STEM and leadership, they explore, try new things and discover what they’re capable of. Give them a space to grow and thrive - and develop a lifelong advantage along the way.

For More Info: Email 66thedmonztonguides@gmail.com or text Julianne at 780-224-0370

KEP Community League Day Success!

What a success Community League Day was! 🎉

Days like this remind us why we do what we do. From the programs we offer to the events we organize, it's all about bringing neighbours together, building connections, and creating a stronger, more vibrant community.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out, volunteered, and helped make the day so special. This is what community is all about! 💚

See the photo’s from the event!

Community Shout-Outs

• MADE Week

Community Events & Happenings

• Pumpkins After Dark
• Queer History Month in Edmonton
• PcickleFest
• Halloween

City Info & Updates

• Change in Accepted Recycling Items
• Litter Kit Program Closing October 31
• Elm Tree Pruning Ban Lifted October 1
• ReUse Centre Programs - October 2026
• Municipal Public Engagement Opportunities

City & 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
• Edmonton Reuse Directory
• Edmonton Current Traffic Disruptions

Edmonton’s Zoning Bylaw Never Had Public Legitimacy

Edmonton’s new zoning bylaw had many serious failings, none more serious than its lack of public legitimacy. Public engagement on the new zoning bylaw was so poor that even after five years of it, most Edmontonians had never heard of the zoning bylaw.

In May 2023, when the city wrapped up the public engagement it began in 2018 and the zoning bylaw was on its way to councillors for approval, only three percent of Edmontonians were familiar with its details. The large majority had never heard of it. Those were the findings of a statistically valid poll undertaken by Pollara Research, one of Canada’s leading polling companies.

Though Better Infill warned city council that the public wasn’t on board, in October 2023 council voted 11-2 to approve the zoning bylaw. Only councillors Principe and Rice voted against it. In hindsight, it seems Edmonton’s experiment with zoning was pushed through from the very top of city hall, and the core of the zoning bylaw was determined before public consultation began.

A reality check on city claims of engagement. To show how the city’s public engagement on the zoning bylaw failed to engage the public, let’s dig into the records.

The city produced five What We Heard reports describing its public consultations on zoning. The first, in October 2020, counted a total of 692 participants over 26 events, an average of 27 people per event. More than 100 of these participants were stakeholders and industry representatives.

The second What We Heard report, in January 2021, reported on the next round of engagement. There were 3,084 visits to the engagement website, but of these 3,084 visits, only 228 involved a comment or question. It’s likely some people both made a comment and asked a question, so the number of individuals is probably less than 228.

The final round of engagement was held in 2023, when the zoning bylaw was effectively completed. The city’s May 2023 What We Heard report said the city received 1400 comments on the bylaw (that’s 1400 comments, not 1400 people). Notably, the second most common theme among the comments was that public engagement was unsatisfactory.

This report trumpets 18,297 visitors to the Engaged Edmonton website and 9,688 views of the “guided feedback tool.” But digging deeper, the city also reported that “direct contact with the zoning renewal bylaw team” amounted to receiving 84 emails, answering 13 questions, and holding 20 one-on-one chats with interested people. It’s in direct contact that real engagement happens, and these are tiny figures for a city of over one million residents.

The fact only 13 questions were asked should have signalled to city hall that it was out of touch. Instead, it was mistakenly taken as a vote of confidence.

Compare and contrast. Let’s compare the city’s five-year multi-million-dollar public engagement with what volunteers have achieved in much less time and zero taxpayer cost. The group that became Better Infill held its first public meeting on infill in April 2023. We expected a couple of dozen people; more than 75 turned up from about twenty neighbourhoods. This was almost triple the average turn-out the city got for its 2021 engagements. Since then, our public meetings have ranged from 50 to 150 people, and our webinars have been watched by over a thousand people. As of October 8, 2026, Better Infill’s website had 11,819 unique visitors, comparing well to the city’s numbers.

But Better Infill’s public engagement pales in comparison with Edmonton Neighbourhoods United (ENU). This is what the volunteers at ENU have achieved in less than eighteen months:

•39 neighbourhood presentations to just under 4,000 people, with comments and questions too numerous to count.

•77,000 website hits.

•4,000 lawn signs, paid for by the people who take them.

•6,100 signatures on an e-petition.

•2,200 people leaving comments (not 2,200 comments, 2,200 people).

If we add what other groups have done, such as the Residential Infill Working Group, Infill Action Committee, and SaveYeg, the numbers are almost overwhelming. The Infill Action Committee organized a campaign that saw about 42,000 letters and emails sent to the provincial government, including 2,653 letters to the premier in one week.

Edmonton city council has an opportunity to genuinely engage the public on the zoning bylaw and city plan. It’s clear the public is eager. Let’s hope city hall opens its mind instead of closing its doors.

• City Council will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am, and one of the items on the agenda is Administration's annual report on the grants, subsidies, rebates, and sponsorships the City gives to outside organizations. In 2025, the City provided $262.8 million to 1,351 recipients, up from $236.4 million in 2024 and $218.2 million in 2021. Of that, $137.0 million went to operating subsidies for 10 agencies, boards, and commissions, including the Edmonton Public Library, Explore Edmonton, and REACH Edmonton. Funding directed by Council outside the City's internal application and review process jumped from $7.4 million in 2024 to $20.1 million, including $10.6 million to Qualico for public spaces at the Station Lands site and $4.0 million to the Edmonton Ski Club for a new lodge. The totals leave out 130 below-market leases of City property to non-profits, which Administration estimates are worth about $40 million a year in rent subsidies, and Administration is recommending that the value of each individual lease stay private. The report also acknowledges that most funding arrangements still lack clearly identified outcome objectives, which limits the City's ability to judge whether the money is achieving its goals.
• Premier Danielle Smith announced that the Province will force Edmonton to repeal its zoning bylaw and return to the rules on housing types, density, and height that were in place before 2024. The City has three months to make the change and must also restore the minimum on-site parking requirements that were in place before 2020, followed by an 18-month review of its land-use bylaws. Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams said the directive will be formalized through a cabinet order in council and called the pace and scale of high-density infill in the city "too far, too fast." Since the bylaw took effect, the City has permitted 5,187 five- to eight-plexes in mature neighbourhoods, about 13% of all homes permitted. Mayor Andrew Knack argued the directive will make the city less affordable and drive up property taxes. He asked the Premier to pause it and said he will call an emergency Council meeting to assess what it means for the City. Knack estimated the directive will cost the City millions of dollars and pull staff time away from the finance team preparing budget documents for release on November 2nd.
• City Council voted 8-5 to raise the electricity franchise fee the City charges EPCOR from 17.65% to 19.4% of distribution charges, a cost that is passed on to customers' power bills. Ward 11 (Karhiio) Councillor Keren Tang moved the increase, which takes effect on January 1st, 2027, arguing that the fee is one of the City's limited ways to raise revenue and that 19.4% matches Calgary's rate. The Utility Committee had proposed the 20% maximum allowed by the Alberta Utilities Commission, which Administration estimated would raise a typical household's monthly franchise fee from $9.06 to $10.27 and bring in an extra $14.8 million in 2027. At that rate, Administration also estimated that post-secondary institutions could pay about $31,500 more per month on average and the largest businesses about $10,400 more. Councillors Erin Rutherford, Karen Principe, Thu Parmar, Michael Elliott, and Reed Clarke voted against the increase. Rutherford warned that it would add to the affordability challenges Edmontonians already face, while Elliott argued that a small monthly increase adds up over time.
• City Council received the process for its upcoming four-year budget deliberations, with draft budgets to be published on the City's website on November 2nd. Council is deciding on five budgets - capital, operating, the utility services operating and capital budgets, the Office of the City Auditor budget, and a climate budget presented for information only. Registration to speak at the November 23rd public hearing opens when the drafts are released and closes once the meeting begins. The hearing can then remain open for up to 10 days, until December 18th or until the budgets are approved, with proposed reductions voted on before increases. Mayor Andrew Knack said that because of affordability concerns, the next four-year budget has to be less than the current one, and that Council cannot have the same level of increases seen from 2023 to 2026. Administration is also trying to bring the financial stabilization reserve back to its required $150-million baseline.
• City Council voted 7-6 to keep the 25-cent fee businesses must charge for paper bags, defeating a motion to scrap the fee for fast-food bags. Ward 10 (Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi) Councillor Jon Morgan had proposed exempting restaurants at the Utility Committee on October 5th, arguing that the fee is unfair to customers, particularly at drive-throughs, and has done little to reduce waste. Ward 9 (pihêsiwin) Councillor Michael Elliott, who said he first raised the issue months ago, argued that the charge hurts seniors and others on fixed incomes who still eat out. Under the single-use item bylaw introduced in July 2023, businesses must charge at least 25 cents for a paper bag and $2 for a new reusable bag, and they keep the fees. Administration reports that single-use waste has dropped 30% since the bylaw took effect and that the number of disposable bags the average Edmontonian throws out at home has fallen 77%, though its data does not separate fast-food bags from grocery or retail bags. In a June 2026 survey of 196 restaurants, many said they were recovering costs or making a profit from the fees, while respondents also reported that customers were frustrated by them.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council will discuss its autonomy, look at outcome reports from municipal funding, and consider several rezoning applications.

There is a public hearing on Oct. 13, a non-regular council meeting on Oct. 14, and a special city council meeting on Oct. 16.

Here are some key items on the agenda this week:

• Council will hold a special meeting on Oct. 16 to discuss the Oct. 8 directive from the provincial government ordering Edmonton to revert its zoning bylaw to parameters that were in place before 2024 and restore minimum parking requirements to where they were before 2020. Smith said at a news conference on Oct. 8 that the current bylaw has led to “irresponsible” infill development, pointing to multifamily complexes in neighbourhoods dominated by single-family homes. “Let me be clear — the goal should not simply be more housing, but more housing that is planned and integrated in a way that works for both existing residents as well as future families,” Smith said. The city has been given three months to amend its bylaw and 18 months to conduct a comprehensive review of its land-use bylaw. Mayor Andrew Knack urged the province to pause the directive, which he called “chaotic,” noting that it will result in higher taxes and reduced affordability. Knack told Ryan Jespersen the special council meeting is to see if council is in agreement about municipal autonomy: “I think we’ll need to have a clear discussion … do we want to make a public statement as a council on local autonomy?”
• Administration will report on the outcomes of $262.8 million provided to 1,351 recipients, including $137 million in operating subsidies to civic agencies, boards, and commissions, as well as $125.8 million supporting individuals and other external organizations. This is only the second year that the ABCs, individuals, and organizations have been required to report on outcomes, and many are still developing processes and performance measurements, the report said. Council-directed funding, which usually arises from a report to council, through advocacy by a non-profit, or as a solution to complex issues, nearly tripled from $7.4 million in 2024 to $20.1 million in 2025. This stream of funding does not go through the city’s internal program funding process to ensure consistency, accountability, equity, and transparency, administration said. More than $10 million of council-directed funding went to Qualico for its publicly accessible private spaces in its Station Lands development.
• A landowner has proposed rezoning a lot in Ritchie at 9905 80 Avenue NW from a direct control zone that allows for a 20-storey building to a standard zone that allows for a four-storey building. Administration said the proposed rezoning would facilitate new development in a primary corridor close to bus routes and bike networks.
• Administration said it does not support a rezoning application for a property that is partially in the boundary of the Westmount Architectural Heritage Area. The site at 11038 126 Street NW was consolidated from three separate lots, two of which were zoned for four-storey residential development with no architectural controls, and the third zoned for 2.5-storey residential development in line with the architectural controls of the Westmount area. Residents who oppose the rezoning said the heritage area is a historically significant area that should be preserved.
• BM Homes has proposed rezoning a property in McKernan at 11302 75 Avenue NW to allow for a three-storey residential building that is taller than what is currently allowed. Administration said it supports the application because the property is a corner lot near the McKernan-Belgravia LRT station and the 76 Avenue secondary corridor. Some residents oppose the rezoning because they believe infill properties are being used for lodging houses or short-term rentals, and that the development would increase pressure for on-street parking.
• Council will receive a private update from the city manager.

• Premier Danielle Smith announced that the Government of Alberta is ordering Edmonton to roll back its infill rules, and plans new province-wide limits on infill development. Within three months, Edmonton must revert its rules on housing types, density, and height to those in place before its 2024 zoning changes, and restore the minimum on-site parking requirements it had before 2020. The City will also have 18 months to review its land use bylaws, while Calgary was directed to finish its own ongoing bylaw review next year. Smith cited concerns from residents about utilities, traffic, parking, and property values, and Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams said the changes will be made through a cabinet order in council and described them as a "pause" or "reset". Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi accused Smith of overriding the democratic will of Edmontonians, saying infill is a municipal responsibility. Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack, who defeated several challengers who backed tougher infill rules in last October's election, warned that the Premier is underestimating the consequences and that the move could cause tremendous chaos.
• Federal Defence Minister David McGuinty visited Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, alongside Premier Danielle Smith, to highlight $8 billion in ongoing federal military spending in Alberta. The spending includes $550 million to establish the western operating base for the Royal Canadian Air Force's CC-330 Husky fleet, nearly $4 billion to support fighter capabilities at the Cold Lake base, and over $580 million over three years for maintenance and repairs across Alberta's military bases. McGuinty described Confederation as "a bargain of reciprocity" and said Alberta will help lead the way in leaving Canada stronger. Smith said the Province and Ottawa have been working together to use existing military assets in Alberta to help meet the federal target of spending 5% of gross domestic product on defence by 2035. She said she hopes announcements like this one will give people more confidence to vote to remain in Canada.
• The Government of Alberta is walking back some of the changes it made over the summer to benefits for people with disabilities, citing community feedback. Eligible couples where both people receive Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) or the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) will again receive full benefit amounts. Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Nathan Neudorf said couples were considering divorce to get back to full payment, which he called not the intended outcome. ADAP launched in July, and the Province says about 45,000 Albertans were moved onto it from AISH, while about 35,000 remain on AISH. The Province says ADAP clients can earn up to $45,240 a year before losing benefits, and that those moved from AISH will receive a transition benefit covering the difference in monthly benefits until December 31st. It has also shortened the non-medical application process for moving to ADAP by 75% and now lets nurse practitioners sign off on medical reports.
• The Alberta Court of Appeal has ruled that the federal Impact Assessment Act, which sets out how the environmental, economic, health, and social effects of projects like ports, mines, and pipelines are reviewed, is still unconstitutional. In a 4-1 decision, the court found that although Ottawa modified the law after the Supreme Court struck down much of it in 2023, the new version still infringes on provincial jurisdiction. Among other things, the court said the act still lets Ottawa stop a project in provincial jurisdiction if it has even the smallest impact on federal jurisdiction. It was the Province's second challenge to the Act, and Ontario and Saskatchewan both backed Alberta in the case. The ruling comes as Ottawa tries, through the newly tabled Bill C-39, to move the assessment of pipeline and energy transmission projects from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canada Energy Regulator. Ottawa has said the Regulator will still be bound by the Impact Assessment Act when it carries out those reviews. The office of federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said the government is reviewing the decision and considering next steps.
• Premier Danielle Smith is brushing off the Opposition NDP's court challenge to her government's new voter list rules, and says legislation is coming this fall to add safeguards on voter information. The rules, published in September, allow Elections Alberta to give political parties only the number of voters in each voting area and municipality, instead of lists with full names, addresses, and phone numbers. Smith says elections officials called for the restrictions after a major data breach earlier this year, and that the NDP asked for the restrictions too, which the Opposition denies. At a court hearing, the NDP argued that the Government is acting beyond its power and undermining the democratic purpose of a voter list. Smith says she hopes to win the NDP's support for the coming legislation.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Check out new exhibitions by Raymond Thériault and Wenda Salomons at Harcourt House; explore delightful adventures and Edmonton’s hidden gems at the book launch of The Wonderful Worlds in Edmonton by Mila Bongco-Philipzig; embark on a musical journey across countries, eras, and traditions at Classical Elegance: Soprano and Piano Recital; enjoy a powerful night of live music featuring four dynamic, female-led Alberta acts at Women of Song — A Celebration of Singer-Songwriters at the Arden Theatre, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Woodvale Community League OCTOBER Updates

You’re invited to our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00 PM at the Mill Woods Golf Course.This is more than just a meeting—it’s a chance to connect with neighbours, celebrate what’s happening in our community, hear what’s ahead, and have a voice in the future of Woodvale.

Interested in getting more involved? We’re always looking for neighbours who want to help make Woodvale an even better place to live. If you’ve ever thought about joining the Woodvale Community League Board, this is a great opportunity to learn more, meet the people involved, and discover how you can contribute. Whether you have lots of experience or simply have ideas and a heart for our community, we’d love to have you consider getting involved!

Tuesday, October 20 • 7:00 PM

Mill Woods Golf Course

Come meet your neighbours, share your thoughts, ask questions, and be part of the conversation. Bring a neighbour and come be part of what’s happening in Woodvale. We’ll see you there!

RULE #1: LICENSE YOUR PET

It's mandatory, it's their ID, and it's their fastest way home.

BARKS, BITES AND BIG PENALTIES

Stricter penalties for dog attacks, with penalties ranging from $250 to $3,000, and new rules for vicious dogs.

PAWSITIVE ACCESSIBILITY

Discounted license fees for seniors and people on income support, waived licensing fees for non-profit local animal rescues and small changes to license fees.

PAW-LEASE PUT MY SAFETY FIRST

Your pet's safety is your responsibility. Avoid animal welfare fines for:

- Unsafe transportation of an animal.

- Leaving an animal unattended (hot vehicles, cold weather) or in a yard without access to shelter.

BEE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR

New rules, regulations, and limits on backyard hens, beehives and rabbits.

Looking to learn more about the Animal Care and Control Bylaw? Please visit edmonton.ca/animalbylaw or email AnimalBylawRenewal@edmonton.ca 

Community Connections

Millwoods Mosaic

Community League Memberships And Renewals Are Now Online

League memberships are still only $25 per household and are available at www.woodvale.org or from the League Office located at the Facility Building on the Mill Woods Golf Course (Call 780-462-2101 ext 3).

View all the benefits and sign up here:

https://www.woodvale.org/membership

Stay connected to Woodvale Community League by visiting our website www.woodvale.org 

event calendar

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Time-travel to the 1940s for the Royal Alberta Museum's next Retro Craft Night for grownups; hop from venue to venue with the second annual CFR (Canadian Finals Rodeo) Backroads Series, a free celebration of country, roots, Americana, honky tonk, folk, blues and song slingers; bring your choice albums to spin at Rubaboo Indigenous Arts Festival’s Indigenous RPM at the CKUA Arts Den; attend the emotional unveiling of Busyrawk's Black Tortoise of the North 北方玄武, which will centre on the mural's themes of grief, remembrance, and healing; discover and support local authors and artists at the Harvest Art + Book Fair, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS