TapRootEdmonton

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

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

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

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

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

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

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

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

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

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

Here are other key items on the agenda:

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

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

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council committees will review the first year of the updated zoning bylaw, consider increased fines for animal attacks, and preview the new budget process that will begin in 2026.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on June 2, an urban planning committee meeting on June 3, an executive committee meeting on June 4, and a special city manager committee meeting on June 5.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• Council’s urban planning committee is scheduled to review the updated zoning bylaw about 18 months after it was enacted. Taproot analyzed the development data to see what trends the city is experiencing.
• Administration proposes owners face more serious consequences when their dogs attack or bite people or other pets. A report scheduled to be reviewed by council’s community and public services committee details proposed changes to the animal licensing and control bylaw. In Edmonton, dog attacks have increased by 15% over the last few years and fines are lower than in other major Canadian cities, the report said. Currently, a dog owner is fined $500 if their dog attacks or bites any person or animal causing injury or death. Administration proposes to increase this fine to $2,000 if the dog attacks another pet and causes a serious injury, and to $3,000 if the dog seriously injures a person or kills another pet. The new bylaw would also increase fines if an incident is the dog’s second offence, and increase fines even more for restricted dogs, which are dogs that have previously chased, attacked, or bitten a person or another pet. The bylaw would also change practices for returning unowned, roaming cats to their neighbourhoods and allow caretakers who trap and neuter feral cats to continue managing those colonies. If the committee approves the changes, administration will prepare amendments to the bylaw, and council will vote on them at a future meeting.
• Council watchers will get a sneak peek at the city’s results-based budgeting process this week. In March, council approved a new budget process in which performance information will be used to understand if budget decisions are having the desired impacts in the community. To follow a results-based budgeting process, each city department will present reports to council’s executive committee starting in 2026. Staff will present an overview of the branch, a line-by-line budget, funding model, key cost drivers, structural budget variances, staffing composition, outputs and deliverables, services and service levels, benchmark comparisons with other municipalities where possible, and any audit information. Administration is testing this process with a pilot presentation from the corporate procurement and supply services department to executive committee on June 4.
• Administration said proposed changes to city policy would improve opportunities for affordable housing providers. The suggested amendments to the affordable housing investment guidelines are laid out in a report scheduled to be presented to council’s community and public services committee on June 2. The policy guides administration’s decisions on grants and land dedication for affordable housing. Under the current iteration of the policy, enacted in 2019, the city has invested $202 million and leveraged $985 million from other sources to support more than 2,600 affordable housing units. Administration recommends including the acquisition of affordable housing and conversion of market housing in the policy to expand investment opportunities. If the committee approves the amendments, they will be sent to council for a final vote. The report also includes an analysis of which neighbourhoods have met the city’s goal of having affordable housing make up 16% of the housing in each of Edmonton’s 330 neighbourhoods. Administration said 14 neighbourhoods have reached the goal, and more than 100 have seen an increase in the ratio of affordable to market housing. About 50 have seen a decrease, but that doesn’t necessarily mean affordable housing was lost; it could mean, instead, that the neighbourhood gained market housing faster than affordable housing. The city has surpassed the goal laid out in its Affordable Housing Investment Plan to support 2,700 units of affordable housing between 2023-2026, and has updated the goal to be 4,652 units.
• Council’s urban planning committee will review the environmental impact of widening a portion of Ellerslie Road SW that crosses the Whitemud Creek Ravine system. The road will be widened from two to four lanes between the Graydon Hill neighbourhood and the Ambleside Eco Station. The project involves a new two-lane bridge over the ravine, located north of the existing bridge, which will carry westbound traffic. The construction of that bridge could potentially interact with the ravine’s surface water, soils, vegetation, wildlife, aquatic species, and archaeological artifacts. The assessment describes how construction crews will mitigate potential damages. If urban planning committee approves the assessment, it will go to council for a final vote.
• All of the city’s investment funds outperformed their benchmarks in 2024, according to the investment committee’s annual report, which is scheduled to be presented to council’s executive committee on June 4. The city’s largest fund, the Ed Tel Endowment fund, paid $46 million in dividends to the city. Central banks reduced interest rates as inflation softened, which created a positive environment for growth assets, but the trend came with market volatility. To manage volatility, the committee will stay active, diversify assets, and practice risk management.
• Councillors are scheduled to receive a private update from a consultant on June 5.

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• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, the Urban Planning Committee will meet. The agenda includes a one-year review of the City’s zoning bylaw. This bylaw came into effect on January 1st, 2024 with the intent to simplify zoning regulations, support housing growth, and align with the City Plan’s goal of accommodating two million residents. The review found that housing approvals rose 30% from 2023, with multi-unit and row housing leading growth. Most permits were for developments that fully complied with the new rules, with only a small number requiring variances. Administration noted that processing times increased slightly, which was expected due to the new system and higher application volumes. While developing areas still saw the most new homes, redeveloping areas experienced a sharp rise in denser housing forms, including many eight-unit row houses. Further analysis is underway on issues like landscaping, bike parking, and alley access. Overall, the bylaw appears to be achieving its goals, at least from the City’s perspective.
• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Executive Committee. The agenda includes a review the 2024 Investment Committee Annual Report, which outlines the performance of the City’s $3.6 billion in financial assets. Returns in 2024 ranged from 5.0% in the Money Market Fund to 17.4% in the Pension Fund. All investment funds exceeded their benchmarks over both four-year and ten-year periods. The Ed Tel Endowment Fund paid $46 million in dividends and reached a market value of more than $1 billion for the first time. The report highlights growing investments in infrastructure and real estate, a new global equity manager, and the appointment of a new Committee member. The City prioritizes environmental, social, and governance standards, with all investment managers being signatories to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment. The City claims that in-house asset management saves roughly $1.5 million each year in fees.
• The City of Edmonton is piloting a new process for branch budget presentations, starting in 2025 with Corporate Procurement and Supply Services, to improve Council’s understanding and decision-making for the 2027-2030 budget. This first presentation will take place at the Executive Committee Meeting. These presentations will provide detailed information such as budgets by section, staffing, cost drivers, services, and comparisons with other municipalities where possible. The pilot aims to gather feedback on whether the information is sufficient for informed budget decisions without debating the current budget itself. This approach will be refined before full implementation in 2026, with broader public engagement planned for the next budget cycle.
• The Edmonton Public School Board is calling on Alberta’s Education Minister to amend the Education Act to ensure undocumented children can attend school. Trustees say current laws allow school divisions to turn away students without immigration status and deny them provincial funding, creating a barrier to education. The board’s request follows concerns raised by families and advocacy groups who say children have been removed from school or denied enrolment due to their status. Trustee Jan Sawyer emphasized the moral imperative to educate all children, regardless of their parents’ decisions. Advocates argue that Alberta’s policies lag behind other provinces like Ontario and BC, which have clearer protections for undocumented students. The board will also seek support from the Alberta School Boards Association and other divisions. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides responded by highlighting Alberta’s generosity but did not address children currently in legal limbo due to pending immigration decisions.
• City Council has voted to preserve community-based names for its recreation centres, rejecting proposals to sell naming rights for external signage. While corporate naming will still be allowed for interior features, those deals must be approved by Council. This move aims to protect the cultural and neighbourhood identity of public facilities, balancing fiscal considerations with community pride. A previous estimate suggested naming rights could generate $21 million over 10 years, but city officials declined to give a breakdown for specific sites. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi noted that such revenue would not significantly close the City’s budget gap and could erode public connection to shared spaces. The decision will not affect existing contracts, such as the Booster Juice Community Centre and Rogers Place. Councillors called the new policy a smart compromise that still leaves room for sponsorship while upholding the character of Edmonton’s public infrastructure.
• New pop-up entertainment districts in Edmonton’s Downtown are aiming to enhance the area’s vibrancy by allowing people to stroll with drinks and dogs while enjoying markets and local businesses. Thanks to a new bylaw and efforts by the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA), sections of 104 Street are transformed into large patios and pedestrian-friendly zones every Saturday through market season. This setup helps local businesses sell more products and creates a lively atmosphere for shoppers, with foot traffic estimated at around 20,000 visitors by season’s end. The entertainment district concept also supports events like the Winterval festival, allowing multiple businesses to sell licensed drinks outdoors. The market is dog-friendly, and is attracting many pet owners. City officials highlight that these initiatives help boost economic activity downtown and encourage visitors to explore more local shops and eateries. Overall, the program aims to support business growth while making downtown a more enjoyable and engaging space.
• Edmonton has launched a new strategy to position itself as a global leader at the intersection of artificial intelligence and construction engineering. Spearheaded by over 30 industry leaders and announced by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, the plan outlines steps to create an AI and construction-engineering cluster. Key goals include creating 20,000 new jobs in tech-enhanced trades, increasing productivity by nearly 50% over the next decade, and attracting $100 million in annual investment. The strategy emphasizes collaboration between builders, tech firms, researchers, and government. Immediate actions include forming a guiding cluster organization, securing operating support from all levels of government, and establishing an innovation lab at Edmonton Unlimited. Local leaders claim Edmonton is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation, but it’s not immediately clear how Edmonton’s plan differs in any way from the bajillion other cities with similar plans to attract AI technology to their cities.

Council to vote on upzoning more than 1,200 properties

By Stephanie Swensrude

City council is set to vote on May 20 on whether to proactively upzone more than 1,200 lots in Garneau, Wîhkwêntôwin, and the Stony Plain Road area to allow commercial uses and greater density.

The lots are located in what the city calls priority growth areas. These areas are expected to experience the most development in the short-term. The city is proactively upzoning many lots in these areas to encourage more housing development, often through greater heights and density than current zoning allows. This is different than the usual pattern, which sees the city respond to developers who apply to upzone specific properties for more density or other uses.

The city wants to encourage the many newcomers to Edmonton to live in redeveloping neighbourhoods in the core, and the process has been influenced by the new zoning bylaw that went into effect in January 2024 and the district planning policy that was adopted in October.

“There’s the hope that (upzoning) will incentivize landowners, if they choose to, to consider redeveloping their properties, to see more housing development business opportunities in some of these areas that align with that vision in the City Plan, and hopefully further catalyze demand and investment in these areas,” Lisa Drury, a senior planner at the City of Edmonton, told Taproot in August.

In the Garneau area, city administration proposes to upzone lots along 109 Street between the High Level Bridge and 81 Avenue to allow for mixed-use buildings — that is, residential towers with commercial bays on the ground floor. The allowed heights would be between seven and 23 storeys tall, depending on the lot. Most of the north side of 81 Avenue between 112 Street and 108 Street is proposed to be upzoned to allow for residential buildings up to seven storeys tall. This is meant to transition from the existing high-rise buildings to the north along Whyte Avenue.

In Wîhkwêntôwin and the 124 Street commercial area, city administration proposes upzoning most of the properties along 124 Street to allow for mixed-use buildings that could be anywhere between eight and 26 storeys tall, depending on the lot. One place administration proposes the tallest buildings is the intersection of 124 Street and Stony Plain Road, where crews are constructing a stop for the Valley Line West LRT. Administration also recommends to allow buildings of up to 26 storeys along most of Jasper Avenue between 112 Street and 119 Street.

In the Stony Plain Road area and along 156 Street, administration has proposed upzoning to allow mixed-use buildings up to eight storeys tall along much of Stony Plain Road, with some pockets allowing for 12-storey buildings. Along 156 Street, which is more residential, administration proposes upzoning for residential buildings that are between five and seven storeys tall, depending on how close the lot is to future LRT stops.

The city has created maps showing each proposed rezoning. Council has extended the public hearing until 9pm on May 20. Public hearings for mass zoning changes are well-attended in Edmonton — hundreds of people spoke over four days at the public hearing for the zoning bylaw overhaul, and more than 70 people spoke at the public hearing for the district planning policy.

Steph Neufeld, president of the Garneau Community League, said her organization is pushing for the upzoning project to be postponed. The league has been working with the city to preserve heritage buildings and single-family homes in the neighbourhood, especially along blocks that have not seen any redevelopment since the original houses were built there.

The City of Edmonton proposes upzoning more than 1,200 properties, including many along 124 Street.(Mack Male/Flickr)

Neufeld said the city is considering amendments to the district planning policy to respond to Garneau’s concerns, and that the mass rezoning should be postponed until those amendments are dealt with.

“We want to look at the community holistically and some of the areas in the (priority growth area) overlap with some of the areas we want to consider custom zoning to meet diversity, demographic, and community vibrancy outcomes,” Neufeld told Taproot.

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• If council approves the project, all that would change is the zoning of the properties. It would be up to the individual property owners to pursue redevelopment if they so choose.
• On May 21st, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council meeting. Council will receive the 2024 Edmonton Police Service Annual Report. The report highlights notable progress in reducing crime and enhancing public safety despite Edmonton’s growing population and demands. The city saw a 1.3% drop in overall crime, a 47% reduction in shootings, and the lowest crime rate in nearly a decade, attributed to targeted initiatives like the Healthy Streets Operation Centre and the Guns and Gangs Strategy. EPS increased front-line officers by 154 in 2024, boosting proactive policing and contributing to a 34.1% rise in officer-generated calls for service. Investigative successes included Project Gaslight, which disrupted extortion schemes targeting South Asian business owners. Public satisfaction remained steady, with 56% of residents satisfied and 65% feeling safe after dark. Innovation efforts introduced new technologies like body-worn cameras and biometric monitoring in detainee cells, while recruitment efforts apparently improved diversity with nearly 30% of new hires from underrepresented groups. EPS had a 2024 operating budget of $560.1 million, primarily funded by the City’s tax levy (83.4%), with additional support from provincial grants and other revenue sources. Actual expenses slightly exceeded the budget, resulting in a small surplus of $521,000 transferred to the EPS Operating Reserve, which ended the year with a minor deficit. The capital budget for 2023-2026 totals $114.4 million but still faces a $10.45 million shortfall.
• The City of Edmonton is preparing to submit its first annual report to the federal Minister of Public Safety, as required by the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, which came into effect on January 1st, 2024. This legislation mandates that certain government institutions, including large municipalities, report on their efforts to eliminate forced and child labour in their supply chains. The City’s report, covering 2024 activities for both Edmonton and the Edmonton Police Service, must be approved by City Council before submission by May 31st, 2025, to avoid fines of up to $250,000. Edmonton’s existing policies, including its Sustainable Procurement Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct, incorporate ethical standards and social value considerations aligned with international labour standards. High-risk contracts over $100,000 undergo performance evaluations that assess compliance with ethical, sustainable, and living wage policies, with poor supplier performance potentially leading to probation or suspension. The City is adopting a phased approach to better identify and mitigate risks of forced and child labour, including remediation procedures, staff and supplier training, and ongoing evaluation of these measures. In 2024, no instances of forced or child labour were identified, but efforts to manage such risks will increase. The City will also develop protocols to assess the effectiveness of its policies.
• Edmonton has launched a new Rapid Emergency Support Terminal (REST) to assist evacuees during disasters. Located in a former firehall, the facility can be operational within an hour and offers shelter, registration, refreshments, and pet kenneling. City manager Eddie Robar said it marks a major step in emergency preparedness. Hundreds of trained City staff can be deployed to operate the centre during crises. The model was tested in 2023 when thousands of evacuees arrived from Wood Buffalo and Jasper. Fire Chief David Lazenby said the facility is part of Edmonton’s broader emergency response strategy.
• Spruce Avenue School in north-central Edmonton will be demolished and replaced with a new building, ending its nearly 100-year history. The junior high school, opened in 1928, will be replaced as part of Alberta’s school accelerator plan, fully funded by the province. Some community members are disappointed, saying the historic building should have been modernized. Edmonton Public Schools says the decision was driven by feasibility studies and provincial priorities. The new building will serve 605 students, up from the current capacity of 450, and include more flexible learning spaces. Construction is expected to begin in March and finish by January 2028.
• Longtime Edmonton residents are urgently calling for stronger action to address excessive noise caused by modified vehicles racing through neighbourhoods, particularly on Saskatchewan Drive and Walterdale Hill. The loud engine revving and stunts often continue late into the night, disrupting sleep and outdoor activities for many, including elderly residents with health issues. Councillor Michael Janz described the problem as both a quality-of-life and public safety concern, linking noisy vehicles to dangerous driving and fatal accidents. Police acknowledge enforcement challenges due to technological and legal limitations, but do run periodic crackdowns. Residents and officials advocate for new tools like noise radar enforcement, similar to those used in cities like New York, to better identify and fine offenders. They stress that stronger and consistent enforcement is necessary to protect community wellbeing and local businesses impacted by the disturbance.
• NAIT announced it is pausing 18 programs due to financial challenges and declining enrollment, affecting about 450 students and around 100 staff. The pause means no new student intakes while the programs undergo a review, though current students can finish their studies. This decision, revealed to staff only on the day before the public announcement, has caused concern among faculty and students, especially in programs like court reporting, which is unique in Canada and vital to the industry. Other programs paused include Computer Engineering Technology, Cybersecurity Immersive Industry Education, and the Bachelor of Applied Information Systems Technology. NAIT’s vice-president academic emphasized the move is to ensure the institution’s long-term sustainability by focusing resources on high-demand areas. However, some staff worry about the lack of clear communication and potential tuition increases if programs are restructured. The announcement’s timing has also created uncertainty for students and faculty planning for the upcoming academic year.

A BEYOND THE LAWN campaign has recently launched to spread the message about replacing lawns with native plants, edible gardens, and pollinator-friendly plants. A number of organizations have joined in to help the BEYOND THE LAWN project and the public who are thinking of making the switch.

The City owns a number of facilities that city administrators think could generate up to $21 million in renaming rights. The city administrators report was presented to the community and public services committee on May 12 and could be presented to council later.

Naming rights could be included for large, medium, and small recreation facilities; small community ice rinks; outdoor pools; and specialty facilities like The Orange Hub and Commonwealth Stadium.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council is scheduled to discuss travel budgets and expenses, and review several rezoning applications.

There is a utility committee meeting scheduled on May 5 and a non-regular city council meeting scheduled on May 6. There is a council services committee meeting scheduled on May 6 and a public hearing scheduled on May 7.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• Administration has prepared amendments to the councillor budget and expense policy. These clarify that councillors must disclose transportation, food and incidentals, accommodation, registration, and miscellaneous costs. The changes also add a line that travel expense costs are “expected to be reasonable, prudent, cost-effective, and defensible to an impartial observer.” Council services committee is set to review the changes at a meeting on May 6, after which council will vote at a future meeting.
• YSR Ventures has applied to rezone a lot at 16222 92 Avenue NW to build a four-storey building. Administration supports the rezoning application because the lot is located on the edge of the neighbourhood, along a collector roadway, and a short walk from three schools and a leisure centre. Some residents oppose the rezoning, saying it will worsen parking and traffic congestion. Council is scheduled to debate the application at a public hearing on May 7.
• A property owner in Highlands has applied to rezone a parcel to allow for a mixed-use development. The house at 11203 63 Street NW is a few blocks away from the existing Highlands commercial area. The rezoning would allow for residential, commercial, and/or community uses and a height of about 3.5 storeys. Council is set to review the application on May 7.
• Administration proposes closing a block of 108 Avenue NW in McCauley to vehicle traffic to build a shared-use path and landscaping as part of the McCauley Neighbourhood Renewal project. Council is scheduled to vote on the closure at a public hearing on May 7.
• The City of Edmonton has proposed rezoning a greenway to facilitate a future shared-use path through the southeast neighbourhoods of Greenview and Hillview. The path would be built on existing open space and connect 50 Street NW with Woodvale Road E NW. Council is scheduled to review the application at a public hearing on May 7.
• Council’s utility committee is set to review the waste services 2025 supplement budget adjustment, which adds two new profiles for changes to facilities. Council approved upgrades to the water distribution system at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre in October and an expansion at the Coronation Eco Station in March. The projects will be funded from existing budget sources, so there is no rate increase expected. After the utility committee reviews the changes at a meeting on May 5, council will need to give final approval at a future meeting.
• Council’s utility committee is set to discuss a funding opportunity for the Blatchford renewable energy utility at a private meeting on May 5.
• Council services committee will receive a report explaining when it is appropriate to use the city crest. The symbol is not to be used in political or religious advertisement or election materials, the report said.
• Council will receive a verbal report on Alberta Municipalities protocol and a private intergovernmental update at a non-regular council meeting on May 6.

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COMMON SENSE EDMONTON

• On Tuesday, at 1:30 pm, the Council Services Committee will meet. The agenda includes a report regarding the appropriate use of Edmonton's official heraldic symbol, the City Crest (Coat of Arms), which was granted by the Governor General of Canada in 1996. A City Policy designates the City Clerk as the custodian of City Symbols. The City Crest is used on various official items, including the Edmonton Flag, the Mayor’s Chain of Office, Council letterhead, certificates, and event materials. To maintain consistency, the report specifies that Council members must use official templates for items like business cards, emails, and event briefings. The guidelines clarify that the City Crest is for official, ceremonial, and formal protocol purposes only and should not be used for personal, political, religious, or commercial purposes. It must not be modified or used in conjunction with other community branding or election materials.
• The Council Services Committee will also discuss revisions to the Councillors' Budget and Expenses Policy to include updated cost guidelines for travel expenses, as per a motion passed on February 21st, 2025. The $5500 limit on postage for the annual ward mail-out has been removed, with costs now calculated based on the number of households in each ward and the Canada Post price per item. The proposed changes also add a clearer intent for travel expenses, stating that Councillors should not be financially advantaged or disadvantaged while conducting City business. Travel expenses are now expected to be reasonable, prudent, cost-effective, and defensible, with accommodations specified as single occupancy in standard rooms. Meals and incidentals will be allowed to be claimed with original receipts if per diems are not used, while travel disclosures now include more detailed categories such as transportation, food and incidentals, accommodation, miscellaneous expenses, and registration fees.
• Council has approved a 5.7% increase in property taxes for 2025, with taxes due on June 30th. In response to the province's increased education tax, Council passed a motion to explore separating the provincial education tax collection from municipal property taxes. The motion, introduced by Councillor Michael Janz, passed 9-4, reflecting frustrations over municipalities being tasked with collecting the education tax on behalf of the Province, particularly as the provincial education tax increases. Mayor Sohi suggested that the Province should be responsible for collecting its own education taxes. Council hopes to bring this issue forward at Alberta Municipalities’ fall convention.
• Councillor Tim Cartmell officially launched his mayoral campaign, pledging to address Edmonton's infrastructure challenges and restore trust in City leadership. As a current City Councillor and professional engineer, Cartmell emphasized the need for pragmatic solutions to bridge replacement, transit, and community development, with a focus on affordability and sustainability. He criticized the City's current spending practices and proposed a back-to-basics approach, aiming to prioritize essential services and engage more effectively with residents. Cartmell also proposed the formation of a blue-ribbon panel to review City finances and pledged a 100-day action plan for his first term, addressing public safety, cleanliness, and snow removal.
• Speaking of mayoral candidates, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi announced he would not be running again. Sohi, on leave from his Mayoral duties to run in the federal election, lost his bid to return to Ottawa in Edmonton Southeast, where Conservative newcomer Jagsharan Singh Mahal secured 53.5% of the vote. Mahal's platform focused on affordability, crime, and small business support, resonating with voters in the newly created riding. Sohi said he had no regrets about his campaign.
• In other federal election news, despite a national victory for the Liberals under Mark Carney, the party failed to gain ground in Edmonton, retaining only Edmonton Centre. Eleanor Olszewski, now the sole Liberal MP in Edmonton, won in Edmonton Centre after replacing Randy Boissonnault. The Conservatives dominated the region, taking seven of nine seats, while the NDP suffered heavy losses - losing Edmonton Griesbach and finishing third in Edmonton Centre. Billy Morin, a high-profile Conservative candidate, won decisively in the new riding of Edmonton Northwest.

• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be an Audit Committee meeting. The Committee will review the Office of the City Auditor Recommendation Follow-up Dashboard Report. The report shows that Administration has closed 6 recommendations since January, leaving 47 outstanding - 35 not yet due and 12 overdue. The closed recommendations include improvements in governance at Fort Edmonton Park, policy updates for Enforcement Services, inventory management for Waste Collections, standardized KPIs for 311 Requests, and performance tracking for Blatchford Development and Recreation Programming. Of the overdue recommendations, three are more than a year overdue, including the development of performance measures and evaluating the homelessness plan for the City's Response to Homelessness.
• The Audit Committee will review the Affordable Housing Funding Decisions Audit, which found areas for improvement in the Affordable Housing Investment Program (AHIP) and Below Market Land Sales. For AHIP, the Audit suggests that the process lacks clear guidance on expert input and doesn't keep enough documentation, which could affect consistency and transparency. There were also errors in application scores due to the lack of a detailed review process, and monitoring of grant agreements was found to be inconsistent. To fix this, the Social Development Branch plans to update guidelines, introduce new software, and improve tracking by 2026. For Below Market Land Sales, the lack of clear guidelines and inconsistent monitoring may lead to non-compliance. The Branch will create guidelines and better monitoring tools by 2025.
• Council is exploring alternatives to photo radar for traffic enforcement after Alberta’s government implemented new restrictions on its use. Since April 1st, photo radar has been limited to school, playground, and construction zones, with a significant reduction in the number of enforcement sites across the province. Councillors are considering measures such as empowering bylaw officers to enforce speed limits. Administration will report back to Council in the fall with a number of options.
• Downtown Edmonton’s Manulife Place will be renamed National Bank Centre as National Bank expands its presence following its $5-billion acquisition of Canadian Western Bank. The bank plans to relocate CWB’s offices to the building and occupy 10 floors after $45 million in renovations modernize the space. National Bank emphasized its commitment to maintaining a strong executive and operational base in Edmonton to support its Western Canada growth. The building will feature the bank’s logo, new signage, and a street-level banking centre.
• Edmonton is moving forward with plans to eliminate all EPark machines by the end of July, transitioning to mobile-only parking payments. In response to concerns from seniors and those without smartphones, City Councillors have asked for new strategies to ease the shift. Councillor Aaron Paquette highlighted that many residents are confused about the new system and feel the process is too complicated. Although mobile app usage is growing, a significant number of people still rely on the machines, prompting worries about accessibility. Council has requested reports on funding options for parking infrastructure and ways to improve communication and education around the new system.
• The Edmonton Downtown Spark festival will not return this year due to a lack of funding. The festival, which featured inflatables, live music, and installations in public spaces, was initially created during the COVID-19 pandemic to boost economic recovery. The funding that supported the event was specifically aimed at pandemic recovery, and no longer exists. Additionally, the timing of the festival, which was meant to attract visitors during a quiet May, now faces competition with the Edmonton Oilers' playoff run. Despite this, the Edmonton Downtown Business Association is planning other events for the spring and summer, including Pride Month celebrations, the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival, and the Summer Block Party series. The Edmonton Downtown Farmers' Market will also return in mid-May.

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ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

• The city auditor recommends in a report that administration develop guidelines for when to propose the sale of city-owned land below market value for affordable housing. The auditor also recommends that administration improve the monitoring of whether organizations that buy such land fulfill obligations laid out in the sale. The city said it accepts the auditor’s recommendations and will take action to address them before relaunching the Affordable Housing Investment Program in 2026. Council’s audit committee is scheduled to review the report on April 29.
• Council is scheduled to review the neighbourhood structure plan for Kendal, the final neighbourhood to be planned under the Windermere area structure plan. The neighbourhood is bounded by 28 Avenue SW to the north, 170 Street SW to the east, 41 Avenue SW to the south, and the river valley to the west. The proposed plan now includes a regional water reservoir and an increase to residential density; the neighbourhood will have about 45 dwelling units per net residential hectare instead of the 27 that was originally proposed. Council is set to debate the plan at a public hearing on April 28.
• The owner of a bungalow at 11450 79 Avenue NW in McKernan has applied to rezone the property to allow for a three-storey building with at least three housing units. Twenty people expressed opposition, with many arguing the proposed development would worsen traffic congestion in the neighbourhood. Council is scheduled to debate the application at a public hearing on April 28.
• The federal election is happening on April 28. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi took a leave of absence to run to be an MP for the federal Liberal party in the Edmonton Southeast riding. If Sohi wins the vote in that riding, he will resign as Edmonton mayor. Sohi said if he loses the election, he will return to his position as mayor but will not run for mayor in 2025.
• Edmonton city council is expected to vote on April 30 to approve a 5.7% municipal property tax levy increase for 2025, which is 0.4% less than the increase approved in the fall due to changes in provincial Grants in Placement of Taxes payments. Tax notices will be mailed on May 23, with property taxes due June 30.

• There will be a meeting of the Agenda Review Committee on Tuesday at 8:30 am. Later in the morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of City Council. The agenda includes the Office of the Integrity Commissioner Annual Report 2024, the City of Edmonton 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements, the Integrity Commissioner’s 2024 Annual Report, and Sidewalk Reconstruction Local Improvements in the Ottewell Phase 2 Neighbourhood. There will also be several private items on the agenda, including appointment recommendations for the Women’s Advisory Voice of Edmonton Committee, the Edmonton Historical Board, and the Naming Committee. If the meeting does not finish on time, it will continue on Wednesday at 9:30 am.
• Edmonton is grappling with a surge in potholes following a harsh winter, with over 85,000 filled so far in 2025 - more than triple the number repaired at this time last year. The increase in road damage has boosted business for tire shops, where some customers face repairs costing up to $3,000. The City has earmarked nearly $11 million for pothole repairs and says crews are working daily when conditions allow. Despite these efforts, some residents remain frustrated with the temporary nature of the fixes. Drivers can file for compensation if their vehicle is damaged, but claims must be submitted within 30 days and are rarely approved. Many Edmontonians are calling for more lasting roadwork solutions.
• As coyote denning season begins in Edmonton, experts and City officials are urging residents to take extra caution. Pregnant coyotes will give birth through late spring, and mothers become highly protective once pups begin to emerge. Dog owners are advised to keep pets leashed and avoid known den areas. The City is continuing to promote coexistence through education, hazing techniques, and the use of non-lethal pepper ball launchers. These methods aim to reduce coyote aggression

• This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council Public Hearing to gather feedback on several zoning amendment proposals. On Tuesday, at 8:30 am, the Agenda Review Committee will meet to set the agendas for the April 22nd meeting of City Council and the April 28th City Council Public Hearing.
• Also on Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of City Council. The agenda includes Interim Financing Requirements for the Winspear Expansion Project, a report on Downtown Workspace Optimization, and an analysis of options to enhance LRT safety. The Community Mobilization Task Force on Housing and Houselessness Final Report will be discussed too. (More on this below!). There are also several private reports up for discussion, including three regarding collective bargaining updates. If the meeting does not finish on time, it will continue on Wednesday at 9:30 am. On Friday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Non-Regular Audit Committee Meeting. The Committee will discuss the City’s 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements and KPMG’s 2024 Audit Findings Report.
• Major roadwork and intersection closures for the Valley Line West LRT will begin in mid-April and continue through November, bringing significant traffic disruptions across several phases. The most impactful closure will be along 104 Avenue, with lane reductions lasting up to nine months. Intersections at 124 Street and Stony Plain Road, as well as Meadowlark Road, will also face full or partial closures. While the plan will increase short-term disruption, officials say the accelerated schedule will lead to quicker completion in some areas. The full LRT project remains on track for completion by 2028.

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This week, there is public hearing scheduled on April 7, a city council meeting scheduled on April 8 and 9, and an audit committee meeting scheduled on April 11.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• Council will consider signing a letter of intent to collaborate on Indigenous-led housing and services with Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta at a council meeting on April 8. Treaty 8 territory is located north of Edmonton and includes parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Northwest Territories. Administration said it doesn’t have statistics on the number of Treaty 8 members living in Edmonton, but a significant number of members access services at the Treaty 8 Urban Office in Edmonton. Signing the letter of intent formalizes the working relationship between Treaty 8 and the City of Edmonton.
• A city task force recommends council allocate $3.5 million from the Community Safety and Well-being reserve to act as seed money for solutions that address affordable housing and homelessness. The money could go toward retrofitting properties for affordable housing, developing a bridge housing platform, and creating a peer support service for vulnerable tenants. Council is scheduled to vote on the recommendations on April 8.
• Council is set to discuss a program where parking revenues from the parking lot used by the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market would be used to support the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy. Council’s urban planning committee recommended the program at a meeting on April 1. The committee also requested a report from administration exploring opportunities for “parking benefit districts,” where parking revenues would be invested into the area they were collected from for improvements like enhanced sidewalks, secure bicycle parking, benches, and lighting.

Administration will consider opportunities to invest parking revenues, like those collected at this machine on Whyte Avenue, into the areas they were collected. (Stephanie Swensrude)

Here are other items on the agenda:

• Council’s executive committee recommends creating two replacement programs for the development incentive program, which closed in 2023. The first program would offer up to $30,000 for interior renovations to vacant ground floor commercial units, while the second would offer up to $400,000 per year to support the construction of new commercial and mixed-use developments. Council will vote on the programs at the next operating budget adjustment in the fall.
• Timber Haus Developments has applied to rezone a property in Ritchie so it can build housing that is less dense than what is currently allowed. The vacant property at 76 Avenue NW and 97 Street NW is currently zoned for a multi-unit building up to five storeys. The proposed zone would allow for a single-detached house or duplex, with the option of backyard housing. Under the district planning policy, the property is located along the 76 Avenue secondary corridor, meaning it is meant to have dense housing. If approved, the rezoning would result in less intense development along the corridor, but administration said it considers that a tradeoff in exchange for the development of a vacant lot. Council is scheduled to discuss the rezoning application at a public hearing on April 7.
• Administration recommends against rezoning a property 100 metres from the University of Alberta to allow for a 1.5-metre height increase and larger building footprint. The rezoning application said the district planning policy allows for larger buildings when properties meet certain criteria. The lot is near the University-Garneau major node, but is not close enough to a mass transit station, along an arterial or collector roadway, or adjacent to an open space. Council is scheduled to debate the rezoning application at a public hearing on April 7.
• Concordia University of Edmonton has applied to rezone 11120 73 Street NW to facilitate expanding its campus. The rezoning would allow for a four-storey building. The university plans to build a student dormitory on the corner of 73 Street NW and 112 Avenue NW. Council is scheduled to vote on the rezoning at a public hearing on April 7.
• Council will discuss convening a meeting with provincial ministers and regional municipalities to discuss the province’s addiction recovery model; the regional plan of action to address housing, homelessness, mental health, and addictions; and how Edmonton can better align its limited funding to achieve the best outcomes possible.
• Council is scheduled to vote on establishing an infrastructure committee. The proposed committee would be composed of four councillors, plus the mayor as chair, and would operate similarly to council’s existing urban planning, utility, community and public services, and executive committees. The new committee’s mandate would be the “delivery, renewal, and decommissioning of city infrastructure, including financial implications of capital projects and capital project design and delivery.”
• Council will meet in private to discuss collective bargaining and a collaborative economic development memorandum of understanding.
• Council’s audit committee will discuss the city’s 2024 consolidated financial statements and an audit from KPMG. These documents were not uploaded to the city’s website in time for Taproot’s publishing deadline.
• The City of Edmonton plans to sell two downtown office buildings, Chancery Hall and Century Place, and relocate 1,350 staff as part of a $22.7-million project to optimize workspaces. If approved by city council, funding would come from an interim financing reserve, with repayment expected from building sale proceeds and cost savings. Council is expected to debate the sale at a meeting on April 8.
• The Winspear Centre needs an additional $33.4 million to complete its expansion, and council is scheduled to debate if it should give the centre the money at a meeting on April 8. The Winspear said it can’t repay a loan, so the funding would be given in the form of a one-time grant. The grant would require a one-time tax increase of 1.7%, a report detailing the expansion said. Ward Karhiio Coun. Keren Tang said in January that the expansion project will contribute to downtown vibrancy. “This isn’t a bailout as some would like to portray it,” she said. “This is a very unique project that has a long history. There have been a number of circumstances that happened, decisions that have been made, that have led to where it is today.”
• The City of Edmonton plans to sell two downtown office buildings, Chancery Hall and Century Place, and relocate 1,350 staff as part of a $22.7-million project to optimize workspaces. If approved by city council, funding would come from an interim financing reserve, with repayment expected from sale proceeds and cost savings. Council is expected to debate the sale at a meeting on April 8.
• The Winspear Centre needs an additional $33.4 million to complete its expansion, and council is scheduled to debate if it should give the centre the money at a meeting on April 8. The Winspear said it doesn’t have the capacity to repay a loan, so the funding would be given in the form of a one-time grant. The grant would require a one-time property tax increase of 1.7%, a report detailing the expansion said. Ward Karhiio Coun. Keren Tang said in January that the expansion project will contribute to downtown vibrancy. “This isn’t a bailout as some would like to portray it,” she said. “This is a very unique project that has a long history. There have been a number of circumstances that happened, decisions that have been made, that have led to where it is today.”
• Council’s executive committee recommends changes to the city’s public engagement policy. The city is required to review the policy every four years. A key proposed change is to add phrasing about a “data-driven approach” and the “responsible use of city resources” within the requirements section. The report detailing the proposed changes said this change is meant to reflect the city’s current fiscal realities. Council is scheduled to debate the proposed changes at a meeting on April 8.

• This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Community and Public Services Committee. The agenda includes a report on a transition strategy for housing, shelter operations, mental health supports, and addiction treatment services currently funded by the City but that Council believes are under the jurisdiction of the Government of Alberta. The plan aims to shift financial and operational responsibility to the Province while ensuring continuity of services. Later today, at 1:30 pm, there will be a meeting of the Special Executive Committee. The Committee will discuss minor changes to the City’s Public Engagement Policy, designating the Stewart Residence as a Municipal Historic Resource, and whether or not to reinstate the Development Incentive Program. Also on the agenda is the Community Revitalization Levy. If the meeting does not conclude on time, it will continue on Wednesday at 9:30 am.
• On Tuesday, the Agenda Review Committee will meet at 8:30 am, and the Urban Planning Committee will meet at 9:30 am. At the latter meeting, the Committee will discuss regulating sleeping arrangements at shelters.
• Edmonton will remove all EPark payment machines starting April 14th, transitioning to a fully mobile-based parking system by July 31st. Drivers will need to use the HotSpot app, website, or phone service to pay for parking, with QR codes posted at parking locations for convenience. The change comes as the City's contract with Precise ParkLink expires, and replacing outdated machines would cost $2.8 million. The transition will occur in phases, with downtown and City parkades among the last locations to switch. The City is also eliminating two-hour time limits in on-street EPark zones during certain hours to accommodate longer visits.

• This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council Public Meeting. The agenda includes several zoning amendment proposals that would allow small to medium-scale housing in areas like Garneau, Malmo Plains, Strathcona, McKernan, Kensington, Belvedere, and Secord, as well as amendments to Neighbourhood and Area Structure Plans in Pilot Sound, Gorman, Riverview, Stillwater, and Big Lake, among others.
• The Agenda Review Committee will meet on Tuesday at 8:30 am, followed by a Council Meeting at 9:30 am. At the Council meeting, the agenda includes a report for options to enhance LRT safety, a monthly update on Dutch Elm Disease, and the Winspear Expansion Project. Winspear aims to add over 50,000 square feet of space, including a second performance hall and educational spaces. However, there is a $33.4 million funding gap, with no final funding secured. Interim financing was explored but deemed unviable due to repayment issues and the risk of ineligibility for new grants. A one-time operating grant or loan arrangement was also considered, but both present challenges, including a potential tax increase and the need for a consistent operating subsidy. The report urges the City Council to decide on addressing the funding shortfall and outlines the financial risks involved. If the meeting does not conclude on time, it will be continued on Wednesday at 9:30 am.
• The Special Audit Sub-Committee will meet on Tuesday at 12:00 pm. The agenda includes a private City Auditor Update report.