ErinRutherford

The recent snowfall has rekindled the problem of what to do about parked cars that impede snow removal on residential streets. A number of councillors shared their frustrations with the lack of effect parking bans have and considered what more can be done to alleviate the problem, including fines and towing.

Councillors Keren Tang, Andrew Knack and Erin Rutherford articulated the problems parked vehicles pose and David Jones, branch manager for bylaw enforcement shared that the lack of bylaw officers hinders enforcement of parking bans.

Edmonton's neighbourhood renewal program began in 2009 with the intent of renewing four to five neighbourhoods a year. A new report shows that if the $159 million a year budget for repaving roads, replacing curbs, gutters, sidewalks, improving landscaping and street lighting if the program was reduced by 25 per cent the city could save $40 million a year. After a discussion at urban planning committee Tuesday, it was thought the option would be unlikely to get council's endorsement. Ward Anirniq councillor Erin Rutherford thinks cutting or delaying the program would just kink the can down the road for future city councils to deal with.

Budgets for travel and conferences were being debated at City Hall last week and though the dollar amounts were small hopefully it sets a precedent for closer scrutiny on all aspects of the budget. Councillor Erin Rutherford wanted to cut more and said she thinks about where the City finds itself fiscally, and the hard decisions that Edmontonians are having to make every day. She also said “It is small amounts, but it is symbolic of the greater picture that we’re faced with.”

Council did agree to other cuts Rutherford recommended.

Hopefully, Edmontonians will see the results of this fine tooth approach on next year's budget.

A motion by Ward tastawiyiniwak Councillor Karen Principe to have candidates pay for criminal record checks conducted by the Edmonton Police Service was voted down 11-2 with Councillor Jennifer Rice being the other support vote. Principe thought the checks would provide public peace of mind and didn’t anticipate the backlash her motion received. Candidates for Provincial MLAs and/or Federal MPs aren't required to automatically hand over such information.

Councillors Aaron Paquette and Erin Rutherford voiced their concerns with the motion and Mayor Sohi said political parties backing candidates in future elections will probably be vetting those candidates.

Criminal checks have become common for many positions so its understandable why the motion was brought forward.