StephanieSwensrude

• 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.

TAPROOT EDMONTON

This week, council committees will debate whether the city should expand the Coronation Eco Station, discuss the end of curbside Christmas tree collection, and review candidates for advisory boards and committees.

There is a city council meeting scheduled for March 10, a community and public services committee scheduled for March 11, and an urban planning committee meeting scheduled for March 12. There is also an executive committee meeting scheduled for March 12 and a utility committee meeting scheduled for March 14.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• Administration recommends expanding Coronation Eco Station to restructure traffic flow, increase the number of waste drop-off bins, and incorporate more climate-resilient infrastructure. A report scheduled to be presented to utility committee on March 14 said visits to eco stations increased by 22% between 2021 and 2024. The proposed expansion is budgeted at $13.5 million, with funding reallocated from a previous project that was cancelled. If council approves the expansion, construction is expected to start by the end of 2025 and finish by mid-2027.
• The city will no longer collect natural Christmas trees from in front of homes starting next holiday season. Curbside Christmas tree collection started in 1990, but city crews collected only 6,400 trees in 2025, a 51% decrease from 2015, according to a report that is scheduled to be presented to utility committee on March 14. Instead, residents will be able to drop off trees at recycling depots, eco stations, or the Edmonton Waste Management Centre. The change will save about $120,000 annually, which will be reinvested back into waste operations, the report said.
• City council is scheduled to meet to discuss the 2024 annual reports and work plans for its advisory boards and committees.
• Council committees are scheduled to meet in private for various discussions:
• Community and public services committee will meet to discuss the membership reports and new members of the Community Standards and Licence Appeal Committee, Edmonton Combative Sports Commission, Edmonton Public Library Board, Accessibility Advisory Committee, Community Services Advisory Board, Edmonton Historical Board, and the Women’s Advisory Voice of Edmonton Committee.
• Urban planning committee will meet to discuss the membership reports and new members of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, Edmonton Transit Service Advisory Board, Edmonton Design Committee, and the Naming Committee.
• Executive committee will meet to discuss the membership reports and new members of the Assessment Review Board, Energy Transition Climate Resilience Committee, Edmonton Salutes Committee, and GEF Seniors Housing Board.
• Utility committee will meet to discuss a funding opportunity for the Blatchford renewable energy utility.

Meetings stream live on YouTube on the Chamber channel and River Valley Room channel.

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COMMON SENSE EDMONTON

• This afternoon, at 1:30 pm, there will be a City Council Non-Regular Meeting. The agenda is focused on the 2024 Annual Reports and 2025 Work Plans for various Committees.
• There will be a Community and Public Services Committee Non-Regular Meeting on Tuesday at 9:30 am. The agenda is focused on Membership Reports and Candidate Shortlisting for several Boards and Committees. The Urban Planning Committee will also have a Non-Regular Meeting on Wednesday at 9:30 am to deal with a very similar agenda, as will the Executive Committee at 1:30 pm.
• The Utility Committee will meet on Friday at 9:30 am. The Committee will discuss reports on the Coronation Eco Station Expansion as well as on Christmas Tree Collection before discussing a private report on a Blatchford Renewable Energy Utility Funding Opportunity.

• This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Community and Public Services Committee. The agenda largely centers around a Violence Prevention Action Plan. On Tuesday, at 8:30 am, the Agenda Review Committee will meet to set the agenda for the March 18th meeting of City Council.
• The Urban Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday at 9:30 am. The Committee will discuss a report on the Perception of LRT Safety as well as a report on Increasing Efficiency of the Top Bus Routes.
• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, the Executive Committee will meet. On the agenda is a report regarding the Downtown Workspace Optimization project. The project aims to see the City dispose of Century Place and Chancery Hall and to relocate employees primarily to Edmonton Tower and other existing City buildings. The Committee will also discuss desinating the Hardisty Residence as a Municipal Historic Resource.

Keep in the know of what City Council is dealing with this week and other happenings this week by reading the posts below from TapRoot Edmonton and Common Ssnse Edmonton.

The City is planning to make changes along major routes to make commuting by bus more convenient, reliable, and efficient. Among the changes are dedicated bus lanes, adjusting traffic signal phasing, queue jumps and extending sidewalks.

Daniel Witte, board chair of Edmonton Transit Riders thinks the city could have been more ambitious in the changes they make to improve the transit experience and encourage ridership.

Taproot Edmonton lists what on City Council's agenda for the week.

Read what's below and the TapRoot post to find out what's on City Council's agenda for the week.

• This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Community and Public Services Committee. The Committee will finalize bylaw amendments to address the retail sale of knives before receiving a private report on Edmonton Elks Partner Field Naming. Later in the day, at 1:30 pm, there will be a Special City Council Meeting. Much of this meeting will be held in-camera (in secret) to discuss two private reports.
• On Tuesday, at 8:30 am, the Agenda Review Committee will meet. During this meeting, the Committee will set the agendas for various other upcoming meetings. Also on Tuesday, at 9:30 am, the Urban Planning Committee will meet to discuss the Environmental Impact Assessment and Site Location Study for the Capital Line South Extension Blackmud Creek Crossing.
• The Executive Committee will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am. The Committee will, among other things, hear an update on the Derelict Residential Tax Subclass, discuss a report on addressing cellular connectivity gaps in LRT tunnels and stations, and consider extending a current sole source contract for web and content management services. On Friday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Public Hearing to address several land use amendment proposals.

Mayor Sohi reflects on the past year in his interview with Stephanie Swensrude of TapRoot Edmonton.

Have you ever thought you were pretty well informed about something and then after reading something you realized there was a lot more to consider than previously thought? That's what happened to me when I read Stephanie Swensrude's article about housing in Edmonton in TAPROOT EDMONTON. Housing is a complex issue and Swensrude's article is a good introduction to what will likely be a "hot button" issue in next year's election.

Edmonton's homelessness problems have been well documented and according to Homeward Trust there were about 4,700 homeless people living in Edmonton in September, an increase of nearly 2,000 from the same time last year. Even though hundred$ of million$ have been spent to deal with homelessness the numbers have continued to rise. Homelessness is a problem in cities everywhere and something that considers homelessness is called Housing First and has gained popularity over the past decade. Although Housing First may not be familiar with business management guru Peter Drucker's saying "if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it" Housing First provides information that helps cities compare their efforts with others.

Stephanie Swensrude's TapRoot Edmonton article (below) considers the comparisons. It also prompts one to ask if Edmonton's investment should have resulted in a decrease, not an increase in the level of homelessness?