StephanieSwensrude

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

• Council is set to vote on the tentative agreement between the city and the Edmonton Fire Fighters Union. Council already effectively approved the agreement in April, which offers firefighters a retroactive 3.75% pay increase in 2024, 4% in each of 2025 and 2026, and 3.4% in 2027, plus other monetary benefits.
• During the final council meeting of the 2021-2025 term on Sept. 16 and 17, there are 13 pending motions from councillors, an unusually high number. Coun. Tim Cartmell, who is running for mayor, will introduce a motion calling for work to cease on planned bike lanes on existing roads, pending a complete review of bike lane projects at the next infrastructure committee meeting in February. Coun. Erin Rutherford will ask administration to prepare amendments to the river valley redevelopment plan to clarify requirements for Indigenous engagement, and to provide a report outlining the current legal requirements for Indigenous engagement on city-owned land. Rutherford, who is running for re-election in Ward Anirniq, will also ask administration to look into design changes that would reduce the impact of taller buildings in the small-scale residential zone. Coun. Aaron Paquette will ask for a report about the potential of transitioning the waste services department to a separate corporation. Paquette, who is seeking re-election in Ward Dene, will also ask for a report on how the city can encourage young people to access recreation. Coun. Michael Janz will ask administration to look into allowing registered post-secondary students to be eligible for the Leisure Access Pass. Janz, who is running for re-election in Ward papastew, will also ask administration to prepare an unfunded service package for the creation of a multi-use path near Hawrelak Park.
• Council is scheduled to vote on widening roads in Heritage Valley, just weeks after doing the same in Lewis Farms. In a report that council is scheduled to review on Sept. 15, administration said population growth in Heritage Valley has increased congestion on Ellerslie Road, 41 Avenue SW, and the interchange of the Queen Elizabeth II Highway and Ellerslie Road. Administration recommends that council amend the Arterial Roads for Development bylaw, which assigns responsibility for widening roads to either developers or to the city. The amendment would exchange roadway improvement obligations by shifting more urgently needed improvements to developers to allow for the upgrades to advance faster. The amendment would not change the funding commitment from either party. Council recently approved similar changes in Lewis Farms; developers are now responsible for widening parts of 215 Street NW and Whitemud Drive.
• Westrich Pacific has applied to rezone two adjacent properties at 87 Avenue NW and 117 Street NW to allow for a 25-storey apartment building with up to 285 units. More than 200 people expressed opposition to the project, with many saying the proposed tower is too tall for the neighbourhood. Some residents, however, said the location was suitable for a tower, given its proximity to the University of Alberta and other amenities.
• Council is scheduled to review two rezoning applications in Calder. The property owner at 12801 127 Street NW has applied to change the zone from medium-scale residential to mixed-use, meaning a future development could take up a slightly larger footprint and could have a wider range of commercial uses, but the allowable height would remain the same. Meanwhile, the landowner at 12612 129 Avenue NW has applied to change the zone from small-scale residential to small-medium transition, meaning a future development could take up a larger footprint and could be up to four storeys tall.
• Council is set to consider a rezoning application that would allow a residential building up to four storeys tall in Grovenor at 14503 Stony Plain Road NW. Administration said it supports the application because the property is 500 metres from a future LRT stop and is along a primary corridor. Some nearby residents said they opposed the application because it would increase parking and traffic congestion, and said a three-storey rowhouse development would be a better fit.
• Everfor Studio has submitted an application to rezone a property across the street from the Cross Cancer Institute to allow for a four-storey building. Administration said it supports the proposal because the property transitions the tall buildings of the University of Alberta campus to the residential neighbourhood to the south. Some residents said they oppose the application because a taller development would cause shadows and increase parking congestion. Council is set to discuss the application on Sept. 15.
• The city has applied to rezone a parcel in Ellerslie so it can build the Southeast Edmonton Transit Garage and a stormwater management facility. The amendment would also allow for light and medium industrial development. Council is scheduled to vote on the application on Sept. 15.
• Administration supports rezoning two properties near Warehouse Park to allow for shorter buildings. One property is currently a parking lot at 106 Street and 102 Avenue and has a direct control zone for a 38-storey tower. The owner, Autograph, proposes rezoning to the urban warehouse zone, which would allow a mixed-use, 14-storey tower. The other property is the historic Massey Ferguson Building and adjacent surface parking lot at 106 Street and 103 Avenue. It is currently zoned to allow for an 18-storey tower, and the applicant, Faction, also proposes rezoning to the urban warehouse zone. Administration recommends changing the urban warehouse zone itself to more than quadruple the maximum residential density. The zone currently allows for 500 units per hectare, and the text amendment would increase that to 2,200 units per hectare. Council is set to review the proposals at a meeting on Sept. 15.
• The owner of North City Centre in the Pembina neighbourhood has applied to rezone the property to allow a residential building. The commercial lot located at 13150 137 Avenue NW has an Old Navy, Staples, and Scotiabank. If council approves the application at a meeting on Sept. 15, the owner would be allowed to build a four-storey residential tower.
• Council is scheduled to get a verbal update about downtown investment on Sept. 16.

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• There will be a meeting of City Council on Tuesday at 9:30 am. The agenda includes proposed amendments to Edmonton’s Zoning Bylaw to introduce regulations for year-round and seasonal shelters. The amendments have two main parts. Part 1 would modify the Business Employment (BE) Zone by removing floor area limits for shelters and preventing shelters from locating next to Heavy Industrial (IH) sites, balancing safety concerns with the need for flexible shelter locations. Part 2 would limit congregate sleeping areas in year-round shelters to 125 people, with exemptions for up to 90 days during emergencies; seasonal shelters are not affected. Administration supports Part 1, citing the need for flexibility and adequate space for wraparound services, but does not support Part 2, noting that strict limits could constrain shelter operations and reduce capacity, especially during emergencies. Public and stakeholder engagement indicated that shelter operators value flexibility and that overly prescriptive regulations could hinder the City’s ability to respond to fluctuating demand.
• A Special Council Meeting will take place on Friday at 9:30 am. The agenda is solely focused on major borrowing. The first item authorizes the City to borrow $147.5 million to acquire, construct, and finance the Integrated Infrastructure Services Project for the Public Event Park. The total project budget is $250 million, funded through a combination of Debt CRL Downtown ($85.5 million), Self-Supporting Tax-Guaranteed Debt ($62 million), provincial grants ($80.5 million), and partnership funding ($22 million). The second item authorizes the City to borrow $42.3 million to undertake, construct, and finance the Village at ICE District Site Servicing project. The total project budget is $68.2 million, funded through Debt CRL Downtown ($42.3 million), provincial grants ($22.9 million), and partnership funding ($3 million).
• A recent report from the Urban Planning Committee recommends against introducing stricter regulations on short-term rentals, citing enforcement challenges and potential legal risks. Instead, the City is advised to focus on public education to help residents understand current rules and host responsibilities. Since the introduction of a business licence requirement for short-term rentals in April, the number of licensed rentals has increased by 70%, while complaints make up just 0.3% of total bylaw issues. Councillor Michael Janz emphasized that purpose-built short-term rental operations should be treated as commercial hotels to ensure fair taxation and accountability. Airbnb Canada confirmed high compliance among local hosts, supporting the recommendation against additional regulations. Meanwhile, the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association argues that current rules lack sufficient oversight, particularly regarding “ghost hotels” and data sharing from online platforms. Experts note that regulation should balance housing availability, tourism, and economic impacts, suggesting a focus on full-time rental operators rather than smaller “mom and pop” hosts. 
• In the upcoming mayoral race, candidates Rahim Jaffer and Michael Walters have unveiled major economic plans. Jaffer promises to roll back property taxes to 2021 levels, canceling a planned 6.8% increase, and freeze them for a full Council term, while boosting City security with 500 new police officers. He also plans a comprehensive audit of the City to expose inefficiencies and focus spending on core services. Walters, meanwhile, emphasizes making Edmonton business-friendly by cutting red tape, revitalizing City Centre Mall, and attracting 10 major employers by 2029, while also seeking to reduce the planned tax hike. Other candidates, like Tim Cartmell, suggest that lowering residential taxes depends on expanding the non-residential tax base and supporting downtown revitalization.
• Edmonton’s municipal elections have long favoured incumbents, with sitting councillors winning nearly 90% of the time over the past 51 years. This advantage stems from name recognition, community visibility, and the sense of trust that comes with experience in office. Despite historical trends, the upcoming election may put council incumbents to the test. A recent poll found that 58% of residents believe the City is on the wrong track, raising questions about whether dissatisfaction could erode the incumbency edge. Notably, overall frustration with council does not always translate into opposition toward individual councillors, as many voters remain supportive of their ward representative. Large-scale defeats have been rare, but there are precedents, including in 1995 when both the Mayor and five Councillors lost. With nine incumbents seeking re-election in 2025, shifting political sentiment and changing ward boundaries could make the race more competitive than in past decades.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

Council is scheduled to review how administration reports on its municipal funding agreements, its handling of the city’s digital assets, and the district energy sharing system in Blatchford.

There is a utility committee meeting on Sept. 2, an audit committee meeting on Sept. 3, a city manager and city auditor performance evaluation committee meeting on Sept. 4, and a non-regular city council meeting on Sept. 5.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• The city disbursed $236.4 million to nearly 2,500 community partners in 2024, according to a report that will be presented to council on Sept. 5. The report is the city’s first formal corporate-wide annual reporting of municipal funding. The funding was provided through grants, subsidies, rebates, sponsorships, or operating support and was designed to align with one or more of the city’s strategic goals. The city provided $17 million to business programs, $50 million to community programs, $30 million to housing programs, $7 million to specific and targeted community needs, and $132 million to agencies, boards, and commissions. City administration updated the municipal funding arrangements policy in November to establish monitoring procedures that ensure requirements in the funding agreements are being met. Administration will begin reporting on the outcome of the funds annually, the report said.
• The city’s governance of its investments in digital technology assets like hardware, software, data, and cybersecurity is ineffective at achieving its strategies, according to a report from the city auditor. The audit found that while the city has a corporate business technology investment framework, no one is assigned to be accountable for its results or ensure compliance with its processes, and there is not consistent reporting on the framework. The auditor recommended that the city provide training to the executive leadership team and the technology investment advisory group to improve their understanding of the foundation for making technology decisions and that the city regularly evaluate the technology investment framework.
• Administration plans to prepare amendments that will limit developers from opting out of connecting their homes to Blatchford’s district energy sharing system. Builders can currently choose not to connect to the city-owned system if they prove that the housing they are building is net zero. But the exemption process has generated operational and financial challenges for the utility, said a report that will be presented to council’s utility committee on Sept. 2. Administration will prepare an amendment that limits any further exemptions, and council will vote on the amendment in the fall.
• Council will receive a private update from a consultant at a meeting on Sept. 4.

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

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• The Council Services Committee will meet on Friday at 9:30 am. The Committee will review a report on renovating the Councillors’ Wing on the second floor of City Hall to address noise and privacy concerns in the existing open office layout. The project involves enclosing 12 administrative areas with architectural wall systems, including full glass doors and lower solid panels with upper glass sections, which is intended to improve acoustic performance by 20 - 25% and provide visual privacy below desk height. Work will also include modifications to the HVAC system, removal and reinstallation of workspace components, and project management and design fees. Construction is scheduled for the December 2025 Council recess, with follow-up HVAC adjustments completed either during the recess or outside office hours in January 2026. The total project cost is estimated at $300,000, funded through one-time Office of the City Clerk resources.
• On Friday, at 1:30 pm, there will be a Non-Regular Meeting of City Council. The agenda features the first formal, corporate-wide annual outcome report for municipal funding arrangements, summarizing 2024 activities and financials. In total, the City has provided $236.4 million to 2,494 partners, including $132.7 million to Agencies, Boards, and Commissions (ABCs) like the Edmonton Arts Council and Edmonton Public Library, and $103.7 million to other organizations. Funding types include grants, subsidies, rebates, sponsorships, Council-directed funding, and below-market leases for non-profits, all designed to advance the City’s strategic goals, especially Healthy City and Regional Prosperity. Programs included business initiatives ($17 million), community programs ($49.9 million), and housing programs ($29.5 million).
• Council has approved changes to how roadway upgrades in the Lewis Farms area will be funded and delivered, aiming to address growing traffic pressures in west Edmonton while avoiding costly delays. The amendment to a 2006 bylaw shifts certain projects, including adding lanes on 215 Street NW, Whitemud Drive, and Webber Greens Drive, from City-funded to developer-funded, though overall financial obligations remain the same. Council members emphasized timing and planning, recalling past missed opportunities that led to higher costs. Administration noted the changes address immediate “pinch points” and safety concerns, but full widening of 215 Street NW will require additional design and planning. Some Councillors debated whether the planning should proceed outside the City’s four-year budget, but ultimately, a motion to align the work with the four-year budget was defeated, allowing early planning to move forward.
• City Council has also approved a master agreement for the development of a new public event park and the Village at Ice District, alongside the demolition of the Coliseum. The project, a partnership between the City, the Province, and the Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG), involves more than $300 million in combined funding. Council debated the deal but had limited ability to negotiate due to a September 1st provincial deadline, leading some Councillors to raise concerns about the fast timeline and lack of amendments. Supporters emphasized that the agreement protects the City financially while enabling transformative infrastructure projects in downtown Edmonton. OEG hailed the project as a model of public-private partnership and highlighted its potential to strengthen the city’s core. The approval followed an earlier extension of the community revitalization levy (CRL), which will help fund the City’s portion. Opposition focused on procedural concerns rather than the merits of the project, with four Councillors voting against the agreement. The next steps include finalizing grant agreements with the Alberta government by November 30th, aiming for construction to begin in 2026.
• A recent poll suggests that a majority of Edmontonians feel the city is heading in the wrong direction, with 58% expressing this view and only 33% saying the city is on the right track. The sentiment is strongest among residents over 55, while younger voters aged 18-34 are more optimistic. With just over six weeks until the municipal election, the mayoral race is crowded and competitive, with Councillor Andrew Knack slightly leading at 12%, followed by Councillor Tim Cartmell at 10%, Michael Walters at 7%, and Rahim Jaffer at 5%. Nearly half of voters remain undecided. Key voter priorities include lowering taxes, reducing poverty, cutting spending, increasing access to social housing, and improving basic services like snow clearing and garbage collection. Candidates are highlighting issues such as affordability, safety, and growth management, and several stress the need for new leadership to address these challenges. Voter engagement appears moderate, with 49% saying they will definitely vote and another 18% very likely to vote.
• Alberta’s Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen met with Edmonton residents upset about planned bike lanes in the Delton and Alberta Avenue neighbourhoods, highlighting concerns over inadequate local consultation. The bike lanes, part of the City’s $100-million Active Transportation Network Expansion Program, would convert driving lanes into cycling infrastructure, which some residents say reduces road capacity and duplicates existing bike lanes. Dreeshen criticized the City for moving ahead on contracted projects despite his request for a pause and said the Province is considering legislative changes to require traffic impact assessments when bike lanes replace vehicle lanes. Residents argued that only a small portion of the community was consulted in 2019 and feel their opposition has been ignored.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Many Edmonton businesses are raising concerns about the City’s new mobile-only parking system, citing customer confusion, limited signage, and accessibility issues such as language barriers in the app.

The City maintains the change was driven by cost savings, estimating $6 million would have been needed to upgrade traditional parking machines.

Have you tried the new system? What do you think? Let us know!

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

• Council is scheduled to debate the ICE District event park proposal and continue hearing rezoning applications.
• There is a non-regular city council meeting on Aug. 25 and a continuation of a public hearing on Aug. 28 and 29.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• Council will be asked to approve a master agreement between the City of Edmonton and the Oilers Entertainment Group. The agreement covers building a $250-million event park beside Rogers Place, the infrastructure for the Village at ICE District, as well as demolishing the Coliseum. If council approves the agreement, the City of Edmonton will contribute $102.8 million from the downtown community revitalization levy that will, in theory, be repaid through the increased property tax revenues the investment enables. It will also contribute $35 million in capital costs to demolish the Coliseum, which has already been approved by council. The province will provide $158.4 million in grant funding towards the projects. OEG, meanwhile, will contribute $3 million, plus $22 million in the form of the land for the event park, and $62 million of debt financing. If council approves the agreement, it will then vote on borrowing bylaws. If those are passed, city administration will then finalize the project with the provincial government.
• City administration has recommended that councillors do not support a proposed rezoning in the northeast neighbourhood of Newton to allow a residential building up to four storeys tall. The current zoning allows a three-storey building. Administration does not support the application because the property is located in the middle of the neighbourhood. Council is set to debate the proposed rezoning on Aug. 28 or 29.
• Administration has engaged developers working in the Lewis Farms area on a plan to widen roads sooner than expected to address traffic congestion. Pending council approval, developers would be financially responsible for widening 215 Street southbound between 100 Avenue and 92 Avenue; Whitemud Drive westbound between Lewis Estates Boulevard to east of 215 Street; and Webber Greens Drive westbound from the commercial area to east of Suder Greens Drive. Developers would also fund pre-grading for the north side of Whitemud Drive between 215 Street and 231 Street. Council is set to vote on the plan on Aug. 28 or 29.
• Six single-family homes on 155 Street, near 95 Avenue in West Jasper Place, could be demolished and replaced with a four-storey mixed-use apartment building if council approves a rezoning application. The parcel is one block away from the future Glenwood LRT stop. Some residents said they support the rezoning application because the proposed building’s location makes it ideal for medium-scale development. Others said the proposed building is too large and will block sunlight and exacerbate parking issues. Council is scheduled to vote on the application on Aug. 28 or 29.

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• There will be a City Council Non-Regular meeting today at 9:30 am. Council will discuss approval for the Master Agreement with OEG Sports & Entertainment Inc. (OEGSE) to advance several major projects in the ICE District, including a $250-million Public Event Park, $68.2 million in Village site servicing, $55 million for Coliseum demolition and site improvements, and $35 million for Exhibition Lands enhancements, totalling $408.2 million in funding. The Public Event Park will be city-owned, host live events and performances, and dedicate one-third of its time for public and community use at below-market rates, with construction expected to finish by 2029. Village site servicing will support the development of up to 2,500 housing units, beginning with remediation work in 2026 funded initially by OEGSE. The Coliseum demolition will be funded largely through a provincial grant, with the City covering any overruns, while Exhibition Lands enhancements use reallocated capital. Funding contributions include $183.4 million from the Government of Alberta, $137.8 million from the City, and $87 million from OEGSE, with $189.8 million in new debt financing proposed.
• The Northlands Coliseum, which has been vacant for eight years and costs the City over $1 million annually to maintain, is scheduled for demolition beginning in summer 2026, a process expected to take around two years. The City has already allocated $35 million for site preparation and enhancements, while the Alberta government may contribute up to $55 million for the demolition, contingent on the City spending its portion on related infrastructure projects. Some preliminary work is already underway inside the building to prepare for the teardown. Part of the funding is intended to improve or replace the Coliseum LRT station, which has been identified as a safety and design concern. The demolition is tied to the broader redevelopment of the Exhibition grounds, as noted above.
• Council recently made contrasting decisions on two infill rezoning applications in Belgravia. A proposed 12-unit rental development on 76 Avenue NW was rejected after public opposition citing concerns about parking, property values, and neighbourhood character. Community members criticized Bylaw 20001, saying it encourages overdevelopment and benefits developers more than residents. Conversely, a corner lot upzone allowing a 10-unit building with two backyard units was approved, despite some opposition. Supporters emphasized the need for “missing middle” housing to meet the city’s growing population, while ensuring projects are compatible with the surrounding area. Councillors stressed that context matters, noting larger or consolidated lots might warrant different considerations. New zoning rules now limit building length and midblock redevelopment to better balance density and neighbourhood character. Council is reviewing potential bylaw amendments to ensure future developments remain appropriate for their locations.
• Council also voted to move ahead with updating its 40-year-old North Saskatchewan River Valley redevelopment plan, despite pushback from environmental groups and some Councillors. Critics argued the proposed plan weakens protections by using non-binding language like “should” instead of “shall,” reducing Council oversight on mid-sized projects, and lacking firm limits on environmental impacts. Conservation advocates warned that natural areas in the river valley are already shrinking, while Indigenous speakers said the City failed to meet standards of consent and consultation. Supporters, including real estate developers, praised the update as necessary to modernize planning and balance development with conservation. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi defended the flexibility in the plan, saying the goal is both to safeguard the river valley and ensure residents can enjoy it. Additionally, Council approved exploring a citywide trail strategy to address demands from recreation groups. 
• Edmonton’s Navigation and Support Centre, operated by Hope Mission, is relocating from its downtown Karis Centre location to a larger, more accessible site in the McCauley neighbourhood. Opened in January 2024 and made permanent in March 2024, the Centre helps connect people experiencing homelessness with services such as housing supports, income assistance, recovery and addiction programs, Indigenous cultural services, and transportation to shelters. The new location is designed to better accommodate clients, allowing for more private consultations and easier access for those in need. Hope Mission expects the move to increase daily usage beyond the 50 - 60 people served at the previous site and improve the overall quality of care. The Centre has assisted over 7,780 people and made more than 33,700 service connections so far. City officials say that the relocation may help ease pressures on existing shelters and support services in nearby areas like Chinatown. 
• Edmonton is moving forward with adding bike lanes in the Delton neighbourhood despite years of opposition from residents who have petitioned against the project. Some locals, including Jeremiah Rawling and Margherita Gosselin, argue that the lanes are unsafe, block intersections, and disregard community feedback. Councillor Ashley Salvador acknowledged residents’ concerns but emphasized the importance of completing the City’s active transportation network and filling in missing connections for safe travel. Alberta’s Minister of Transportation, Devin Dreeshen, has indicated he will meet with residents and the Mayor to discuss balancing safe cycling infrastructure with road capacity for drivers, emergency services, and businesses. Residents are requesting the project be paused until after the upcoming municipal election so a new Council can reconsider it. The City, however, expects the bike lanes to be operational by the end of the year. 

On the agenda: Public hearing, council calendar, social media

• Council is scheduled to discuss dozens of applications to rezone properties, the next council’s calendar, and how the city uses social media.
• There is a public hearing scheduled on Aug. 18, with a continuation next week on Aug. 28 and 29, and a council meeting scheduled on Aug. 19.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• A whopping 49 items are on the agenda for the public hearing scheduled for Aug. 18, 28, and 29. These items include rezoning applications for three properties in Belgravia, a rezoning application from developer Gene Dub for an apartment complex in Rossdale, a rezoning application that could see six single-family houses replaced with a four-storey apartment building a block from a future Valley Line LRT stop, a proposal for a 27-storey tower in Windsor Park, a proposed bylaw that would allow developers to widen arterial roads in Lewis Farms, and changes to the zoning bylaw that would introduce regulations to homeless shelters.
• Administration has drafted a new calendar for the upcoming council term that council is scheduled to review on Aug. 19. If approved, the changes would mean that future councils will get a summer break of four weeks instead of five; regular meetings will end at 5:30pm instead of 5pm; and there will be an extra day added to public hearing meetings, among other adjustments. “The number of public hearing items requiring postponement in 2025 indicates additional meeting days are required,” reads a report about the changes. There have been public hearings that saw more than 100 Edmontonians attend in this council term, especially regarding rezoning applications, as backlash against infill development grows. Here is a list of administration- and council-driven reports and bylaws that are still due to council and committees in the coming months. If council approves this draft, it will vote on the official calendar at a meeting on Sept. 16.
• The City of Edmonton uses X (the social media formerly named Twitter) for emergency communication and real-time updates, Facebook for broad public reach and service awareness, and Instagram for community storytelling and visual engagement, according to a report about social media scheduled to be presented to council on Aug. 19. The City has the most followers on X at 273,000, and posts on that platform about 50 times per week. However, the City has recently reduced the number of times it posts on X and stopped paying for advertising on the platform. Some municipalities in Canada have stopped using X due to concerns about misinformation and polarization, the report said.
• City council is scheduled to hear from the public about the proposed North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan on Aug. 18. The plan renews, streamlines, and clarifies Edmonton’s approach to planning the lands that are part of the river valley zone. The proposed plan identifies most of the river valley as open space and limits developments that may damage the environmental health or limit public access to the river valley. In December, council asked administration to do more internal consultation on the plan. Ansh Gulati with the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition argued in an op-ed that the proposed bylaw falls short of adequately protecting the river valley. Gulati said that the draft uses weak, non-binding language like “should” instead of “shall,” eroding procedural safeguards, and that the bylaw fails to reflect the urgency of the city’s acknowledged climate emergency or sufficiently protect biodiversity.
• Council will meet in private to discuss appointments to the City of Edmonton Youth Council and hear a membership update from the Edmonton Police Commission.
• The owners of a commercial lot south of Whitemud Drive between 105 Street NW and Calgary Trail NW have applied to rezone the property so they can redevelop the former Lowe’s building and parking lot into housing. If the application is successful, the owners could develop buildings of up to six storeys tall on the 3.2-hectare western portion of the site. Council is scheduled to debate the application at a public hearing on Aug. 18.

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• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council meeting. On the meeting agenda is an update to the City’s animal regulations that would replace the more than 20-year-old current framework, aiming to improve responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and public safety. Pet limits remain at three dogs, six cats, four rabbits, three beehives, and six hens per household, but new temporary excess animal permits will allow exceptions for fostering through approved rescues. The bylaw maintains the existing limit of 75 pigeons per household [Editors Note: 75 pigeons?!?!], though some residents have raised complaints about noise and disturbances. It introduces new animal welfare offences, including penalties for abandonment, leaving pets unattended in dangerous conditions, and unsafe transport. Dog regulations are being strengthened, with higher fines for attacks, stricter rules for “vicious dogs,” and lower thresholds for nuisance declarations. The bylaw also clarifies rules for owned, unowned, and feral cats, supporting humane management strategies like trap-neuter-return programs. Licensing fees for cats, dogs, and pigeons will rise gradually, with discounts for seniors and income-assisted residents, while fines for violations are designed as deterrents. Enforcement will follow a focus on education, engagement, encouragement, and enforcement.
• Council will discuss Councillor Michael Janz’s proposed motion to allocate $50,000 to tackle noisy vehicles. The motion links excessive engine noise to street racing, speeding, and other dangerous driving behaviours. He suggests the Edmonton Police Service acquire a SoundVue detector, a device used internationally that measures vehicle noise and records identifying information, allowing for educational warnings rather than fines. The motion emphasizes research and data collection to identify noise hotspots, helping police deploy traffic officers more effectively. Janz suggests that reduced municipal powers, like the curtailment of photo radar, have coincided with a rise in traffic fatalities, with Edmonton recording 21 deaths so far in 2025. Supporters, including mayoral candidate Andrew Knack, highlight the quality-of-life impacts for residents living near noisy roads, particularly at night. The initiative would complement existing enforcement efforts like Project TENSOR, which targets speeders and loud vehicles, though current methods face limitations as drivers often avoid known check locations.
• Also up for discussion at the meeting are changes to the snow removal policy and sidewalk repair program. The City is facing a growing inventory of sidewalks and pathways that has outpaced funding. A recent report highlighted that the $5.9-million annual sidewalk repair budget has stayed largely unchanged over the past decade, while the City now manages over 5,700 kilometres of sidewalks. A proposal suggests adding $8 million per year to improve snow clearing on active pathways, with a focus on socially vulnerable areas, school zones, and bus stops, along with proactive repairs on 16 kilometres of high-risk sidewalks. The plan also includes hiring 15 seasonal staff and 15 new permanent bylaw enforcement officers, as well as one-time $1.43-million purchase of 10 Bobcat Toolcats. Snow removal priorities will now be guided by a high-priority sidewalk index, which considers pedestrian volume, proximity to key locations, and social vulnerability. Council will discuss approval for the funding adjustments in the fall budget. It's funny how there always seems to be funding available for whatever the latest Council pet project is, but never anything left for the actual core jobs of the City, isn't it...
• Downtown Edmonton business owners along 101 Street are raising concerns over the City’s plan to create a dedicated transit lane, which would remove street parking during weekday daytime hours. Some business owners argue that public parking is essential for their businesses and that diverting parking to nearby residential areas is inappropriate. While they support efficient transit, they feel a short bus lane may not significantly improve traffic flow and fear the City isn’t addressing their economic concerns. Councillor Anne Stevenson noted that the project will be reviewed after six months, encouraging businesses to monitor impacts on customer visits. However, some owners worry the review is merely procedural and that changes will remain permanent. In response, the City has adjusted parking on 108 Avenue and shortened the transit lane’s operational hours from 7:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
• Edmonton has entered the final phase of its 2025 accelerated roadwork plan for the Valley Line West LRT, starting with a nine-week partial closure at Stony Plain Road and 149 Street. The previous intersection at 142 Street recently reopened, allowing crews to shift focus west while keeping north-south traffic open. The accelerated plan, designed to shorten the overall project timeline, began in mid-April and aims to complete key intersections sooner, reducing long-term traffic disruptions. Work will include some overnight operations. Transit detours, such as ETS Route 7 rerouting, are in effect. City and Marigold Infrastructure Partners (MIP) officials acknowledge the short-term inconveniences for residents, pedestrians, and businesses but emphasize the long-term benefits of reopening roads faster. Earlier phases remain underway at 104 Avenue and 95 Avenue, with crews working around the clock to meet deadlines. The project’s phased approach allows for more intensive, temporary impacts while ultimately reducing the duration of major traffic restrictions across west Edmonton. Residents are being encouraged to follow City and MIP updates for the latest information on closures and detours.

ANALYSIS: WHY THOSE ORGANIZING TO CURB INFILL SAY SIZE, PACE, AND ENGAGEMENT ARE TOP CONCERNS

 Stephanie Swensrude

Those organizing to stop, slow, or change infill told Taproot they want new housing in mature neighbourhoods to be smaller, the pace of developments to calm, and for neighbours to have more say in what gets built in their communities.

As part of our ongoing coverage of this year’s municipal election, Taproot is working to explain issues that are dominating election discussions. Infill has taken up a lot of airtime in recent months. Some have said they are angry or sad to see infill housing change their neighbourhoods, while others have urged city council to continue to allow more homes to be built in the city’s core to address climate change and a shortage of housing. Others land somewhere between these positions, supporting infill but being frustrated with how it is being built.

The new zoning bylaw, which made it easier to build infill, went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. In the bylaw’s first year, the city approved more than 16,500 new dwelling units, a 30% increase compared to 2023. The proportion of housing units approved in the redeveloping area, the part of the city generally within the boundaries of Anthony Henday Drive, increased. In 2024, 40% of approved housing units were located in the redeveloping area. The city’s goal is to add 50% of new housing units through infill in developing areas.

In June, after about 18 months of tracking how the bylaw has changed development in Edmonton, council debated several amendments to it that councillors proposed. The proposed amendments included decreasing the maximum number of units allowed on mid-block lots in the small-scale residential (RS) zone from eight to six and altering the design requirements for rowhouses to make them smaller and have fewer entrances facing neighbouring homes. Council voted to keep the unit maximum the same, but approved the design changes. Coun. Tim Cartmell, who is also running for mayor, introduced a motion calling for a moratorium on development approvals for mid-block properties in the RS zone, which would have been illegal. The motion was ruled out of order.

Taproot spoke with representatives from two groups that voice concerns with infill — Edmonton Neighbourhoods United and the Residential Infill Working Group — to ask what they believe is wrong with Edmonton’s approach and what should be done to fix it.

Public engagement

Both groups said residents were not properly engaged or notified of changes coming to their neighbourhoods.

“With something as big as this new zoning bylaw, there should have been a referendum to engage more people before they just rolled this out,” Dallas Moravec, the treasurer for Edmonton Neighbourhoods United and a resident of Mill Woods, said. “Now they’re trying to do the public engagement piece that they should have done prior to bringing this new zoning bylaw.”

The city engaged residents on the new zoning bylaw starting in 2018. It also engaged residents on the City Plan, which helped shape the zoning bylaw. Council approved the City Plan in 2020.

Jan Hardstaff, a Parkallen resident who spoke on behalf of the Residential Infill Working Group, said that because some of the public engagement for the zoning bylaw took place during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, it was not as effective as the workshops and other engagement opportunities the city held in the past. “You’d come together, there’d be industry people there, there’d be community people there, and residents and councillors would come, and we’d all sit in a big room, and we’d go from table to table and talk about different things,” Hardstaff said. “It was interactive and it was collaborative, but this wasn’t like that.”

Moravec said Edmonton Neighbourhoods United is calling for the former version of the zoning bylaw to be reinstated, as that bylaw wasn’t “broken” and made it easier for neighbours to make appeals against new builds. Moravec also suggested that wards should be divided into quadrants, and those communities should meet to discuss where infill would be best suited. The city did something similar in 2024 with the priority growth area rezoning project, when residents were able to point to specific lots on a map that they thought would be ideal for increased density. The city collected that input, and after Garneau residents asked for some properties to be removed from the project, the city obliged. Moravec said this was a good example of administration listening to residents.

A single-detached infill house in the Strathcona neighbourhood. (Stephanie Swensrude)

At June’s public hearing, some residents aired concerns about the zoning bylaw, and the city later made further changes that aligned with some of the feedback. Administration said in its original one-year review of the zoning bylaw that it did not recommend changing the unit maximum in the RS zone. When that report was presented at a council committee meeting on June 3, residents attended to advocate for the maximum to be lowered. At the June 30 public hearing, administration had changed its position and endorsed lowering the unit maximum. The city also considered design recommendations from the Residential Infill Working Group when creating amendments to the bylaw.

But there are limits to how much the city can scribble around the edges to balance the rights of property owners to build on their lots with the concerns of their neighbours. Under the Municipal Government Act, the provincial legislation that governs municipalities, cities are legally required to approve a rezoning application or issue a development permit if the application complies with the land use bylaw. In other words, even if council agreed that it would be unfortunate for the property’s neighbour to lose sunlight access, without a legal reason to deny the application council must approve it (there is no legal right to sunlight access in Alberta).

‘Monolithic’ infill is too big

Hardstaff said she is not against infill. Instead, she said she wants neighbours to be more accepting of infill in their communities, but that such acceptance won’t happen if the developments are “monolithic” buildings that don’t fit into the neighbourhood and lead to trees being cut down.

She said a fellow advocate purchased a home in a mature neighbourhood and now has an eight-plex on either side of his property. “That’s devastating, and it shouldn’t happen,” Hardstaff said. “They put effort and blood, sweat, and tears into doing the renovation and hoping that this would be a place that they would raise their kids and welcome new infill and people who wanted to move into the neighborhood in, say, a semi-detached (house) or secondary suites and backyard suites. Who would have thought that you would get eight-plexes built on either side?”

Hardstaff also cited a University of Alberta study, which found that lots in McKernan and Westmount typically lost about 50% of their tree canopy coverage if an infill development was built on them. Hardstaff said this not only impacts neighbours but the people who live in the infill development, as they don’t have trees to enjoy in their yard.

Development intensity has ‘backs against the wall’

Moravec said the pace of infill development has moved faster than anyone expected. The city needs to issue about 7,500 building permits for missing middle housing units between 2023 and 2026 to be eligible for the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund. At the end of 2024, the city had already reached 97% of that goal. ”(The city is) moving really, really quickly and, and that’s what’s got everybody with their backs up against the wall and saying, ’Hey, what’s going on here?”

Hardstaff agrees. She thinks that the people living in the new developments will suffer, too. ”(The city was) so focused on building infill to increase density that they’ve kind of forgotten everyone else, not just the neighbours, but who they’re building that density for,” she said. “I want the people who live in these homes to have quality of life, have affordable housing, and be able to adjust and find new housing as they move through their lives and their circumstances change.”

Both Hardstaff and Moravec said that as infill development gets more attention, more people will be empowered to voice their concerns. “This shows that people, now that they’ve been awakened, they’re quite interested — they’re reading, wanting to be engaged, and unfortunately, though, there’s been a huge impact to public trust,” Hardstaff said. “They’re not going to be so easily dismissed.”

As for the criticism that people speaking out about infill are NIMBYs, some said they don’t mind that characterization.

“A NIMBY is really someone who’s just passionate about where they live, and so I don’t think it’s actually a bad thing,” Moravec said. “Sure, call me a NIMBY because I do care about what happens in my community, and if that’s how you want to just label me, by all means.”

Broader infill opposition

As the municipal election on Oct. 20 approaches, Edmonton Neighbourhoods United and the Residential Infill Working Group are just two of the groups organizing to oppose infill, or how it is being built, in Edmonton. There’s also SaveYEG and the Coalition for Better Infill, and dozens of people who regularly attend meetings where council discusses infill development.

Many Edmonton residents have asked who funds these groups.

Hardstaff said the Residential Infill Working Group receives no funding and is run by volunteers. Moravec, meanwhile, first said he preferred not to answer, but then added: “I guess the best way to answer that without revealing too much of our hand, because we’re just getting going and we’re grassroots, but it’s been all donations.”

Correction: This story has been updated to correct Jan Hardstaff’s neighbourhood.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO EDMONTON’S ZONING BYLAW

Stephanie Swensrude

Zoning regulations that city council approved in 2023, which allow for larger, multi-family buildings on many lots in most neighbourhoods, could be partially reversed after a public hearing on June 30. That’s when Edmonton’s council is set to debate several proposed changes to the zoning bylaw. If passed, the changes would limit the size and location of multi-family buildings in redeveloping neighbourhoods. Here’s a guide to make sense of what’s up for discussion:

1. Eight unit max

On June 30, Council will hear from the public about proposed amendments to reduce the maximum number of infill units the bylaw allows in mid-block developments — that is, those not on a corner lot.

The current eight-unit maximum applies to the small-scale residential (RS) zone, which allows buildings of up to eight units on mid-block lots that are 600 square metres or larger. This was one of the headline changes when the zoning bylaw renewal was introduced. In May, after roughly one year of the bylaw being in effect, Taproot reported that of 242 total development permits on lots where eight unit applications were an option, half applied to build eight units; the other half applied to build single-detached homes or duplexes.

On June 17, council’s urban planning committee, along with councillors who not on that committee, debated a potential change to this introduced by Coun. Michael Janz, through a motion that asked administration to prepare the amendments to the zoning bylaw that would reduce the limit from eight to six.

Eric Cameracci, an Edmonton resident, urged councillors to maintain the eight-unit maximum. “I see these changes as killing the zoning bylaw renewal by a thousand cuts,” Cameracci said. “We would eventually have feedback that six is still too much, and we’d go down to four, and then to two, then single family housing all over again.”

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said he was open to having a conversation about changing the maximum, along with all the other proposed changes set for debate. “I think we need to have this conversation and bring people along on this journey, and let’s see where the conversation takes us,” Sohi said. “I think it’s important to respond to the concerns from people, whether real or perceived.”

Coun. Erin Rutherford said the city did enough consultation over the many years it worked on the zoning bylaw, and that the new bylaw hasn’t been in effect long enough to determine whether resident fears about the changes are justified. “The whole reason we needed an entire zoning bylaw renewal and a comprehensive look is because of all these ... small amendments (over time) that led to discretion in the bylaw, that led to inconsistencies, and I worry that we’re heading down that road again,” Rutherford said.

Janz, plus councillors Jo-Anne Wright and Andrew Knack, and Mayor Sohi, voted in support of the motion. Coun. Jennifer Rice opposed the motion, and said she wants the maximum reduced to four units. (Rutherford did not vote as she is not a member of the council committee.)

In the council report that will be presented on June 30, administration said it supports lowering the unit maximum. This is a change from administration’s position presented in its one-year review of the zoning bylaw renewal, released weeks ago. That report said administration did not recommend revisiting the unit maximum.

2. Cartmell calls for infill ‘moratorium’

Tim Cartmell, the councillor for Ward pihêsiwin who is also running for mayor, released a statement on June 24 that said he intends to introduce a motion at the meeting on June 30 to “place a moratorium on all new infill development.” Later, he posted an amended version of the statement on his website, which said he wants a temporary moratorium on mid-block infill.

Tim Cartmell, who’s running for mayor, said he plans to call for a moratorium on infill housing construction in redeveloping neighbourhoods at the June 30 public hearing. (Stephanie Swensrude)

Sean Sedgwick, the executive director of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association told Global News that “Canada is in a housing crisis and restrictive zoning practices constraining supply are a major cause, (and) to call for a moratorium on infill homes under these circumstances is to advocate for recreating the same problem here.”

In July 2024, Cartmell wrote a blog post that had a different message on the matter. “I absolutely support infill, and the reduction of contradictory policies that prevents infill development,” he wrote. Cartmell voted in favour of the zoning bylaw renewal in 2023.

Nicholas Rheubottom, the former executive director of IDEA who is running with Cartmell’s Better Edmonton party in Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi, posted on his blog that he did not entirely agree with Cartmell’s statement. “I remain committed to infill and to making sure it is done well,” Rheubottom wrote. “For me, that has always been a key part of responsible growth and a resilient, welcoming city.”

There is also a petition circulating that calls for council to repeal the entire zoning bylaw, which would be illegal. Under the Municipal Government Act, each municipality must have a land use bylaw.

3. Row housing design

Administration has proposed further amendments to the zoning bylaw that would change the design of mid-block row housing developments, making the buildings smaller and with fewer entrances facing neighbouring homes. The changes would reduce the maximum allowed length of a building from 30 metres to 50% of the site’s depth or 25 metres, whichever is less. On a typical lot, this could reduce the site coverage by about 8%, the report detailing the proposed amendments said. This would make it easier to plant trees, provide backyards, and have parking on-site, administration said. The changes would also limit the number of entrances allowed on the side of a building to two and increase the minimum space between a side entry and the edge of the property.

4. Small-medium transition zone

Council is also scheduled to debate amendments to the district planning policy. Approved in October 2024, the policy is used to determine where extra density is appropriate when council is reviewing a rezoning application.

The policy identifies nodes and corridors as areas that are expected to experience the most development as Edmonton’s population grows. Outside of the nodes and corridors, the policy allows for more density if the site reaches criteria that can include its proximity to a node, corridor, or mass transit station, or if it is next to a large roadway, a park, or a site zoned for a larger building.

However, administration has proposed amendments to the district policy and the zoning bylaw that would limit opportunities for rezoning properties to the small-medium scale transition (RSM) zone outside of nodes and corridors. The RSM zone allows for buildings up to three or four storeys and is generally meant for properties between a larger development and a lot zoned for small-scale residential (RS). The proposed changes would limit support for the RSM zone to corner sites that meet at least one of the above-mentioned criteria.

Janz also introduced the motion that led to these proposed amendments — at a public hearing on April 28. “We’re seeing more and more of these single-lot rezoning (applications) popping up outside of the nodes and corridors, especially in my ward. They’re disruptive, because whether or not admin supports them, they’re still out in the community, neighbours get agitated, and there’s a feeling that the RS zone doesn’t matter, that people can still try and ask for exemptions anyway,” Janz said when introducing the motion. “I really worry that what we’re seeing right now is an undermining of our intention to offer predictability and consistency to all parties involved.”

5. Shelter regulations

Council is also set to debate changes to the zoning bylaw that regulate the allowable size and location of shelters for those experiencing homelessness. If the first part of the proposed amendments is approved, a shelter would not be allowed in the business employment zone when the property is beside a heavy industrial property. The proposed change is to mitigate concerns about locating shelters near sites where vulnerable people could get hurt.

The second part of the amendment would limit the number of people sleeping in a congregate shelter to 125. Administration does not support this limit, as it would restrict the ability of shelter operators to provide accommodation to their clients, administration said in the report.

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• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council meeting. On the agenda are options for the Alberta Avenue Arts Common project. The City of Edmonton has reacquired the ArtsCommon 118 site in Alberta Avenue after the Edmonton Community Development Company found the original arts-focused development unviable. Administration plans to list the property for sale on the open market, encouraging proposals that reflect the community’s vision, including flexible arts spaces, a black box theatre, galleries, artist studios, retail, and residential units. Community groups have emphasized the need for arts-related development combined with timely, financially viable construction and ongoing engagement with local stakeholders. The City intends to support accelerated development by extending construction timelines and may consider using $3.3 million from the Financial Stabilization Reserve to aid the project. Administration will seek proposals for six months before reporting back on suitable options. Ongoing community involvement will be mandated as part of any development agreement to ensure alignment with neighbourhood needs.
• Council has voted to extend the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) by 10 years, allowing the City to borrow against future tax revenues until 2044 to fund downtown projects. The CRL aims to support housing, arts and culture, and public amenities, but the extension sparked debate over two controversial projects tied to the Oilers Entertainment Group. While many Councillors supported the extension, some opposed using public funds for private developments associated with a billion-dollar company. Supporters of the extension argued that the projects would boost economic activity, cultural engagement, and tourism in the core. Several community and business leaders urged Council not to delay, lest they risk losing momentum in downtown revitalization. Critics worried about a lack of transparency and potential provincial rejection if the project list changes. Ultimately, Council rejected motions to delay the decision and moved forward with the extension.
• Starting July 1st, Edmonton will remove all mobile photo radar from school and playground zones. The City plans to redirect efforts and funds toward long-term safety upgrades like more crosswalks and speed bumps. Since 2019, Edmonton has invested over $6 million in playground zone improvements. While some community members welcomed the shift toward infrastructure-based solutions, others expressed concern that removing photo radar would reduce road safety, especially for children. The Province has allocated $13 million to municipalities for traffic safety improvements. Edmonton aims to achieve its Vision Zero goal of zero traffic fatalities by focusing on safer infrastructure and community engagement. Advocates note, however, that without photo radar, road safety risks may increase until infrastructure changes are fully implemented.
• Councillor Aaron Paquette is advocating for a footbridge over Manning Drive to connect growing neighbourhoods like Brintnell and Cy Becker to the nearby Manning Town Centre shopping area. Residents have expressed concerns about the current lack of safe pedestrian crossings, with many resorting to jaywalking across the busy arterial road. The footbridge would offer a safer, more direct route without disrupting vehicle traffic. Paquette introduced a motion to fund a feasibility study for the bridge, which passed unanimously, with Council potentially deciding on funding this fall. The bridge could cost over $10 million, but local developers have shown interest in contributing. Community members have supported the idea, noting it would improve access for non-drivers and potentially boost local business.
• Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi won a byelection in Edmonton-Strathcona with about 82% of the vote, securing his seat in the Legislature after leading the party for a year without one. Another NDP candidate, Gurtej Singh Brar, also won in Edmonton-Ellerslie, capturing 51% of the vote, though the NDP's support, and the margin to the second-placed UCP, dropped significantly. Nenshi pledged to advocate strongly for issues like public healthcare, education, workers’ rights, and community safety. Brar, a local broadcaster and tech enthusiast, emphasized his commitment to improving health care, education, community safety, and the reinstatement of a cancelled south Edmonton hospital project.
• Current Councillor and Mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell says he wants City Council to pause approvals for large mid-block infill developments, arguing the City’s strategy is moving too fast. Cartmell plans to introduce a motion that would place a moratorium on bigger projects while the City reviews how infill fits with its 15 districts. He says smaller projects like duplexes are not the issue, but larger buildings between single-family homes are fuelling neighbourhood frustration. Supporters of the City’s new zoning rules say more infill is critical to tackle housing costs and make Edmonton’s neighbourhoods more sustainable. Critics argue big multi-unit buildings bring traffic, parking headaches and tree loss. Cartmell says the City must listen more closely to residents. Council’s Urban Planning Committee recently backed a proposal to cut allowable units in mid-block row houses from eight to six.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, city councillors will meet to discuss proposed changes to sewers that could save the city more than $500 million, existing policies that potentially add millions to the cost of building municipal assets, and hear from the public about the proposed extension to the downtown community revitalization levy.

There is a utility committee meeting scheduled for June 23, an audit committee meeting scheduled for June 24, an infrastructure committee meeting scheduled for June 25, an audit selection committee meeting scheduled for June 25, and a public hearing scheduled for June 26 and 27.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• The city could save $571 million if it changes the layout of wastewater utility pipes, according to a report that will be presented to council’s utility committee on June 23. EPCOR assessed sanitary flows across the system in 2023, projecting future flows until 2062, and found that the configuration of pipes in new areas, as well as the timeline for when they would be needed, is no longer valid. The original plan assumed new areas would generate 350 litres of sanitary waste per capita per day. But reduced water consumption, inflow and infiltration reduction practices, improved sanitary technology, and better construction methodology have resulted in an actual rate of 140 litres per capita per day, and the projection indicates water consumption will continue to decline. Administration has proposed to eliminate several portions of wastewater pipes in the north, west, and south parts of the city. The proposed changes would also eliminate the need for complex river and creek crossings. If council’s utility committee approves the changes, they will go to city council for a vote at a future meeting. Another item on the agenda to be presented to the committee appears to be about the proposed use of the $571 million, but city administration had not published its report on the city’s website by Taproot’s publication deadline.
• Administration will review several city policies after a study, which compared Edmonton’s cost to build municipal assets to costs in other municipalities, found that Edmonton’s policies can increase administrative, legal, and design costs. In the study, a consultant designed a fire station to meet all of Edmonton’s standards and one that met the minimum building code requirements, which is typical in smaller municipalities. The study found the minimum code station would cost approximately $13.3 million, while Edmonton’s would cost approximately $21 million. Policies and processes that drove costs up the most were the climate resilience policy, the fire rescue service delivery policy, the City of Edmonton facility construction standard, and the Edmonton Design Committee process. The study also found that the operating cost of the hypothetical Edmonton fire station was estimated to be higher than the basic one. This contradicts administration’s assumption that facilities built to high standards would cost less to operate long-term. Administration said the three policies are under review, and that the new mandate for the Edmonton Design Committee will include a clarification that its architectural advice is optional. The study will be accompanied by a report about the city’s planning and design process for municipal infrastructure assets.
• Administration has set two days aside for a public hearing on whether to extend the downtown community revitalization levy, which would allow the city to use tax revenue from new development to fund projects. Part of the proposed extension concerns the $250-million event park that’s been proposed by the Oilers Entertainment Group beside Rogers Place. About $97 million of that cost would come from the province, $84 million would come from the group, and the remainder would come from the city, via the levy. Some councillors, including Coun. Michael Janz and Coun. Erin Rutherford, have raised concerns about using public funds to benefit private projects. Janz said that he wants this decision to be put to a referendum during the upcoming municipal election in October. He said he will introduce a motion at the meeting to refer the bylaw back to administration and see if it’s possible to add a question to the ballot to gauge support for public money going to the event park and its proponents. “I resent the fact that there are some good things for Edmontonians in this,” Janz said, “but they’re conditional on giving out a billionaire bailout. No government should be picking winners and losers. No government should be telling a city that you can only have critical infrastructure funding and long-overdue funding if you agree to pay off one private business.”
• Staffing changes and an increase in investigation volumes have limited the city auditor office’s ability to complete all of the audits originally planned for 2025. The office has proposed that it complete the audits on the city’s parking operations and on standing agreements with suppliers next year.
• The city auditor reviewed credit card transactions that city employees had asked to be reimbursed and found that 11.6% of transactions were not approved in the accounting system, with some dating back to 2023. The unapproved transactions totalled about $340,000. The auditor recommends the city review and clear all previously unapproved transactions in the system and ensure future transactions are approved in a timely manner.
• The first phase of construction for the downtown district energy system, which includes connections to Winspear Centre, Century Place, and Chancery Hall, is nearing completion and utility operations are expected to start soon. Administration has developed a utility fiscal policy to guide utility operations, debt financing, financial planning and utility rate setting. Council’s utility committee is set to review the policy on June 23, and then council will make the final decision at a future council meeting.
• Councillors will meet in private on June 25 for a membership update from the public members of the audit committee.

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THIS WEEK IN EDMONTON

• On Thursday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Special City Council Public Hearing. The City of Edmonton is working to extend and expand its Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) Plan, which would push the program’s expiry from 2034 to 2044. The CRL is a financial tool that redirects increased property tax revenues generated by new development in the downtown core to fund public infrastructure and revitalization projects. Since its implementation in 2015, the CRL has supported over $4.7 billion in private investment, resulting in new office towers and thousands of residential units, but significant portions of downtown remain underdeveloped, and recent challenges - like the COVID-19 pandemic and increased construction costs - have slowed progress. To address these issues and maintain momentum, the amended plan introduces several new “catalyst projects” such as the Village at Ice District Infrastructure, a new Event Park, a Brownfield Remediation Program, upgrades to transit infrastructure, an expansion of the Winspear Centre, and a revamped Attainable Housing Program. While the CRL framework enables funding, inclusion in the plan does not guarantee that a project will move forward - each will still require individual Council approval through the standard budgeting process. Critics argue that CRL funds - derived from public tax revenue - should not be used to subsidize private ventures, with particular scrutiny aimed at the proposed $250-million Event Park in the Ice District. Debate also emerged over which types of projects should be eligible for CRL support, and whether alternatives such as general City funding would be more appropriate. We’ll be watching the hearing and will keep you updated!
• There will be a Special Infrastructure Committee meeting on Wednesday at 9:30 am. The Committee will discuss a City of Edmonton report analyzing cost drivers and policy impacts on capital infrastructure projects, using fire stations as a case study. The study compared a basic design - meeting only building code requirements - to a full policy design incorporating all City standards and policies. The full policy version cost approximately $7.7 million more and had higher projected operational costs over 25 years, mainly due to electrification under the Climate Resilience Policy and more complex infrastructure. However, it also significantly reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Four City policies accounted for 98% of the cost increase: the Climate Resilience Policy, Fire Rescue Service Delivery Policy, City Construction Standards, and the Edmonton Design Committee process. The report emphasized that while these policies support long-term goals like sustainability and safety, they often lack immediate financial payback and add upfront costs. In response, Administration is reviewing policies to find efficiencies and determine whether all cost drivers are necessary or scalable.
• Council voted to reduce the maximum number of homes allowed on interior lots in the small-scale residential (RS) zone from eight to six units. The motion, introduced by Councillor Michael Janz, responds to concerns from some residents who feel eight units is too dense for mid-block lots, although Mayor Amarjeet Sohi emphasized the need to balance these concerns with the City’s broader goals for sustainable infill and population growth. The RS zone, created under zoning bylaw 20001, encourages diverse housing types and aims to accommodate Edmonton’s growing population within existing neighbourhoods. Data presented shows the zone is already increasing housing options, with a majority of permits in redeveloping areas approved for multi-unit housing. Some residents and housing advocates oppose the reduction, arguing it could slow development and worsen the housing crisis. Public feedback is expected at a June 30th hearing, where further discussion on the bylaw amendments will occur.
• The City of Edmonton has decided not to take over the maintenance and operations of the Edmonton Expo Centre and Convention Centre, leaving those responsibilities with Explore Edmonton. A recent report found that both venues are generally in good condition and that Explore Edmonton maintains them efficiently, using a flexible staffing model tailored to the fast-paced event environment. The City cited budget limitations, including a $100 million annual maintenance budget that covers all City facilities, as a key reason it cannot absorb these duties. Additionally, technical and contractual challenges, such as incompatible building systems and exclusive third-party contracts, make a takeover difficult and costly. Explore Edmonton had requested additional funding to continue operations, but City staff warned that shifting maintenance in-house could increase costs and reduce service effectiveness. Despite this, the City and Explore Edmonton plan to collaborate on shared contracts and joint reviews to improve efficiency. Council received the report for information and kept some details confidential due to business sensitivity.
• Councillor Michael Janz has officially announced his intention to seek a second term representing Ward Papastew, running as an independent despite new rules allowing political parties in municipal elections. Janz, a former Edmonton Public Schools trustee, highlights his experience navigating challenging post-pandemic years and his commitment to building a more affordable city with strong public services. He emphasizes his progressive stance, advocating for more housing and transportation options while opposing urban sprawl by prioritizing growth within the city rather than outward expansion. Janz is also planning to introduce a motion calling for a city-wide referendum on the proposed event park deal involving the Oilers Entertainment Group, signalling his dedication to public involvement in major City decisions. He strongly opposes big corporate money and political parties influencing local politics, stressing that elections should be decided by ideas rather than financial power. Looking ahead, Janz hopes to secure a fair deal from the provincial government to better support Edmonton, particularly in areas like policing, property taxes, and public health care. 

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.

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.