StephanieSwensrude

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council is set to make some adjustments to the final year of the 2023-2026 capital budget, examine options for building the southeast transit garage to its original scope, and hear an update on the state of community league facilities.

There is a public hearing scheduled on June 15 and a council meeting scheduled on June 16 and 17.

Here are some key items on the agenda this week:

• Administration recommends several adjustments to the final year of the 2023-2026 capital budget, including new projects totalling $45 million, scope changes totalling $44 million, and recosting adjustments totalling $4.8 million. A report to be presented to council says most new projects are related to projects previously approved that are moving to a new stage and require funding. However, one new funding request is for $600,000 to demolish the Koermann Block, one of the few buildings along The Armature, which the city had listed for sale for affordable housing. The report said the building needs to be demolished immediately due to critical structural failures, safety hazards, and ongoing liability risks. The interior of the building is collapsed, there are large holes in the roof, and the basement is flooded, posing a risk to unauthorized occupants, the city said. The building is listed on the inventory of historic resources, meaning it is deemed to have historic value, but it doesn’t have full legal protection from alteration or demolition. The building is historically significant for its connection to the local German community prior to the First World War. Council will also discuss changes to the capital budgets for waste services and renewable energy systems.
• Administration has laid out four options for building the southeast transit garage to accommodate more buses. In April, councillors learned that plans for the garage had been scaled down from a capacity for 430 buses to between 255 and 290. Emily Stremel, chair of Edmonton Transit Riders, told Taproot that garage capacity is key to expanding transit service in future years. Councillors asked administration to return with options to build the facility out to its original capacity, which are laid out in a private attachment.
• A review found that community league facilities face significant challenges, including aging infrastructure, an unfunded capital liability, and inconsistent service levels across the city. Community leagues need $100 million in the next decade for infrastructure renewal, and about $19 million has been deemed critical for safety, said a report that will be presented to council. The city and the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues are designing a new framework to establish a long-term roadmap to address infrastructure deficits as the city’s population grows.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

• City Council will meet on Tuesday at 9:30 am, and several items on the agenda propose adjustments to the City's capital budgets. The main package, the Spring 2026 Supplemental Capital Budget Adjustment, would increase the 2023-2026 capital budget for tax-supported operations by a net $75.6 million, including $45.1 million in new capital profiles, such as $22.2 million to rehabilitate the northbound Low Level Bridge and $15.9 million for the 178 Street bridge over Whitemud Drive. It also includes $44.2 million in scope changes, among them $15 million in new tax-supported debt for the Southeast Transit Garage. A separate Waste Services adjustment recommends $5.65 million in recosting, including raising the budget for the Coronation Eco Station expansion from $16.3 million to $17.9 million after a construction tender came in about 10% over budget, plus pre-approval of $7.84 million in 2027 utility funding so 17 waste collection vehicles can be ordered in 2026. A third report asks for a $7.6-million increase to the budget for the Blatchford Renewable Energy Utility's distribution piping system, raising it from $15.5 million to $23.1 million.
• Visitors to Fort Edmonton Park, the Valley Zoo and the Muttart Conservatory may have to pay for parking next year under a pilot project planned for 2027, part of a package of parking changes presented to City Council's Urban Planning Committee that could boost revenue by $5.4 million. Ward 8 (papastew) Councillor Michael Janz, who requested the report in December, said the choice is "either user fees or property taxes" as the City tries to mitigate property tax increases driven by rising costs. Janz is also asking the City to look into a Calgary-style system where parking fines increase the longer a ticket goes unpaid, with a report due back later in the year. Separately, the City is looking to expand automated parking enforcement, which Administration claims could bring in at least $14 million in revenue when fully implemented, and to sign a $1-million contract to put more enforcement officers on the ground after a 42% increase in calls requesting more parking enforcement. Administration says 30% of Edmonton's road users come from outside the city, with the City's safe mobility director arguing that Edmontonians are subsidizing parking for people who do not live in Edmonton. The Committee also voted 4-0 against a proposal to end the 15-minute free parking program, which had already been cut back from 30 minutes in the last budget.
• City Council's Community and Public Services Committee unanimously passed a motion from Mayor Andrew Knack last week to explore either a year-round day shelter program or a full community hub program for people experiencing homelessness. The $6.5-million plan will be discussed as part of the next four-year budget deliberations. Knack said the number of people dying on Edmonton's streets has risen from the 30s each year to over 300 and called for a "war-time effort" to make progress on the crisis. Support came from across the board, including the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, which says that with limited daytime options available, libraries, transit stations, parks, pedways and business storefronts become the default places where people spend their days. The Association funds its own core patrol, which conducted more than 1,900 wellness checks between January and May, and argued that more day shelters would take pressure off Downtown businesses currently spending heavily on security and support services. Council also received a letter from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce pushing for community service hubs, while Ward 10 (Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi) Councillor Jon Morgan argued the City and ratepayers are already paying for the crisis through first responders, maintenance costs in public spaces, and encampment clean-ups.
• The Community and Public Services Committee also voted 3-1 last week to send a stormwater billing report back to Administration and return to the decades-old centralized payment system, sparing Edmonton's more than 160 community leagues from directly processing monthly EPCOR stormwater charges, despite both EPCOR and Administration calling for the leagues to be billed directly. Ward 10 (Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi) Councillor Jon Morgan made the motion after hearing from community league volunteers. An updated report is expected back on September 25th. Before April 1st, 2025, EPCOR billed the City directly, and the City paid the utility fees on behalf of the leagues, recovering part of the cost through an annual $116,798 tax levy charged to the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, even though Administration says the actual cost runs between $152,000 and $284,000. EPCOR flagged the discrepancy in an audit, which also found that other properties were likely receiving stormwater services without being charged, and work to identify those properties is expected to be complete by 2027. Council allocated $995,648 through the community league operating grant to help pay the new bills from April 1st to December 31st, 2025, but the funding did not line up with expenses and many leagues found themselves in a cash crunch. The Federation urged the Committee to maintain a centralized model, arguing that volunteer-run leagues are not equipped to handle tracking and budgeting for monthly stormwater bills.
• City Manager Eddie Robar announced last Tuesday that the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) will take over operation of the Valley Line LRT over the next two years, ending the City's 30-year public-private partnership with TransEd Partners, the consortium that built the line, 25 years ahead of schedule. The decision was made during an in-camera session on May 19th, and officials will not say how much the City is paying TransEd as a termination payment, though the original contract was worth $1.8 billion. Because a different contractor is building the Valley Line West extension, TransEd was never contracted to operate it, and officials claim that moving everything to ETS was the cheapest of three options, the others being expanding TransEd's contract or finding a new operator. The City predicts the change will mean better coordination between buses and the LRT when a train has to be taken out of service, reducing wait times for replacement buses. Ward 8 (papastew) Councillor Michael Janz called the move a "great opportunity", saying ETS is motivated by quality service rather than profit. Construction of the Valley Line West is on schedule to be finished by 2028, after which the system will be extensively tested before regular passengers are allowed on board.

• The Community and Public Services Committee meets today at 9:30 am. One of the items on its agenda asks the Committee to recommend that Council rescind a motion that Council itself passed at its December 2025 budget meeting. That motion directed Administration to amend the agreements governing community leagues so the City would directly pay all stormwater charges that EPCOR levies against the leagues, ensuring the leagues are never billed for those fees. After reviewing the billing process, Administration now recommends that community leagues keep being billed directly by EPCOR, arguing the agreements already make leagues responsible for their own utility costs and that Council has already approved $995,648 in annual funding that fully offsets the charges. Reverting to City-paid billing would mean removing that roughly $1 million from the community league budget, shifting it to the City's utility budget, and amending every individual league agreement.
• Also on today's agenda, the Committee will receive a report evaluating future spending on day spaces, which are daytime facilities offering respite and basic services for people experiencing homelessness. Council put $1 million into extending hours at four existing sites between December 2025 and March 2026, during which 6,634 unique individuals visited 37,663 times, a 51% increase in clients and a 169% increase in visits over the previous winter. Administration says there is currently no sustainable ongoing funding for day spaces and lays out four options, ranging from no new investment, to a seasonal winter respite model, to a year-round model, to a comprehensive community service hub, which is the costliest and the one sector partners preferred. Should Council direct an investment, Administration would bring an unfunded service package through the 2027-2030 budget.
• The Executive Committee meets on Wednesday at 9:30 am. On the agenda is a discussion about whether to approve a below-market-value sale of a City-owned property on 118 Avenue in Alberta Avenue for a community arts development. The City reacquired the former arts site for a nominal value in May 2025, then listed it for six months with requirements that any buyer deliver an arts project including a black box theatre, gallery, studio and maker spaces, and housing. Despite emailing more than 8,300 subscribers on its property sales list, the City received only two proposals. Council has set aside $3,304,823 from a reserve to fund the arts components of the site, and both bidders are seeking to draw on that money. Because the sale is below fair market value, Committee approval is required before Administration can begin negotiating with its preferred proponent.
• Also before Executive Committee on Wednesday are two linked information reports on the City's economic development work. The first is a refreshed ten-year strategy, called Edmonton Advantage, which aims to reverse what Administration describes as a "business-unfriendly perception" and a tax base in which residential growth outpaces business and industrial growth, and which Administration says will need roughly $70 million over 2027-2030. The second is a review of the four City-funded agencies that receive taxpayer funding: Explore Edmonton at $22.7 million annually, Edmonton Unlimited at $5.3 million, Edmonton Global at $3.3 million, and Edmonton Screen at $1.2 million. An independent consultant found the agencies' mandates clear and recommended adding mid-stage business support, but Administration does not recommend mandate changes or a new agency. The review also notes Edmonton Global's membership has fallen from 14 municipalities to 9, with 3 more giving notice they will leave.
• Mayor Andrew Knack joined the Big Cities Mayors' Caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on Thursday in asking the federal government to commit billions of dollars to downtown revitalization ahead of Ottawa's fall budget. The caucus wants the federal government to follow its Parliamentary Budget Officer's recommendation to invest $3.5 billion annually to cut chronic homelessness by at least 50% by 2030, to raise the Canada Public Transit Fund from $25 billion to $30 billion over ten years, and to at least double the Build Communities Strong Fund. Knack argued the homelessness and safety crisis cannot be solved by any one order of government acting alone and called for a coordinated federal-provincial-municipal response. The push follows an April report from the Downtown Revitalization Coalition flagging visible drug use and disorder, and a CBC investigation that found transit-related crime in Edmonton more than doubled over nine years.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

This week, Edmonton city councillors will discuss day spaces for vulnerable Edmontonians, a review of economic development agencies, and potential changes to city-owned parking.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on June 8, an urban planning committee meeting on June 9, and an executive committee meeting on June 10.

Here are some key items on the agenda this week:

• There are no sustainable municipal funding options for day shelter spaces, says a report set to be presented to community and public services committee. Mayor Andrew Knack’s first motion of this term directed administration to allocate $1 million to expand access to day shelter spaces, and for administration to report back with an evaluation of the options to build out the service. The report said the funding allowed hours at four sites to increase from 99 per week to 252; the sites were visited nearly 38,000 times by more than 6,600 people. Administration laid out investment options for winter respite day spaces, year-round day spaces, and a community service hub with clinical healthcare and holistic supports. More options for supporting vulnerable people will be included in a report coming later this month that is meant to outline a way to transition the city out of providing services to people experiencing homelessness, which administration called a provincial responsibility.
• Administration has refreshed its economic development strategy, titled Edmonton Advantage, to adapt to current and anticipated market realities. The strategy outlines three primary issues: Edmonton is perceived as unfriendly to business, there is a lack of awareness around the city’s business proposition, and residential growth is outpacing business and industry growth, resulting in a tax imbalance. The strategy’s pillars aim to enable a strong business environment, market the Edmonton advantage, and drive investment. A cross-referenced report about four of the city’s economic development agencies — Explore Edmonton, Edmonton Global, Edmonton Screen, and Edmonton Unlimited — said a review found that the organizations have clear and complementary mandates with no significant duplication, and that the agencies are delivering measurable economic outcomes. While the ecosystem supports growth, there is a gap in mid-stage business retention and expansion support, which could limit firms transitioning from startup to growth and expansion, the report said. The consultant who examined the agencies recommended setting up a new economic agency to add scale-up supports for local businesses, but administration did not endorse that idea.
• Administration is considering changes to city-owned parking, including increased rates, the elimination of the free 15-minute period, and a pilot project for paid parking at facilities such as the Muttart Conservatory, the Edmonton Valley Zoo, and Fort Edmonton Park. A report to be presented to urban planning committee says demand for parking has increased as Edmonton grows, and curbside space is supporting a broader range of uses than parking, including deliveries, transit access, festivals, patios, activations, and micromobility devices such as e-scooters. The proposed changes are expected to manage demand and improve turnover while increasing revenue. A cross-referenced report outlines options for parking benefit districts, a system where parking revenue would be invested into the area it is collected from. While administration doesn’t recommend implementing parking benefit districts at this time, it said it will bring forward options in 2027 once the overall parking system is more financially stable and effective.

• The Infrastructure Committee will meet on Monday, with one of the most significant items on its agenda being a major reassessment of what to do with the High Level Bridge. Administration is recommending Council scrap the previously approved $200 million rehabilitation plan and instead plan for full replacement - a strategic pivot triggered by updated cost estimates that came in at $380 million at the 30% design stage, nearly double the original figure. The bridge, built between 1910 and 1913, carries 24,000-27,000 vehicles per day and has an estimated remaining service life of only 10-15 years. The total cost of the broader central area bridge renewal program - encompassing the High Level Bridge, the Low Level Bridges, and Dawson Bridge - is estimated at approximately $1.3 billion. Because the High Level Bridge holds a Municipal Historic Resource designation, Council must formally repeal that designation before demolition can proceed. The construction and decommissioning timeline runs from 2031 to 2039, with debt servicing costs beginning at $6.6 million in 2033 and rising to $28 million annually by 2036.
• Also this week, the Council Services Committee will consider a request from Ward 10 (Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi) Councillor Jon Morgan for $3,000 from the Common Travel Budget to attend the Calgary Stampede from July 3rd to July 12th, 2026. The request reveals that Ward 9 (pihêsiwin) Councillor Michael Elliott and Ward 11 (Karhiio) Councillor Keren Tang had already received Stampede travel approvals of $3,000 and $2,000, respectively, earlier in the year. The total Common Travel Budget for 2026 is $73,002, and with $58,500 already approved or estimated for other travel this year, only $14,502 remains. The committee must decide whether to approve Morgan's additional request from that remaining balance.
• The Audit Committee meets on Wednesday, and among the items on its agenda is the City Auditor's follow-up dashboard on outstanding audit recommendations. Across all City departments, 35 audit recommendations remain unresolved and five are now overdue. The most delayed item is the Historic Resource Management Program recommendation, originally due December 31st, 2024, and now revised to June 30th, 2026, making it 16 months past its original deadline. A Fraud Risk Management recommendation is four months overdue and has been extended to June 30th, 2027, with Administration citing staffing challenges as the reason for the delay. A Cybersecurity recommendation is also four months past due, and two items in the Taxation, Assessment and Collection System category are one month overdue. Financial Services has the highest number of outstanding recommendations, at 9. The Audit Committee received administrative explanations for the delays, but those explanations rely on revised timelines rather than completed action.
• The Council Services Committee's agenda this week includes Administration's 2026 financial update for Councillors' offices. Each Councillor receives an individual ward office budget of $214,304, and the report provides a line-by-line breakdown of spending by councillor, allowing direct comparison of how individual ward budgets are being managed through the first four months of the year. The total approved budget for all Councillors' offices combined is $6.088 million for the year. As of April 30th, the combined offices carry a "net favourable variance" of $74,000, meaning they are running 3.1% under budget overall. Ward office budgets collectively are 9.3% under-spent, while the common budget is in a slight deficit of $6,000.
• Edmonton Police Service and Recovery Alberta are opening an Integrated Stabilization Centre designed to detain people causing public disorder who have not been charged with a criminal offence. The centre uses authority under the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act to hold intoxicated individuals for up to 24 hours without a criminal charge being laid. The facility is staffed by Recovery Alberta clinical workers rather than police officers, and is intended to divert individuals away from emergency departments and jail cells. The arrangement raises civil liberties questions, as individuals can be held for nearly a full day based on an administrative determination rather than a criminal process. However, supporters of the model argue that it connects people in crisis to addiction and mental health services more effectively than either an arrest or a hospital visit would.

ONTHEAGENDAONTHE AGENDAONTHEAGENDAYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

Stephanie Swensrude

Here are some key items on the agenda this week:

•   The High Level Bridge and Low Level Bridges will be decommissioned and replaced over the next 10 to 15 years, says a report to be presented to infrastructure committee. While the Low Level Bridges have been slated for demolition for some time, the city had planned to rehabilitate the High Level Bridge to extend its lifespan. But updated testing shows it could cost more than $1 billion to keep it in operation over the next 75 years. Mayor Andrew Knack acknowledged that the High Level Bridge is iconic, but said there comes a time when rehabilitation is no longer feasible. “We’ll have to think about how we rebuild it in a way that respects that heritage and legacy,” Knack told CTV Edmonton. The tentative timeline, pending budget deliberations in the fall, would see a new Low Level Bridge funded in the 2027-2030 budget cycle and a new High Level Bridge funded in the 2035-2039 budget cycle. Replacement bridges would be built before demolition, and the northbound Low Level Bridge would be maintained for active transportation
•   Administration has prepared amendments to the landscape securities program in the zoning bylaw, which it has put forward as an alternative to a private tree protection bylaw. The city collects a security from a developer when it gets a development permit and returns it when the developer plants the required trees and shrubs. If the landscaping isn’t done, the city uses that money to do it. The program is currently applied to large-scale residential, mixed-use, and non-residential developments, and the proposed amendments would add small-scale developments. The city recommends a phased approach starting in January 2027. If council approves the changes, administration estimates that the number of securities collected would increase from 300 to nearly 5,000 annually, with two more full-time employees and two seasonal employees required. The resources for the program would come from fees that developers pay to the city. Council will vote on the amendments to the zoning bylaw at a public hearing.
•   The ward budgets for the Office of the Councillors have a surplus of $74,000, in part because councillors are not fully using personnel budgets for executive assistants and council assistants. The common budget, which funds travel, office furniture, and salaries for councillors and administrative assistants, is in a deficit of $6,000 due to non-personnel costs.
•   Council will consider a rezoning application on a corner site in the Balwin neighbourhood that would allow the landowner to build a four-storey building. Administration said it supports the application because the property is near the 82 Street secondary corridor, and it would match the rest of the zoning on the property’s block. Some residents said they oppose the application because they feel a larger development would reduce available parking and increase crime.
•   A landowner has proposed consolidating two lots in the Belgravia neighbourhood at the corner of 80 Avenue and 119 Street NW and rezoning it to allow a building up to three storeys tall. Administration said it supports the application because the site is both large and surrounded by roadways and alleys on all sides, which would mitigate the impacts of a larger building. Some residents said they oppose the rezoning because it would increase traffic and parking congestion, and they feel there is already too much development happening in the neighbourhood.
•   Council services committee will consider a request from Coun. Jon Morgan to add $3,000 to the common travel and conferences budget to attend the Calgary Stampede.
•   Council will receive a private update on its strategic priorities.

HISTORIAN SEEKS TO TELL THE REAL STORY OF MILL WOODS 

Mill Woods, the 24-square-kilometre development that makes up most of Edmonton’s southeast quadrant, isn’t quite what it seems from the outside, says historian Catherine Cole.

“The perceptions of people inside the community and outside the community are totally different,” Cole told Taproot.

That’s just one theme she aims to explore in her forthcoming book about the history of Mill Woods. She is hosting listening sessions with current and former residents at the Mill Woods branch of the Edmonton Public Library on May 13 and June 10 from 1pm to 4pm to better understand how Mill Woods has changed over time.

“It’s an opportunity for people to talk about what it has been like for them to grow up in Mill Woods, or to live in Mill Woods — to watch Mill Woods grow up around them,” she said, noting that she hopes to continue the sessions in the fall.

Mill Woods, with a population of around 50,000, is commonly described as one neighbourhood, but it’s actually a collection of more than 20 distinct neighbourhoods. It is bounded by 91 Street to the west and 34 Street to the east, and by Whitemud Drive and Anthony Henday Drive on the north and south.

Cole has hosted two listening sessions already, and so far, attendees have been a diverse mix, including a man and a woman who were among the first couples to build a home in the neighbourhood. “She actually brought a piece of paper with all these photographs of their house under development,” Cole said. Another attendee was a recent immigrant to Canada who came “because he wanted to learn about the place he was moving to, and he wanted to listen to the conversation.”

Cole said with a laugh that she has no connection to Mill Woods — she lives in Riverdale — but she’s interested for a variety of reasons. The development started in the 1970s and would end up facing issues that are still relevant today: the need for affordable housing, the costs of suburban sprawl, the preservation of agricultural land, the need for transportation. “There’s just so many urban challenges that played out through that development,” she said, adding that she thinks it has lessons to teach city planners today, especially those working on Blatchford and similar projects.

Mill Woods began as a city-led housing development. In the late 1960s, land available for suburban development was declining, and the city was having trouble expanding the infrastructure necessary to access more, especially roads. The province owned a land bank southeast of what was then the city boundary. “The province acquired this chunk of land — the largest land bank in North America — and the federal government lent the money to the province to buy the land, and then the province sold it to the city at 1969 prices over the period of its development,” Cole said.

Phil Ellwood, a senior city planner at the time, said the city should act as a land developer to help with housing affordability. In the original development concept, planners envisioned “a place for people — a community with a sense of place where the physical environment will be realized in the context of human scale,” and a neighbourhood “large enough in its own right to create its own identity and sense of place.”

That’s one example of the city’s perception of the neighbourhood not matching the reality of living there, Cole said. “One of the things I find really interesting is that people who are live in Mill Woods, or are from Mill Woods, really see how unique the community is and and they see it as being a very accessible, walkable, human-scale kind of place, whereas the rest of Edmonton either have never heard of Mill Woods, never been there, don’t know what it is, or they think it’s way out there.”

Before Mill Woods became a massive city-planned housing development, the land was home again and again to displaced people, Cole said, starting with the Papaschase Band. The band was forced to relocate from Rossdale to a reserve in what is now Mill Woods in the 1880s, because settlers in and near Edmonton didn’t want to live near a reserve. The band lost that entire reserve in 1888 under “highly questionable circumstances,” as historian Jan Olson put it. Then the area was settled by German-speaking Russians who were not free to practise their Moravian faith back in Europe. The city quickly assembled the land the Moravians farmed on in 1969, annexing the parts that were in Strathcona County in 1970 and rezoning the area from agricultural to urban uses.

As Mill Woods was developing, it attracted displaced people from other parts of the world, such as Asians expelled from Uganda in 1972 and refugees from Chile after Augusto Pinochet’s coup in 1973. Federal immigration policy also changed, making Canada more welcoming to people from countries outside of Western Europe, which led to a large increase in the South Asian population.

“For newcomers, (Mill Woods) was more affordable than other parts of the city,” Cole said.

Mill Woods has been Cole’s focus for several years now, and the book will build on previous work that focused on cultural diversity. “When we were doing the first work 10 years ago, we were really focused on the cultural diversity of the community and creating these arts outputs,” Cole said. “Now I’m going back and filling in the gaps, and one of the gaps is really the whole city planning aspect of it.”

She has also been hearing from residents about some dark days that shaped the community’s collective memory, such as when 19,000 people were evacuated after a gas explosion and fire in March 1979. There was also the devastating Black Friday tornado in 1987 that, in Mill Woods alone, damaged 30 homes and injured around 15 people, before moving eastward and killing 27 people.

“It’s really interesting hearing from these people in those sessions, and it’s helping me with writing the book, because they tell me things I didn’t know,” Cole said. “They also give me a perspective on some things that I had already read about or understood to a degree, but they give you a different flavour of what really happened to actual people.”

Even though Mill Woods has been fully developed for years now, it’s still evolving, Cole said. “Already, the change from having the LRT there means people are coming into Mill Woods from other parts of the city who didn’t before, so it has created a different kind of dynamic,” she said of the extension of the Valley Line.

The neighbourhood is also starting to see infill, both small- and large-scale. Maclab Development Group purchased Mill Woods Town Centre in 2022 and says it plans to gradually build housing and other amenities on the parking areas, transforming it into a transit-oriented development.

Mill Woods is continuing to evolve with the rest of the city, Cole said, adding the final chapter of the book will look to the future. “We really need to be careful to not make assumptions about neighbourhoods and think that they’re static,” she said.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors are set to discuss user fees, the city’s aging bus fleet, and Blatchford’s capital budget.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on May 11, an urban planning committee meeting on May 12, an executive committee meeting on May 13, and a utility committee meeting on May 15.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• A proposed policy would set user fees for city services to achieve pre-established cost recovery targets. A report to be presented to executive committee said the city’s non-tax revenues have not been keeping pace with the rate of expenditure growth, requiring higher property tax increases to maintain a balanced budget. The city also doesn’t have a consistent approach for determining user fees, the report said. The policy will be presented alongside the 2027-2030 operating budget in the fall. If approved, administration will implement a policy for all user fees and then repeal existing policies for recreation user fees and transit fares. The approach doesn’t necessarily mean that the full cost of services will be covered by such fees, the city said.
• Administration laid out three options to renew the city’s aging bus fleet in a report to be presented to urban planning committee. If council chooses not to replace any buses and spend only $42.4 million to refurbish part of the fleet, there could be a reduction of up to 331,000 annual service hours, the report said. The second option is to spend $186.9 million to replace 100 buses over the four-year budget cycle, which administration said is the minimum investment to avoid service reductions. The third option would see the city spend $386.9 million to replace 300 buses over four years, which would eliminate the need for some refurbishment work. Even if council chooses a moderate level of replacement, more than half of the conventional fleet will be over 20 years old in the next four years, two years past the ideal retirement age.
• Administration will ask utility committee to increase the budget for the distribution piping system in Blatchford. The neighbourhood is developing faster than the original forecast, and pipes need to be installed sooner than expected, said a report to be presented to utility committee. The city said a one-time increase of $7.6 million will not increase the overall capital costs of the district energy system in Blatchford. The report said the faster pace of development is expected to continue.
• The city’s policy for supporting vulnerable people during extreme weather events has been updated to reflect feedback from that population, said a report that will be presented to community and public services committee. The “safety first” principle has been expanded to include psychological and cultural safety, and the “connected” principle has been shifted to “integrated” to emphasize that municipal supports exist within a broad social service system. A new procedure to support the policy introduces clearer articulation of roles and responsibilities. The new policy requires council approval.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

• This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a Community and Public Services Committee meeting. On the agenda is a report recommending updates to how the City supports vulnerable people during extreme weather such as heat, cold, and poor air quality. The revised policy maintains services like shelter shuttles, respite spaces, water stations, and emergency supplies, while updating definitions and shifting toward a more seasonal, proactive response model. Officials say the program plays a critical role in reducing harm for people experiencing homelessness and is considered aligned with best practices compared to other Canadian and international cities. The review also found that extreme weather responses have expanded since 2019 and are increasingly used as demand grows, with hundreds of extreme weather days recorded over the past several years. Engagement with service providers and people with lived experience showed strong support for the program, along with calls for clearer communication and more consistent access to supports. The updated policy also strengthens accountability measures by adding clearer roles, ongoing evaluation requirements, and improved transparency in how services are delivered.
• Also on the agenda is the UP-Lift Equitable Recreation Programming Plan, developed in response to a 2024 City Auditor’s report calling for stronger equity in recreation services. The plan introduces a city-wide framework aimed at improving access to recreation by reducing barriers for “underserved and underrepresented communities,” supported by 31 actions and performance measures. Key changes include a new Equitable Allotment and Allocation Model that ends automatic rollover of facility bookings and instead prioritizes space for groups that deliver higher community benefit or serve "equity-deserving populations." It also establishes new communications guidelines to improve outreach to communities that have historically had less awareness of City programs. Implementation will begin in 2026, with full rollout expected by late 2027, and officials say the approach may shift facility access and program availability, with some large user groups potentially seeing reduced allocations. 
• The Executive Committee will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am. On the agenda is the new Corporate User Fee Policy the City is developing as part of its broader effort to address long-term fiscal pressures and improve consistency in how user fees are applied across municipal services. The policy is intended to standardize cost-recovery targets for services like transit, recreation, and attractions, while still maintaining a mix of user fee and tax funding so that affordability and access are not compromised. Officials note that user fee revenues have grown more slowly than both property taxes and service costs over the past decade, contributing to increasing reliance on the tax levy to balance budgets. The proposed framework introduces principles such as financial sustainability, “beneficiary pays,” and equitable cost allocation, alongside targeted subsidies to reduce financial barriers for low-income residents. It will also replace existing standalone fee policies once implemented, integrating them into a single corporate approach aligned with the 2027-2030 budget cycle. 
• The Edmonton Police Service says it is shifting toward a more targeted, data-driven policing strategy focused on identified “hotspots” of crime and disorder in the city. Chief Warren Driechel said officers are concentrating resources in areas such as Churchill Square, LRT stations, and known problem properties, using intelligence and public reporting to guide deployments. Police data shows mixed results: while calls for service and arrests have increased in some locations, officials report decreases in downtown disorder and violent crime in certain areas, suggesting displacement and focused enforcement rather than overall escalation. The police service is also working more closely with transit peace officers and downtown partners, including sharing CCTV access, to improve response and visibility. Driechel emphasized that tolerating visible disorder can erode community safety over time and said the goal is to restore public confidence through stronger enforcement presence. The approach is being justified as “smarter policing,” aiming to concentrate limited resources where they are most needed while addressing concerns about safety on transit and in the downtown core.
• Business owners along 124 Street in Edmonton say outdated “ePark” signage is still causing confusion for customers, even though the City of Edmonton moved away from the system and shifted to app-based parking payments, including the HotSpot platform. Some merchants report that customers - especially seniors or those without smartphones - struggle with QR codes and digital-only payment methods, and in some cases are unsure whether the system is legitimate or how to use it. City officials acknowledge “growing pains” from the transition, with councillors pointing to usability and customer experience issues rather than age alone, while the Mayor has suggested revisiting options for those without smartphones. The City has said any reintroduction of physical payment options would require Council approval, and is encouraging residents to contact 311 if needed. 

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council will debate rezoning applications for a six-storey building in the northwest, a mixed-use development in Parkview, and a 25-storey tower in Windsor Park, as well as hearing updates about relationships with other levels of government.

There is a private audit election committee meeting on May 4, a public hearing on May 5, and a non-regular council meeting on May 6.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• Nova Builders has proposed rezoning a parcel of industrial land at 13640 142 Street NW to allow for a six-storey residential building. The site is located 23 metres away from an active CN Rail right-of-way, a corridor that may transport dangerous goods. The Railway Association of Canada recommends a minimum setback of 30 metres from a rail right-of-way to residential development, and administration wrote in its report that the setback can be achieved. The application also includes an amendment to the Northwest District Plan to change the designation of the lot and a commercial development to the west to facilitate future redevelopment.
• Council will review a rezoning application in Parkview that has been revised twice since its initial submission. The landowner has proposed to rezone the property at the corner of 91 Avenue NW and 142 Street NW to allow for a mixed-use development. More than 300 people gave input on the rezoning, with most concerns related to the predominantly single-family development in the neighbourhood, existing traffic and parking congestion, and privacy and shadowing impacts on neighbouring properties. Administration said it supports the application because the property is within a secondary corridor, and it will help people complete their daily needs within proximity to local businesses, open space, school, and active transportation options.
• Westrich Pacific’s development in Windsor Park is set to return to a public hearing after being referred back to administration. The developer has proposed rezoning the southern portion of the property to the mixed-use zone, which would allow for a building up to 25 storeys tall, and the northern part to the neighbourhood mixed-use zone, which would allow for a building up to four storeys tall. Many residents oppose the development, arguing it’s too tall and will cast a shadow across the neighbourhood. Some have shown support for the development due to its proximity to the University of Alberta campus.
• The City of Edmonton’s urban growth and open space department has proposed rezoning a lot in Henderson Estates to allow for a school. The rezoning, if approved, would allow the Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord to use the property for a francophone elementary school. Some residents said they support the school in principle but have concerns that include traffic and parking congestion. The application also includes amending the Whitemud District Plan.
• Administration will give an annual update on Alberta Municipalities, and both private and public updates on intergovernmental relations.
• Audit committee will meet in private to select its public members.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

• Edmonton property owners will receive their 2026 property tax notices in the mail this month, with payment due June 30th. City Council approved a 6.9% property tax increase for 2026 - the final year of its current four-year budget cycle - but the addition of a higher provincial education tax levy brings the effective increase for most homeowners to 7.7%. The City's portion of the increase funds a range of things including affordable housing, new transit buses, and expanded policing. 
• Council has voted to reduce the maximum height for infill housing from 10.5 metres to 9.5 metres, with the change set to take effect in August. City officials say the adjustment still allows for three-storey developments, but may require design changes such as lower ceilings or deeper basements. The decision follows ongoing debate over how to balance neighbourhood character with the need for more housing density and affordability. Supporters of the change argue it responds to resident concerns about building scale in mature communities, while critics warn it could lead to smaller, less livable units. Some Councillors and community representatives also expressed concern that repeated adjustments to infill rules are creating uncertainty for builders and slowing down development. Others on Council cautioned that more restrictive approaches may be emerging as residents turn to private legal covenants to limit redevelopment. 
• Ward 2 (Anirniq) Councillor Erin Rutherford is calling the proposed Metro Line LRT extension to Castle Downs "a pipe dream" and asking Administration to identify lower-cost alternatives. The extension would run north through Rutherford's ward, past the Blatchford neighbourhood to Castle Downs, and eventually to the City of St. Albert - a project that has been deferred repeatedly over the years as costs have climbed. Rutherford tabled a motion last week asking Administration to prepare a memo on alternative transit options for the corridor, including bus rapid transit or a redesigned LRT alignment at a lower price point. She said she is open to all options and described the current LRT proposal as prohibitively expensive. Administration has not yet indicated when the requested memo will be delivered to Council.
• A disability advocate is supporting Councillor Aaron Paquette’s push for stricter rules on where e-scooters can be parked, citing ongoing safety and accessibility concerns for people using mobility aids. The advocate says improperly parked scooters can create real barriers on sidewalks, sometimes forcing users to detour into unsafe areas or rely on assistance to get past obstacles. The proposed motion would require designated parking or geo-fenced drop-off zones, with penalties or charges for riders who leave scooters outside approved areas. The councillor behind the proposal argues that while e-scooters are a useful transportation option, clearer rules are needed to balance convenience with accessibility. Scooter companies have indicated they are open to working with the City and say they also want to avoid blocking sidewalks or creating hazards. 
• The City is facing a projected $63.6 million shortfall tied to the Quarters Downtown Community Revitalization Levy, as expected property tax growth and private investment have not materialized at the pace originally forecast. The CRL was designed to fund infrastructure upgrades by borrowing against future tax revenue, and it has already supported about $100 million in public projects, including parks, streetscapes, and building conversions. While officials note the area has attracted over $450 million in private development activity, no new CRL-funded capital projects will move forward due to the revenue gap. City representatives and Councillors say the infrastructure built so far still has long-term value, even if the timing of development has lagged expectations. At the same time, community voices are raising concerns about cultural erasure and the loss of historic identity in the neighbourhood, particularly related to Chinatown’s presence and visibility. Some stakeholders argue the area has been stigmatized by the concentration of social services, while others emphasize its existing cultural activity and potential for renewal. City officials say there is still an opportunity to strengthen cultural identity through future planning decisions and community engagement.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council is set to finalize a budget increase for a recreation centre in the west end, review a rezoning application for the Army & Navy building, and vote on the future of seven advisory boards.

There is a public hearing on April 27, a council meeting on April 28 and 29, and a private council meeting on April 30.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• The Lewis Farms Community Recreation Centre could cost more than $32 million over the original budget, despite being scaled back. Council is set to vote on a borrowing bylaw, which makes public the dollar amount increase that was approved in March. “I wish we had hit ‘Stop’ and had a chance to sit down and try to bring other people into the mix,” said Coun. Michael Janz, who has opposed the project since he was elected.
• The owner of the Army & Navy building at 10411 Whyte Avenue NW has applied to rezone the property to allow for public access to the rooftop, additional signage, and more flexible reuse of the building. Leder Investments, the holding company of the family that owns Supreme Steel, has proposed rezoning from one direct control zone, which is in effect for several buildings along Whyte Avenue between Gateway Boulevard and 105 Street, to another direct control zone.
• Council is set to make a final vote on bylaws that would disband seven advisory boards, including the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee (which was paused in 2023), the Edmonton Historical Board, the Edmonton Salutes Committee, the Edmonton Transit Service Advisory Board, the Energy Transition Climate Resilience Committee, the Women’s Advisory Voice of Edmonton Committee (WAVE), and the City of Edmonton Youth Council. Reports accompanying the bylaws say council decided to sunset the boards in a private meeting on March 25. Members of some of the committees told Taproot they were shocked and disappointed by the decision, but Mayor Andrew Knack said there are better mechanisms to hear from people.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

• There will be a City Council meeting this morning at 9:30 am. Council is being asked to approve a set of outcomes and performance indicators to track progress on its 2025-2029 priorities, which include economic development, growth management, and maintaining safety and quality services. The framework clarifies Council’s strategic role in setting goals, while administration is responsible for delivering services and measuring operational performance. These indicators will guide the 2027-2030 budget process, helping align spending decisions with priority outcomes and supporting a shift toward results-based budgeting. The City plans a phased rollout of planning and reporting documents starting in June 2026, with performance updates provided annually and supported by a new public dashboard. The indicators will measure trends rather than fixed targets and may be benchmarked against past performance or other municipalities. They will also form part of the evaluation criteria used to assess funding requests, alongside factors like safety requirements, service demand, and cost recovery.
• Council is considering eliminating seven advisory committees, including those focused on climate change, anti-racism, gender inclusion, and youth engagement, as part of a broader governance review. The proposed change would end these volunteer groups, which currently provide expertise and community feedback, with most set to conclude by April 30 if approved. City officials say the move is intended to ensure committees align with Council priorities and to seek input from a wider range of voices rather than relying on a single group per issue. The mayor emphasized the decision is not about cost-cutting but about improving how the City engages with the community. However, current and former committee members say the decision was abrupt and risks eliminating important channels for expert advice and representation.
• The Urban Planning Committee has approved a motion to redevelop the Exhibition Lands while ensuring the K-Days festival retains at least 30 hectares of space. The $143.1-million transformation plan includes demolishing the former Coliseum to facilitate housing development and a permanent parkade for the Edmonton Expo Centre. Over 30 years, the City aims to build 3,500 homes for approximately 6,500 residents. Explore Edmonton highlighted that the site's unique underground infrastructure is vital for the festival, which contributes $84 million annually to the economy. The motion also explores retrofitting the Coliseum LRT station and potentially expanding Borden Park for athletic and event use. While the City anticipates significant revenue from land sales and property taxes, the priority remains balancing residential growth with the preservation of Edmonton's premier event space.
• Councillor Mike Elliott is calling for renewed consideration of fare gates at LRT stations, suggesting they could improve safety perceptions and increase transit revenue. The idea was previously dropped after cost estimates reached about $7.2 million, largely due to installation and staffing needs. Elliott argues that newer ARC card technology could reduce those costs by eliminating the need for constant on-site attendants. However, a transit advocacy group maintains that boosting ridership and improving service reliability would be a more effective way to enhance safety. City transit officials also point out that fare gates pose challenges due to station layouts, emergency access requirements, and overall expenses. While no formal proposal has been introduced, the issue is being raised again as part of ongoing discussions about transit safety.
• Edmonton is moving ahead with a strengthened Construction Accountability Program aimed at cracking down on infill builders with repeated rule violations, after a surge in complaints in recent years. Because provincial laws prevent the City from denying permits based on past behaviour, the program will instead track non-compliant builders, assign them higher oversight, and require safety plans and mandatory training to maintain eligibility. Additional measures include surprise inspections during key construction phases and higher fees/fines for repeated infractions. City officials emphasized that while most builders follow the rules, stricter enforcement is needed for frequent offenders, even if it risks legal pushback. Some Councillors argued the plan does not go far enough and suggested even closer monitoring of high-risk sites. Industry representatives expressed support for the program but cautioned that penalties should target only repeat offenders and be based on clear, transparent standards. The new measures are expected to roll out through late 2026 and early 2027.

• Downtown Edmonton pub and restaurant owners say they were “broadsided” by the City’s decision to introduce new licensing fees for year-round patios, warning the costs could force many to shut down or remove their outdoor spaces. Under the new policy, businesses will pay about $14,000 annually for all-season patios, with a temporary discount in 2026 before full fees take effect in 2027, whereas seasonal patios will cost about $3,700. Owners say they were encouraged to invest in patios through City and business association programs, but now feel the new fees undermine those efforts and threaten recent investments. Some businesses report significant financial strain, including declining post-pandemic revenues, rising property taxes, and vandalism costs, making the added fees difficult to absorb. Critics, including some councillors, argue the fees could reduce downtown vibrancy by discouraging outdoor spaces that bring people into the area. City Administration says the charges are intended to recover costs for safety infrastructure like barriers and inspections, but some owners dispute the value of those services.
• Edmonton Police Service documents and emails have revealed new details about a pilot project testing body-worn cameras equipped with artificial intelligence facial recognition, making it the first program of its kind in Canada. The system, supplied through US camera maker Axon and facial recognition vendor Corsight AI, scans faces in real time against a watchlist of roughly 7,000 individuals flagged for warrants or perceived risk. Internal privacy assessments describe the tool as a “significant adaptation” of existing bodycam technology, effectively turning it into a form of proactive surveillance, though police argue it is limited by safeguards such as distance, lighting, and officer-controlled activation. The pilot has raised major concerns among privacy experts and researchers, who warn about the lack of clear legal authority, potential data-sharing risks, and the broader implications of constant biometric monitoring of the public. Edmonton police maintain the project is a proof of concept aimed at evaluating effectiveness and ensuring compliance with privacy law and the Charter. Oversight bodies and critics remain divided, with some seeing it as a necessary innovation in policing and others calling it one of the most high-risk surveillance experiments in Canada.
• City Council voted 7-5 in favour of Ward O-day’min Councillor Anne Stevenson’s motion to restore street parking on 101 Street in Chinatown between 107 Avenue and Kingsway, reversing a dedicated bus lane pilot. Street parking will be available weekdays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm to support local businesses. Business owners reported a decline in customers and accessibility challenges for seniors and individuals with limited mobility who rely on street-level access rather than alleyway parking. Administration will monitor the impact on bus efficiency over the next six months. Concurrently, the City is advancing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) planning for routes B1 and B2 for the 2027–2030 budget cycle. A third route, B6, is deferred until construction on Terwilliger Drive is complete. Supported by $16.42 million in annual federal funding, the BRT system is projected to be operational by 2031 once the Southeast Transit Garage is finished
• The Downtown Revitalization Coalition (DRC) has introduced a plan aiming to make Edmonton the safest major city in Canada. Unveiled before budget deliberations, the strategy calls for better coordination of downtown programs to address persistent public disorder. A primary recommendation includes integrating the Edmonton Police Service and transit peace officers to improve response times and authority. The DRC also proposes a downtown crisis-stabilization and transfer centre, providing a non-carceral space for individuals in distress to be stabilized and connected to support services. While the provincial government has allocated funds for similar centers elsewhere, the DRC advocates for a dedicated downtown location. Councillor Anne Stevenson supports the goal of enhanced inter-agency partnership but emphasizes that available treatment and housing options remain critical.
• A builders’ advocacy group in Edmonton is calling on the City to streamline its infill housing approval process and adopt clearer design standards to support growing demand. The group’s 22-point plan argues that approvals for infill projects can take as long as large suburban developments, slowing efforts to meet the City’s goal of directing half of new housing into established neighbourhoods. It also emphasizes improving communication with residents and enforcing consistent design rules to address community concerns about neighbourhood character. The push comes amid rising tensions over infill, including community resistance, restrictive covenants, and even arson incidents targeting projects. The proposal includes ideas like pre-approved building plans to speed up development while maintaining standards. While proponents say Edmonton is a leader in housing policy, ongoing legal disputes and neighbourhood opposition continue to complicate infill expansion.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors are set to discuss a potentially reduced footprint for K-Days and other major events, review a sale agreement for a proposed community centre, and hear an update on the city’s living wage requirement.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on April 20, an urban planning committee meeting on April 21, and an executive committee meeting on April 22.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• The amount of city-owned land allocated to outdoor events at the Exhibition Lands, such as K-Days, could be reduced from 55 acres to about 21 acres, administration said in a report to urban planning committee. Redevelopment of the Exhibition Lands is underway to turn the property into a sustainable, transit-oriented neighbourhood, a shift from what the report calls “large land areas that are seldom used.” The redevelopment calls for the land leased to Explore Edmonton, which runs K-Days, to eventually be reduced to 15.7 hectares, but administration said the land where the Coliseum sits can host extra festival space once the former arena is demolished. The report said administration will continue to work with Explore Edmonton as the lands are redeveloped to ensure it has enough time to relocate storage, maintenance shops, and parking as the area redevelops.
• Executive committee will review a proposed sale agreement with the Africa Centre for a portion of Athlone Park at 13160 127 Street NW that will allow the organization to construct the African Multicultural Community Centre. An updated business case outlines three development scenarios; administration recommends that the centre use the site to balance community programming with revenue-generating components, including eight affordable housing units. The centre has introduced some measures to mitigate a potential loss of revenue in the case of vacancy, including a new endowment fund established at the Edmonton Community Foundation. The agreement proposes selling the land for $1, with a buy-back option if the centre doesn’t start construction within five years.
• Administration said it will continue work to ensure that its suppliers and contractors pay their employees a living wage by managing contracts, engaging with suppliers, and enhancing monitoring. The current living wage in the Edmonton region is $22.30 per hour.
• Administration has created a wildfire risk management strategy that focuses on managing vegetation, responding to wildfires, collaborating with neighbouring jurisdictions, and educating and preparing the community. Council’s community and public services committee will be asked to recommend one of three implementation levels, the first using existing budget and the other two requiring a funding package in the 2027-2030 budget.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council will discuss the drivers of tax increases, vote on increasing the budget for various capital projects, and consider approving the first phase of the River Crossing Community Development.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on April 13, an executive committee meeting on April 14, an urban planning committee meeting on April 14, and a city council meeting on April 15 and 17.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• The four main factors driving tax increases in Edmonton are the increased cost of services, population growth, slower growth in non-tax revenue, and increased operating expenses linked to new services and capital projects, says a report set to be presented to council. Administration forecasts that if no more service packages or debt-serviced capital projects are approved, the city will need tax levy increases of 5.6% in 2027, 4.3% in 2028, 3.9% in 2029, and 3.7% in 2030. Council will continue to direct administration in creating the budget before deliberations in the fall.
• Council is set to vote on amendments to borrowing bylaws that adjust how much capital projects cost. If council supports the bylaws, the budget for the replacement of light rail vehicles will increase by $80.8 million to a total of $321.3 million, the budget for the design and delivery of ramps at 137 Avenue NW and Anthony Henday Drive will increase by $8.5 million to $15 million, and the budget for the downtown district energy initiative will increase by $18.4 million $54.3 million.
• Administration will ask council to approve $15 million to begin work on the first phase of the River Crossing Community Development, which would see the construction or rehabilitation of the roads north of Re/Max Field and the first steps toward housing development on the field’s parking area. Executive committee considered the project last week and requisitioned the decision to council without a recommendation. Steve Hogle, fun advisor for the Edmonton Riverhawks, told Taproot the organization will trial a park-and-ride this season to prepare for potentially losing the lot next year.
• Council will vote on a motion from Coun. Michael Janz directing administration to bring forward two funding packages for bus rapid transit and wider sidewalks on Whyte Avenue to budget deliberations. It will also consider funding simultaneous improvements to the pedestrian realm along Whyte Avenue, which would involve removing some vehicle parking to make way for wider sidewalks. The motion also calls for an unfunded service package to advance transit priority measures across the city.
• Council will vote on a motion from urban planning committee recommending that city council direct administration to reinstate parking on 101 Street, from 107 Avenue to Kingsway, weekdays from 9:30am to 3:30pm.
• Members of the executive, urban planning, and community and public services committees will meet in private to receive governance updates from various boards and commissions.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

• The City has reported a $45,000 loss in revenue after fraudulent transactions were made through a malfunctioning Arc transit fare machine. According to the city auditor, about $65,000 in suspicious activity occurred between September 2024 and June 2025 before the issue was detected and reported to police. While more than 300 compromised Arc cards were identified and blocked, roughly $20,000 was recovered, reducing the overall financial impact. Edmonton Transit Service has since said it has strengthened its internal controls to prevent similar incidents in the future. Police say efforts to identify suspects have so far been unsuccessful, and there is no indication of organized crime involvement. 
• The Edmonton bus report card for fall 2025 shows wide gaps in on-time performance across 122 routes, with “on time” defined as leaving between one minute early and five minutes late. The best-performing routes reached about 95% reliability, but several major routes fell well below that standard. Route 8 (Abbottsfield–University) recorded about 67% on-time performance, despite being one of the busiest lines in the city. Route 106 came in at about 66.4%, while Route 107 followed at roughly 65.6%. The express Route 110X from Eaux Claires to downtown was about 65.2% on time, showing that faster commuter routes are still frequently delayed. Route 924 performed worse at about 60.8%, and the lowest-performing Route 900X dropped to about 57.4% on weekdays, falling even further on Saturdays. Overall systemwide punctuality sits around the low 80% range, slightly down from 2023 even though it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.
• The planned Southeast Transit Garage was significantly scaled back from its original design, reducing capacity from about 430 buses to between 255 and 290. The facility, now expected to cost roughly $670 million and be completed by 2031, is intended to support both the City’s current diesel fleet and future transition to zero-emission buses. Critics argue the reduction could create long-term capacity issues, with warnings that the City may hit limits again shortly after the garage opens if transit expansion continues. Some Councillors want a full-cost comparison and a return to the original 430-bus capacity plan. The City also says federal funding discussions are still ongoing and that final budget details will be shared in upcoming budget updates.
• An audit found that the City spent about $21.9 million in 2025 on overtime to cover short-term disability absences, adding up to more than 518,000 lost work hours. These absences were linked to illness, injury, and a growing number of mental health-related claims, which have increased significantly since the pandemic. While overall disability claim rates have stayed relatively stable in line with workforce growth, officials noted a steady rise in complexity and case volume in recent years. The audit also raised concerns about management of the program, pointing to poor record keeping, inconsistent documentation, and limited follow-up on cases. In some instances, auditors found errors such as incorrect dates and incomplete medical records, raising concerns about data reliability. City staff also reported being stretched thin, with case managers handling far more files than recommended standards. Officials say they are working on reforms, including better tracking systems, improved case management, and a stronger focus on helping employees return to work sooner.
• Edmonton’s planned Ice District Event Park has officially moved into the design phase, marking a step forward in the long-delayed downtown project. The City of Edmonton and OEG Sports and Entertainment have selected a joint design team made up of DIALOG and HNTB, both firms with experience in major civic and sports venue projects. The new facility will be built next to Rogers Place and is intended to host concerts, festivals, cultural events, and sporting activities year-round, with features designed to handle both indoor and outdoor use in Edmonton’s climate. The project carries an estimated price tag of about $250 million and is part of a broader public-private agreement worth more than $400 million when combined with related developments and demolition work. Costs are being shared between the Province, which is contributing about $97 million, and the City, which is contributing about $69 million. Officials say the design process will need to balance large-scale entertainment use with affordable community access. Construction is now expected to begin in 2027 as planning work continues.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors will hear an update on community revitalization levies, consider a higher tax for derelict properties that aren’t residential, and make a recommendation on renewing part of the Rossdale neighbourhood.

There is a community and public services meeting on March 23, an urban planning committee meeting on March 23, a special city council meeting on March 24 and 25, and an executive committee meeting on March 26.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• Revenue generated from The Quarters community revitalization levy is not projected to cover the investment the city has made in the neighbourhood, a report set to be presented to executive committee said. Municipalities can use CRLs to finance infrastructure developments needed to attract private development to targeted areas, and the investment is meant to be paid back through the property tax uplift of new development. The Quarters CRL has funded $100 million in “catalyst projects,” including The Armature, upgraded drainage servicing, Kinistinâw Park, and the adaptive reuse of City-owned buildings into new art spaces. The report said the improvements attracted more than $450 million in private development. Despite this, the revenues from the CRL are expected to be about $63.6 million short of covering all outstanding costs of the catalyst projects. The general tax revenue in The Quarters could cover the outstanding debt by 2041, 10 years after the CRL ends, the report said. Meanwhile, the city’s revenue projection for the Belvedere CRL has increased by $5 million to $35.4 million, and that project is expected to break even by the end of its 20-year term in 2032. The downtown CRL was extended in 2025. The revenue projection for that CRL has decreased by $77 million to $1.4 billion.
• About 20 properties in Edmonton with a total assessment value of $29 million could be considered candidates for a derelict non-residential tax subclass, a report to be presented to executive committee said. The subclass is one way to address issues associated with abandoned, fenced-off, or dangerous non-residential properties. Edmonton introduced a higher tax rate for derelict residential properties in mature neighbourhoods starting in 2024, and assessed about 200 properties at the higher rate. The tax was deemed a success — about 60 properties were demolished or remediated after it was introduced — and the derelict residential rate will be expanded city-wide in 2027. If council chooses to pursue a derelict tax for non-residential properties, administration said it recommends establishing the subclass but keeping the normal tax rate at first as assessors develop and refine the process. The report said the threat of higher taxes can sometimes be enough to motivate owners of derelict properties to demolish or sell. A cross-referenced report details other ways to address vacant residential and non-residential properties, especially in the redeveloping area within Anthony Henday Drive. Council could establish a tax subclass for vacant properties or a tax incentive program to help spur development, the report said.
• Administration is looking to start construction on the first phase of the River Crossing plan in Rossdale, which would see the construction or rehabilitation of the roads north of Re/Max Field and the first steps toward housing development on the field’s parking area. Councillors will be asked to approve $15 million for underground servicing, subdivision, and planning applications for the parking area, which would be divided into four lots for buildings between four and 12 storeys high, with up to 300 units. Executive committee is scheduled to review the proposal and make a recommendation to council.

Urban planning committee will examine options for funding transit priority measures and bus rapid transit. Administration said it is seeking funding sources for the next design phases for two BRT routes in the 2027-2030 budget, including from the Canada Public Transit Fund. Prioritize Whyte Ave, a coalition of area business associations and pedestrian advocacy groups, is urging councillors to support BRT along Whyte Avenue in the four-year budget, among other investments.

Executive committee will be asked to approve a $5.4-million grant for the Brentwood Builds affordable housing redevelopment, which will deliver 112 new affordable units. Edmonton’s Housing Accelerator Fund agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation requires the city to approve building permits for nearly 2,000 affordable units by November 2026. Administration said the grant would allow the builder to expedite the design and enable the submission and approval of building permits before the November deadline.

A report set to be presented to urban planning committee listed the roadways that need the most investment: 124 Street between Jasper Avenue and 107 Avenue; Jasper Avenue between 109 Street and 102 Street; and 127 Street between Yellowhead Trail and 137 Avenue. The report said it’s unlikely these corridors will receive renewal funding in the 2027-2030 budget.

Administration said it doesn’t have legislative authority to refuse construction permits to builders who have a negative history. However, an update on the city’s construction accountability program said the city is taking other steps within its jurisdiction to address builders who don’t comply with construction standards. Administration said it has established a performance-based system to identify builders with low compliance rates and will require project implementation plans for such builders.

Community and public services committee will be asked to recommend that council remove four surplus school sites from the First Place Program, which created 900 units for first-time home buyers. Administration proposes retaining sites in Dechene and La Perle for open space and sites in Dunluce and Sifton Park for affordable housing.

Urban planning committee will examine options for funding transit priority measures and bus rapid transit. Administration said it is seeking funding sources for the next design phases for two BRT routes in the 2027-2030 budget, including from the Canada Public Transit Fund. Prioritize Whyte Ave, a coalition of area business associations and pedestrian advocacy groups, is urging councillors to support BRT along Whyte Avenue in the four-year budget, among other investments.

Executive committee will be asked to approve a $5.4-million grant for the Brentwood Builds affordable housing redevelopment, which will deliver 112 new affordable units. Edmonton’s Housing Accelerator Fund agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation requires the city to approve building permits for nearly 2,000 affordable units by November 2026. Administration said the grant would allow the builder to expedite the design and enable the submission and approval of building permits before the November deadline.

A report set to be presented to urban planning committee listed the roadways that need the most investment: 124 Street between Jasper Avenue and 107 Avenue; Jasper Avenue between 109 Street and 102 Street; and 127 Street between Yellowhead Trail and 137 Avenue. The report said it’s unlikely these corridors will receive renewal funding in the 2027-2030 budget.

Administration said it doesn’t have legislative authority to refuse construction permits to builders who have a negative history. However, an update on the city’s construction accountability program said the city is taking other steps within its jurisdiction to address builders who don’t comply with construction standards. Administration said it has established a performance-based system to identify builders with low compliance rates and will require project implementation plans for such builders.

Community and public services committee will be asked to recommend that council remove four surplus school sites from the First Place Program, which created 900 units for first-time home buyers. Administration proposes retaining sites in Dechene and La Perle for open space and sites in Dunluce and Sifton Park for affordable housing.

Urban planning committee will examine options for funding transit priority measures and bus rapid transit. Administration said it is seeking funding sources for the next design phases for two BRT routes in the 2027-2030 budget, including from the Canada Public Transit Fund. Prioritize Whyte Ave, a coalition of area business associations and pedestrian advocacy groups, is urging councillors to support BRT along Whyte Avenue in the four-year budget, among other investments.

Executive committee will be asked to approve a $5.4-million grant for the Brentwood Builds affordable housing redevelopment, which will deliver 112 new affordable units. Edmonton’s Housing Accelerator Fund agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation requires the city to approve building permits for nearly 2,000 affordable units by November 2026. Administration said the grant would allow the builder to expedite the design and enable the submission and approval of building permits before the November deadline.

A report set to be presented to urban planning committee listed the roadways that need the most investment: 124 Street between Jasper Avenue and 107 Avenue; Jasper Avenue between 109 Street and 102 Street; and 127 Street between Yellowhead Trail and 137 Avenue. The report said it’s unlikely these corridors will receive renewal funding in the 2027-2030 budget.

Administration said it doesn’t have legislative authority to refuse construction permits to builders who have a negative history. However, an update on the city’s construction accountability program said the city is taking other steps within its jurisdiction to address builders who don’t comply with construction standards. Administration said it has established a performance-based system to identify builders with low compliance rates and will require project implementation plans for such builders.

Community and public services committee will be asked to recommend that council remove four surplus school sites from the First Place Program, which created 900 units for first-time home buyers. Administration proposes retaining sites in Dechene and La Perle for open space and sites in Dunluce and Sifton Park for affordable housing.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

• A motion, put forward by Councillor Karen Principe to reconsider the City’s new patio licensing fees, has failed. The fees, set to take effect in April, would charge $6,900 for a large year-round patio and $3,700 for a large seasonal patio, reversing years of waived charges during the pandemic. Principe and supporters argued that the fees could harm small- and medium-sized businesses already struggling with inflation, pandemic-related debt, and rising operational costs. The Edmonton Downtown Business Association emphasized the need for a balanced approach that protects patios’ economic and social value downtown. Opponents, including Ward Anne Stevenson, noted the fees help cover costs from lost parking revenue, regulatory oversight, and reduced photo radar income, which previously funded the Safe Mobility Strategy. The motion failed in a 3-9 vote, with Councillors Principe, Clarke, and Elliott in favour.
• City Council voted 12-1 to urge the Alberta government to ban grocery store restrictive covenants, which create what some call "grocery deserts" by blocking competitors from using vacated retail sites. Mayor Andrew Knack will lead advocacy for provincial legislation to reform the Land Titles Act. Councillor Michael Janz, who introduced the motion, noted that major industry players may be willing to end the practice if regulations are applied uniformly. Councillor Mike Elliott highlighted the need to eliminate "dead zones" in the city, and Councillor Reed Clarke supported the motion, citing his background in local groceries. While Councillor Aaron Paquette expressed skepticism regarding provincial cooperation, he supported the advocacy effort. Councillor Karen Principe was the lone dissenting vote. 
• Council approved an additional $33.4 million from the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy to complete the Winspear Centre expansion, ensuring construction won’t be stalled for years. The project, already over-budget due to pandemic-related costs, will add a 550-seat acoustic hall, new educational spaces, and enhanced indoor and outdoor public areas. Previous funding included $11 million from the provincial budget and federal contributions, contingent on raising the remaining amount. Winspear president Annemarie Petrov said the levy allows the centre to open immediately instead of keeping the building shell while fundraising, which could have taken a decade. Council noted the expansion’s value to downtown, including increased activity and safety during evenings and weekends. Only Councillor Jo-Anne Wright opposed releasing the funds, suggesting the centre could raise the money independently. Construction is expected to resume immediately, with the interior of the new Music Box slated to open in fall 2027.
• Edmonton Police Chief Warren Driechel is defending his February trip to Israel, which has drawn criticism from local Muslim community groups and some city councillors. The visit, organized by the Major Cities Chiefs Association, allowed Driechel to learn from Israeli policing practices and meet officers and community leaders from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Druze backgrounds. Driechel described the trip as an opportunity to discuss community trust, crime management, counterterrorism, and crisis response in complex environments. Critics, - including Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack, who recently travelled to China - raised concerns about human rights issues in Gaza and the impact on council-police relations. Some Councillors emphasized the need for Driechel to rebuild trust and engage more broadly with all communities. Driechel responded that policing focuses on behaviour rather than beliefs and maintained that the experience offered valuable perspectives for serving Edmonton residents. He stated he stands by his decision and intends to continue community engagement despite the controversy.
• The Alberta government announced plans to eventually close Edmonton’s two remaining supervised drug-consumption sites, at the George Spady Centre and Radius Community Health and Healing, as part of a shift toward a recovery-focused model. Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis and Mental Health and Addiction Minister Rick Wilson said closures will occur once more recovery communities and support staff are in place, but the change is not imminent. A new 450-bed compassionate intervention centre and 11 additional recovery communities are expected to assist roughly 2,000 Albertans annually. While opioid-related deaths have dropped provincewide, Edmonton remains an outlier, accounting for 60% of fatalities, with 613 deaths recorded from January to November 2025. Ellis emphasized the province does not support “safe supply” or ongoing consumption sites, arguing that supervised use does not drive recovery. The government plans to prioritize treatment over continued drug use while mitigating risks to the public, including exposure to overdoses or unsafe conditions on streets. 

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council is set to discuss a budget increase for a new recreation centre on the west end, hear an update on the financial stabilization reserve, and review shortlisted candidates for boards and commissions.

There is a community and public services committee meeting, urban planning committee meeting, and executive committee meeting on March 16, and a city council meeting on March 17 and 18.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• Administration recommends increasing the budget for the Lewis Farms Community Recreation Centre and Library by an undisclosed amount because the project is facing significant financial pressures, despite several scope reductions. Administration has decreased the overall size of the facility at 6210 Rosenthal Way NW by about one-third, including a 20% reduction of the aquatic facility, a 32% reduction in fitness space, and the removal of the dryland training space. The city said several components have been deferred, with administration planning to build a skate park, spray park, and ice rink outside of the facility at a later time. However, the project is still forecast to exceed the current budget, administration said. “Although significant cost reductions have been achieved during the initial stages of construction, the project is now currently at a pivotal stage where there are diminishing returns to continuing value engineering efforts as the project continues to chase inflationary pressures,” an update on the project reads. The approved budget for the project is $309.3 million, and administration’s recommended increase is included in an attachment that is not available to the public.
• Edmonton’s financial stabilization reserve could reach its minimum balance one year earlier than planned, administration said in an operating budget update. Preliminary year-end results show a $31.1-million surplus due to higher franchise fees from utilities, increased revenue from membership and admission to city recreation facilities, and lower-than-anticipated fuel costs, among other factors. The surplus will bring the reserve to about $87.4 million, putting it on track to reach the minimum balance of $150.4 million by 2028.
• Edmonton’s rental market appears to have softened in 2025 as supply began to catch up to demand, according to the city’s Q4 2025 economic update. The purpose-built rental vacancy rate rose from 3% in October 2024 to 3.8% in October 2025, coinciding with more than 4,200 units being added to the city’s rental supply. Rental price growth also slowed from 7.2% to 3.3% in that period. Edmonton’s population grew by 3.4% between 2024 and 2025, a notable moderation compared to the previous two years. There were nearly 16,000 housing starts in Edmonton in 2025, an 18% increase over 2024 and the highest level since at least 1990, the report said. More than half of the starts were rental apartments.
• Coun. Michael Janz is set to introduce a motion calling for council to advocate to the provincial government to remove restrictive covenants that allow grocery chains to ban similar businesses near a site, even if the chain’s store closes.
• On March 16, councillors on the community and public services committee, urban planning committee, and executive committee will meet in private to receive membership reports and recommend shortlisted candidates for various boards and commissions.
• Council is set to receive a private update on procurement by the Edmonton Police Service. The next meeting of the Edmonton Police Commission is on March 19.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

• There will be a City Council meeting on Tuesday at 9:30 am. City Administration is recommending that Council approve funding for the Francis Winspear Centre for Music (FWCM) expansion through the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL), with one-time budget increases of $15.5 million in 2026 and $17.9 million in 2027 and a grant agreement of up to $33.4 million. The project, which adds 50,000 square feet, including a 550-seat performance hall and community spaces, has been under construction since 2020 and has faced COVID-related delays and rising costs. Funding would come from a CRL reserve that already has a $20.9 million deficit, requiring the use of City working capital and potentially affecting other projects and investment earnings. While the $33.4 million grant would not cover a $6-7.5 million shortfall, FWCM intends to cover that gap without additional City funding. Payments would be reimbursed quarterly for eligible expenses, with a 10% holdback until project completion. The expansion would create a second, community-focused performance space, support youth music programs, and may attract additional investment along 97 Street. 
• Since 2021, City of Edmonton employees have filed 5,226 Workers’ Compensation Board claims, including 4,613 physical injuries and 613 mental health claims, marking a 15% increase. Councillors are raising concerns about workplace safety and the growing financial impact on the City’s budget, with some warning that the rise in claims reflects deeper cultural and operational issues. Ward Anirniq Councillor Erin Rutherford has opposed budget cuts to WCB funding, emphasizing the need for a concrete plan to reduce claims rather than simply increasing spending. Mayor Andrew Knack has confirmed that workplace safety will be addressed in the upcoming four-year budget. Recent incidents, including abuse of City workers during snow clearing, highlight the risks employees face on the job. Council discussions suggest Edmonton is considered “high risk” compared to other municipalities, prompting calls for stronger occupational safety measures. Rutherford has asked Administration to develop strategies that improve worker health, safety, and infrastructure while reducing the number of claims.
• Edmonton is considering charging private contractors and neighbouring municipalities a fee to dump snow at City-managed sites, a service that has been free until now, with fees potentially in place by 2030. Officials say 60-70% of snow at these sites comes from the private sector, and introducing fees could free up resources for the City’s own snow removal operations. The City is also exploring automated parking enforcement during snow-related parking bans to improve traffic flow, though questions remain about where displaced vehicles would go. Proactive traffic signals that adjust based on vehicle presence are also under review to reduce delays at intersections and improve overall road efficiency. Councillors expressed renewed interest in these technologies following the fifth-heaviest snowfall on record, emphasizing the need for quicker, safer winter road access. An audit of Edmonton’s snow and ice removal operations is expected in August, which may inform future improvements.
• Edmonton has received roughly half the number of pothole complaints this year compared to 2025, with just under 2,100 notifications submitted to 311, while crews have filled over 18,600 potholes so far. By comparison, early last year the City had more than 4,300 complaints and filled nearly 50,000 potholes. The City maintains five dedicated winter pothole crews, which expand to 15 during the summer, and uses inspections, data, and citizen reports to prioritize repairs. Despite fewer complaints, local mechanics report seeing a steady number of vehicles with significant pothole damage, including bent suspension components and blown tires, with repair costs ranging from $300 to over $1,000. Residents say rough roads, especially near construction zones, are still a concern, and some suggest marking or blocking hazardous potholes until crews can address them. 
• Councillors are reviewing when two-lane arterial roads should be expanded to four lanes, particularly in the city’s outer areas where traffic often exceeds capacity. Currently, the City uses a threshold of 18,000 vehicles per day to trigger widening, but some councillors argue this standard is outdated and contributes to congestion and safety issues. Expanding roads is complicated by the need to secure adjacent land and higher maintenance costs, and building wider roads too early may not be cost-effective if traffic volumes remain low for years. Councillors are considering recalibrating these thresholds, looking at practices from other jurisdictions, and balancing road expansion with long-term transit options to reduce car dependence. While public transit improvements are part of the discussion, some outer neighbourhoods rely heavily on driving, making adequate road capacity essential. Legal limits under the Municipal Government Act also restrict early overbuilding, creating delays before roads meet demand. 

• The Utility Committee will meet on Monday at 9:30 am. On the agenda is the Waste Reduction Roadmap ‘30, a five-year plan running from 2026 to 2030 aimed at cutting residential waste per person to 14% below 2019 levels. The roadmap builds on earlier efforts that already reduced waste per person by about 10% by 2025 and forms part of the City’s longer-term goal to achieve a 20% reduction by 2044. The plan includes 14 actions across 5 focus areas, such as making it easier to donate and reuse items, encouraging reusable food containers, reducing waste at public events, preventing food waste at home, and cutting waste from City operations. Initiatives under the plan include a curbside giveaway weekend pilot, promoting reusable cups and foodware, expanding donation drop-off opportunities, and providing tools to help events operate with less waste. Developing the plan involved research across dozens of jurisdictions and engagement with more than 5,000 residents and organizations. The program is expected to cost about $1.5 million over five years, with $300,000 already allocated for 2026.
• The Council Services Committee will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am. The agenda includes a report on options for office upgrades within the Office of the Councillors. Following a December 2025 motion, Administration consulted with councillors between January and February 2026 to identify needs and priorities. Feedback highlighted inequities in lighting and cable services, preferences for flexible workspaces, concerns about wall and window coverings, and a lack of clarity around budgets for maintenance. Current policy allows some discretionary expenses through the ward budget for communications, furnishings, and decor, while the common budget covers office furnishings with a total annual maximum of $11,278 for all 12 offices. Larger projects, such as structural changes, would require coordination through Integrated Infrastructure Services. The report also recommends exploring dedicated budget line items for accessibility and maintenance to address individual needs and provide clearer funding guidance, noting that annual budget carry-forwards cannot be used for these purposes.
• Edmonton officials say property tax revenue is now being used to cover a growing funding gap in traffic safety after provincial restrictions significantly reduced photo radar use. Previously, revenue from automated traffic enforcement helped cover the costs of traffic safety programs, keeping the system largely revenue neutral, but changes introduced by the Alberta government have sharply reduced those funds. City Administrators estimate the program will face a $4.4-million deficit in 2026 and an ongoing annual shortfall of about $14.7 million. Mayor Andrew Knack said the City has limited options to fund traffic safety and that property taxes are currently the only way to make up the lost revenue. The City plans to present a new long-term funding proposal later this year while also adapting to the new rules, including investing in road design changes such as speed bumps and curb extensions. Knack also suggested the Province should reconsider its restrictions on photo radar, arguing the tool previously helped reduce dangerous driving and improve road safety.
• Chinatown businesses are urging City Council to restore street parking on 101 Street, saying the removal of parking spaces to create a dedicated bus lane is hurting local shops. A representative speaking for business owners said many customers, particularly seniors with mobility challenges, relied on the street parking and are now forced to park in nearby alleys that face issues with garbage and disorder. Some Councillors indicated the decision could still be reviewed at a committee meeting later in March, with Mayor Andrew Knack suggesting the bus lane might only be necessary during peak hours. At the same time, the City is considering several proposals as part of a broader Chinatown revitalization plan, including installing surveillance cameras, hiring a dedicated cleaning team, adding secure waste bins, and building a staffed public washroom. The proposals could cost around $5 million, with the largest expense being a $3.3-million camera system to improve safety. Council is also exploring changes to the 97 Street overpass, which community members say divides the neighbourhood and hinders revitalization efforts.
• Edmonton is planning a busy 2026 road construction season with 109 projects scheduled, including 28 road projects, three bridge upgrades, and 78 utility-related works across the city. Officials say the extensive work is needed to maintain infrastructure and accommodate rapid population growth that has added more than 100,000 residents and tens of thousands of vehicles. To reduce disruptions, the City plans to expand a pilot program that closes certain intersections so crews can work around the clock, after most pilot projects were completed ahead of schedule. Some projects have been postponed, including repairs to the Low Level Bridge and work on 107 Avenue, which have been pushed to 2027 to limit congestion. The City will instead prioritize projects such as the Wellington Bridge, sections of Terwillegar Drive, and major arterial road upgrades. Drivers should still expect delays on several key routes, including the Yellowhead Trail, Whitemud Drive, and areas affected by ongoing LRT expansion projects. Officials say while the City will try to avoid overlapping construction zones, some disruptions are unavoidable due to years of deferred infrastructure maintenance.

YEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEGYEG

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors will review the waste reduction roadmap for the next four years, vote on rezoning applications, and continue planning the 2027-2030 budget.

There is a utility committee meeting on March 9, a public hearing on March 10, a council services committee meeting on March 11, a city manager and city auditor performance evaluation committee meeting on March 12, and a special city council meeting on March 13.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• Utility committee will be asked to approve the 2026-2030 Waste Reduction Roadmap. Administration said it aims to pilot a Curbside Giveaway Weekend where residents are encouraged to place items on the curb with a “free” sign for others to take. Such programs exist in Winnipeg and Spruce Grove. The roadmap also calls for a circular foodware pilot where businesses and event planners provide reusable dishes and cups. Administration intends to research how it can be easier for businesses to borrow reusable items.
• A preliminary waste characterization study suggests that more food scraps are being sorted out of the garbage collected from apartments and condos. In 2022, before administration rolled out green cart and recycling collection to some multi-unit buildings, food scraps made up about 45% of garbage collected from apartments and condos. In 2025, that number was 39%. There was also a decrease in Eco Station waste, such as electronics, building materials, and bulky items. However, the amount of recyclable material in the garbage stream increased.
• Council will review a rezoning application at 7404 108 Street NW. There is a seven-unit complex on the site. The applicant has applied to rezone the property to the small-medium scale transition residential zone, which would allow for a three-storey building with larger site coverage. Administration supports the application because the lot is a corner site near a secondary corridor. Some residents in Queen Alexandra oppose it because they feel a larger building could lead to more parking congestion and would not fit with the neighbourhood’s character.
• There is a lack of clarity regarding the budget for furniture and equipment maintenance in the office of the councillors, says a report that will be presented to council services committee. Administration has outlined adjustments to the budget available for the office of the councillors. The report said that the ward budget in Edmonton is about $2 per constituent, compared to $3 to $7.50 in other large Canadian cities. The proposed adjustment is included in a private document and will not be considered until the 2027-2030 budget deliberations at the end of the year.
• City departments will continue presentations at a special city council meeting on March 13 as part of the new results-based budget process.