cityofEdmonton

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The remains of Northland's Coliseum which was closed in 2017 is viewed in a number of different ways. The Edmonton Coliseum serves to remind hockey fans of the Oilers teams that won five Stanley Cups. Neighbouring residents and others consider the Coliseum as an eyesore and local politicians consider it as an albatross that is a liability represents a tax liability and barrier to redeveloping the 200 acres of land into a neighbourhood with residential, commercial and retail spaces.

Work is underway to determine what is needed to demolish the 50-year-old building, and it’s expected to take at least another two years before the building is demolished. 

City of Edmonton budget debates start next week and yesterday Mayor Sohi posted in a letter to city council on his website. The letter contained a list of amendments that he says will lower the 2025 tax rate by 2% while adding funds in other areas. The mayor hopes to whittle down the tax increase to below six per cent for 2025, make the city’s budget process more transparent and revamp the way budget process.

In addition to being a pitch for upcoming budget discussions, I wonder if it's also part of Mayor Sohi's 2025 reelection pitch.

The recent snowfall and drop in temperature are sure signs that winter has arrived. Coinciding with winter's arrival, the city is activating its winter safety response plan for the homeless population that looking for more places to shelter from the cold.  This year there are enough safe shelter spaces for vulnerable Edmontonians and a free shuttle bus will take people needing a ride to the homeless shelters.

The city will activate its extreme weather response policy that opens access to city spaces, additional shelter spaces, supports to connect to services and expanded shelter shuttle bus service when temperatures dip below – 20 C for three consecutive days.

It's been over a year since the City of Edmonton introduced the single-use item reduction bylaw and reaction has been mixed. Now the City is asking residents to share their thoughts in a survey that could bring about change. The survey is open on the city’s website (below) until November 19 to residents and business owners. It only takes a few minutes to respond to the survey and will help the City decide on the future of the bylaw.

I'm not one who is ready and waiting for the first snowfall there are some who are, including city workers at various levels. Mark Beare, director of infrastructure operations, said teams last year were somewhat reactive when the snow was late in coming. To counter that teams will be more proactive with primary snow and ice clearing responsibility and a secondary redeployment activity if it's a milder winter.

The snow removal budget for the 2024-25 season is $66 million which will cover a staff of about 600 members who will be out working 24-7 as soon as the snow starts.

Go to the City of Edmonton's website (below) for more information on winter travel.

Summer time presents a challenge to families because children want something to do and the Green Shacks offer just that. The frontline workers and volunteers work to offer games, sports, crafts, music, drama, free concerts and performances. The Green Shacks will be at about 250 sites and will operate half-days, rain or shine, with hours 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. or 2:30-5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, except holidays. Full-day programming will be offered at 24 sites.

Follow the links on both sites for more information and location dates.

Have fun. kids!??

Epcor has come calling again after it first planned to begin billing City properties, private golf courses and private cemeteries that have not been paying for stormwater services. On Monday Epcor told City Council these charges will provide Epcor with millions of dollars of additional revenue. Some of these property owners may get a big surprise from their next Epcor billing.

After listening to "elevator" and and "other" music in public settings a hearty "Bravo" to the Winspear Centre and City for bringing music played by master musicians of the Edmonton Symphony to LRT patrons waiting for a train or people just listening. Its a pilot program that I hope is extended for the LRT and hopefully in other public places where music is played.

? ENJOY ?

Maclab Development Group purchased Mill Woods Town Centre and has proposed the building of two 22 story towers near the Mill Woods LRT Station and the Mill Woods Transit Centre. The City is asking the public for input on the city’s website until Feb. 25.

The City of Edmonton and its more than 6,000 city workers who are members of Civic Service Union 52 have come to an impasse in their contract negotiations. City workers have not had a wage increase in the last five years so after the mandatory 14 day cooling off period the workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. In response the City has offered workers a 7.25 per-cent wage increase and a commitment to hybrid work which they believe is a fair and equitable offer. The City has applied to the labour board for approval of a lockout which would dramatically affect many city departments and functions.

The City of Edmonton has signed an agreement with Varme Energy to have garbage processed at a waste-to-energy facility to be built in northeast of Edmonton. The facility which will be the first of its kind in Alberta will convert residential waste into green electricity and industrial heat and also integrate carbon capture and storage.