thisweekinedmonton

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

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

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

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

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

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

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

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

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

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

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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

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

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

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

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

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

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

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

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

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

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

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

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

• On Monday at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Community and Public Services Committee. The Committee will consider replacing the current Animal Licensing and Control rules with a new Animal Care and Control Bylaw, developed after two years of public engagement involving more than 18,400 responses. The new bylaw would introduce enhanced animal welfare provisions, including offences for abandonment and neglect. It strengthens dog regulations with a tiered enforcement system based on a bite severity scale and mandates reporting of attacks, while adding stricter controls for “vicious dogs.” For cats, it distinguishes unowned and feral populations to support Trap-Neuter-Return programs and restricts owned cats from roaming on private property. The bylaw also updates licensing rules, fees, and pet limits, including new provisions for urban hens and bees and temporary excess animal permits for rescue fosters. If approved, the bylaw would take effect May 19th, 2026, after preparation and public communication efforts.
• The Committee will also discuss options to prioritize snow clearing and repairs in Edmonton’s high-importance areas. A report will be presented that uses a High Priority Sidewalk Index and Social Vulnerability Index to guide service improvements, aiming to better support pedestrians, especially in vulnerable communities. Edmonton currently manages nearly 5,800 km of sidewalks and spends $67 million annually on snow and ice control, with about 45% allocated to active pathways. Enforcement requires property owners to clear sidewalks, with proactive and reactive inspections and fines for non-compliance. Four service-level options are proposed, ranging from no budget change to significant investment, with tax impacts from 0% up to 0.88%, increasing priority clearing and repairs, enforcement, and equipment. No budget is allocated for enhancements in 2025-2026, so the current practice will continue unless future budgets provide funding.
• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Executive Committee. The agenda includes a discussion about excess revenue from the Alley Lighting Maintenance Tax. Yet again this year, the City collected too much money under its special tax for Alley Lighting Maintenance - $344,270 too much. But, once again, they’re not going to give it directly back. The Committee is going to recommend that Council apply the money to future years. The City says that alley lighting costs were $895,263, significantly lower than the budgeted $1,239,533 due to more LED conversions and fewer service calls. At this point, it just looks like inability to plan.
• The Executive Committee will also review a proposal to sell land in the Spruce Avenue neighbourhood below market value to NiGiNan Housing Ventures to develop a minimum of 60 supportive housing units. Alongside the land sale, the City recommends providing NiGiNan with up to $5.2 million in grant funding to assist with capital costs, totaling nearly $6.9 million in support. NiGiNan is an Indigenous-led nonprofit focused on affordable, culturally grounded housing for Indigenous Edmontonians experiencing chronic homelessness, with a model integrating Indigenous teachings and trauma-informed care. The project includes barrier-free studio units rented at a maximum of 30% of household income and will offer 24/7 on-site healthcare support. Although the land was not offered through a competitive public process, the direct sale is being justified by NiGiNan’s project readiness and alignment with City priorities, including Indigenous housing strategies.
• The first light rail vehicle (LRV) for Edmonton’s Valley Line West LRT has arrived in the city, marking a significant milestone for the project. Manufactured by Hyundai Rotem in South Korea, the vehicle was shipped in two parts via the Port of Tacoma and offloaded at Edmonton’s Gerry Wright maintenance facility for final assembly. The City of Edmonton plans to receive a total of 46 LRVs, with deliveries continuing through 2027. Testing of the new trains will occur on the Valley Line Southeast tracks without disrupting passenger service. Construction on the Valley Line West is expected to be completed by 2028, with major progress made in 2024 following slower years earlier in the project.
• Hawrelak Park, closed since 2023 for major repairs, is scheduled to reopen this winter, with construction expected to finish by fall 2025. The extensive rehabilitation included replacing deep underground utilities such as storm, sanitary, water, power, and irrigation systems. The full park closure allowed simultaneous work on utilities, facilities, and open spaces while ensuring safety. Final tasks like electrical, mechanical work, paving, and landscaping will continue through the summer and fall to prepare for reopening. The park’s reopening is anticipated before the Silver Skate Festival in February 2026. During the closure, many residents explored other nearby parks, highlighting the growing need for green spaces as Edmonton’s population increases. Events like the Edmonton Heritage Festival adapted by moving to other locations but look forward to returning to the upgraded park.

• Edmonton is considering a new incentive program to boost affordable student housing in its downtown core, offering grants of up to $30,000 per new student unit. Funded by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Housing Accelerator Fund, the program aims to create about 500 new units by November 2026, pending Council approval. This initiative targets the housing shortage and high rental costs faced by students. Key areas identified for development include neighbourhoods near Norquest College and MacEwan University, which together bring tens of thousands of students into downtown daily. Advocates believe that increasing student housing will help revitalize downtown by drawing new retail and enhancing the local community. If approved, this could be the first program in Canada focused specifically on addressing the student housing gap.
• Speaking of housing, a 27-storey residential tower called Windsor Heights has been proposed for the Windsor Park neighbourhood near the University of Alberta. But, the development has sparked concerns among local residents. It would include 285 housing units, 250 underground parking stalls, and up to 24,000 square feet of retail space, replacing an existing strip mall. Residents at a recent open house raised concerns about the building’s height, the potential loss of local amenities, increased traffic, parking shortages, and the shadow the tower could cast on surrounding homes. The developer says the building will offer a range of unit sizes and more walkable housing options, and they plan to include similar retail services in the new design. Councillor Michael Janz acknowledged the need for housing in the area but emphasized that community concerns must be considered. The rezoning application will face a public hearing on August 18th.
• In 2024, Edmonton transit peace officers issued 5,721 trespassing tickets, with 90% going to individuals with no fixed address, sparking concerns from housing and legal advocates. Most of these tickets were given during the coldest months, as people without shelter turned to transit stations for warmth. Lawyers and advocates argue this disproportionately penalizes unhoused individuals, many of whom cannot pay the $600 fines, potentially leading to court summons. While the City says that not all people without a listed address are homeless, critics maintain the data still reflects the criminalization of poverty. The estimated value of these tickets exceeds $3 million, though it’s unclear how much has been collected. City Council has reallocated $5 million to increase transit security, but some are calling for a more compassionate approach, including progressive fines based on income and better access to housing and support services.
• Edmonton’s Food Bank has seen a 42% increase in hamper requests since 2022, now serving around 44,000 people per month, nearly double the number during the pandemic. Rising costs, such as an $11,000 weekly egg bill, are stretching the organization’s budget. More first-time users and signs of deepening poverty are evident in the city. Non-perishable food and monetary donations are urgently needed. The Food Bank says that, while the food bank is doing its best, long-term solutions must come from government action.
• Edmonton International Airport has opened a safe room to support victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, providing a secure space for those in crisis. This initiative, one of only two such spaces at Canadian airports, aims to offer comfort and connect victims with law enforcement and support agencies. The airport is partnered with #NotInMyCity, an organization focused on raising awareness and preventing sexual exploitation and trafficking. The safe room, named Kîsê Watotâtôwin to honour Indigenous victims disproportionately targeted, includes amenities like beds, food, and internet access. Airport staff receive specialized training to recognize trafficking indicators and respond discreetly to protect victims without alerting traffickers. Edmonton’s police and support agencies actively work to combat trafficking, with the airport playing a crucial role as a transit point where victims may pass through.

• Former Edmonton City Councillor Michael Walters has announced his candidacy for Mayor in the upcoming October 20th municipal election. Walters, who served on Council from 2013 to 2021, says he’s returning to politics to help unify the city and tackle key issues like housing, affordability, safety, and partnerships with other levels of government. A strong advocate for urban density, Walters believes increased infill is essential but must be implemented with community input. He criticized Council's recent decision to maintain an eight-unit cap on mid-block infill, calling it a missed opportunity. Walters previously worked as a community organizer and was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal for his service. He joins a growing field of Mayoral candidates, including current Councillor Andrew Knack, former Councillor Tony Caterina, ex-MP Rahim Jaffer, and others. Walters says he wants to move beyond past divisions and take a collaborative approach to solving the city’s problems.
• Residents of Edmonton’s Parkdale neighbourhood are frustrated after concertgoers for The Weeknd’s sold-out show at Commonwealth Stadium overwhelmed their streets with illegal parking. Despite no-parking signs and a residential permit system, many drivers parked in restricted zones, assuming they wouldn’t be ticketed or towed. A longtime resident filed multiple parking complaints, all of which were dismissed as duplicates, while other locals say they rarely see enforcement vehicles in action. The City issued 167 tickets and towed 30 vehicles during the event, but residents say it's not enough and want designated event parking zones. Many believe the City should better prepare for large events by expanding parking options or improving enforcement. Though public transit was used by about 15,000 attendees, others still opted to drive. Locals are now bracing for more disruption when Morgan Wallen plays two shows in September. Some residents say they are tired of feeling ignored and want more respect for the neighbourhood.
• The Beverly Business Association is appealing Council’s decision to convert the Beverly Motel on 118th Avenue into supportive housing. The Association expressed concern that rezoning a commercial property in the heart of a business district could undermine the area's economic vitality. The project is being led by Native Counselling Services of Alberta, which emphasized that the facility will not be a drop-in centre but rather a supportive, healing environment. Supporters argue the housing will contribute to revitalizing the neighbourhood. The appeal was presented to Edmonton’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, which now has 15 days to issue a decision. Before renovations began in December 2023, the motel had housed several long-term residents. 
• Starting today, rehabilitation work will begin on the southbound Low Level Bridge, prompting significant traffic disruptions. The repairs aim to extend the life of the 1949 structure, which last underwent major upgrades in 1994. During construction, all northbound traffic will be detoured to the James MacDonald Bridge, while southbound lanes will occasionally close during off-peak hours, eventually shifting entirely to the northbound span. Two ETS bus stops will be temporarily closed, and several bus routes will be detoured. Pedestrian, cycling, and scooter access will be maintained via the northbound sidewalk. The rehabilitation is expected to continue until the end of 2025. The work is part of a broader plan that includes repairs to the Dawson Bridge and the replacement of the Wellington Bridge, which will also affect downtown traffic over the next two years.
• Construction has begun on Edmonton’s first standalone Islamic school in the city’s south side. The Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Academy will be built on nearly 40 acres of land and is scheduled to open in September 2026. Currently operating out of a smaller facility with 120 students, the new $30-million project will include 22 classrooms, sports fields, a 300-person prayer hall, a community centre, and more. Community leaders say demand for Islamic education is high, with thousands of students on waiting lists and most existing schools located in the city’s north. The new facility aims to provide a welcoming environment for both Muslim and non-Muslim community members, fostering interfaith dialogue and community connection. The project is being funded through private donations and a fundraising campaign. Councillor Keren Tang noted that the school will help ease pressure from population growth in the area.

• A recent Edmonton Police Service (EPS) survey shows that 36% of Edmontonians feel unsafe walking alone after dark, and 72% feel unsafe using transit alone at night. Residents believe crime and social disorder are on the rise, with top concerns including homelessness, drug use, and repeat offenders. While many support police involvement in addressing these issues, there's recognition that broader, coordinated solutions are needed. Public demand for more police visibility is high, especially on transit and in high-crime areas. Despite some resident concerns, most respondents see police as approachable and supportive.
• Edmonton has seen 20 traffic fatalities so far in 2025, prompting concerns from City officials, especially in light of the Province’s decision to limit photo radar enforcement. Councillor Ashley Salvador is urging Alberta’s Transportation Minister to reverse the cuts, arguing that photo radar is an effective, data-backed safety tool. The Province restricted its use to only school, playground, and construction zones, calling it a “cash cow,” while offering funding for alternative safety measures like speed signs and better lighting. Edmonton has since stopped photo radar enforcement in school zones, citing lost revenue from broader restrictions. Interim Police Chief Devin Laforce stressed the human toll of the fatalities and emphasized that speeding plays a role in many of the crashes. While police haven’t taken a position on photo radar, they continue traffic enforcement through traditional methods and public education. Salvador warned that without strong enforcement, the City’s broader traffic safety efforts could fall short.
• Councillor Tim Cartmell apologized for missing a critical City Council vote on infill housing that could have reduced mid-block units from eight to six. His absence - caused by a pre-planned vacation in a remote area with no internet - drew criticism, as his vote might have tipped the balance in favour of the motion, which was narrowly defeated 6-5. Cartmell acknowledged the frustration from constituents and colleagues, including fellow Councillor Michael Janz, who said residents were disappointed. The missed vote follows Cartmell’s failed attempt to introduce a moratorium on infill permits just a week earlier. He said the vacation had been long-planned and emphasized that he hadn’t intended to miss the meeting.
• As debate over infill intensifies in Edmonton, developers with BILD Edmonton Metro are renewing calls for urban expansion to the south, releasing a report that argues sprawl offers long-term financial benefits. They’re urging the next City Council to lift the pause on planning new suburbs beyond 41 Avenue, particularly in annexed lands that have sat undeveloped since 2019. The group claims developers have already invested about $3.2 billion in infrastructure like roads and sewers in areas such as Windermere and Heritage Valley, and that this kind of growth pays for itself over time. They argue that sprawl is not a burden on taxpayers and that Edmonton can grow both outward and through infill. However, the report does not account for major City costs like policing and public transit. As the fall election nears, developers hope to bring the issue of suburban growth back onto the municipal agenda.
• Premier Danielle Smith kicked off KDays 2025 by flipping pancakes at the annual Premier’s Pancake Breakfast at Klondike Park, which drew thousands of attendees. The first 5,000 guests received free admission to the fair. Smith, alongside Explore Edmonton staff and volunteers, greeted families and officially opened the 10-day event, celebrating its role in showcasing Edmonton’s culture and heritage. KDays, which began in 1879, is one of Alberta’s largest annual festivals, attracting nearly 750,000 visitors last year. This year’s event includes new features like a second music stage, international competitions, expanded youth programming, and a showcase for local innovators and artists.
• The Alberta government has paused its plan to demolish the former Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton following public opposition, particularly from an online survey that showed 57% of respondents preferred preserving and repurposing the historic site. Originally, the government cited high maintenance and renovation costs as reasons for converting the site into green space. However, Infrastructure Minister Martin Long announced a final call for development proposals, acknowledging the community’s feedback and the building’s heritage value. Premier Danielle Smith noted that redevelopment interest exists, but financial feasibility will be key. Proposals can be submitted until September 26th. The museum building, opened in 1967, has been vacant since RAM moved to a new downtown location in 2018.

• There are no Council or Committee meetings this week. Activity will resume at City Hall on July 29th, when the Agenda Review Committee will meet to set the agendas for the week of August 11th.
• Council has decided not to reduce the current cap of eight units for mid-block infill housing in mature neighbourhoods, following a narrow 6-5 vote. Instead, Council backed Mayor Amarjeet Sohi’s motion to delay a decision and launch further public consultation, with findings to return in early 2027. Absences from two Councillors, including Mayoral hopeful Tim Cartmell, influenced the outcome. The proposed reduction to six units had support from several community groups and developers, but concerns over housing affordability, construction impact, and zoning stability made the issue contentious. Opponents of the reduction warned it could open the door to even tighter limits, while supporters said it would show Council is listening to communities. The debate is expected to be a key issue in the next municipal election, especially as more infill applications are being submitted under the current bylaw.
• A plan to turn the shuttered Beverly Motel in Edmonton into transitional housing has sparked pushback from the local business association, which says the project will hurt efforts to revitalize 118th Avenue. Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) wants to open 17 units in the renovated building, offering six-month, abstinence-based stays for people recovering from addiction. The group argues the project will help get people out of encampments and off the streets, but the Beverly Business Association claims it will make the area less safe and less appealing to visitors. Some residents, however, say they would rather see unhoused neighbours supported than shuffled along. The appeal will be heard by Edmonton’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board on July 24th, while the NCSA maintains it has a good track record managing similar housing in the city and insists the community needs more supportive services.
• Edmonton is launching a six-week pilot program in August 2025 to test debit, credit, and mobile tap payments on its public transit system, aiming to improve convenience for riders. Participants will trial the new system, which is being introduced alongside existing Arc cards, not as a replacement for them. Many riders have expressed frustration with Arc cards and are interested in the new tap option, especially given that 20,000 Arc cards have been reported lost since their introduction in 2021. City officials say the delay in implementing open payments was due to prioritizing support for seniors, students, and low-income users first. Transit ridership is steadily increasing, reaching 61.9 million rides in 2024, up from 53.5 million in 2023. The City hopes to make tap payments available to all riders later this year, though no firm date has been announced. Interested riders can sign up to participate in the pilot through the Arc website.
• The company that owns Edmonton City Centre Mall and three connected office towers has entered receivership due to nearly $140 million in outstanding debt. A court has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers to manage the properties, which include TD Tower, 102A Tower, Centre Point Place, and the mall itself. Montreal-based lender Otéra Capital initiated the legal action after missed payments dating back to December 2024. The property has faced ongoing challenges, including the loss of major tenants like Hudson’s Bay and Sport Chek, and broader downtown struggles exacerbated by remote work trends. Downtown advocates stress that the mall’s future is vital to the recovery and revitalization of the city’s core. The mall remains open during the receivership process.
• An Edmonton homeowner, Jody Steen, discovered an unauthorized encampment set up in his driveway, which left behind a large amount of hazardous debris. Although the group has since left, Steen is concerned about potential drug paraphernalia and contamination, making him hesitant to clean it up himself. The city informed him that, since the mess is on private property, the responsibility for cleanup - estimated at $1,500 - falls on him. Steen expressed frustration over the lack of support and fears the financial burden could become a recurring issue as homelessness in his area worsens. He noted that the number of encampments in back alleys has increased, prompting him to dispose of his garbage elsewhere for safety. The city acknowledged the challenges faced by homeowners but clarified that its cleanup support does not extend to litter or hazardous debris on private property. Steen hopes to warn other homeowners and is calling for more action from municipal and provincial authorities.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO EDMONTON’S ZONING BYLAW

Stephanie Swensrude

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

1. Eight unit max

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Cartmell calls for infill ‘moratorium’

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Row housing design

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

4. Small-medium transition zone

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

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

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

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

5. Shelter regulations

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

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

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

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

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

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

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

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

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THIS WEEK IN EDMONTON

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

This week, council committees will hear updates from administration on the city’s supply of industrial land, debate a new policy for street design, and explore options for what would have been the ArtsCommon project.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on June 16, an urban planning committee meeting on June 17, and an executive committee meeting on June 18.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• Edmonton has 230 hectares of shovel-ready industrial land, 1,150 hectares of partially serviced industrial land, and 7,000 hectares of land that are vacant and can be developed or is planned for development, according to an update on the Industrial Investment Action Plan that will be presented to council’s executive committee on June 18. The update said there are 747 vacant industrial sites in the city. To streamline approval processes for non-residential investment, administration has created a program that will provide new proposals for industrial buildings that meet certain criteria a guaranteed timeline of 40 days for development and partial building permits. Administration has also worked with 12 regional partners to create a collaborative economic development program where Edmonton could invest in non-residential sites outside of its boundaries. Municipalities would share in the costs of making a site shovel-ready and also share in the resulting revenue. The action plan was developed to address Edmonton’s decreasing share of non-residential land in the region. Such land is critical to the city’s finances because industrial land is taxed at a higher rate than residential properties and can therefore lessen the tax burden on residents.
• Administration has prepared amendments to the Complete Streets policy, which will guide Complete Streets design and construction standards. The amendments align the policy with other new city documents like the City Plan, Accessibility for People with Disabilities Policy, and the Energy Transition and Climate Resiliency Strategy.
• Administration intends to list the property that would have held the ArtsCommon 118 development for sale, according to a report set to be presented to council’s executive committee on June 18. The city will place conditions on the sale that encourage developers to align with the original vision for the community-based arts facility, and will accept proposals for about six months. Developers will be required to start construction within two years and complete the project within four years of closing. Administration will return to council with a summary of the proposals. The ArtsCommon project, in the works since at least 2018, was planned to create 78 live-work artist studios, two floors of market space for artists, performance spaces, a rooftop garden, and industrial kitchen space at the corner of 118 Avenue NW and 92 Street NW.
• The Edmonton Arts Council gave artists and collectives nearly 20% less money in 2024 than it did in 2023, according to numbers within an update on the Connections & Exchanges arts and heritage plan that will be presented to city council next week. As the update shows, the total amount provided to artists and collectives through grants in 2024 was $3.4 million, or 18% less than the $4.2 million provided in 2023. Nearly 1,100 individuals and collectives applied for EAC grants in 2024, and 254 were successful. More than 60% of the successful applicants self-identify as Indigenous or from another equity-deserving group, the report said. Funding to arts festivals and organizations declined, too, but less drastically, falling from $11 million in 2023 to $10.7 million in 2024, according to the report, or a 2.7% decrease. The report also includes updates from the Edmonton Heritage Council. That organization updated the Edmonton Commonwealth Walkway digital story map with 46 Indigenous stories. The council also convened 30 Edmontonians who are interested in saving the old Royal Alberta Museum building from demolition. Lastly, the report contains updates from Arts Habitat Edmonton, which reopened the rehabilitated Ortona Armoury Building in July 2024.
• The budget for the Edmonton Convention Centre and the EXPO Centre cannot be absorbed into city-wide budgets without a decrease in the level of service at the facilities, according to a report set to be presented to council’s executive committee on June 18. Council had asked administration to analyze if it could take over the operating and maintenance costs for those buildings from Explore Edmonton.
• The former home of Ernest William Morehouse, an architect who heavily influenced the early development of the Highlands neighbourhood, could be designated a municipal historic resource. The current owner of the home would receive about $53,000 to rehabilitate the property. If executive committee approves the designation at a meeting on June 18, it will go to council for a final vote.
• Council’s urban planning committee will examine the environmental impact assessment for the replacement of the Mill Creek trestle bridge and culvert under 76 Avenue NW. The project involves daylighting Mill Creek, as the culvert will be replaced with a vehicle bridge. The report said the project is expected to have minor environmental impacts. The committee will also review the environmental impact assessment for the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance skills park, which is planned for Queen Elizabeth Park. The assessment said the park is expected to have low to moderate impact on the environment, as it is proposed to be located on the site of a former wastewater treatment facility that was demolished and reclaimed.

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• On Monday, at 9:30 am, the Community and Public Services Committee will meet. The Committee will receive a report outlining Edmonton’s current parking ban enforcement strategies and four options for future improvements. The goal is to encourage voluntary compliance to improve safety and enable efficient snow clearing and street sweeping. Currently, five temporary officers enforce winter bans without towing capacity or spring enforcement funding. One-time funding in 2022 allowed a more proactive program with additional staff and towing, but this was not continued. The four options range from maintaining the status quo at $274,000 annually to adding towing for an estimated extra $100,000, increasing staff and towing capacity for about $1 million, and finally using an external enforcement contract with towing for over $1.5 million per year. Public input called for stricter enforcement and clearer signage, and the City is developing tools to focus on low-compliance areas.
• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, the Urban Planning Committee will consider amendments to Edmonton’s Business Licence Bylaw aimed at modernizing the fire inspection process for new business licences. Under the new approach, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) would no longer be required to complete consultations before a business licence is issued. Instead, internal notifications will be used, allowing most businesses to begin operations more quickly. The City’s business licensing team would simply notify EFRS once a business licence is issued. Data from 2022 to 2024 showed that 90% of inspections found no issues, while only 0.2% required serious intervention. EFRS will still conduct inspections and respond to complaints, particularly for higher-risk categories. The changes are expected to reduce delays, support economic development, and improve equity in access to business opportunities. Council approval would trigger immediate implementation.
• Edmonton faces a $4.4 billion need to renew and renovate roads, bridges, and City buildings between 2027 and 2030, but Council currently lacks $1.8 billion to cover these costs. Outgoing Mayor Amarjeet Sohi criticized past administrations for delaying investments, while Councillor Tim Cartmell argues that inefficiencies and overspending on unnecessary infrastructure improvements contribute to the problem. Cartmell is calling for a thorough review of the infrastructure budget, citing examples like costly fire stations and overly extensive sidewalk projects. However, Councillor Erin Rutherford says that the City has already examined these issues and that calls for more spending are political tactics. Rutherford supports a new property tax levy aimed at funding infrastructure renewal but warns that future austerity measures could worsen the problem. A special infrastructure committee will begin meeting in late June to address these challenges. Meanwhile, the provincial government asserts it has increased funding to Edmonton through grants and promises more support ahead.
• Two businesses in Edmonton’s Belgravia neighbourhood report sales have dropped between 20% to 50% due to an ongoing EPCOR construction project for a new mid-to-high-rise apartment. The project has closed a key westbound entrance on 76 Avenue, limiting access and deterring customers. Residents and business owners express growing frustration as multiple developments have turned the area into a near-constant construction zone. Belgravia is a busy area near the University of Alberta and the Cross Cancer Institute, serving as a main route to the south side, causing significant traffic congestion. Community leaders say exiting the neighbourhood can take up to 30 minutes during peak times. Council acknowledged the congestion partly stems from the Capital LRT line being built at ground level, a decision with long-term impacts. While the construction is expected to finish by the end of June, a traffic study is planned to address longer-term issues.
• A natural wetland called Poplar Lake, or Klarvatten Wetland, in north Edmonton has suddenly dried up, leaving residents puzzled and concerned. The shallow body of water, which supported diverse wildlife including 21 bird species, had been a stable feature for decades, and water levels were controlled to maintain the wildlife's habitat. However, the water began dropping about two years ago and disappeared completely about two weeks ago, leaving only mud and vegetation behind. The lake is a natural feature, unlike man-made stormwater ponds managed by EPCOR. EPCOR investigated recent local projects and found that their drinking water infrastructure upgrade last fall did not impact the lake. Now, EPCOR is exploring ways to help restore water levels by possibly diverting water from a nearby stormwater pond, while ensuring no harm to wastewater systems or the environment. Residents continue to seek answers as officials work on potential solutions.