Reg Rygus
Mayor Sohi, elected officials and political scientists react to Bill 20 introduced to the Legislature on Thursday. They say it would affect the way municipalities govern and Mayor Sohi says it is an attack on local democracy.
If you travel on Stony Plain Road regularly or frequently the section between 131st Street and 139th Street will be closed until August so its time to consider an alternate route. Some of the closure is due to the new LRT line, repaving, new sidewalks & street lights.
Ward Karhiio Counsellor Keren Tang comments on an anonymous letter sent to Alberta's minister of Municipal Affairs in late March. Premier Smith commented on the letter from a "concerned citizen" at a March 27th news conference even though she never read it. The "concerned citizen's" letter raised a concern about Counsellor Tang and her husband's technology organization leasing land from the City in the Edmonton Research Park. Although he did not mention the term, I think the "concerned citizen" was referring to a conflict of interest and that's what Counsellor Tang addressed in her comments.
Its warming up, there is some new green and I think its safe to say "spring has sprung". Spring is a time of freshness and newness which characterizes the latest and all Lindork' Lists. Check the list and enjoy spring.
Below are 2 comments on the property tax increase. Lorne Gunter's comments were based on what he thought would be an 8.7% property tax increase. I wonder what his comments may be after the 8.9% property tax increase?Global News journalist Phil Heidenreich's comments were written after the increase was approved to be an increase to 8.9%.
What started out as a 6.6 % increase in the fall, earlier in April we were led to think the 6.6% had grown to become 8.7%. Tuesday it became official that the increase would not be 8.7% as previously thought, but a whopping 8.9%. The City says the tax dollars will help pay for more services, including the new metro line to NAIT, increased bus service, and a bigger homeless camp response. The aforementioned are big ticket items, hopefully we get fuller details of the budget.
The 8.9% increase amounts to about $66.00 for every $100,000 in assessed property value. The table below gives you a picture of what the 8.9% increase will mean to your already high tax burden. Tax notices including the 8.9% increase will be mailed to property owners on May 23 and taxes will be due June 30.
Property Value 8.9% Increas
$100,000 = $66.00
$200,000 = $132.00
$300,000 = $198.00
$400,000 = $264.00
The hangar which stood just west of Nait on what is now known as Blatchford. The large hangar was built in partnership with the US military in 1942 and played an important role delivering aircraft and supplies to allied troops in WW2. Yesterdays high winds quickly engulfed the wooden structure and fire crews could not save the historical hangar.
The number of unhoused in Edmonton continues to grow to record levels and what can be done in response to this growth is being questioned on many levels. Interfaith Housing Society (23 organizations) has been working since 2011 to address the issue of homelessness in the community. Last Thursday they met at City Hall regarding how they could continue advocating for the unhoused. The keynote speaker was Lewis Cardinal who related and drew upon his experience of being homeless to address Thursday's gathering. Judith Gail of Bear Clan Patrol Inc. summarized the current state of what's happening on provided a summary of what's happening on Edmonton’s streets.
Jewish groups and individuals are having to contend with the antisemitic uprising that growing everywhere, including Edmonton. A number of Jewish organizations in Edmonton are asking that all government funding stop to the Pride Centre of Edmonton arguing that its conduct since the October should disqualify. Stacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton has said the Jewish community to meet with the Pride centre but that meeting has not happened, as yet.
- This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council Public Hearing to discuss several zoning amendments. Some items up for discussion include allowing for larger scale parks and amenities in Edgemont, Rosenthal, and Glenridding Heights, as well as allowing for medium scale housing in Windsor Park.
- There will be a meeting of the Agenda Review Committee on Tuesday at 8:30 am, followed by a City Council meeting at 9:30 am. On the agenda for the Council meeting is the Spring 2024 Supplemental Operating Budget Adjustment (City Hall code for raising your taxes, again!) There are proposed tax increases of 8.7% in 2024, 7.0% in 2025, and 6.4% in 2026. Council will also discuss a plan for replenishing the Edmonton Police Service Operating Reserve. In 2023, the reserve had a deficit of $1.1 million, necessitating a plan for repayment. There are a number of private reports on the agenda too, including one regarding collective bargaining, and several regarding appointments to Boards, Committees, and Commissions. Should Council not finish this meeting on schedule, there will be a continuation on Wednesday at 9:30 am. Then, on Friday, at 1:30 pm, there will be a meeting of the Special City Manager and City Auditor Performance Evaluation Committee. There is one private report on the agenda regarding a Consultant Contract Update.
- Edmonton is hosting the Alberta Spirits and Cocktail Festival this weekend. On Saturday at the Edmonton Convention Centre, there will be 30+ Alberta based food and liquor vendors sampling spirits and food bites. There will also be flair bartending shows, live entertainment, a chance to meet distillers, and tutorials on how to make the perfect cocktails. There are two “sessions” available, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm or from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets are available online.
This Week In Edmonton
- There will be afternoon sittings of the Legislature Monday through Thursday, in addition to Committee meetings. Today, the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund will meet at 9:00 am to discuss the logistics of the annual public meeting as well as the draft 2023-24 Annual Report of the Committee. On Tuesday, at 8:00 am, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts will meet to discuss the 2022-23 Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services Annual Report. Finally, the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship will meet on Thursday at 9:00 am to review the Personal Information Protection Act.
- Alberta's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, is expressing concern about the significant vacancy rates in the RCMP that affect rural Alberta. In Alberta, there is a 21.6% vacancy rate, which translates to 413 unfilled positions. This issue has led to inadequate police coverage in some areas. Despite a $21 million increase in RCMP funding in the 2024 budget, totaling $377.8 million, recruitment challenges persist.
- The Province is gearing up for an active wildfire season by hiring and training staff early, acquiring equipment for nighttime firefighting, and providing weekly updates to the public. Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen highlighted the hiring of 297 wildland firefighters, 280 Firetack contracted firefighters, and 182 seasonal support staff as part of their proactive strategy.