The Community and Public Services Committee will meet this morning at 9:30 am. The agenda includes a discussion about the sale of naming rights for existing City-owned sport and recreation facilities. Administration says that selling the naming rights could generate up to $21 million in net revenue over 10 years. This requires an exemption from the current policy, which prohibits actively soliciting naming proposals for existing facilities. If approved, Administration will engage a third-party vendor to identify sponsors and negotiate agreements, each of which will return to Council for final approval. Public consultation will be conducted to assess alignment between sponsors and City values, and 2020 and 2024 surveys show most residents are open to the idea. Facilities under consideration include high-profile sites such as the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre, Kinsmen Sports Centre, Mill Woods Recreation Centre, Eastglen Leisure Centre, Callingwood Twin Arena, and Commonwealth Stadium. The move aligns with the City’s fiscal gap strategy and aims to offset rising operating costs, potentially reducing the need for tax increases or higher user fees. Policy updates and amendments to the Naming Committee’s role are planned for 2026 to streamline the process.
Also at the Community and Public Services Committee meeting, the Downtown Action Plan will be discussed. The Plan focuses on four key goals: Economic Growth, Residential Growth, Vibrancy Growth, and Business Growth - each aimed at revitalizing Edmonton's core by increasing property values, population, visitors, and reducing vacancy rates. To support this, the City has outlined eight strategic actions and 45 subactions backed by a proposed $553 million investment. The majority - about $511 million - is expected to come from the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL), though $440 million of that is contingent on extending the CRL to 2044. Additional funds include $15 million for student housing, $9.5 million from the Downtown Vibrancy Strategy, and $2.5 million for parkland acquisition. Specific projects range from major housing developments in the Ice District to beautification, safety, and economic development initiatives like the Downtown Ambassador Program and public art installations. Some projects remain unfunded, and budgets for others are still in development, pending future Council decisions.
The Committee will also address amending Edmonton’s Public Spaces Bylaw to expand the existing Rice Howard Way Entertainment District and create a new one on 104 Street. These districts allow for alcohol consumption in designated public areas when activated, aiming to boost downtown vibrancy, business attraction, and event participation. The 104 Street area was chosen due to its active public events, proximity to the Ice District, and strong stakeholder support, with 80% of public respondents supporting the idea. The bylaw reduces red tape by removing the need for special event liquor licenses within the districts. Businesses remain responsible for their licensed areas, and events must still meet all existing public space regulations.
The City of Edmonton’s first annual report on contracted service providers’ compliance with living wage requirements found that 12 contracts in 2024 did not meet the mandated wage standard. The requirement applies to all workers performing duties in City facilities. One provider has since adjusted wages, and the City is actively working with the others to ensure compliance. The City is enhancing oversight through internal training, supplier education, and improved monitoring, including the use of attestations and performance evaluations. Procurement plans are being aligned to ensure future contracts meet living wage standards. While suppliers have raised concerns about increased costs, the City maintains that ensuring fair compensation is part of its broader goal for social and economic equity.
The City is requesting approval to extend its agreement with DocuSign Inc. by up to five years and increase the contract’s value by $1 million, bringing the total to $1.97 million since 2016. Administration says DocuSign has been essential for managing digital signatures, particularly during the pandemic, and is integrated with critical systems used by the City, Edmonton Police Service, and Edmonton Public Library. To manage costs, the City plans to shift routine internal documents to Google Sign, a free tool available through its existing Google Workspace. Maintaining the DocuSign contract ensures stability during ongoing system upgrades, including the upcoming Enterprise Commons project. The extension requires Executive Committee approval due to its single-source nature and total value.
Anne Stevenson has announced her intention to run for a second term on City Council, representing Ward O'Day'min. Reflecting on her first term, Stevenson expressed pride in Council's work amid numerous challenges, including external crises and rising population growth. She highlighted her contributions to affordable housing, such as advocating for the removal of property taxes on affordable housing to keep rents lower. Stevenson also mentioned the ongoing issue of homelessness and encampments, which she intends to address further if re-elected. She praised outgoing Mayor Amarjeet Sohi for his leadership and expressed eagerness to collaborate with whoever assumes the mayoral role in the next term.
At the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s State of Our City event, over 700 attendees gathered to hear a candid panel discussion about Edmonton’s future - noticeably without the Mayor. Chamber CEO Doug Griffiths emphasized the need to break from complacency and drive bold progress, especially as the city approaches a municipal election. Panelists discussed barriers to investment, infrastructure pressures from rapid population growth, and the need for better planning and red tape reduction. City manager Eddie Robar highlighted Edmonton’s recent national recognition for homebuilding, while BILD Edmonton’s Kalen Anderson noted that even as the “best in Canada,” Edmonton is still falling short. Explore Edmonton’s Traci Bednard pointed to tourism as a way to ease the tax burden, citing the economic impact of large-scale events like the volleyball supernationals. Panelists called for a more agile City government and stronger partnerships for big projects. Griffiths closed by urging a shift toward a truly pro-business municipal attitude.
