THIS WEEK IN EDMONTON

This week, city council will discuss a shortfall in the city’s maintenance and renewal budget, increasing the capital budget, and several rezoning applications in the Belgravia neighbourhood.

There is a public hearing scheduled for June 9 and a city council meeting scheduled for June 10 and 11.

Here are key items on this week’s agenda:

• The city faces a $1.5-billion shortfall in its 2023-2026 capital budget for infrastructure maintenance and renewal, according to an administration report that council will review on June 10. Administration estimated that the ideal renewal portion in the 2027-2030 capital budget will be $4.5 billion. The report said staff will introduce a dedicated tax levy to fund renewal projects in the next capital budget and only include projects “mandated by legislation, required due to safety concerns, eligible for external funding, or show significant benefit to the overall prosperity of the city.”
• The capital budget should increase by a net of $75 million in the forthcoming spring supplemental adjustment, administration said in a report. Part of the increase that administration has suggested can be attributed to projects that have completed design and need budget for construction or projects that have seen their scope grow. The adjustment also proposes a $5-million increase to fund security upgrades at recreation centres, attractions, and major event sites. The upgrades include an Edmonton Police Service video surveillance initiative, enhanced lockers and change rooms, and a project to convert ladders to staircases in pools.
• Council will consider three applications to rezone properties in Belgravia at a public hearing on June 9. The properties are located at 11607 76 Avenue NW, 11618 76 Avenue NW, and 11603 75 Avenue NW. Two applications were submitted by BM Homes; the third was submitted by Kaimar Properties. Each of the applications proposes rezoning the property from the small scale residential zone, which allows a maximum of eight units in a building up to three storeys, to the small-medium scale transition residential zone, which allows buildings up to three or four storeys with no unit maximum. Public opposition to the two applications along 76 Avenue was particularly high, with roughly 90 people responding to each. Many opponents raised concerns about traffic congestion and parking, and said that the existing zone was sufficient to add density to the neighbourhood. Council is set to vote on each of these applications on June 9.

The City of Edmonton faces a $1.5-billion shortfall in its 2023-2026 maintenance and renewal budget. (Mack Male/Flickr)

Here are other key items on the agenda:

• Council is expected to continue discussing an extension to the downtown community revitalization levy. An extension would allow millions of dollars to go toward a deal between the Oilers Entertainment Group and the Alberta government for several large-scale downtown projects that include an event park, plus open up funding for downtown housing, Jasper Avenue upgrades, and other “catalyst” projects. The extension is part of the wider Downtown Action Plan, which involves a $553 million investment to revitalize the core. Last time the plan was discussed, councillors mulled requests from the Edmonton Downtown Business Association that included that the city should develop a plan to keep parks and public places clean and safe, and that it should use a public-private partnership model to guide investment attraction, land development, and stewardship of public space. There is a motion on the floor to add the EDBA’s requests to the plan. Council is scheduled to revisit the discussion on June 10 or 11.
• Administration has presented options for the final three priorities in the anti-racism strategy, which is to establish an independent anti-racism body. Council could choose to create a non-profit organization, use a collaborative model, or return to a council advisory board. The stakeholders advising administration on the creation of the independent body prefer the non-profit model, where a small staff would work closely with the city, other non-profits, post-secondary institutions, and Edmontonians to address racism across the city. From 2021 to 2024, administration has granted more than $4.4 million to anti-racism initiatives, and is forecast to contribute $1.5 million more in both 2025 and 2026, according to an update on the anti-racism strategy.
• The Mustard Seed has applied to rezone its property at 9526 106 Avenue NW so that it can continue to operate as a year-round, 24/7 shelter. The shelter use portion of the property’s current direct control zone will expire on July 1. An updated direct control zone would allow the shelter to operate past that date. Council is scheduled to vote on the application on June 9.
• The owners of the historic Union Bank Inn have applied to add a patio on the east side of its building at 10049 Jasper Avenue NW. The building has undergone renovations and a restaurant, Roca by Sabor, is scheduled to open in the space in spring 2026.
• Council is scheduled to receive a private update about the region, membership of the Edmonton Police Commission, and collective bargaining.

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• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council meeting. On the agenda is the Spring 2025 Supplemental Capital Budget Adjustment. This adjustment is part of Edmonton’s multi-year 2023-2026 Capital Budget process that allows Council to adjust the budget twice yearly to respond to changing project needs, funding opportunities, and priorities. Council will assess a proposed net increase of $75 million to Edmonton’s 2023-2026 Capital Budget, bringing it to $11.03 billion. Key contributors to the increase include new growth and renewal projects, cost overruns, and expanded project scopes - most notably $66.6 million for Dunluce Neighbourhood Reconstruction and $14.3 million for Ottewell. Although some costs are offset by project savings, fund transfers, and external funding (like federal housing grants), the overall capital spending is still rising. The City is monitoring tariff impacts on material costs, which could further impact project budgets.
• Council will also discuss options for creating an Independent Anti-Racism Body, a priority identified in the City’s 2022 Anti-Racism Strategy. A Community-led Advisory Panel recommended forming a non-profit organization as a backbone entity to support anti-racism work, while the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative suggested a collaborative model working with existing organizations and hiring a Collaboration Manager. A report presents three options for City Council - establishing that new non-profit, adopting the collaborative approach with local leaders, or updating the existing Anti-Racism Advisory Committee’s mandate. Council has allocated $1 million in 2024 and $1.6 million annually thereafter to fund this body, with each option using the funds differently.
• A request to stop train whistling at three Canadian National (CN) railway crossings will be discussed by Council. The request comes after following safety upgrades that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. Public notifications and consultations with CN Rail and community groups have been completed as required by law, and the crossings at 162 Avenue East of 142 Street, 167 Avenue East of 142 Street, and 64 Avenue East of 30 Street have been improved with new warning systems like gates, lights, and signage. Whistle cessation is intended to reduce noise pollution near residential areas while maintaining safety, as train operators can still sound whistles in emergencies. Work continues on three other crossings to prepare them for future whistle cessation.
• Edmonton police have introduced Canada’s first in-cell biometric monitoring system to enhance safety for detainees in custody. The wireless sensors track vital signs like heart rate, breathing, and movement in real time, allowing staff to intervene quickly if a medical emergency arises. Originally designed for senior care, the system is now being expanded and adopted by other cities, including Regina and Medicine Hat. The initiative follows past in-custody deaths, such as overdose and stroke cases, highlighting the need for better health monitoring. The program costs about $3,500 per unit annually, but police say it could save lives, prevent lawsuits, and reduce employee trauma. Detainees also undergo extensive health and safety checks during intake, and are monitored until their bail hearings. The overarching goal is that no one dies in custody.
• Speaking of police, the Edmonton Police Commission has launched its search for a new Police Chief, following extensive public and internal consultation to develop a candidate profile. Chair Ben Henderson said the feedback revealed a strong consensus on the need for a leader who can connect with communities, communicate effectively, and maintain steady progress rather than push for radical change. The new Chief must possess both leadership and technical skills to manage a complex, evolving organization. Public input emphasized a desire for collaboration, innovation, and ongoing improvement in community safety, particularly amid challenges like crime, social disorder, and post-COVID recovery. Concerns were also raised about internal staff well-being, given that one in ten EPS employees are currently on leave. The Commission aims to make a recommendation by October, though the process may extend into November to ensure the right fit. Interim Chiefs Devin LaForce and Warren Driechel have been jointly leading the force in the absence of a permanent Chief.
• Edmonton residents have been voicing plenty of concerns to Council about the impacts of rapid densification driven by recent zoning bylaw changes. Edmontonians stressed the issue isn't just the pace of change though, but the lack of community consultation and thoughtful design. While the City approved over 16,000 new housing units last year - many in mature neighbourhoods - residents argue the shift to larger developments like eight-plexes has led to increased traffic, parking issues, and disruptions to neighbourhood character. City staff have proposed amendments to address some of these concerns, including reducing building length, limiting side entrances, and improving facade design. The proposed changes will be debated at a public hearing on June 30th, offering Edmontonians another chance to voice their views. If approved, the amendments would take effect immediately. 
• Edmonton is moving to replace its outdated Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw with a new, modernized version that would significantly raise fines and strengthen enforcement around pet ownership and animal welfare. The updated bylaw, if approved, would overhaul how the City handles dog attacks, animal neglect, feral cats, and responsible ownership standards. One major change includes a tiered fine system for dog attacks, with penalties starting at $250 for chasing and reaching $1,000 or more for repeat bites or severe injuries. Another key feature is the expansion of rules for restricted dogs, requiring microchipping, behavioural training, and offering a possible review of their status after three years of good conduct. Humane management strategies like trap-neuter-return would be officially recognized, aiming to reduce Edmonton’s feral cat population, estimated at up to 70,000. The bylaw also seeks to clearly define the differences between owned, unowned, and feral cats - closing a legal loophole that unintentionally penalized residents who informally care for stray animals. A final decision is expected from Council in August, and if passed, the new rules would take effect in May 2026 following a public awareness campaign.