It has been a very busy year, particularly since the Government of Alberta released their budget in October. As I’ve mentioned in the past (found in blogs here, here and here), the provincial budget reductions were not a surprise, and I expect that there will likely be more cuts in the spring. 

On Thursday Dec 5, Council held a Public Hearing ahead of the budget discussions Dec 11-13.  We heard from community serving agencies, the business community, and ordinary citizens. We heard from those with requests for financial support and those who insist that our spending decisions should be re-examined.

If you were going to design a transit system for a city with 1 million people, what would you think about?  Would you focus on people trying to get to school and work during rush hour, or on people that don’t have another way of moving around?  How much should users pay, and what if they can’t afford the fare?

Last Thursday, the provincial government released its 2019-2020 Budget.  It included cuts to grants to cities, including grants in support of infrastructure projects, and grants that support the city operating budgets. 

This week is so important. Federal election yesterday. Provincial Budget day on Thursday. Like many Edmontonians, I have been looking forward to this week with some anticipation, some apprehension, and some impatience.

I want to update you on the outcome of the most recent salt debate and City Council and explain why I'm not happy with the outcome.

I know a lot of you are experiencing construction fatigue. The good news is that many of these projects are very close to completion, and it is going to get a lot easier to move around very soon. Your patience through the last few months is greatly appreciated.

On September 24, 2019, City Council will receive an update from Administration about the Snow and Ice Strategy including the use of calcium carbonate and calcium chloride.  I think it’s time for us to stop this detrimental high-salt approach.

We often hear that Edmonton has two seasons: Winter and Construction.  Well Ward 9, while Game of Thrones might suggest otherwise, winter is over ... get ready for construction season!