Happy Summer everyone! 

As we enjoy the longer and warmer days, I would like to take this opportunity to provide some important updates. 

Edmonton Police Service Funding Formula 

The next City Council discussion about future funding of the Edmonton Police Service has been delayed until August. 

This is not the first time that police funding has been debated at City Council, and the conversation usually expands to include the performance of EPS. How safe is Edmonton?  What tools would help make it safer? Should the EPS budget increase? Should we make significant investments in new equipment, vehicles, and other tools? 

I outline more of the history regarding the EPS budget in a recent blog post. I encourage you to read this blog post to learn more. 

Ahead of the conversation in August, I am requesting that you share your feedback through this survey. My goal is to get a generalized understanding about how you feel about matters related to the Edmonton Police Service, to inform my work at City Council. The survey will be open until August 14th.

Pop-Up Dog Parks 

The new Pop-Up Dog Parks Program began earlier this Spring. There are 19 Temporary Pop-Up Dog parks in neighborhoods currently underserved by existing off-leash areas. 

I understand some individuals may have specific concerns regarding the pop up dog parks. The City is collecting feedback through this survey which is open until October 1st and can be found by visiting this link. 

I strongly encourage you to complete the above survey. Your feedback will be taken into consideration along with technical and operational requirements and will be used to help evaluate the individual locations and the Pop-up Dog Park Program overall. Results from the evaluation will be used to determine the future of the program and whether individual sites are transitioned into ongoing off-leash areas. 

If you have animal welfare concerns please contact 311. Council approved the hiring of 24 Animal Control Officers as a part of the 2023-26 Operating Budget. City Administration is currently in the process of hiring and training these officers and once trained, they will be proactively patrolling off-leash areas as well as conducting investigations related to bylaw and animal welfare complaints. 

Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative 

The way in which development is undertaken in Edmonton continues to evolve. Renewal of the zoning bylaw is the next step. The current bylaw is about 60 years old, and has become revised and changed many times. This renewal effort will rewrite the bylaw to reflect current City regulations and development policies. Your comments on Zoning Bylaw Renewal can be made here.

While Zoning Bylaw Renewal itself is primarily a red tape reduction process, it will be followed by further policy projects that will affect how development evolves in Edmonton.  Two of those projects are District Planning and Substantial Completion.  You can find further information on these and other development related policies under development here 

Safety in Our City 

Safer communities are important to all of us - everyone should feel secure and confident to walk down our City streets, ride public transit or visit attractions around the City. This matter continues to be top of mind for me. City Council continues to receive regular updates on the work that is being done to make our streets and communities safer. 

Again, if you have comments to share with me regarding safety in our City, I strongly encourage you to complete my EPS Funding Formula Service. In the survey, there is a section where you can submit your comments. 

However, public spaces are safer when they are energized with people and events. This summer we will see many exciting events happening within our City. The City of Edmonton is truly a summer City with all the wonderful events happening. I encourage you to check out all the exciting events happening by visiting https://exploreedmonton.com/event-calendar. If you see me at one of the events, be sure to say hello! Here are some of the amazing events happening in our City: 


I wish you a wonderful summer. If you have any municipal questions or concerns please feel free to contact my office at [email protected] or by calling 780-496-8130!

Timothy Cartmell

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Honoured to be the City Councillor in Edmonton's Ward pihêsiwin. #yegcc #Wardpihêsiwin