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11 July 2024

Summer 2024 Update

Happy July everyone! I have provided some quick updates below for you as well as a detailed list of the events happening in Edmonton during the summer. Keep on BELIEVING YEG! 

Outcome of District Planning Public Hearing 

City Council heard from over 100 speaking during a five-and-a-half-day District Planning Public Hearing. After listening to speakers, both in favor and opposed to the plans, on Wednesday June 26th, City Council completed the second reading of the District Plans. 

Please note, that these plans are statutory and they are now with the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB) for approval. Here is a timeline for next steps regarding District Plans: 

  • EMRB Approval: The District Plans will be sent to EMRB for review and approval. Part of the review process will include ensuring the plans align with the broader regional growth strategy.
  • Third Reading: Once EMRB reviews the plans, they will then be returned to City Council for a third reading. If approved at this reading, the Policy and 14 plans will come into effect immediately. 
  • Subsequent Motions: After the third reading, members of City Council will have the opportunity to propose subsequent motions - which will be directed amendments to the district plans. 

I would like to take this time to address the 15 minute community planning philosophy. To be absolutely clear - there is nothing in Edmonton’s District Plans that would restrict movement between districts, require permits to move between districts, or to tell residents where to work, play, eat or go to school or otherwise spend their time.

In the City of Edmonton context, the district planning project employs a planning philosophy that supports greater connection of residents to their community and helps ensure residents can access everyday needs within a 15-minute walk, roll, bike ride or transit trip by implementing more consistent and flexible policies across the city. Again, you can read more about the plans by clicking here. 

I thank you to everyone that has shared their feedback with me regarding District Planning. At this time, we wait to see EMRB’s response regarding these plans. 

Substantial Completion 

City Council recently discussed Substantial Completion. In essence, the goal is to build out approved neighbourhoods within developing areas before permitting construction of new neighborhoods to start.. The result of this would achieve complete communities. 

In the last few weeks I have received many emails regarding this topic. I understand the general notion that we should “put the brakes” on further development in Edmonton until the City can catch up. I completely support the notion that development should be methodical, and in general that CONSTRUCTION of a new community should not start until the CONSTRUCTION of existing communities is generally complete. We should try to maximize the use of infrastructure and amenities that we already have.

However, there are many considerations to be made regarding this topic. 

Edmonton Metro has 1.6 million people, and continues to grow, we have big City problems, including housing needs, pressures on our police department and high property taxes. Does it make sense that Edmonton does all the housing, provides all the social amenities and that surrounding Cities benefit from what Edmonton has to offer? 

This isn’t a question of whether development pays for itself. It's a question of how long before a neighborhood is paying more than it gets. I support proper, methodical, dispassionate planning. And I absolutely support infill, and the reduction of contradictory policies that prevents infill development.

EPCOR: Participation in Waste Services PBR Application

EPCOR has submitted an application to City Council to set Wastewater Treatment and Collection rates for 2025-2027. This is called a Performance Based Regulation (PBR) application. The revenues collected from customers through utility rates are used by EPCOR to build, maintain, and operate the wastewater and stormwater systems.

Many constituents share their feedback with my office regarding EPCOR rates and their bills. EPCOR invites you to share your feedback regarding the proposed 2025-2027 rates. More information can be found at EPCOR.com/PBR on how you can share your feedback. Alternatively, you can submit your comments and feedback related to EPCOR’s wastewater application by emailing: [email protected].

On October 11, 2024, Utility Committee will discuss EPCOR’s application. More information will be available ahead of the meeting by visiting clicking here. Residents will have an opportunity to register to speak at this meeting. If you are interested in sharing your feedback directly to Utility Committee, please email my office and we would be happy to share this information with you. 

Green Space Maintenance in our City 

I continually receive feedback regarding green space maintenance throughout our City. I understand and share your concerns. The condition of our open spaces is once again very disappointing. 

And again, while I know it might seem fruitless at times, the very best way to share your concerns is to call 311. It is through 311 that the City will take in feedback and adjust schedules. We pass on the comments we get, but these deplorable conditions are present across the City.

Turf maintenance service levels for mowing allows for mowing every 10-18 days with weed whacking around or along fence lines, objects, and trees to be completed through 2 cycles per year. 

Turf mowing is also dependent on the level of precipitation, and with the amount of rain we have received this spring, both street sweeping and turf maintenance has been delayed and further delays are possible.

I have stated repeatedly that we need to find a way to reprioritize the City’s budgeting processes to ensure we have the people to perform basic maintenance. Turf maintenance is one of the things I want to put greater focus on. Again, I understand and share your frustration.

Keep on Believing Edmonton! 

Over the last several weeks our City came together to “Believe” in something. Our entire City was behind the Edmonton Oilers during their 2024 Stanley Cup run. Even though the outcome was not what we had hoped for, the saying of “Believe” was something bigger to us. 

Edmontonians are proud to be Edmontonians. Whether you were chatting about the Oilers with family, friends or coworkers, this hockey team brought us together to collectively believe in something. We believe in our City and the opportunities it has to offer. 

But my friends, do not stop believing! I want to remind everyone that Edmonton has so much to offer, especially during the Summer months. The City of Edmonton is truly a Summer City with the many festivals, events and sporting attractions that are occurring during the warmer months. 

I encourage you to keep on believing in our City. Continue to connect with people with all the exciting events happening in Edmonton. Such as, visit Taste of Edmonton to try some local eats or head down to The Edmonton International Fringe Festival to watch a Play. We are a City that thrives on connections and let’s continue to keep that momentum going. 

Here is a list of some of the events happening in Edmonton over the next few months. If you see me at one of the events, be sure to say hello! 

Also, remember that there are many City attractions to visit, including Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton Valley Zoo, John Janzen Nature Centre, Muttart Conservatory and more! 

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!

 

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