Edmonton Minute: Bridge Reopened, Cost Overruns, and a Tax Increase Approved

Edmonton Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Edmonton politics

This Week In Edmonton:

• This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council Public Hearing to gather feedback on several land use amendments. Some of the proposals include allowing for medium scale housing on Alberta Avenue, allowing for tower or medium-rise development opportunities in Strathearn, and amending the Northwest District Plan.
  
  
• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of City Council. The agenda includes designating a part of Edgemont Community Park as a Municipal Reserve, designating Alexander Circle as a Municipal Historic Resource, and establishing procedures for the 2025 municipal election. There are several private reports to be dealt with as well, including two collective bargaining updates and a City Manager update. Should the meeting not end on time, there will be a continuation on Wednesday morning at 9:30 am.
  
  
• The Utility Committee will meet on Friday at 9:30 am. The Committee will discuss EPCOR’s request for updated wastewater rates and service terms for 2025 to 2027. After submitting an initial proposal in May 2024, EPCOR made adjustments based on feedback from the Utility Committee in October. The revised plan includes updated performance measures to maintain service quality. Council will now decide whether to approve that updated proposal.

Last Week In Edmonton:

• Council approved a 6.1% property tax increase for 2025, with another 6.8% increase expected in 2026. To lower the increase from the initially proposed 8.1%, Council did make some adjustments, including using capital project savings and redirecting utility revenues. A new $56.4 million annual fund starting in 2030 will focus on maintaining aging infrastructure like recreation centers and buses. Stay tuned for our comments on these tax increases!
  
  
• It was revealed that Edmonton's Yellowhead Trail conversion project, which is part of a $1-billion initiative to upgrade the road to freeway status, is now facing a $105 million cost overrun. The project, which has been under construction since 2017, will require the City to borrow additional funds to cover the increase. Despite the overrun, Mayor Sohi said the project is important for safety and trade. Upgrades to several interchanges are ongoing, with completion expected by 2027.
  
  
• The Stony Plain Road bridge has reopened after a two-year closure, marking a significant step in the Valley Line West LRT project. While the bridge is open, construction will continue until 2028, when passenger testing is expected to begin. Traffic disruptions are anticipated, especially with one-lane roads to accommodate the LRT. In 2025, additional construction around 149th Street to 156th Street will be completed within one season to minimize long-term delays. Additionally, the City plans to replace the Wellington Bridge in late 2025, which will further impact traffic in the area.

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