Edmonton Minute: Griesbach Rematch, Affordability Comparisons, and a Seed Bank Program

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

This Week In Edmonton:

• On Monday, there will be a Non-Regular Meeting of the Community and Public Services Committee at 9:30 am. On Tuesday there will be a Non-Regular Meeting of the Urban Planning Committee at 9:30 am, and on Wednesday, there will be Non-Regular Meeting of the Executive Committee, also at 9:30 am. During these meetings, each Committee will discuss Candidate Interviews and Appointment Recommendations. These proceedings will be closed to the public.
  
  
• The federal riding of Edmonton Griesbach is shaping up to be a key battleground as NDP incumbent Blake Desjarlais faces off again against Conservative Kerry Diotte in a closely watched rematch. Desjarlais made history in 2021 by flipping the seat from Conservative to NDP, but the party is now fighting to hold ground amid declining national support. The riding, with its economic challenges and diverse population, reflects the broader political tension between affordability concerns and national debates, like responses to US economic tariffs.
  
  
• Edmonton is currently more affordable than Calgary for both families and individuals, with a family of four spending about $390 less per month and single residents saving roughly $100 monthly, excluding rent. Of course, rent is also a major factor in Edmonton's lower cost of living, ans Edmonton’s more open approach to housing policies have helped increase rental supply. In contrast, Calgary has only recently eased restrictions on things like basement suites. Some experts note that Calgary's higher costs may also reflect its proximity to the Rockies and related amenities, which can add value for some residents.

Last Week In Edmonton:

• Edmonton has shifted its $5-million LRT security budget toward a new model combining transit peace officers with non-uniformed station attendants. A recent report recommended spending $1.6 million to hire attendants for off-peak hours at “hot spot” stations with safety concerns, and $3.4 million to hire more peace officers. While crime severity is down, naloxone use is rising - Commissionaires administered it 207 times in the first two months of 2025 alone.
  
  
• Edmonton’s Food Bank has introduced a new seed bank program to support low-income households in growing their own food and learning sustainable practices. The initiative collects donated seeds in the fall to be distributed in the spring, encouraging both withdrawals and contributions from the community. Local businesses and residents have donated seeds, which are then shared through food bank depots and partners like Sustainable Food Edmonton. Even those with limited space are encouraged to participate, as small-scale gardening can still make a meaningful impact. The program aims to strengthen food security and reduce grocery costs for families in need.
  
  
• The City of Edmonton and CUPE Local 30 have finalized a new four-year agreement for over 3,500 municipal workers, ending a period of negotiations that followed the contract's expiry in late 2023. The deal includes wage increases of about 3% each year, including a retroactive raise for 2024. Covered workers include animal control officers, waste collectors, road maintenance crews, and other key service providers. Additional benefits include improved mental health coverage, safety boot subsidies, and added bereavement leave for non-permanent staff. National Truth and Reconciliation Day is also now a recognized holiday under the agreement.

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