Edmonton Minute: Hearings Continue, Scooters Return, and a Music City Strategy

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

This Week In Edmonton:

• This morning, at 8:15 am, there will be a meeting of the Special City Manager Recruitment Committee. Then, the Public Hearing regarding the City’s District Plans will continue at 9:45 am. (More on this below!). The only other meeting of the week - a meeting of the Agenda Review Committee - takes place on Tuesday, at 8:30 am.
  
  
• Edmonton's e-scooters and e-bikes are back on the streets. This marks the sixth year of Edmonton's micromobility program, and the City has signed year-round contracts with Lime and Bird allowing them to keep their fleets operational as long as weather permits. Previously, the City capped the number of scooters and bikes each company could deploy, leading to a concentration of these vehicles in the core, rather than a broader distribution. This year, there is no cap - on number of vehicles at least. You might recall a third vendor - Spin - operating in 2021, but the City decided to restrict the number of vendors to two, selecting Lime and Bird, and mandated that they offer both e-scooters and e-bikes. Since the program's inception in 2019, demand for shared micromobility in Edmonton has surged, with over one million rides taken in 2023. Lime said that, even though it operates in 280 markets, Edmonton is one of its top performers.
  
  
• The Edmonton Oilers are playing for the Stanley Cup! The Oilers defeated the Dallas Stars 2-1 to secure the NHL's Western Conference title and advance to the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers. This marks the Oilers' first appearance in the final since 2006, with their last championship win in 1990. Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final is scheduled for Saturday at 6:00 pm.

Last Week In Edmonton:

• Public hearings on Edmonton's new district planning system concluded their first week, with Council deciding to add extra days to the schedule. The new system divides the city into 15 districts and aims to guide the development of taller residential buildings and businesses as the population grows. At least some Councillors already have concerns about the proposal. Councillor Andrew Knack noted two key issues raised by public speakers - a last-minute change to the "urban mix" policy that could allow taller buildings in residential neighbourhoods, and the boundaries of "nodes" and "corridors" intended to encourage higher housing density and businesses. Council will discuss the specific district plans for 118 Avenue, Jasper Place, Central, and Scona this morning. To date, over 70 people have voiced their opinions, with nearly 80% opposing the changes. The hearings will resume this morning at 9:45 am, with the possibility of extending for another session on June 25th if needed.
  
  
• Edmonton ranked fifth in Canada on Royal LePage's inaugural affordable cities report. The report assessed affordability by calculating the percentage of income required for monthly mortgage payments. Edmonton came in relatively affordable despite being a large urban center, with an aggregate home price of $442,200 and a median household income of $95,900. The influx of new residents has increased housing demand, but the city is expected to remain relatively affordable even as prices rise.
  
  
• A new report was released which outlines a plan to enhance Edmonton's music scene through increased support for musicians, improved infrastructure, and more government funding. "Resonant Energies: A Music City Strategy for Edmonton" emphasizes the need for coordination around music venues, regulatory bylaws, and public-private partnerships. It suggests specific actions such as reviewing busking guidelines and addressing parking issues near venues. The report, a collaboration between West Anthem, Alberta Music, the Province, and the National Music Centre, highlights music's potential to drive economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange. The initiative aims to position Edmonton as a vibrant music hub, comparable to other major cities.

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