Edmonton Minute: Issue 242

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

📅 This Week In Edmonton: 📅

• On Thursday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Special City Council Public Hearing. The City of Edmonton is working to extend and expand its Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) Plan, which would push the program’s expiry from 2034 to 2044. The CRL is a financial tool that redirects increased property tax revenues generated by new development in the downtown core to fund public infrastructure and revitalization projects. Since its implementation in 2015, the CRL has supported over $4.7 billion in private investment, resulting in new office towers and thousands of residential units, but significant portions of downtown remain underdeveloped, and recent challenges - like the COVID-19 pandemic and increased construction costs - have slowed progress. To address these issues and maintain momentum, the amended plan introduces several new “catalyst projects” such as the Village at Ice District Infrastructure, a new Event Park, a Brownfield Remediation Program, upgrades to transit infrastructure, an expansion of the Winspear Centre, and a revamped Attainable Housing Program. While the CRL framework enables funding, inclusion in the plan does not guarantee that a project will move forward - each will still require individual Council approval through the standard budgeting process. Critics argue that CRL funds - derived from public tax revenue - should not be used to subsidize private ventures, with particular scrutiny aimed at the proposed $250-million Event Park in the Ice District. Debate also emerged over which types of projects should be eligible for CRL support, and whether alternatives such as general City funding would be more appropriate. We’ll be watching the hearing and will keep you updated!
  
  
• There will be a Special Infrastructure Committee meeting on Wednesday at 9:30 am. The Committee will discuss a City of Edmonton report analyzing cost drivers and policy impacts on capital infrastructure projects, using fire stations as a case study. The study compared a basic design - meeting only building code requirements - to a full policy design incorporating all City standards and policies. The full policy version cost approximately $7.7 million more and had higher projected operational costs over 25 years, mainly due to electrification under the Climate Resilience Policy and more complex infrastructure. However, it also significantly reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Four City policies accounted for 98% of the cost increase: the Climate Resilience Policy, Fire Rescue Service Delivery Policy, City Construction Standards, and the Edmonton Design Committee process. The report emphasized that while these policies support long-term goals like sustainability and safety, they often lack immediate financial payback and add upfront costs. In response, Administration is reviewing policies to find efficiencies and determine whether all cost drivers are necessary or scalable.
  
  
• Council voted to reduce the maximum number of homes allowed on interior lots in the small-scale residential (RS) zone from eight to six units. The motion, introduced by Councillor Michael Janz, responds to concerns from some residents who feel eight units is too dense for mid-block lots, although Mayor Amarjeet Sohi emphasized the need to balance these concerns with the City’s broader goals for sustainable infill and population growth. The RS zone, created under zoning bylaw 20001, encourages diverse housing types and aims to accommodate Edmonton’s growing population within existing neighbourhoods. Data presented shows the zone is already increasing housing options, with a majority of permits in redeveloping areas approved for multi-unit housing. Some residents and housing advocates oppose the reduction, arguing it could slow development and worsen the housing crisis. Public feedback is expected at a June 30th hearing, where further discussion on the bylaw amendments will occur.
  
  
• The City of Edmonton has decided not to take over the maintenance and operations of the Edmonton Expo Centre and Convention Centre, leaving those responsibilities with Explore Edmonton. A recent report found that both venues are generally in good condition and that Explore Edmonton maintains them efficiently, using a flexible staffing model tailored to the fast-paced event environment. The City cited budget limitations, including a $100 million annual maintenance budget that covers all City facilities, as a key reason it cannot absorb these duties. Additionally, technical and contractual challenges, such as incompatible building systems and exclusive third-party contracts, make a takeover difficult and costly. Explore Edmonton had requested additional funding to continue operations, but City staff warned that shifting maintenance in-house could increase costs and reduce service effectiveness. Despite this, the City and Explore Edmonton plan to collaborate on shared contracts and joint reviews to improve efficiency. Council received the report for information and kept some details confidential due to business sensitivity.
  
  
• Councillor Michael Janz has officially announced his intention to seek a second term representing Ward Papastew, running as an independent despite new rules allowing political parties in municipal elections. Janz, a former Edmonton Public Schools trustee, highlights his experience navigating challenging post-pandemic years and his commitment to building a more affordable city with strong public services. He emphasizes his progressive stance, advocating for more housing and transportation options while opposing urban sprawl by prioritizing growth within the city rather than outward expansion. Janz is also planning to introduce a motion calling for a city-wide referendum on the proposed event park deal involving the Oilers Entertainment Group, signalling his dedication to public involvement in major City decisions. He strongly opposes big corporate money and political parties influencing local politics, stressing that elections should be decided by ideas rather than financial power. Looking ahead, Janz hopes to secure a fair deal from the provincial government to better support Edmonton, particularly in areas like policing, property taxes, and public health care.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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