Edmonton Minute: Project Approvals, ETS Merchandise, and No Construction Compensation

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

This Week In Edmonton:

• This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Special City Manager Recruitment Committee. The Committee will hear a City Manager recruitment update. Tomorrow, at 8:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Agenda Review Committee, followed by an Urban Planning Committee meeting at 9:30 am. At the latter meeting, the Committee will review two reports, one assessing the implications of limiting where temporary shelters can be located, and another addressing the implementation of mass transit for a growing population.
  
  
• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, there will be an Executive Committee meeting. On the agenda is a discussion about what to do with the excess revenue of $52,373 collected as part of the 2023 Alley Lighting Maintenance Special Tax. The Committee will also discuss two revenue-generating ideas for transit - creating an online store for Edmonton Transit Services merchandise and improving fare collection for special events.
  
  
• On Tuesday, along with our friends at the Alberta Institute, we’re hosting a Summer BBQ. We'll meet at Capilano Park’s Picnic Site 1 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. To keep the event as free and as accessible as possible, it will be BYOHB (Bring Your Own Hot-Dogs and Burgers), but we will be providing some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Please RSVP online here.

Last Week In Edmonton:

• Council has decided against a proposed $2,500 compensation for businesses affected by the Valley Line West LRT construction on Stony Plain Road. Despite concerns from business owners who felt the payments would be symbolic rather than financially impactful, Council voted to reject the idea. Councillor Andrew Knack, who proposed the grant program, cited the severe disruption businesses have faced, but some Councillors argued that City finances cannot support such compensation and fear it could set a costly precedent. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi echoed concerns about the financial implications and the potential for creating widespread compensation expectations.
  
  
• Council's planned sanction hearing for Councillor Jennifer Rice has been halted following a court order granted to her. Rice is contesting the Integrity Commissioner's findings that she violated the Council's Code of Conduct. She argues that the investigation was flawed and seeks to have the Commissioner’s report dismissed or reviewed by a judge. The court's decision prevents any Council action until the judicial review is completed, which may take several months. Rice has requested that the court decide who should be involved in determining any sanctions, in order to eliminate bias.
  
  
• Councillor Tim Cartmell has criticized the City's project management, alleging frequent delays and budget overruns on major projects. He is urging Council to halt new project approvals until current projects, like the Valley Line West LRT, are completed. Cartmell cited issues with several high-profile projects, such as the Walterdale Bridge and the Southeast Valley Line LRT, and called for more accountability and the creation of a permanent infrastructure committee with external experts. Cartmell plans to present his proposals for reform to Council later this year.

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