Edmonton Minute: Property Assessments, Pothole Repairs, and a Registered Political Party
Edmonton Minute: Property Assessments, Pothole Repairs, and a Registered Political Party
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. The agenda includes several land use amendment proposals. On Tuesday, at 8:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Agenda Review Committee. The Committee will set the agendas for the February 18th meeting of the Audit Committee, the February 19th meetings of the Emergency Advisory Committee and City Council, and the February 24th City Council Public Hearing.
- There will be a meeting of City Council on Tuesday at 9:30 am. The agenda includes an Environmental Impact Assessment and Site Location Study for the Capital Line South Extension Blackmud Creek Crossing, as well as several amendment proposals to Area Structure Plans. There are also three private items on the agenda - a collective bargaining update, an intergovernmental matter, and the Edmonton Elks Partner Field Naming. If the meeting does not conclude on time, it will continue on Wednesday at 9:30 am.
- Some Edmonton homeowners are shocked by significant increases in their property assessments. The median assessed value for detached homes rose by over $35,000 from the previous year, with some residents reporting increases as high as $80,000 since 2021, despite no renovations. While the City's assessments are influenced by factors like location, square footage, and the housing market, real estate professionals warn that they aren't always accurate. Experts suggest that homeowners concerned about discrepancies should consult a realtor and consider appealing their assessments by the March 19th deadline.
Last Week In Edmonton:
- The city’s overall crime rate has decreased by 25% since 2019, reaching its lowest level in a decade, according to the Edmonton Police Service. However, violent crimes, including incidents involving guns, knives, and caustic spray, have risen significantly. The community's perception of safety remains a concern, especially in the downtown and transit areas. Police Chief Dale McFee emphasized that while the city's crime statistics are improving, more work is needed to address public safety, particularly the disorder contributing to residents' unease.
- PACE (Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton) has become the first registered municipal political party in Edmonton. The party has submitted five placeholder candidates and plans to elect local candidates through a democratic process, although it will not field a mayoral candidate. PACE aims to unify fiscally conservative, community-focused voices for the 2025 election. No other parties have registered yet.
- In 2024, the City of Edmonton repaired over 500,000 potholes, with approximately 8,500 already fixed in 2025. The city faces challenges due to fluctuating temperatures, which create ideal conditions for potholes to form. While many drivers express frustration with potholes causing damage to their vehicles, City officials argue that they are improving repair efficiency, with complaints about potholes dropping significantly in recent years. Edmonton has allocated $1.8 billion for road construction between 2023 and 2026, focusing on neighbourhood renewal and proactive pothole repairs. Councillors believe addressing small potholes early can prevent larger issues later on.
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