Edmonton Minute: Transit Routes, Parking Machines, and Lengthy Permit Delays

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 Community and Public Services Committee. The agenda includes a report on a transition strategy for housing, shelter operations, mental health supports, and addiction treatment services currently funded by the City but that Council believes are under the jurisdiction of the Government of Alberta. The plan aims to shift financial and operational responsibility to the Province while ensuring continuity of services. Later today, at 1:30 pm, there will be a meeting of the Special Executive Committee. The Committee will discuss minor changes to the City’s Public Engagement Policy, designating the Stewart Residence as a Municipal Historic Resource, and whether or not to reinstate the Development Incentive Program. Also on the agenda is the Community Revitalization Levy. If the meeting does not conclude on time, it will continue on Wednesday at 9:30 am.
  
  
• On Tuesday, the Agenda Review Committee will meet at 8:30 am, and the Urban Planning Committee will meet at 9:30 am. At the latter meeting, the Committee will discuss regulating sleeping arrangements at shelters.
  
  
• Edmonton will remove all EPark payment machines starting April 14th, transitioning to a fully mobile-based parking system by July 31st. Drivers will need to use the HotSpot app, website, or phone service to pay for parking, with QR codes posted at parking locations for convenience. The change comes as the City's contract with Precise ParkLink expires, and replacing outdated machines would cost $2.8 million. The transition will occur in phases, with downtown and City parkades among the last locations to switch. The City is also eliminating two-hour time limits in on-street EPark zones during certain hours to accommodate longer visits.

Last Week In Edmonton:

• Edmonton business owners have been voicing frustration over long permit delays, with some waiting months or even a year to receive approval, costing them tens of thousands in rent and expenses. Salon owner April Brown has spent months navigating the process, incurring heavy debt, while pub owner Dave Bowie had to repeatedly call City departments to move his application forward. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reports that businesses are choosing nearby municipalities like St. Albert and Spruce Grove due to Edmonton’s slow permitting system. City officials defend their process, claiming Edmonton is a national leader in permit approvals and is implementing automation and AI to improve efficiency. However, Alberta’s Minister of Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, argues the City must do more. Despite finally securing her permit, Brown says she would not open another business in Edmonton due to the experience.
  
  
• Edmonton Transit Service announced an adjustment to its routes to add 50,000 annual service hours, focusing on busier routes and expanding its fleet with 20 new buses. The 747 route to Edmonton International Airport will see increased frequency, while a new route in Keswick and Glenridding Ravine will replace on-demand transit in April. Starting in June, regular service in Riverdale, Belgravia/Windsor Park, and Lendrum/Malmo will shift to on-demand transit. Some school routes with low ridership will be reduced or replaced with on-demand service in September, while busy school routes will see more frequent service. The City says these changes are data-driven, aiming to improve efficiency while working within budget constraints. More details on the adjustments will be available in April and May.
  
  
• Rod Loyola, a longtime Alberta NDP MLA, announced his candidacy for the federal Liberals in Edmonton Gateway just a day after resigning his provincial seat. Loyola described the upcoming federal election as crucial and voiced strong support for Liberal Leader Mark Carney, praising his leadership on cutting the carbon tax, expanding dental care, and improving EI. His resignation from Edmonton-Ellerslie triggers the third Alberta byelection since 2023, following departures by Rachel Notley and Shannon Phillips. Edmonton Gateway is one of two new federal ridings in the city, alongside Edmonton Southeast.

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