Weekly Update - June 13, 2022
Happy Monday everyone!
I wanted to circle back and recap last week.
A highlight for me was having the opportunity to attend the Roots for Trees planting event on June 4th and declare June Indigenous History Month in Edmonton. I encourage you all to check out the many other events happening in our community this month (https://www.edmonton.ca/.../sche.../indigenous-history-month)
Last Monday, I spent the day learning all about how utility rates are set. We covered a range of considerations that need to be taken into account to ensure fair and sustainable rates, and also the policy tools we have to shape the underlying values that inform the structures, including conservation and equity. I'm excited to put this training to use through my work on Utility Committee.
At Council, we had a number of in-depth conversations on a range of topics.
One was amendments to the Conduct of Transit Passengers Bylaw. I was initially concerned this would be a return to the loitering bylaw that disproportionately impacted BIPOC community members and those experiencing homelessness, but I became convinced that the amended bylaw is an important tool for tackling inappropriate behaviours in transit stations. To ensure this doesn’t result in racial profiling or criminalizing poverty, I’ve asked for ongoing reporting in advance of further refinements coming forward later this summer as a result of an excellent motion made by Councillor Rutherford earlier this year. I hope this additional work can add even greater clarity in the bylaw to make it as functional and equitable as possible.
Another key issue was our approach to police funding. After a productive conversation, a majority of my colleagues supported implementing a refined funding formula approach. While I had wanted to see a return to budget packages, I believe the new funding formula can still provide an excellent opportunity for us to gain a better understanding of EPS budget allocations and how we can create a sustainable funding model for community safety moving forward. I look forward to further conversations ahead!
River valley planning was also up for discussion and I'm pleased that we've directed City staff to scope out the work required to create a mountain bike trail network. I think this approach can help accommodate both the recreation and ecological functions of the river valley.
Advancing a new transit garage to support future service growth and exploring the potential for park space acquisition in Inglewood were two other highlights among much more Council business!
At public hearing, we approved a commercial rezoning for health services up on 111 Avenue and the new Greenlong Towers at Jasper and 115 Street. I was glad to have my colleagues' support to reduce the sunset clause in this zone from 10 to 7 years. This helps ensure that if the project doesn't go ahead, the land doesn't sit idle for an extended period.
This week has started off with some wrapping up of items from Council's agenda last week. I was thrilled that Council approved the pilot closure of 102 Avenue earlier today. I appreciate there are businesses and residents who are skeptical about this approach and I absolutely understand the concerns they've raised. Allowing the pilot to run this summer will give us an opportunity to see if it can be workable before we debate the permanent closure later this fall - so for those that supported this idea, it's time to help bring this vision to life! If you have an idea for an event or activity 102 Avenue, please reach out and I'll do everything I can to help.
I hope everyone has a good week ahead!
