Weekly Update - Sept 19

Happy Monday and welcome to the weekly update!

Two big items were the Regional Transit Plan I mentioned last week and I am happy to see that proceeding as we make big plans for the Edmonton Metro area. Council also had a special meeting on the capital and operating budgets process that will be starting later in the fall. Our budget will be a critical exercise in balancing the City’s financial reality with the transformative changes we need to build a more resilient, efficient, and inclusive Edmonton.

City Council produced its shortlist of candidates for the Edmonton Police Commission. The caliber of applicants was outstanding and I look forward to the upcoming interview process as we make the final selections for our new colleagues.

The vital role of the Commission in providing civilian oversight was underscored last week with video showing an EPS officer pushing a woman armed with a knife to the ground. I appreciated the immediate review by EPS and the context they were able to add to a very difficult video to watch. We’ll have an opportunity to discuss this further at the Edmonton Police Commission meeting on Thursday September 22nd.

Public Hearing saw just one land use change in O-day’min, with a rezoning in Prince Rupert to allow for a greater mix of commercial uses on a light industrial site.

Council is currently in recess, and I’m off for a few days of rest and relaxation in the mountains, with plenty of exciting happenings in the ward when I return later this week.