Economic Development
This quarter, economic development has been at the forefront of our work. Once it was announced that the city would be presented with a refreshed economic strategy, we began speaking with administration and local businesses, ranging from business associations to individual business leaders about what needs to be included.
Following our engagement efforts, we ensured that the concerns we heard were reflected in the strategy, including ideas such as an expansion credit, guaranteed permit and license times, and grant programs for vacant industrial lots. This strategy forms the basis of conversations we will have during budget deliberations to put the required resources in place, giving our refreshed economic strategy every possible chance to succeed.
Best Sports in Canada
This quarter began with us packing Commonwealth Stadium in the pouring rain, and that momentum carried on throughout the months that followed. Sport Edmonton announced the launch of the Capital Power Summer Legends Program, which will provide free, introductory athletics programming at 26 Green Shacks across the city. This momentous partnership will remove barriers and offer kids the chance to experience sports at an early age!
Another great addition to our communities this summer is the introduction of sporting equipment vending machines. These machines offer free equipment to anyone who needs a ball to shoot hoops or kick around.
Council has officially approved the Sports Legacy motion. Beginning in 2027, any incoming sporting event generating an economic impact of over $6 million will be required to leave a tangible legacy piece behind for our community. Edmonton is the only city in Canada with this framework, allowing us to continue leading the country in hosting major sporting events.
Residential Zoning Changes
At the beginning of this quarter, Council approved three updates to our residential zoning bylaws.
First, we’ve lowered the maximum allowable building height from 10.5m to 9.5m to provide a bit of relief regarding new infill developments.
Second, we have updated the multi-family rezoning process. Larger row housing and low-rise developments will now only be considered along arterial roads if they are either within 400 meters of mass transit or located on a corner lot that fits the local neighborhood character.
Third, we expanded the landscape securities program to small-scale residential developments. This update introduces a mandatory financial deposit and a strict timeline to go along with it. Once a landscape inspector verifies that the trees and shrubs are properly installed, up to 80% of the deposit is released. The remaining 20% is held for a 24-month maintenance period to ensure the plants survive and stay healthy before the final funds are returned.
Rally 4 The Road
The winds are changing along Stony Plain Road! This quarter, our office hosted a community clean-up event, and now we are hosting our Patio Party with the Grindstone Theatre in the heart of Stony Plain Road at The Orange Hub. This vibrant community event is our opportunity to showcase what the future of this historic corridor can look like.
Other significant milestones include the demolition of the old Revolution Cycle building and the clean-up of the burnt down Jasper Place Hotel. Both of these moments mark a significant step forward for our area, signaling that long-awaited investment and revitalization are officially coming to our road.
West-End Forward
This quarter, we officially broke ground on the Whitemud expansion, marking a massive milestone for infrastructure in the west end!
Up next, the expansion of Winterburn Road will be presented during the upcoming budget, and it already appears to be a major priority for our council colleagues. Together, these vital projects represent a huge leap forward in improving traffic flow, enhancing safety, and getting you where you need to go faster.
Lastly, we are also making progress on the Valley Line West LRT, with construction steadily tracking toward a 2028 completion. Milestones are being hit across the line, including the completion of elevated track segments by West Edmonton Mall and Misericordia Hospital, alongside ongoing track installation along Stony Plain Road.
This summer, construction in the west end will continue in full force with work on 87 Avenue, as well as track installation and localized utility work along Stony Plain Road and 156 Street. These final road configurations are an exciting sign that we are nearing the finish line, and we appreciate your continued patience as we build a more connected city.