Levy extension debate ongoing as Edmonton council considers motions on OEG deal
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The extension of the CRL would allow the city to borrow against future tax revenue until 2044, funding major revitalization projects in the city's core.
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Two motions on the table
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The first motion, introduced during Friday's public hearing, would refer Bylaw 21158 back to administration and direct the mayor to seek written confirmation from the Government of Alberta on which of the listed catalyst projects must be included for the province to support the revised CRL.
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If no response is received by July 31, administration is to return with the bylaw as currently drafted for a final council decision.
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A second motion, added during the debate, would also refer the bylaw back — this time directing administration to return after council has considered the master agreement between the City of Edmonton and OEG. The agreement outlines the terms of their public-private partnership and is central to understanding the commitments tied to the proposed developments.
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OEG projects at the centre of dispute
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The moves come as councillors continue to grapple with public and political pressure around the $624-million Downtown revitalization package.
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While the proposal includes a broad range of projects, from transit infrastructure and attainable housing incentives to the Winspear Centre expansion, the two OEG-related projects, a $250-million event park and infrastructure for the Village at Ice District, have divided council and the community.
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Supporters urge action
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Despite the controversy, supporters of the bylaw continued to make their case during Friday's public hearing, with speakers urging council not to let the momentum for Downtown revitalization slip away.
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Joumana Ghandour, general manager of the Westin Edmonton, called the bylaw 'a smarter, more affordable way to revitalize our core,' emphasizing the economic ripple effect of cultural and public-space investments Downtown.
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'Projects like the Winspear expansion and Oilers Fan Park aren't just cultural venues. They're drivers of Downtown's comeback directly impacting my day-to-day business,' she told council. 'Any further delay risks losing hard-won momentum, and with it the surge in potential occupancy for my business, jobs, investment and community vibrancy that this development will deliver.'
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