Latest news with #CityofEdmonton
CBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CBC
City of Edmonton renewal investment shortfall sits at $1.5B: report
City of Edmonton administration and council will discuss next week how to balance growing the city while maintaining existing infrastructure, after a new administrative report found a shortfall of $1.5 billion for the 2023-26 capital budget. The city has $34 billion worth of infrastructure and assets, including roads, recreation centres, parks, pools, fire halls, transit and community spaces. But only 54 per cent of funding is going toward maintenance and renewal, the report says. Ward Métis Coun. Ashley Salvador said the report was not surprising. She has put forward measures like a dedicated fund to mitigate underfunding renewal. "Over time, if we're not taking care of all of our infrastructure and assets, we start to see potential service declines. We see that infrastructure falling into disrepair, which ultimately is more costly for Edmontonians," Salvador told CBC News. "We can have a dedicated fund in place to predictably and sustainably take care of our existing infrastructure." Salvador said Edmonton, like other North American cities, has spread itself thin, sprawling "quite quickly." But she said the city didn't have "an adequate line of sight as to how we're actually going to pay for all of that infrastructure." The municipal government needs to understand the full life cycle costs of all its assets when it builds new facilities, roads and communities near the edge of the city, she said. "We need to be able to not only build them at the outset and pay for the growth of those assets, but have sustainable funding," Salvador said. In March, city council voted to support the creation of a dedicated renewal fund. Provincial funding Ward Dene Coun. Aaron Paquette has concerns over provincial cuts to infrastructure funding for municipalities, saying the Alberta government "massively reduced" the amount provided. "For us, that's meant over $1 billion lost in unconstrained infrastructure dollars," Paquette said. Unconstrained funding can be used without specific restrictions or limitations. Paquette said, at this point, nothing essential will be immediately impacted, but mitigating costs will help future taxpayers. "The reason we have this deficit is through provincial cuts and through, obviously, inflation and some of these tariff discussions," he said. "But it's our job to sort of accommodate for that and provide policy and direction that, again, will shield residents." In an emailed statement to CBC News on Friday, Minister of Municipal Affairs Dan Williams said the provincial government is stepping up to meet the challenge and ensure Edmontonians "have access to world-class public infrastructure." Williams said the city received $179 million through the Local Governance Fiscal Framework, an increase of more than 13 per cent from last year. He noted that, in this year's budget, the provincial government increased amounts paid through its Grants in Place of Taxes program to 75 per cent, with plans to increase amounts to 100 per cent next year. The program lets the Alberta government give municipalities grants instead of paying property taxes on its properties within those communities. The move came after municipalities across Alberta voiced concern to the provincial government over the impact of cuts to grants in place of taxes in recent decades. Williams said the City of Edmonton will receive roughly $28.6 million in funding through the grant, up more than $10.5 million from last year. The provincial capital plan currently sits at $26.1 billion. It includes $1.6 billion for LRT expansion projects, $190 million for the expansions of Terwillegar Drive and Yellowhead Trail in Edmonton and $106 million to revitalize downtown Edmonton.
CTV News
7 days ago
- General
- CTV News
New northwest Edmonton neighbourhood prioritizes healthy lifestyle: city
Plans for new northwest Edmonton neighbourhood Goodridge Corners. (City of Edmonton) Goodridge Corners in northwest Edmonton is the city's frontier neighbourhood, with the public sale process beginning today. A statement from the City of Edmonton says the neighbourhood will be 'a compact and walkable neighbourhood that prioritizes the environment, a healthy lifestyle and diverse housing options.' The neighbourhood plan also emphasizes pedestrian and cycling connectivity with a network of green spaces and paths. Interested applications can enter a draw for the right to purchase one of the lots. The deadline to enter the draw is June 8 at 11:59 p.m. Previous lot draws for city neighbourhood developments have attracted over 100,000 public applicants, said the city. Forty-one single detached lots are available with a mix of front drive and lane access. Lot prices start at $152,000. The city says the development requires builders to follow Built Green Canada standards, an industry standard program for energy-efficient and environmentally responsible construction.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
City closes compost giveaway early due to high demand
While Edmontonians eagerly plant their gardens this spring, the city announced it will be closing its annual compost giveaway early due to high demand. Since the giveaway started on April 22, more than 11,000 Edmonton residents have collected over 1,900 tonnes of free compost. Free compost will still be available at the Ambleside and Kennedale eco stations until May 31 while supplies last. The city said that if more compost becomes available, it may reopen the giveaway program later this year. Bulk horticultural and agricultural compost is still available for sale. The city said funds from the commercial sale of compost help maintain a steady waste utility rate and allow the city to offer excess compost to residents through the annual giveaway. The city launched its green bin program in 2021.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Forest Heights trails closed for aggressive moose search
A trail in Edmonton's Forest Heights neighbourhood was closed May 26, 2025, for a search for an aggressive moose and her calf. (Source: Facebook / City of Edmonton) Public trails in Forest Heights were closed on Monday because of sightings of an aggressive moose and calf. Fish and wildlife officers were deployed to search for the animal. All trails were closed in the northern part of the neighbourhood between the Riverside Golf course and Wayne Gretzky Drive. CTV News Edmonton has asked the city for an update. According to Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, moose are not normally aggressive but a cow moose with a calf may charge if she feels threatened. Officials told the public not to approach calves, as mothers are very protective and usually nearby. Warning signs of an agitated moose include raised neck and back hair, pinned ears, snorting or lip licking. Sightings can be reported to 310-0000 or 1-800-642-3800 after hours. More to come…
CTV News
21-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
How to use City of Edmonton services if postal service stops
In case of mail service interruption that could start later this week because of a pending Canada Post workers strike, the City of Edmonton has alternatives for services that would be affected. More than 55,000 mail workers across Canada could go on strike starting at 12 a.m. ET on Friday, bringing mail and parcel deliveries to a halt. City bills Paying facility rentals, uninsured damages to city property, rent and leases can continue to be paid online, through their bank, by phone or in person at the Edmonton Service Centre. Property taxes Due on June 30; Pay at most banks, by phone or online banking; Do not pay by mail as cheques may not be received in time. Traffic, bylaw offence tickets For City of Edmonton bylaw tickets (e.g. parking tickets), pay online or in person at the Edmonton Service Centre. Provincial violation tickets Pay online at Alberta Fine Payments. Pet licensing Renew or purchase a pet licence online or in person at the Animal Care and Control Centre; Renewal notices will not be sent by mail during the service disruption. Development permits and notifications List of applications will be posted online to Public Notices on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Neighbourhood renewal updates Shared on project web pages. Residential parking program permits Lost or damaged ones can be requested online; Pick-up at the Edmonton Service Centre mail counter; Users will be notified when permits are available. Submitting a claim against city Online or call 311; Claim payments may be delayed. Serving city with legal documents Contact Legal Services at legalservicesreception@ or 780-496-7200. Vehicle for hire licences Contact businesslicenceapplications@ to request a notice to pay by email. Business licences
