City Charter

The City of Edmonton and the City of Calgary are working with the Government of Alberta to develop City Charters. A City Charter is a special legislative tool used by the Province to support the unique needs of large cities. City Charters for Edmonton and Calgary would recognize that the two cities are important economic and social drivers, as well as service hubs, for all of Alberta.

A City Charter for Edmonton would redefine the relationship between Edmonton and the Province. It’s expected that a Charter would provide Edmonton with the tools to manage the challenges related to the uniquely different and complex needs of our large city. A City Charter could lead to increased collaboration between the City and the Province, resulting in economic efficiencies and improved service delivery for citizens. Charters could also help Alberta as a whole be more globally competitive, resilient and prosperous.

The vision and guiding principles for a new relationship between the Province and Edmonton are outlined in the Framework Agreement for Charters, which was signed by the Province on October 7, 2014:

• foster mutual respect and open, ongoing collaboration between the City and the Province;
• recognize the contributions of the City to the economic vibrancy and competitiveness of the region and Alberta;
• recognize the administrative capabilities of the City, which supports high levels of autonomy;
• recognize the City’s accountability to its citizens; and
• ensure the City is provided with new and/or enhanced tools, whether economic or administrative, to deliver services to its citizens.

Timeline

The work plan will result in the City Charters being completed and in place by Summer 2017. The City Charters are being developed in three phases:

Phase One involves working with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to provide the cities with increased authority or flexibility in the following areas:

• Governance
• Assessment and taxation - discussions on this topic will continue in Phase Two
• Planning and Development
• Building and Safety Codes
• Ongoing collaboration on matters of mutual interest to the cities and the Province

Phase Two involves working with other Alberta Ministries to develop solutions for complex issues such as:

• Social Policy
• Planning Policy
• Environmental Policy
• Energy Policy/Energy Efficiency
• Transportation Policy
• Economic Policy

Phase Three involves developing a financial framework that will support the needs and challenges of the Province and the two cities.

Public Engagement

Members of the public and stakeholders will have opportunities to provide feedback during the Charter development. Public and stakeholder engagement on the City Charters is scheduled to take place in fall 2016.

For More Information

Yetunde Oke