Week in Review - June 3, 2016
June 03, 2016
Mayor Iveson, serving as Chair of the Big City Mayors’ Caucus (BCMC), had the opportunity to address elected members of the federal government and their supporters last Saturday in Winnipeg. Mayor Iveson highlighted the amount of positive change that can occur when all three orders of government are in alignment in curbing carbon emissions. Municipalities, the government closest to the people, are ready to work with their provincial and federal counterparts on serious issues like reconciliation, economic development, and climate change.
The provincial government made a highly anticipated announcement Tuesday as they unveiled their proposed amendments to the Municipal Government Act (MGA). This comprises the province’s first major review of the legislation governing Alberta’s municipalities since 1995.
This is a beast of an act, which is the province's second most complex legislation on the books. The real story here is that municipalities will be given greater authority to make their own decisions and also enhance regional cooperation amongst municipalities. Mayor Iveson posted his initial thoughts on the amendments to “modernize” the MGA on his personal blog, spotlighting some of the strongly needed changes like addressing regional growth planning.
The amendments are not final yet as the province takes the summer to consult Albertans. Edmontonians will have a chance to give their input on the act on June 13th, with registration still open for the morning session.
At Tuesday’s Executive Committee meeting there was movement towards establishing a Community Development Corporation (CDC) and discussion of how to deal with problem properties in Edmonton’s core. The creation of a CDC supports EndPoverty Edmonton’s goal to help invest in affordable housing and uplift neighbourhoods through targeted community economic development. The Committee adopted the Mayor’s motion to recommend that City Council provide funding to prepare a business case on a CDC model that would work for Edmonton and its high-need neighbourhoods. Council will discuss this item in just over a week.
The problem property conversation at Committee focused on addressing concerns over properties where there are numerous complaints or where use of the property is negatively impacting the community. Tuesday’s report recommended that the current, temporary multi-agency inspection team be formalized into a task force that is responsible for proactively identifying and addressing problem properties. A further report is due back later this year on enforcement options for the task force.
Mayor Iveson is back in Winnipeg this week to attend the annual conference for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Mayor Iveson is taking time to discuss issues of mutual importance with his fellow mayoral colleagues and leaders like Perry Bellegarde, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and federal ministers in attendance. One of the most significant issues to come up again at the conference is the need for affordable housing and ensuring the federal government follows through on its promises to support this housing.
So ends another week in the Mayor’s Office. Looking for something fun to do this upcoming week? First make sure to check out the kick-off to Pride Week in Edmonton with the parade this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in Old Strathcona! Have a hankering for more entertainment? Well the NEXTFEST started yesterday and ends on the 12th, make sure to check this delightful festival featuring Edmonton’s emerging artists.
Have a great weekend!
For More Information
Mayor Don Iveson
2nd Floor, City Hall
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, AB
T5J 2R7
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