Message from the Mayor

 With an ambitious vision, exciting new projects and engaged citizens, Edmonton continues to make great strides in shaping our city into one that is increasingly vibrant, innovative, inclusive and sustainable and as Mayor I would like to share with you some of what we have been working on.

Edmonton continues to weather the global economic reality well, continuing to see steady growth. Our population, employment and economic growth are all outpacing municipalities across the country and, in fact, most parts of the world. We have recognized that to keep pace, we must invest in our infrastructure. Over the past 10 years, we have funded nearly $9 billion in infrastructure projects across the city. Today, citizens have access to new recreation facilities, police and fire stations, libraries, LRT lines, roads and bridges. This level of investment is unprecedented in our city’s history.

Building a great city is about much more than urban planning, it’s about offering citizens an exceptional quality of life. We have focused on attracting new people and investment and providing the services to retain them. Beyond the dynamic city life and culture we offer, Edmonton is a city that is open to new ideas, and there are unique opportunities for Edmontonians to become involved in shaping the future of their city so it can remain the place of choice for generations to come.

Edmonton will continue to position ourselves as a world leader in waste management with our Waste to Bio-fuels facility scheduled to open in 2013. This facility will produce methanol and ethanol and will reduce the demand for biofuels and help the City to increase its diversion from landfill rate to 90%. Municipalities across the world are studying our system as a model of innovation and excellence.

Revitalizing our downtown core remains a priority. The City Centre Redevelopment will be one of the largest urban renewal projects in Canada and when completed will house more than 25,000 people. It will be a model of creativity and environmental sustainability, incorporating the very best in architecture, design and urban planning. The new downtown arena, Royal Alberta Museum and proposed arts district will see this area become the arts and culture hub, an exciting place for Edmontonians and visitors alike to gather and enjoy. Projects like The Quarters Downtown and Boyle Renaissance are breathing new life into some of the more challenged parts of the city.

I am proud of the unparalleled leadership and commitment of our City Council, who in cooperation with our businesses, communities and citizens, are helping to ensure a strong and successful future for Edmonton.

My Council colleagues and I welcome questions and ideas on any of the information in this 2012 State of the City Report or the municipal services the City of Edmonton offers.

Mayor Stephen Mandel

For more information:

Corporate Communications

3rd Floor, City Hall
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7

Telephone	780-496-8208
Fax	780-496-8297