Council Round Up - May 2, 2012

May 02, 2012

No idling in front of schools and hospitals

Council has passed a by-law preventing vehicles from idling in designated areas outside of schools and hospitals. The bylaw will take effect January 1, 2013. The bylaw is designed to protect Edmonton's most vulnerable citizens from the effects of vehicle exhaust. The bylaw applies when temperatures are above 0°C. Vehicles licensed for transporting people, such as school buses and ambulances, are exempt from the bylaw. A public awareness campaign and signage will be the first steps in implementing the bylaw.

More than $2.5 million in community investment grants approved

Hundreds of community organizations will receive more than $2.5 million in 2012 Community Investment Operating Grants. The organizations ranging from multicultural groups to social services agencies to recreation associations will use these grants to offer a wide variety of programs and services to citizens, strengthening the community and improving livability.

Council approves festival and event grant funding

City Council approved $85,000 in grant funding to support some of Edmonton’s most popular annual festivals and events including Earth Day, the Sourdough Raft Race and River City Round Up. An additional $128,400 was also approved for seed funding to 12 local non-profit organizations to establish new and emerging festivals including the Edmonton Comedy Festival and the Thousand Faces Festival.

Southeast to West LRT development

City Council approved the City’s recommendations for funding the Southeast to West LRT line, subject to funding from the other orders of government. This new line will continue to build on Edmonton’s growing transportation system, providing access to thousands more citizens.

Amendment to the Highway Transfer Agreement

City Council approved an amendment to the Highway Transfer Agreement between the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta that will make way for construction of the final northeast leg of Anthony Henday Drive. The Province hopes to start construction this spring with completion scheduled for 2016. This final leg will improve the transportation system within Edmonton and provide a vital link for continued growth in the Capital Region.

Liquid natural gas bus pilot project approved

The City will purchase two compressed natural gas buses as part of a pilot project to analyze the future potential of incorporating natural gas buses into the City’s fleet. Council also approved funding for five diesel replacement buses and the refurbishment of current buses. The total cost of these projects is $9.641 million.

Council adjust infrastructure spending plan

Council adjusted the City’s three-year 2012-2014 capital budget by allocating additional funding to several major infrastructure projects, including upgraded closed circuit TV systems in police facilities and completion of Heritage Valley Fire Station. The funding results from reallocation of $5.9 million unspent on other projects and the addition of $2.4 million in further Municipal Sustainability Initiative grants from the provincial government.