Council Roundup – August 29, 2012

August 30, 2012

City Council endorses the Canadian Urban Transit Association’s (CUTA) Transit Vision 2040

Transit Vision 2040 is CUTA's long-term public transit strategy to make communities more liveable, economically robust and environmentally healthy. This vision aligns with City Council's vision for 2040 as an innovative, inclusive and creative city. It is a blueprint for the role of public transit in optimizing access and mobility for Canadian communities over a 30 year timeframe, equivalent to one human generation.

Hours of operation of body rub parlours amended

Council passed an amendment to the bylaw that regulates the operation of body rub parlours, changing the hours of operation from 24 hours a day to 7am to 11pm. The change will help reduce crime and ensure the health and safety of individuals working in the industry.

Council receives budget surplus report

Council received a report projecting that, based on second-quarter financial results, tax-supported operations could end the year with a $10.6 million surplus. The projected surplus is due in part to lower debt servicing costs, and savings resulting from delays in hiring personnel. Any actual surplus at the end of the year is directed to the Financial Stabilization Fund.

City Council honours individuals instrumental in the building of City Hall

To mark the 20th anniversary of Edmonton City Hall, City Council recognized Gene Dub, Al Maurer and Jan Reimer. Dub, a former alderman, was the architect for the building. Maurer led the construction of City Hall on behalf of the City and Reimer was Edmonton’s Mayor on the day the building opened. Each was thanked for their leadership and dedication to the landmark building.

City Council congratulates and celebrates City of Edmonton staff

A number of City of Edmonton employees were honoured by Council for their exceptional work and dedicated service. This included:

• Winners of the Charles Labatiuk Awards, which are given to City of Edmonton employees who find ways to reduce the environmental impact of their work.
• Staff from the Urban Planning and Environment Branch for winning a Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) award for The Way We Green, the City’s environmental strategic plan.
• Employees from the Office of Infrastructure Funding and Strategies who were honoured by the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering with the first-ever Award for Governmental Leadership in Sustainable Infrastructure.