Council Roundup - July 18, 2012

July 18, 2012

Council approves schematic arena design

City Council approved the schematic design for the proposed downtown arena and reaffirmed a budget of $450 million for the arena, setting the stage for the project team to continue to evolve the designs so that a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for construction can be secured. The team expects to return to Council early 2013 with more detailed (60% completed) designs and the GMP, which must be approved by both Council and the Katz Group before construction can begin.

Council receives city centre development update

An update was provided on the City Centre Redevelopment project including a presentation of the proposed plan by consultants, Perkins+Will. The plan showcased how the site could be transformed into a leading sustainable community featuring a well-developed transportation network, innovative infrastructure, a variety of housing options and world class amenities. A report presenting the cost and revenue forecasts and the proposed phasing for development will be submitted to Council for August 29, 2012 with the full plan expected to be before Council in late 2012.

City Council reviews draft economic development strategy

The Way We Prosper, the long-term economic development strategy for the City of Edmonton, is nearing the final stages of development. City Council reviewed the work done to date, in particular the 5 main goals contained in the draft strategy:

• A Confident and Progressive Global Image
• Internationally Renowned as a Powerhouse of Industry
• An Unrivalled, Competitive Business Climate
• An Environment for Innovation
• A Vibrant, Livable City

The strategy will now be finalized for City Council final approval in the fall of 2012.

City image and reputation task force established

During consultation for The Way We Prosper, community and business leaders expressed a strong desire to better define and communicate Edmonton’s identity. Image and reputation-building will be a key outcome of the plan. Two volunteer champions, Maureen McCaw and Chris LaBossiere, will co-lead a community task force to connect with a broad range of stakeholders and Edmontonians to develop a strategy and implementation plan to continue to move the city forward on the national and international stage.

Revised Body Rub Bylaw sent back to executive committee

Council has sent the revised Body Rub Bylaw, which proposes to restrict hours of operation for body rub centres from 7am to 11pm, back to Executive Committee to provide more time to hear from industry representatives. Letters will be sent to all body rub centre owners and practitioners inviting them to appear before committee in September 2012.

City Council approves Fire Rescue Master Plan

With its central focus on public service, the Master Plan represents Fire Rescue’s commitment to Edmontonians to make our city safer and more livable. Aligned with the City of Edmonton’s 10-year strategic plan, and based on work that led to Fire Rescue’s 2010 accreditation with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, the 2012 Fire Rescue Master Plan will guide decisions related to Fire Rescue’s mission for the next 5 years.

 

For more information:

Melissa Lovatt

Corporate Communications

Title	Senior Communications Advisor
Telephone	780-944-5585 780-719-0544 (cell)