Council Roundup - October 17, 2012

October 19, 2012

City Council ceases negotiations and work on Downtown Arena

Negotiations with the Katz Group companies and design work on the proposed downtown arena has stopped, following motions directing City Administration to cease work and to look at other options to advance the project.

Administration will return to Council with a report exploring options to develop a world-class sports and entertainment facility in downtown Edmonton.

Watch raw video of the media interviewing Mayor Stephen Mandel and City Manager Simon Farbrother after the motions were passed.

Southeast to West LRT funding strategy set

City Council approved a funding strategy to expand LRT from Mill Woods in southeast Edmonton to Lewis Farms in the west end, starting with the $1.8 billion line from Mill Woods to downtown.

The financing plan depends on cost sharing with the governments of Canada and Alberta. The City has applied to Public Private Partnerships Canada, a federal Crown Corporation, for funding support. The City’s contribution of $800 million for the southeast line would require a total tax increase of 0.73 per cent or about 0.2 per cent each year for the three years of construction, which could start as early as 2014.

Council’s financing decision affirms the intention to move ahead on the full 27 km low-floor urban line at a total cost of $3.3 billion.

Amendment to Animal Care and Control Bylaw

City Council approved amendments to the Animal Care and Control Bylaw to remove all breed-specific legislation. Under the new bylaw, dogs that are primarily of the breed Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier are no longer automatically considered “restricted” based on their breed and subject to the regulations under the “restricted dog” sections of the bylaw. 

New Business Revitalization Zone in the French Quarter

City Council has approved the formation of a Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) in the city’s French Quarter, located in the Bonnie Doon area on both sides of the Mill Creek ravine. The French Quarter and Area BRZ will capitalize on the unique character of the French-speaking community in the area.

Business Revitalization Zones (BRZs) are commercial areas in Edmonton where business owners work together to promote their areas as vibrant places for shopping, hospitality, manufacturing and other business activities. The French Quarter and Area BRZ is the 12th in Edmonton.

Community Facility Partner Capital Grants awarded

A number of community groups in Edmonton will enhance their public facilities with more than $1 million in partnership funds awarded from the City of Edmonton’s Community Facility Partner Capital Grant Program.

Funding is available to organizations with a focus in at least one of the following key sectors — arts and heritage, multi-cultural, recreation/amateur sport, seniors, social services/community development. Funding will support capital projects that preserve or enhance a facility or to plan or build a new one.

Traffic Bylaw amended

City Council approved amendments to the Traffic Bylaw to increase parking fine amounts in the following areas:

• Parking in no park zones
• No stopping zones and restricted zones
• Parking at expired meters
• Parking without a required permit
• Parking a heavy vehicle in residential areas

The bylaw will take effect January 1, 2013. Changes to the bylaw were designed to help lower the considerable increase in violations seen most of these six areas.

Poverty Reduction Strategy Terms of Reference approved

City Council approved terms of reference for an Edmonton Poverty Reduction Strategy on October 17, 2012, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The initiative, led by Councillors Amarjeet Sohi and Ben Henderson, will seek partnerships with stakeholders committed to decreasing poverty in the city. 

 

For more information:

Melissa Lovatt

Corporate Communications

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