Cities across North America are re-thinking Short Term Rentals (STRs). It’s time that Edmonton does the same. According to watchdog, AirDNA.ca, Edmonton has approximately 4.4 thousand active listings such as airBnB or VRBO. And while lobbyists may share the "mom and pop" talking points, data shows that some hosts have as many as 45 properties, hurting affordability and raising rents for everyone else.
Media Coverage: https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2023/09/22/edmonton-short-term-rentals/ (City News Edmonton)
We are taking steps to address the illegal surface parking lots downtown. As one constituent noted, "It’s been far too easy to operate these types of surface parking lots and the revenue these can generate can disincentivize an owner from selling or pursuing redevelopment. To put it in context, if you had a small 50-stall surface parking lot and charged a conservative $125/stall per month that adds up to $75,000/year in gross revenue – a decent income considering the low level of risk and capital required to operate."
Media coverage: https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/ninety-per-cent-of-central-edmonton-surface-parkings-lots-do-not-have-permits-city-staff
Show your support: https://www.ashleysalvador.com/post/unpermitted-parking-lots-shouldn-t-get-a-free-pass
Waiting for the bus? Bad news- Our public transit service hours per capita have been stagnant since 2015. We need your help this November at the fall budget to get more buses moving more often. Worsened by suburban sprawl and significant population growth, we need action. Urgent investments to improve frequency, reliability, safety and rider comfort must be prioritized such as Bus Rapid Transit, improved local connector service, and safety improvements
Media Coverage: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-councillors-transit-future-1.6973407
Show your support: https://www.michaeljanz.ca/bettertransit
With Allendale and Royal Gardens concluding that's, another successful community league day is in the books! Thank you to everyone who came out to show your support and meet your neighbours. This year we hosted a contest called "Best of your community" What would you tell a brand new neighbour about the best of your community? Enter here: https://communityleaguedaycontest.zapier.app/landing
Video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5vkoq2I_9Mo
I recently completed a walkabout with the Deputy Chief of Police, Transit Police Officers, Transit Peace Officers, Maintenance workers and other city staff. All of us agreed that we need greater support from the Provincial government to improve 24/7 shelter spaces and safe places for vulnerable people to go or else they will keep returning to the LRT. It was very clear that the Edmonton Taxpayer is doing far more than their fair share of the lifting when it comes to public safety, and we need the province to step up. Mayor Sohi put together this page with all the actions we are taking and where we need provincial help to ensure everyone is safe and can live with dignity and opportunity.
Take Action: mayorsohi.ca/safety
1) October 1st: Kidical Mass: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2023 - Meet at Aspen Gardens Playground at 3pm - Join us for a ride from Aspen Gardens to Greenfield Playground. This is an opportunity for kids and their grown-ups to ride their bikes (or scooters) together, on city streets. Learn More: https://www.letsbikethere.com/kidical-mass-edmonton
2) October 11th: Online event - Shifter will be releasing an Edmonton-Centric film & hosting an online Discussion: RSVP: https://www.michaeljanz.ca/shifteroct11th
3) October 19th: In conjunction with the Dutch Cycling Embassy, the University of Alberta and MADE Design Week 2023, we will be welcoming guest ambassador Chris Bruntlett. RSVP: https://www.michaeljanz.ca/dutch_cycling_embassy_october_19th
4) November 4th: Pleasantview Dog Park Opening: Saturday 3-5PM: https://www.michaeljanz.ca/pleasantview_dog_park_grand_opening
5) December 13/14th - Welcoming Charles Marohn founder of StrongTowns to Edmonton. Learn more at StrongTowns.org - Learn the underlying reasons why your city is going broke, Gain the knowledge needed to stop bad development practices, Have a plan to make your neighborhood stronger and more prosperous, (EarlyBird Tickets Coming Soon)
Dear Readers, this week’s newsletter is all about better public transit. As of Monday December 8th, you can tap to pay with credit/debit/phone on city buses. This will make it more convenient to take transit when you have visitors, ride occasionally, or forget to refill your ARC card.
But I want to share with you some concerning news about uncertainty related to Federal Public Transit Funding...
As the weather turns colder, we are reminded again of the enormous cost of the social and humanitarian crisis on our streets in the richest province in Canada. As a resident of Whyte avenue, I see it everywhere around me. Just last night, a gentleman huddled in a sleeping bag in the alleyway next door.. The invisible become visible, often in transit stations, bus shelters, libraries, the remnants of public spaces.
Following my last post, (Raw Deal in the Region: Edmonton's Free Rider Problem) when you pay your property taxes, a percentage of your taxes are subsidizing the costs of the region, helping offset the taxes for property owners in the region. How much is that amount? And what do we do about it?
