Not sure if you saw this in the Edmonton Journal, but Mayor Sohi put out an oped two weeks ago that I wanted to share: "Edmonton can close fiscal gap without sacrificing services.
I also included another important oped about what creates homelessness below and an invitation to learn more about climate action in your local community.
I was pleased to see the Globe and Mail Editorial Board as well as the CMHC put out favorable reports this week that Edmonton is a leader in building a home for everyone. This isn't just new market housing, but also non-market and affordable housing too. You or someone you love may need a new home soon, and a supply shortage helps landlords not renters, especially in a time of rapid population growth (Edmonton is growing 5% per year and we're at 1.15 million people).
“To me, it’s very simple. Number one, we have to curb urban sprawl. Number two, we need the province to pay their bills and pay their taxes. And number three, we need to focus on renewal, not building new. It’s really that simple.”
FireSmart Canada Community Preparedness Meeting:
Wednesday August 28th, 7:00pm
Strathcona Community League Hall
10139 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2P3
Earlier this summer, Leduc Mayor Bob Young took a page out of the same, shameful, inhumane playbook and pushed forward a policy that Leduc would close the winter shelter in their community with the express intention of shipping the needy into Edmonton.
“The premier did not take questions from journalists Thursday, but a spokesperson confirmed the province is still hammering out a deal with the city and the Oilers Entertainment Group to “explore” which downtown projects will be funded.
I would love to take that $330 million and use it as seed funding to ignite housing growth downtown. To see it going into new housing, new parks, new transit, new infrastructure,” said Michael Janz, an Edmonton city councillor.”
What you may not know, is that Edmonton City Council has also provided record investment into 24/7 crisis diversion through REACH, bringing their funding up to $5.3 Million in 2024. The stats are impressive.
Earlier this week I had a chance to reconnect with a neighbour, Melanie (Video Link), who for the past five years has been struggling with a problem property next door to her, which has finally now been demolished.
We are rapidly growing as a city, but how we grow can either lead to financial benefit or loss. For example, urban sprawl loses municipalities money but infill (building in and up in existing areas close to existing services and amenities) generates revenue-- but just how much?
Let's look at the taxation data...
We all deserve the ability to enjoy getting outside, a patio, or to sleep with our windows open during the summertime free from the deafening whines and bangs from noisy vehicles....
