City Council continues to meet in a hybrid environment to discuss urban planning, higher energy efficiency standards and mental health statistics.
Community and Public Services Committee meeting on February 26th, City Planning Commission meeting on February 27th, Executive Committee meeting on February 28th, and City Auditor Hiring Committee meeting on February 29th. is planned.
The main items on the agenda are:
- More details in the report 14 goals of urban planning And establish a baseline to measure success. The goals include keeping the city’s net carbon emissions below 135 million tonnes and becoming net neutral by 2050. But the report suggests that at the city’s current pace, its carbon budget will be depleted by 2037, 13 years ahead of schedule. Another goal is for him to welcome 600,000 new residents to Edmonton’s redevelopment area, commonly defined as within Anthony Henday Drive. The current reference population is approximately 811,000. One of the goals is for 50% of residents’ trips to be by public transit or active transportation. The baseline is 15%, measured in 2015. The city said this rate has remained stable for the past 30 years and requires a “different and innovative approach.” This goal also includes ensuring that no one has core housing needs, meaning that the home is appropriately sized and costs less than 30% of pre-tax income. The baseline for people in core housing need is the 2016 measurement, when nearly 50,000 residents faced such challenges.
- There are limits to city enforcement. Higher energy efficiency standards This is due to recent changes in state law that could encourage and incentivize builders, according to a report presented at the City Planning Commission meeting. In June 2022, the City Council asked the administration to investigate ways the city could claim more energy savings than the federal building code. The latest federal law has five stages, he said, that gradually reduce energy consumption to net zero. States choose which level they require. Alberta is scheduled to adopt the first least efficient tier on May 1. The city said it may work with stakeholders to advocate for higher tiers and explore incentives for greener construction. He said the city’s ability to push for stricter regulations is limited, but outlines opportunities in climate planning and development. Council is expected to receive a report on this approach next quarter.
- Approximately 35,000 people visited Edmonton’s emergency rooms; addiction or mental health A report to be considered at the Community and Public Services Committee meeting on February 26 reveals the reasons for this between 2022 and 2023. According to the report, nearly 5,000 people were admitted to addiction and mental health services between 2022 and 2023. % increase from 2019 to 2020. The report also notes that between 2022 and 2023, more than 1,200 people in Edmonton used detox and recovery services and 1,500 people used opioid addiction programs. The report states there are 384 detox and recovery beds in Edmonton. city.
Other topics on the agenda are:
- The city is considering Preemptively upzone an area It is planned to become denser, ahead of concrete development proposals. If the plan is approved, the city will select four to six “priority growth areas” and recommend new zones, but any changes would require a public hearing in the first quarter of 2025. .
- City officials are considering introducing mandatory energy labels for new buildings. His EnerGuide rating is mandatory for refrigerators and dishwashers, so consumers can compare the amount of energy they use. The rating system has been expanded to indicate household energy consumption, but is not required. The city said in its report that requiring single-family homes, duplexes and some apartment buildings to display their energy consumption could be a useful tool to increase energy literacy. But some have told the city the cost could be prohibitive. His EnerGuide valuation for new homes can be up to $500. EnerGuide ratings are not available for large residential or commercial buildings.
- Lease that allows Edmonton Arts Habitat Association Renting Rossdale’s Ortona Armory at below-market rates will be considered at the Feb. 28 executive committee meeting. Previously, the building operated through licenses between the city and various artists and organizations. Under the new agreement, the association would rent the building for $1 a year, be responsible for operating costs, property taxes and repairs, and create and contribute to a reserve fund. In December, the City Council approved a three-year funding agreement to cover the difference in expenses and revenue during the first few years of the lease agreement.
- The administration is recommending a non-competitive procurement so that the company that built much of Blatchford’s underground facilities and roads can continue working on the project. MAP Water and sewerage services Stages 2, 3 and 5 of Blatchford West are being competitively procured, and the city hopes to extend the contract with the company to include stage 6. This stage includes the construction of a fire station, which should be built this year to replace the existing fire station nearby. The city says the Yellowhead Trail Expressway will be closed as a result of the diversion. The contract extension is said to be worth $27 million. The Executive Committee is scheduled to discuss non-competitive procurement at its February 28th meeting.
- The administration has identified pop up dog park Nine districts received positive feedback and have the potential to become permanent, according to a report compiled for the Community and Public Services Committee meeting. The initiative will cost $642,000 in initial construction and about $20,000 in annual operating costs. county. Michael Jantz told CBC Edmonton these parks offer a high return on investment. “This is one of the biggest ‘bang for the buck’ things we can do as a municipality…We know there are as many dogs in Edmonton as there are children, if not more. . So we know that dogs are really important. They build community and bring neighbors together.”
- The city said it plans to proceed with a feasibility study. regional energy system Located in River Crossing, Exhibition Land, Bonny Doon, and Heritage Valley. District energy systems consist of energy centers that generate zero-emission thermal energy to heat, cool, and energy buildings throughout the neighborhood. The city is building a district energy hub at 102A Avenue and 97 Street downtown, based on the Winspear Center expansion. The project’s cost increased from $28 million to $36 million, its scope was reduced, and it only provided space heating instead of heat and power. At that time, Count. “Knowing the current economic climate we’re in and knowing where else we want to focus our efforts to combat climate change, this type of operating loss is a year-over-year increase,” Erin Rutherford said. “We cannot support this project because it falls within the following range.” 1.5 million dollars and 3 million dollars. ”
- Councilors will receive a closed report during the meeting. City Auditor Recruitment Committee February 29th meeting.
The meeting will be streamed live on the Chamber and River Valley Room channels on YouTube.
