Edmonton Headlines: Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Edmonton is failing in its plan to end homelessness, and banking on the provincial and federal governments to help with the money needed.

I can sort of go two ways on this one. My initial reaction is that a city needs more taxing powers to build housing and increase affordable options, especially if higher levels of government won’t pay up for these needed services. My more cynical reaction is that if the plan is ultimately dependent on everyone else to get housing built, there’s no way Edmonton does this in its initial 10-year timeline, or maybe even in another 10.

The provincial budget is Thursday and the federal one is next week. We’ll know how much money is going to flow to Edmonton, and its plans for housing, in the next week.

If you’d like to provide some input on how things are going, and how things could go, there’s a survey to gather feedback as the plan gets adjusted.

Snow removal

As winter begins to wind down, the City of Edmonton is going to look at everything snow removal. This includes blading of streets, de-icing roads, clearing snow off more paths for people walking and biking, even how much sand is used on streets and parking restrictions.

Some of the ideas that could be considered are from a citizen panel that looked at snow removal last year.

The ultimate goal would be to improve the safety and usability of Edmonton streets, sidewalks and paths.

Police shootings

Edmonton Police have shot a second man in a week. He was rushed to hospital after police shot a man holding a rifle at a busy intersection in north Edmonton.

There’s now a crowdfunding site bringing in money for the widow of a man police shot and killed last week. Circumstances are still under investigation.

In other news…

For the first time in 30 years the Alberta government is considering making significant changes to our labour laws. There will be a survey open until mid-April as part of the legislation update.

The University of Alberta is trying to attract more international students, who aren’t from China.

Edmonton is unlikely to get a new city flag, but could be flying the Treaty 6 and Metis flags on City poles.

If you live near train crossings in north or east Edmonton, it could soon be a little quieter.

Business beat

The renovation of Holland Plaza, from a uniform factory to bustling business hub, has been a great example of using our existing buildings for new uses.

Entrepreneurs are filling Edmonton’s need for black hair services.

We talked yesterday about some of the local implications of marijuana becoming more common as a prescription, and possible decriminalization or legalization. In Leduc, it could be very big business.

Civic Engagement

Executive Committee meets today, beginning at 9:30 a.m. See the agenda online. You can watch or listen to the meeting live.

People living in Newton can attend an open house tonight to see what Neighbourhood Renewal might look like in their community. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at St. Leo’s Elementary School.