City council returns this week after four weeks off for the summer break. Monday, Aug. 9 also marks the reopening of City Hall to the public, with council chambers open at 33% capacity (45 seats available).
Here is what city council will discuss at committee meetings this week:
- The proposed Public Art to Enhance Edmonton's Public Realm policy would consolidate percent for art related policies into one and would establish the Public Art Reserve as "a long-term transparent and predictable funding source" for public art.
- A new Business License Bylaw, which "establishes a more modern framework for licensing and regulating businesses operating in Edmonton," will be considered. If approved, it would take effect on Jan. 17, 2022. The new bylaw would introduce a two-year license option and "a new, simplified fee schedule."
- After engaging with the industry, administration has proposed a new fee structure for cannabis retail stores and aims to "streamline and simplify" all related regulatory processes.
- Amendments to the Public Places Bylaw would strengthen the definition of what qualifies as harassment. The proposed changes include harassment based on race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
- Extensions to agreements with the Edmonton Football Club and Western Food Services for the operation of events and concessions at Commonwealth Stadium and Clarke Stadium will be considered. The Edmonton Elks lost their first game of the shortened CFL season on Saturday night.
- The emergency advisory committee will receive an update on COVID-19 at its meeting on Thursday afternoon. In a statement issued on July 28, Mayor Don Iveson said he was "surprised" by the provincial government's decision to lift remaining public health measures.
Meetings are streamed live on city council's YouTube channel.