Community and public services committee meets on Jan. 31, executive committee is scheduled for Feb. 2, and utility committee is on Feb. 4. Here are some of the key items scheduled to be considered:
- Executive committee will review a recommendation to council about the budget adjustments necessary to convert the Coliseum Inn to supportive housing. This project was funded under the federal government's Rapid Housing Initiative. If approved, the project will provide 98 new units of supportive housing for Edmontonians experiencing homelessness or in severe need of housing.
- Community and public services committee will get a report on the results of the alcohol consumption in river valley parks pilot project. The data gathered indicates that the majority of people using designated sites followed the rules and regulations, while most violations were related to alcohol consumption outside of designated areas. Alcohol is no longer permitted in parks now that the pilot project has ended, but a permanent program could be established by city council.
- Utility committee will hear about progress on the Edmonton Cart Rollout project, after approximately 250,000 homes received a garbage cart and food scraps/organics cart in 2021. The new method of sorting and putting out waste is part of the city's 25-year waste strategy. The report found that as of December 2021, more than 98% of carts were being set out properly.
Here's what else is on the agenda:
- Executive committee will hear about previous council decisions on the sale of greenfield residential land holdings as well as the history of enterprise land development. This report will be provided because in early December, councillors Michael Janz and Jo-Anne Wright motioned to reinstate the greenfield residential/mixed-use land development program in the Aster, Goodridge Corners, and Schonsee neighbourhoods.
- An update will be provided on the Rosenthal Park Site Outdoor Recreational Facility, which proposes two covered artificial ice surfaces and an amenity building. The facility is a partnership between Active Communities Alberta and the Rosenthal Community League. It would be the first of its kind in Edmonton.
- The community and public services committee will also hear about policy options for alternative financing tools to support the construction, operations, and maintenance of city recreation centres. The traditional funding sources are tax-supported debt, grants, and the property tax levy.
- An operational update will be provided about snow and ice control so far this winter. Administration has initiated a trial to look at the cost and feasibility of windrow removal, and the results will be reported at community and public services committee at the end of April.
- Utility committee will hear about the regulatory reporting requirements that EPCOR Water Services Inc. must follow for the water, drainage, and wastewater treatment services it provides the city.
Meetings are streamed live on city council's YouTube channel.
Photo: A food scraps cart sits alongside a blue bag for recyclables. City of Edmonton