This week, council is scheduled to vote on changes to the zoning bylaw meant to improve developer compliance on landscaping, a rezoning application in Blatchford, and whether to borrow money to build new ramps on Anthony Henday Drive.
There is a public hearing scheduled on Feb. 3 and a city council meeting scheduled on Feb. 4 and 5.
Here are key items on this week's agenda:
- Council is scheduled to vote on changes to the zoning bylaw in an attempt to improve landscaping for new developments at a public hearing on Feb. 3. The city collects securities from developers to ensure they meet landscaping requirements. In the past, administration collected the full deposit amount before construction began, and developers were 100% compliant with providing securities. In 2017, the city started to collect a smaller security amount after construction was complete to remove a development barrier. Since that change, compliance has fallen to less than 20%, and two-thirds of sites inspected did not comply with landscaping regulations. The proposed bylaw changes would revert regulations to a model that is similar to the one used before 2017.
- Land in Blatchford located between the community's two LRT stops could be opened for development, should council approve a rezoning application at a public hearing on Feb. 3. Administration has proposed rezoning the parcel to allow for buildings of between six and 14 storeys. If council approves the application, crews would begin construction of infrastructure like streets, landscaping, and utilities.
- Council will be asked to approve borrowing $6.55 million to finance the addition of ramps at 137 Avenue NW and Anthony Henday Drive.
- Council is scheduled to vote on the rezoning application pertaining to Beljan Development's project to redevelop St. Anthony School at 10425 84 Avenue NW. The vote was rescheduled from the Jan. 24 public hearing. While the lot's current zoning allows for a building of up to five storeys, the rezoning would allow for a building of up to nine storeys. Some residents oppose the application, saying that redeveloping the parking lot will affect the theatres, businesses, and special events in the area and the new development will congest traffic. Those in support said adding housing will make the neighbourhood more vibrant, and add customers and audiences for the businesses and theatres nearby.
- At a meeting on Feb. 4, council is scheduled to review reports that were presented to various committees in January, like an environmental impact assessment, a grant funding program for affordable housing, and a new bylaw banning the sale of knives at convenience stores.
- Council will meet in private to discuss collective bargaining, an intergovernmental matter, and naming rights for the Edmonton Elks partner field.
Meetings stream live on YouTube on the Chamber channel and River Valley Room channel.