This week's batch of calls for public engagement includes a project to return natural vegetation to parts of Edmonton, consultations on a neighbourhood area structure plan in the West 240 development, and continued budget input across the region.
The City of Edmonton has begun gathering input on naturalization efforts for this year, asking residents to populate interactive maps and share what plants they want to see in their area. Input from the southwest neighbourhoods of Allard, Cavanagh, and Callaghan, as well as Desrochers, is due by April 12. The survey is open in Chappelle and Heritage Valley until April 19.
"For more than 25 years, Edmonton has been reverting sections of City green spaces to a more natural state through naturalization," its website reads. "It may even be happening in a grassy area near you!"
The process of naturalization introduces more plants to a previously manicured area, allowing for the restoration of native flora and fauna, with no grooming. "These areas are not part of the regular mowing cycle, and may eventually be planted with trees, shrubs or wildflowers," its website reads.
The city's naturalization initiative goes hand-in-hand with its goal to plant two million trees by 2030. The city has planted more than 800,000 new trees and shrubs since 2021, with nearly 500,000 trees planted last year.
"This record planting season is great news for Edmonton," Minister Eleanor Olszewski said in a December news release. "It's the kind (of) simple, practical work that genuinely improves quality of life for families across our city."
The 2026 tree-planting season kicks off on April 8, with naturalization efforts in southwest Edmonton beginning in the fall.
Naturalization efforts are coming to six southwest neighbourhoods. (City of Edmonton)
Here are some other opportunities to provide input in the Edmonton metro region:
- April 7 to 24: Parkland County is holding a series of information sessions on the Acheson Industrial Area Structure Plan on various dates from April 7 to 23; a survey to gather feedback will be open until April 24.
- Until April 10: Fort Saskatchewan is looking for input on a new land use bylaw.
- April 13: The City of Leduc is holding public hearings on proposed amendments to the municipal development plan and amendments to the Black Stone Area Structure Plan.
- April 13 to 30: The City of Leduc is launching a series of public engagement calls on recreation programming. A survey opens on April 13, with residents able to register their interest in being a part of a focus group in May.
- April 14: Sturgeon County will be holding a public hearing on amendments to its land use bylaw related to regulations governing resource extraction.
- Until April 18: Strathcona County is inviting residents to take its 2027 budget survey.
- Until April 19: The City of Edmonton is seeking feedback on the development of the West 240 neighbourhood, which is bounded by 62 Avenue to the north and 122 Street to the east. An open house will be held on April 9 at the Alfred H. Savage Centre.
- Until April 19: The City of Edmonton has launched a survey as it develops its new Heritage Places Strategy.
- Until May 1: The City of Edmonton is asking residents to give their input on the upcoming 2027-2030 budget.
"Your turn" is Taproot's weekly collection of public engagement opportunities in the Edmonton region. Watch this space every week for opportunities to make your views known. If you know of a request for public input, send it to hello@taprootedmonton.ca.