This week's batch of calls for public engagement includes a survey about removing an intersection on Yellowhead Trail, comments on Fort Saskatchewan's draft parkland bylaw, and a handful of strategic plans in the region.
Edmonton is removing the signalized intersection on Yellowhead Trail with 66 Street, which will be one of the last of the 10 projects involved in the $1-billion Yellowhead Trail freeway conversion project. Planning for the conversion started as early as 2012. Construction on the overall project started in 2019 and is expected to finish by the end of 2027. The project involves removing traffic signals and signalized intersections from Yellowhead Trail and replacing some of them with grade-separated interchanges. When construction is finished, there will be three lanes of traffic in each direction, travelling at a target speed of 80 km/hr.
The city said Yellowhead Trail is an important part of Edmonton's inner ring road, as it is used by up to 81,000 vehicles daily, and is expected to be used by up to 155,000 vehicles daily by 2047. The road is used by big trucks and regular commuter vehicles. Having traffic flow freely without stopping at traffic signals will help prevent collisions, the city said, adding that Yellowhead Trail sees nearly 1,000 vehicle collisions per year, on average.
The initial planning for 66 Street was completed in 2020, but the project was paused while the city widened Fort Road. Administration has opened a survey as it finalizes the design at 66 Street. The project will also close nearby direct access to Yellowhead Trail at 62 Street, 67 Street, and 68 Street, and modify the local road network to accommodate the loss of direct access to Yellowhead Trail. Early versions of the plan included an overpass at 66 Street and Yellowhead Trail. Residents said maintaining a north-south connection was a priority in earlier rounds of feedback, but the overpass will not be included in this project, the city said.
Construction on 66 Street is scheduled to begin in 2027. Feedback on the design will be accepted until May 10. The survey asks what administration should consider as it finalizes the design and prepares for construction.
There is also a drop-in event for the other Yellowhead Trail project that isn't finished yet — the segment from St. Albert Trail to 97 Street. Residents are invited to St. Pius X School on May 14 to hear more about upcoming construction activities.
Access to Yellowhead Trail from 66 Street will be closed as it is converted to a freeway. (City of Edmonton)
Here are some other opportunities to provide input in the Edmonton metro region:
- Until May 1: The City of Edmonton is asking residents to provide their input on the 2027-2030 budget through a survey and budget balancing tool.
- Until May 3: The City of Edmonton is seeking input on naturalization planting in the southwest neighbourhoods of Keswick and Glenridding.
- Until May 3: The City of Edmonton is inviting community feedback on a draft design for the Rossdale neighbourhood ahead of renewal.
- Until May 4: The Garneau Community League is gathering input on changes it has proposed to expand Garneau's special character residential area.
- Until May 8: The City of St. Albert has launched a survey to better understand the priorities and goals of its business community.
- Until May 8: The City of Spruce Grove is seeking feedback on its 2026-2029 strategic plan.
- May 11: The Town of Stony Plain is holding a public hearing about a bylaw to establish an area structure plan for Atim Creek Business Park to support industrial and commercial uses.
- May 11: The City of Leduc is holding a public hearing to redistrict a portion of land from general commercial use to direct control land.
- May 11: The Town of Stony Plain is holding a public hearing as it aims to adopt an updated Land Use Bylaw.
- May 12: Parkland County is holding a public hearing to redistrict a parcel of land from residential to commercial use.
- May 12: Sturgeon County is holding public hearings on waste management facilities and the redistricting of a plot of agricultural land to allow a 100-lot residential neighbourhood.
- May 12: The Town of Gibbons is holding a public hearing about the Riverview Area Structure Plan.
- Until May 15: Parkland County is inviting public feedback on its strategic plan. Residents can participate in a survey or attend in-person engagement sessions across the county.
- Until May 15: The City of Fort Saskatchewan has launched a survey for residents in condos and apartments as it expands its green cart program.
- Until May 15: The City of Fort Saskatchewan is inviting residents to comment on changes to its Parkland Bylaw.
"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.