Your turn: Leduc annexation, Vision Zero, quality of life

This week's batch of calls for public engagement includes open houses about Leduc's proposed annexation of land in Leduc County, requests for feedback about street safety in several Edmonton neighbourhoods, and a survey about quality of life in Edmonton.

The City of Leduc says it is nearing completion on technical studies of its proposed annexation of up to 38 quarter-sections of land in Leduc County. The city will host open houses on June 17 and 18 for both affected owners and the general public. It will also open an online survey on June 17.

The City of Leduc initiated the annexation process in February 2025, proposing to expand its municipal boundary to the south and southeast to prepare for growth over the next 50 years. The process involves completing several technical studies, a financial impact assessment, public engagement, negotiations between the affected municipalities, and an application to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal, which makes a recommendation to the provincial government for the final decision.

Leduc's population reached just shy of 40,000 in 2025, a 17% increase over five years. The city said it is growing at the high end of historic projections, and it is processing more development applications than ever. "This level of development activity is absorbing land quickly and is a trend that demonstrates the urgent need for the city to plan for future growth," the city said.

Sentiment was largely positive or neutral in the first round of engagement, the city said. Most questions were focused on the annexation process and timelines, and several affected landowners said they were excited to sell their land sooner.

Some affected landowners and interested residents said they were concerned about what this means for the destruction of productive agricultural land. The city said annexation only changes which municipality governs a property and doesn't force a landowner to develop.

When the city first announced its intention, Leduc County Mayor Tanni Doblanko said she didn't see how annexation would benefit the county. The county called for a collaborative approach through joint planning.

The city said it will start municipal negotiations alongside public engagement this year. A key focus of the open houses will be the city's growth management study, which looks at how much land is needed for the next 50 years. The sessions are not meant to determine whether or not annexation happens, but rather to give residents a chance to learn more and ask questions.

Here are some other opportunities to provide input in the Edmonton metro region:

• June 15: ATCO is holding an open house about the Yellowhead Pipeline route at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre from 5pm to 8pm.
• Until June 15: The City of Edmonton is seeking feedback on the Leisure Access Program from those who are eligible but not currently using it.
• June 16: ATCO is holding an open house about the Yellowhead Pipeline route at Fort Saskatchewan Dow Centennial Centre from 5pm to 8pm.
• Until June 17: The City of Edmonton is seeking feedback on Vision Zero Street Lab installments in Ogilvie Ridge and Hodgson, Crystallina Nera West, Sakaw, York Street, and Brintnell.
• June 18: Parkland County is hosting a County Chat at the Woodbend Community Hall from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
• Until June 18: Parkland County is seeking feedback on its 2026-2029 strategic plan.
• Until June 21: The City of Edmonton has launched a survey about the Downtown Policy Update, an initiative to encourage more residential and day-use programs within the downtown core. The update will consolidate the Capital City Downtown Plan and The Quarters Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan.
• Until June 24: The City of Edmonton is seeking feedback on its proposed bus rapid transit routes, focusing on how Whyte Avenue and the university area will change.
• Until June 24: The City of Edmonton is seeking feedback on life in Edmonton and several city programs and services. The survey is offered to members of the Edmonton Insight Community.
• June 24-25: A vote on the viability of Gibbons as a town will take place at the Gibbons Cultural Centre. Voters must show government-issued ID.
• Ongoing: Edmonton has begun its 2026 business census. City employees will visit businesses in person, and there is an online survey. Responses will be accepted until August.

"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.