The Pulse: May 17, 2021

Two rezoning applications that would allow more dense mid-rise buildings will be considered at a public hearing on Tuesday, May 18.

The Windsor Terrace Mixed-Use Tower, a mid-rise building in Windsor Park at 8709 118 Street NW, proposes an increase in density, from 96 dwellings to 140. The maximum height of the building would increase to 34 metres which could accommodate an approximately 11-storey building.

In its report in support of the rezoning, administration said the applicant was originally looking for an even taller building at 40 metres in height with up to 160 dwellings, but that was scaled back as a result of public engagement. Additionally, the shape of the building in the modified proposal has been "substantially improved" and "transitions more sensitively to its surroundings," administration said.

A history of upzonings at the site was one of the primary concerns raised during the public engagement process, with some alleging "a bait and switch by the developer." A rezoning application for the site approved in 2015 allowed for a maximum height of 26 metres, and that was increased the following year when council approved a maximum height of 29.9 metres.

• Thousands took part in both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli rallies on Saturday, as conflict in the Middle East escalates. The Drive for Palestine car rally was one of several pro-Palestinian demonstrations held across the country this weekend.
• Former federal cabinet minister and city councillor Amarjeet Sohi is expected to announce his mayoral campaign today. Sohi's website has been renamed to "An Edmonton for all of us."
• Edmontonians riding e-scooters on sidewalks could receive a $100 ticket. The city is beefing up enforcement in response to increasing concerns from businesses in busy neighbourhoods like downtown and Old Strathcona.
• The City of Edmonton is trimming its weed control budget by $1.14 million in 2021. While high profile parks will still be tended to every month, neighbourhood parks will only be visited once this season. The cuts also mean that city crews will have to use herbicides in certain areas, rather than manually pulling weeds.
• Replacing the West Edmonton Mall pedestrian bridge over 170 Street will cost $8 million. The city would share the cost with the mall and Alberta Health Services — paying for half the project. Council will vote on the funding request in early June.
• Project Tensor is back this summer. The campaign aims to reduce noise and speeding in hot spots around Edmonton. Last year, police officers issued more than 1,300 tickets and notices to repair to drivers from May to July.
• The Edmonton International Airport is partnering with a Japanese tech company to develop an app for on-demand bus service for Airport City — the area surrounding the airport. A pilot project will begin in the fall and involve five buses.
• Edmonton Olympian and rugby star Jen Kish and Indigenous musician Shawnee Kish were married by Rachel Notley on Saturday, reports CTV News.

Last week, city council's executive committee recommended changes to the governance of the city's Sanitary Servicing Strategy Fund (SSSF). If approved, the changes would mean that future decisions that could impact development charges and utility rates, as well as any material changes to the approved trunk network funded by the SSSF, would require council approval. It also means the decision to re-route the South Edmonton Sanitary Sewer trunk line to the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant is on hold, reports CBC News.

"This will allow for much more robust public engagement and ultimately more political oversight over something that was previously handled a little bit more behind closed doors," said Mayor Don Iveson.

Here are some of the notable agenda items coming before city council this week:

• Council will consider recommendations from the utility committee to approve the Waste Reduction Roadmap and to approve EPCOR's new performance-based rates for water, wastewater, and drainage service.
• Bylaw 19665 will authorize the City of Edmonton to borrow $14.44 million to purchase new electric buses under the Zero Emissions Buses program.
• Proposed amendments to the Tax Penalty, Interest, and Monthly Payment Bylaw would, for applications to the city's monthly payment plan made between April 21 and Dec. 31, 2021, reflect council's decision to waive the 2% administration fee normally payable on past due installments, at an estimated cost of between $200,000 and $400,000.

Meetings are streamed live on city council's YouTube channel.

Photo of the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant courtesy of ISA Edmonton.

• Check out the Strathcona Salon Series virtual exhibit hosted by Gallery@501 from May 13 to June 19.
• The University Hospital Foundation is presenting An Education on COVID Vaccines and their Safety on May 18 with Dr. D. Lorne Tyrrell and Dr. John Lewis.
• Business Link is hosting a six-week Indigenous Business Series. The session on May 20 focuses on learning about your industry, market and customers, plus analyzing your competition.
• The YEG Startup Community Awards are happening on May 20, hosted by managing editor of Taproot Edmonton, Emily Rendell-Watson. Come celebrate the success within our local startup community.

Thanks to Khadija for sharing their photo with us!