On the agenda: Public spaces, accessibility, development fees
This week, councillors are set to review the first year of the public spaces bylaw, hear an update on the city’s accessibility progress, and consider changes to the planning and business development model.
There is a community and public services committee meeting on Sept. 28, an urban planning committee meeting on Sept. 29, and an executive committee meeting on Oct. 1.
Here are some key items on the agenda this week:
Transit and downtown peace officers issued 29% more warnings in the year after several bylaws were consolidated to create the public spaces bylaw. During the same period, there was a 9% increase in tickets issued, says a report that is set to be presented community and public services committee. The majority of warnings were related to proof of payment, controlled substances, inappropriate behaviours, and using transit spaces for non-transit purposes. At the same time, the Community Outreach Transit Team, known as COTT, recorded a 59% increase in engagements and interactions, which it attributes to enhanced operational alignment between transit peace officers and outreach teams, as well as increased community awareness following the opening of the Wa’awiyagabi Welcome Space at Central LRT Station. Administration said the data suggests “enforcement officers are using the public spaces bylaw for lawful placement purposes to intervene in problematic conduct, but are exercising discretion to use escalating enforcement and diversion tools as appropriate.” Administration said it does not believe the changes can be attributed solely to the bylaw change, and that changing social programs and services have contributed. Council had requested the analysis after advocates said the new public spaces bylaw would have harsh consequences for vulnerable Edmontonians. Administration has proposed several amendments, including a new definition to distinguish privately owned public spaces, such as malls and lobbies, from municipal public spaces that are directly owned and controlled by the City of Edmonton. The regulation change also applies to the part of the bylaw that regulates temporary sheltering. “Limiting certain regulation to ‘municipal public spaces’ avoids the risk of unintentional overbreadth, provides clarity to the public on the extent of regulation, and ensures minimal impairment of activities that may have expressive or other protected aspects,” the report said.
Administration highlighted the progress it has made on the accessibility for people with disabilities policy. The city has updated its accessibility design guide, enhanced visibility of benches in four LRT stations, and offered additional employee training. It has also made progress on addressing a backlog on sidewalk maintenance and reviewed nearly 400 pedestrian crossing signals. Administration plans to develop a plan to support adaptive recreation, improve booking and scheduling for DATS, and review service levels for clearing sidewalks and bike lanes of snow and ice.
Administration has presented options to bring the planning and development business model (PDBM) closer to its target level after years of increased construction activity resulted in a surplus in the reserve. The PDBM is funded by the fees charged for land development applications, development permits, building permits, and other associated services. The projected year-end balance of the reserve is $77.6 million, which is 105% of budgeted operating expenses. Council policy mandates that the balance should not exceed 75%. Administration recommends pausing inflationary fee increases in 2027, increasing staff levels, and investing in technology. It also recommends three actions that would require a policy exception: a one-time, $12-million transfer to the infill infrastructure program; a hold on funds for future growth planning studies; and a revision to the PDBM policy. Urban planning committee is set to review the changes, after which council will make the final decision.
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