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- Thread starter CplKlinger
- Start date
TAS
Senior Member
The bike plan had the most conversation so far.
Cartmell proposed an ammendment to the $100 million proposal from Sohi for bike plan - he wants it cut down to $30 million. Seconded by Hamilton.
Then Teng made a motion to fund it at $50 million. Seconded again by Hamilton.
Then Salvador got administration to highlight that if the city is going to reach 2030 energy transition goals it needs to have a well connected bike network to provide a viable transportation alternative and that $30million is not going to get the city there. The $100 million in this next 4 years and then another $100 million in the next budget (2027-30) would get the city there (which is what Janz proposed).
Conversation picks up again on Friday at 9:30am.
TAS
Senior Member
Another interesting debate, but hasn't been brought up for discussion yet is the Lewis Farms project. One proposal is to increase funding for Lewis Farms Rec and library to include 50m pool and dive tank while another proposal is to cut its budget to $185 million.
Munanyo
Active Member
Does anyone know if there has been any money set aside for the Jasper Ave renewal project in the draft of the budget? I understand it isn't necessarily a "must have" but my god is it a bad look having a premier street in the heart of downtown be a mishmash of old and new streets, sidewalks, lights etc. I really want to see this project get done within a reasonable timeframe.
Also didn't appreciate Sohi's suggestions today to reduce the budget on the High level bridge rehab project but increase the budget for new bike lanes. The High level is a landmark and one of our jewels here and to not go all in would be a huge wasted opportunity. Bike lanes, while important, should not have $100 million allocated to it at this time given the need to fix up a bunch of existing and essential infrastructure.
Also didn't appreciate Sohi's suggestions today to reduce the budget on the High level bridge rehab project but increase the budget for new bike lanes. The High level is a landmark and one of our jewels here and to not go all in would be a huge wasted opportunity. Bike lanes, while important, should not have $100 million allocated to it at this time given the need to fix up a bunch of existing and essential infrastructure.
TAS
Senior Member
I would like to see the Jasper Ave work completed sooner than later, too.
In terms of bike infrastructure, it's an important part of the city's energy transition plan which is about saving the city money by increasing usage of active transportation. Also more and more evidence shows it saves public health costs and increases safety.
Evidence also shows people use and switch to active transportation options if there is infrastructure and it's time efficient, well connected, safe, pleasant and there is secure bike parking options.
Munanyo
Active Member
No doubt the evidence is there that this network expansion would be a net benefit for people for transportation, leisure and overall health/well being. However, something about the sheer cost and hyper focus on this issue doesnt bode well with me given the upcoming need to fix up some of our most essential infrastructure projects like High level.
Will be interesting to see what council decides on in the end.
TAS
Senior Member
The High Level Bridge is still proposed to undergo its essential rehab.
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I am very sad that the plan for the high level roof path is on the chopping block. In an ideal world we would have both, but it almost entirely pays for the bike plan which will be way more impactful
Greenspace
Senior Member
^I believe some Councillors are leaning towards at least getting the design completed.
$100m bike plan passes 9-4. Kudos to a very strong bike lobby group for getting this passed. Shows what you can accomplish when you are organized at the municipal level.
$100m bike plan passes 9-4. Kudos to a very strong bike lobby group for getting this passed. Shows what you can accomplish when you are organized at the municipal level.
Gronk!
Senior Member
Sohi's multi-part amendments to the budget have been approved
TAS
Senior Member
A motion to defund a few downtown projects by Principe was voted down. Projects include Jasper Ave new vision (102-109 st), the 103a Ave streetscaping and Green and Walkable Downtown project.
CplKlinger
Senior Member
More cash for police, Coliseum demolition approved as Edmonton's capital budget climbs by $224 million
The long-vacant Northlands Coliseum will be demolished and the city police will receive more money for capital projects in the next four years.
edmontonjournal.com
Gronk!
Senior Member
Sohi motion cuts nearly $70M from Edmonton budget but adds $91M in new spending
Edmontonians are staring down a five per cent tax increase from city hall, and it could get even higher.
Ned
New Member
I wonder if she would be a councillor if her husband was not a media figure.