[Didama]

I'm far more worried about the speed of permitting than the cost. $3,700 may sound like a ton but for a business like the Common it isn't make or break, I would argue (open to being corrected though). I agree with the sentiment that if you make patio space free (or virtually free) you just end up with a bunch of empty patios because a number of restos will just set them up because, why not. I'm sure not all restaurant owners would agree with me on this, but I think most would agree that the speed of permitting is a far bigger issue. I know of new restaurants/bars that have been waiting months (many months) for city permits to come through while they are paying full rent on their space, waiting to open. We are talking tens of thousands of dollars potentially lost from those delays, not $3.5k over a summer.

 

[policyenthusiast]

I'm far more worried about the speed of permitting than the cost. $3,700 may sound like a ton but for a business like the Common it isn't make or break, I would argue (open to being corrected though). I agree with the sentiment that if you make patio space free (or virtually free) you just end up with a bunch of empty patios because a number of restos will just set them up because, why not. I'm sure not all restaurant owners would agree with me on this, but I think most would agree that the speed of permitting is a far bigger issue. I know of new restaurants/bars that have been waiting months (many months) for city permits to come through while they are paying full rent on their space, waiting to open. We are talking tens of thousands of dollars potentially lost from those delays, not $3.5k over a summer.

I wonder why licensing permits aren't automated. Clearly we have the technology, as development permits get processed like that.

 

[IanO]

The City has done a good job at expediting small/minor patios, but larger, more complex ones (especially on road right of way) and with alcohol service do tend to take a bit longer.

 

[Didama]

yes and not just talking patios either. Opening a new restaurant or bar should be facilitated by the city, but it often seems like they make it unnecessarily difficult. But to be clear, I don't think this is a problem that is unique to Edmonton.

 

[IanO]

Last night the https://yegdowntown.ca/ hosted an event with a packed room of passionate business and community leaders to raise our collective voice about how Downtown's current look/feel/safety is simply not acceptable. It was great to the Chief Driechel in the room sharing some thoughts, along with the Province and others.

Here's hoping this is another step forward towards positive, constructive, active change.

 

[ADob]

That sounds great, Ian! What are your thoughts on something actually coming out of this?

 

[IanO]

I can only be hopeful, but waiting to see, for things continue to decline and the lack of visible police/peace officer presence continues.

 

[VaultBoy]

I can only be hopeful, but waiting to see, for things continue to decline and the lack of visible police/peace officer presence continues.

Ian what's your take on the new residential developments currently under construction downtown. Do you think will help improve safety by bringing more people into the area? Or do you feel these changes won’t be enough? Also, is interest in downtown properties growing, or remained stagnant?

 

[policyenthusiast]

The police chief at a BOMA luncheon mentioned that a lot of the newer cops (especially COVID hires) have to be specifically instructed to leave their cars while walking a beat. Instead of going into local businesses, talking to shop owners, and otherwise doing the things that we want them to do, they park in front of a building with bathrooms and food, and wait for dispatch calls.

Public reporting of crime data isn't going to move the needle, because accountability needs to begin with the individual officers.

 

[ADob]

Having to be explicitly told to leave your car is... bizarre. Then again, I've been on the receiving end of the dead-eyed Gen-Z stare at enough restos to realize that what is obvious to me (don't be a zombie to your customers, actually walk while walking a beat) isn't necessarily obvious to everyone

 

[TAS]

I was living in the newly renovated Churchill apartments for a few months in between places recently and it had a lot social disorder around it - right across from City Hall.
I remember seeing some police officers dealing with some issues in front of building shortly after new police chief was announced and I thanked the officers and said I hope you can come around her more often as there are ongoing issues. And they told me at the time that they will be, like there's a change in priority.

But then that didn't materialize - at least I did not notice any increase in police presence there and I was coming and going a lot out of the building and same issues remained.

 

[MacLac]

Oddly enough, my EPS neighbour has claimed many times, that “the new Police Chief is not a bleeding heart liberal and plans on cracking skulls,” as compared to the “career politician that McPhee” was/is.

 

[IanO]

Ian what's your take on the new residential developments currently under construction downtown. Do you think will help improve safety by bringing more people into the area? Or do you feel these changes won’t be enough? Also, is interest in downtown properties growing, or remained stagnant?

Everything helps, but it's going to take a lot more projects and people to really have an impact.

Demand is growing overall in my humble opinion, but that's coming from a trough and the overall experience continues to underwhelm and not be a sustainable outcome.

How we permit what's happening right now is simply beyond me.

 

[policyenthusiast]

Oddly enough, my EPS neighbour has claimed many times, that “the new Police Chief is not a bleeding heart liberal and plans on cracking skulls,” as compared to the “career politician that McPhee” was/is.

This is a pretty widely-held sentiment, actually. He is so dissatisfied with the state of policing in Edmonton that he might actually be able to improve it.

 

[positive1]

Everything helps, but it's going to take a lot more projects and people to really have an impact.

Demand is growing overall in my humble opinion, but that's coming from a trough and the overall experience continues to underwhelm and not be a sustainable outcome.

How we permit what's happening right now is simply beyond me.

"How we permit what's happening right now is simply beyond me."

It's because those who are in positions to change things have other priorities. We get those elected people because the majority voted for them. We get those people in administrative positions because getting things done doesn't get you far, talking b*llocks gets you further. Downtown businesses are not going to be the solution either, unless making money is no longer the point of a commercial concern.

To be fair it looks like a nice networking event for hobnobbing, nibbles, free booze and virtue signalling

Feeling extra cynical today