Edmonton boosts snow and ice budget by $4.7M; additional $54M on the table
Edmonton will dip into reserve funds in an effort to improve road and sidewalk conditions this upcoming winter.
City council voted 13-0 Monday afternoon to increase the snow and ice control budget by $4.7 million.
"Barring any unforeseen changes to extreme weather here in Edmonton, we will see an improvement for the people of Edmonton. So that is something to look forward to," Coun. Aaron Paquette said during the meeting.
A move to spend an additional $54.4 million over three years could also be finalized during fall budget discussions.
Councillors voted 12-1 Monday to move forward on that, which would increase the annual budget from $57.1 million to $111.5 million by 2025. If approved, that plan could cost property owners an additional three per cent in taxes over three years.
A report presented last Tuesday estimates the budget increase would allow crews to clear arterial roads two days faster. Neighbourhood blading, the clearing of city-owned sidewalks and pathways and snow removal around bus stops would also improve, the report states.
Coun. Karen Principe voted against the long-term budget change effort over concerns that bike lanes were being prioritized over sidewalks.
"We are looking at 0.5 days for the bike network, where city sidewalks and ramps is 2.8 days. I feel like that's a fairly large discrepancy and I just can't support that," Principe said.
A recent city survey found that 60 per cent of Edmontonians support spending more on snow clearing, even if it means a bump in taxes.
"$4.7 million is a relatively modest amount to allow us to get started on this work," Coun. Tim Cartmell said. "I do think this allows us to course correct in a few months when we get to the four year budget and in the meantime get some work done."
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.