Edmonton councillors support spending $170M on new bike lanes by 2026
An additional 100 kilometers of bike lanes could be built in the Alberta capital after city councillors voted 4-0 Tuesday in favour of pushing a massive addition forward.
Edmonton currently has about 15 kilometres of protected bike lanes, mostly in the city centre.
"We have to get serious about building out our active transportation network," Coun. Ashley Salvador said during an afternoon meeting of the Urban Planning Committee.
City administrators presented four options that ranged in initial costs from $25 million to $170 million. The councillors that sit on the committee opted for the latter, which includes an additional $11 million in annual operating costs.
Final approval will be debated during budget talks this fall.
"Some people may say, 'Oh, we don't see cyclists in our neighbourhood yet.' And that's because the infrastructure isn't there to support them," Coun. Anne Stevenson said.
"You need that physical, separated, safe space in order to enable this transportation choice."
Coun. Michael Janz said voters made it clear in the last election that they want more bike lanes.
"We had one of the most animated, anti-bike lane characters and a slate of folks who were spreading misinformation about cycling, about active transportation and many of them lost not just in Edmonton, but across the world," Janz said.
"Folks will talk about the downtown bike grid and when you tell them the price was about $8 million, and about half of that was solely for traffic light upgrades, you get a different response. People don't realize there's been a fairly small amount (spent compared to roads,)" Coun. Andrew Knack said.
The plan calls for more bike lanes along major commuter routes, as well as better connections in neighbourhoods.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi voted for the $170 million plan, along with councillors Salvador, Aaron Paquette and Karen Principe. Committee member Sarah Hamilton was absent from the meeting.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.