City Council - Minutes

Monday, December 08, 2025

9:30 A.m. - 5:00 P.m.

Council Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall

Present:

• A. Knack, 
• R. Clarke, 
• M. Elliott, 
• M. Janz, 
• J. Morgan, 
• A. Paquette, 
• T. Parmar, 
• K. Principe, 
• E. Rutherford, 
• A. Salvador, 
• A. Stevenson, 
• K. Tang, 
• and J. Wright 

---

1.

Call to Order and Related Business

1.1

Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement

Mayor A. Knack called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m., Monday, December 8, 2025, and acknowledged that City Council meets on the traditional land of Treaty 6 Territory and the Métis homeland. The Chair also acknowledged the diverse Indigenous peoples whose ancestors' footsteps have marked this territory for centuries such as: Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Nakota Isga, as well as Métis and Inuit, and now settlers from around the world.

1.2

Roll Call

Mayor A. Knack conducted roll call and confirmed the attendance of Members of City Council.

Mayor A. Knack and Councillors K. Principe and J. Wright were absent with notice for a portion of the meeting.

E. Robar, City Manager; and A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk, B. Tyson and E. Norton, Office of the City Clerk, were also in attendance.

1.3

Declaration of Pecuniary or Conflict of Interest

Councillor J. Wright declared a pecuniary interest with respect to item 9.2, due to small financial connection to the entity and will not participate in the deliberations or vote on this item. Councillor J. Wright left the meeting.

A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk, answered questions.

1.4

Adoption of Agenda

• Moved by: K. Tang
  Seconded by: T. Parmar

  That the December 8, 2025, City Council meeting agenda be adopted.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, K. Principe, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (13 to 0)

1.5

Approval of Minutes

• Moved by: A. Salvador
  Seconded by: A. Stevenson

  That the minutes from the following meetings be approved:

  • November 19, 2025, City Council Public Hearing
  • November 24, 2025, City Council - Orientation
  • November 24, 2025, City Council

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, K. Principe, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (13 to 0)

1.6

Protocol Items

1.6.1

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (T. Parmar)

Councillor T. Parmar, on behalf of City Council, recognized December 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day is about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence.

1.6.2

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (K. Tang)

Councillor K. Tang, on behalf of City Council, recognized December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day aims to increase awareness and promote understanding of both the challenges and rights of those living with disabilities.

1.6.3

Harbin Sister City 40th Anniversary (A. Knack)

Mayor A. Knack, on behalf of City Council, recognized December 5 as the 40th anniversary of the twinning of Edmonton with sister city, Harbin, China. This relationship reflects an investment in global cooperation, a mechanism to build mutual understanding, deepen cultural connections, and open doors for economic exchange.

1.6.4

Julia Kiniski School (A. Knack)

Mayor A. Knack, on behalf of City Council, welcomed the Grade 6 class from Julia Kiniski School in Ward Sspomitapi and their teacher, D. Mandryk.

1.6.5

Dovercourt School (A. Knack)

Mayor A. Knack, on behalf of City Council, welcomed the Grade 6 class from Dovercourt School in Ward Anirniq and their teacher, D. Gubersky.

1.6.6

Meyokumin School (A. Knack)

Mayor A. Knack, on behalf of City Council, welcomed the Grade 6 classes from Meyokumin School in Ward Karhiio and their teachers, Mrs. Davis and K. Anderson.

2.

Items for Discussion and Related Business

2.1

Select Items for Debate

The following items were selected for debate: 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 9.1 and 9.2.

2.2

Vote on Reports not Selected for Debate

All items were selected for debate.

2.3

Requests to Speak

There were no Requests to Speak. 

2.4

Requests for Specific Time on Agenda

There were no requests for items to be dealt with at a specific time on the agenda.

2.5

Vote on Bylaws not Selected for Debate

There were no Bylaws on the agenda.

3.

Councillor Inquiries

There were no Councillor Inquiries.

4.

Reports to be Dealt with at a Different Meeting

There were no Reports to be Dealt with at a Different Meeting.

5.

Requests to Reschedule Reports

There were no Requests to Reschedule Reports. 

6.

Unfinished Business

There was no Unfinished Business on the agenda.

7.

Public Reports

7.1

Capital Financial Update - September 30, 2025

*Clerk's note: With the unanimous consent of City Council, items 7.1 and 7.2 were dealt with together.

Items 7.1 and 7.2 were dealt with together.

The following members of Administration's delegation answered questions:

• H. Rai, Financial and Corporate Services
• S. Nichols, Deputy City Manager, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• J. Meliefste, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• P. Ladouceur, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services
• N. Wolfe, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• F. Mutheardy, Financial and Corporate Services
• C. McKeown, Deputy City Manager, City Operations
• A. Szabo, Financial and Corporate Services

• Moved by: J. Wright
  Seconded by: J. Morgan

  That City Council meet in private pursuant to sections 19 (disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party), 29 (advice from officials), 30 (disclosure harmful to economic and other interests of a public body), 32 (privileged information) and 34 (information that is or will be available to the public) of the Access to Information Act for the discussion of items 7.1, 7.2, 9.1 and 9.2.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, K. Principe, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (13 to 0)

  City Council met in private at 10:12 a.m., Monday, December 8, 2025.

  The following members of Administration's delegation answered questions:

  • S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services
  • E. Robar, City Manager
  • C. McKeown, Deputy City Manager, City Operations
  • H. Rai, Financial and Corporate Services
  • S. Nichols, Deputy City Manager, Integrated Infrastructure Services
  
  
• Moved by: K. Tang
  Seconded by: M. Elliott

  That City Council meet in public.

  In Favour (12)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, K. Principe, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (12 to 0)

  City Council met in public at 11:59 a.m., Monday, December 8, 2025.

  This item was dealt with.

  
  

7.2

Operating Financial Update - September 30, 2025 

Items 7.1 and 7.2 were dealt with together (see item 7.1).

• Moved by: T. Parmar
  Seconded by: J. Wright

  That Attachment 3 of the December 8, 2025, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS03233 remain private pursuant to sections 29 (advice from officials), 30 (disclosure harmful to economic and other interests of a public body) and 32 (privileged information) of the Access to Information Act.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, K. Principe, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (13 to 0)

7.3

Options to Resolve Winspear Parkade Revenue Sharing Agreement

The following member of Administration's delegation answered questions:

• C. Hodgson, Financial and Corporate Services

A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk, answered questions. 

• Moved by: A. Stevenson
  Seconded by: K. Tang

  That the December 8, 2025, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS03047, be postponed to the January 21, 2026, Executive Committee meeting.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, K. Principe, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (13 to 0)

  Due Date: January 21, 2026, Executive Committee

  
  

7.4

Edmonton Business Improvement Areas 2026 Boards of Directors

Items 7.4 and 7.5 were dealt with and voted on together.

The following member of Administration's delegation made a presentation:

• T. Mansfield, Urban Planning and Economy

The following member of the delegation made a presentation and answered questions:

• T. Janes, Stony Plain Road and Area Business Association

The following members of the delegation answered questions:

• J. Robinson, Edmonton Downtown Business Association
• E. Estrada, Alberta Avenue Business Association

The following members of Administration's delegation answered questions:

• A. Laliberte, Urban Planning and Economy
• C. Zerebeski, City Operations
• A. Szabo, Financial and Corporate Services
• C. McKeown, Deputy City Manager, City Operations

• Moved by: J. Morgan
  Seconded by: A. Salvador

  That City Council meet in private pursuant to sections 20 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy), 29 (advice from officials), 32 (privileged information) and 34 (information that is or will be available to the public) of the Access to Information Act for the discussion of items 7.4 and 7.5.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, K. Principe, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (13 to 0)

  City Council met in private at 2:35 p.m., Monday, December 8, 2025.

  The following members of Administration's delegation answered questions:

  • M. Gunther, Acting City Solicitor
  • A. Laliberte, Urban Planning and Economy
  • C. Gordon, Urban Planning and Economy
  • C. Sinclair, Employee and Legal Services
  
  
• Moved by: A. Stevenson
  Seconded by: A. Salvador

  That City Council meet in public.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, K. Principe, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (13 to 0)

  City Council met in public at 3:18 p.m., Monday, December 8, 2025.

  
  
• Moved by: A. Stevenson
  Seconded by: A. Salvador

  Motion on Item 7.4:

  1. That the appointments of the Boards of Directors to the Business Improvement Area associations, as set out in Attachment 1 of the December 8, 2025, Urban Planning and Economy report UPE02875, be approved, and that the term of appointment be January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
  2. That the appointments of the Board of Directors to the Chinatown and Area Business Association, as set out in Attachment 2 of the December 8, 2025, Urban Planning and Economy report UPE02875, be approved, and that the term of appointment be January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
  3. That Attachment 1 and Attachment 2 of the December 8, 2025, Urban Planning and Economy report UPE02875 remain private pursuant to section 34 (information that is or will be available to the public within 60 days) of the Access to Information Act.
  4. That Attachment 3 of the December 8, 2025, Urban Planning and Economy report UPE02875 remain private pursuant to sections 20 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy), 29 (advice from officials) and 32 (privileged information) of the Access to Information Act.

  Motion on item 7.5:

  1. That the 2026 Edmonton Business Improvement Area Association Budgets, as outlined in Attachments 2 to 14 of the December 8, 2025, Urban Planning and Economy report UPE02876, be approved.
  2. That the Alberta Avenue Business Association Street Team Service Expansion project, including obtaining financing up to $100,000, as outlined in Attachment 15 of the December 8, 2025, Urban Planning and Economy report UPE02876, be approved.
  3. That Attachment 15 of the December 8, 2025, Urban Planning and Economy report UPE02876 remain private pursuant to sections 19 (disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party) and 29 (advice from officials) of the Access to Information Act.

  In Favour (12)	A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke
  Opposed (1)	K. Principe

  Carried (12 to 1)
• Moved by: M. Janz
  Seconded by: A. Salvador

  That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, advocate to the provincial government for amendments to the Municipal Government Act to allow business improvement levies to be charged to property owners in addition to business operators.

  In Favour (12)	A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke
  Opposed (1)	K. Principe

  Carried (12 to 1)

7.5

Edmonton Business Improvement Areas 2026 Budgets

Items 7.4 and 7.5 were dealt with and voted on together (see item 7.4).

8.

Bylaws

There were no Bylaws on the agenda.

9.

Private Reports

*Clerk's note: The motions to move in private and in public for the discussion of items 9.1 and 9.2 are under item 7.1 Capital Financial Update - September 30, 2025.

9.1

Event Update

The following members of Administration's delegation made a presentation and answered questions:

• J. Flaman, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
• R. Jevne, Community Services
• M. Gunther, Acting City Solicitor

A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk, answered questions.

• Moved by: T. Parmar
  Seconded by: K. Tang
  1. That a sponsorship agreement for the event as outlined in the December 8, 2025, Community Services report CS03236, if Edmonton is selected as the host city, for a sponsorship amount not to exceed a total of $2.5 million over three years, be approved, and that the agreement be in form and content acceptable to the City Manager.
  2. That the December 8, 2025, Community Services report CS03236 remain private until selection of candidate and/or host cities for the event is publicly announced, pursuant to section 34 (information that is or will be available to the public) of the Access to Information Act.

  In Favour (12)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (12 to 0)

9.2

Confidential Negotiation Update

Councillor J. Wright declared a pecuniary interest regarding a small financial connection to the entity.  As such, they did not participate in the deliberations or vote on this item.

The following member of Administration's delegation made a presentation and answered questions:

• M. Gunther, Acting City Solicitor

The following members of Administration's delegation answered questions:

• S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services
• E. Robar, City Council 
• A. Laliberte, Urban Planning and Economy

A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk, answered questions.

• Moved by: A. Stevenson
  Seconded by: K. Tang

  That City Council meet in private pursuant to sections 19 (disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party), 29 (advice from officials), 30 (disclosure harmful to economic and other interests of a public body) and 32 (privileged information) of the Access to Information Act for the discussion of item 9.2.

  In Favour (12)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, K. Principe, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (12 to 0)

  City Council met in private at 3:28 p.m., Monday, December 8, 2025.

  The following members of Administration's delegation answered questions:

  • E. Robar, City Manager
  • S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services
  • M. Gunther, Acting City Solicitor
  • R. Mann, Employee and Legal Services
  
  
• Moved by: A. Salvador
  Seconded by: A. Stevenson

  That City Council meet in public.

  In Favour (12)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, K. Principe, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (12 to 0)

  City Council met in public at 4:34 p.m., Monday, December 8, 2025.

  
  
• Moved by: A. Stevenson
  Seconded by: M. Elliott

  That the December 8, 2025, Employee and Legal Services report ELS03280 remain private pursuant to sections 19 (disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party), 29 (advice from officials), 30 (disclosure harmful to economic and other interests of a public body) and 32 (privileged information) of the Access to Information Act.

  In Favour (12)

  A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, K. Principe, M. Elliott, T. Parmar, J. Morgan, and R. Clarke

  Carried (12 to 0)

10.

Motions Pending

There were no Motions Pending on the agenda.

11.

Notices of Motion and Motions without Customary Notice

11.1

City Policy C603 - Events Policy, Community Legacy Review (R. Clarke)

Councillor R. Clarke stated that at the January 27, 2026, City Council meeting, the following motion would be moved:

That Administration review City Policy C603 - Events Policy, and provide a report with recommended updates and amendments, including the addition of a requirement for major event organizers to include a community legacy project for every event. 

• Notice of Motion Given: December 8, 2025, City Council

11.2

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Act and Alberta Disability Assistance Program (K. Tang)

Councillor K. Tang stated that at the January 27, 2026, City Council meeting, the following motion would be moved:

That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, advocate to the Government of Alberta to immediately pause implementation of the recent changes to the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Act and Alberta Disability Assistance program; and further, that the Government of Alberta undertake meaningful, accessible consultation with persons with disabilities, advocacy organizations, and community partners; and finally, that the Province publicly report on the social and economic impacts of these changes prior to moving forward.

• Notice of Motion Given: December 8, 2025, City Council

12.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4:43 p.m., Monday, December 8, 2025.