Executive Committee - Minutes

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

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

Council Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall

Present:

• A. Sohi, 
• A. Paquette, 
• T. Cartmell, 
• K. Principe, 
• and K. Tang 

---

1.

Call to Order and Related Business

1.1

Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement

Mayor A. Sohi called the meeting to order at 9:34 a.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2025, and acknowledged that Executive Committee 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. Sohi conducted roll call and confirmed the attendance of Members of Executive Committee.

Councillors T. Cartmell and K. Tang were absent with notice for a portion of the meeting.

Councillor A. Paquette was absent without notice for a portion of the meeting.

Councillors A. Knack, E. Rutherford, A. Salvador, A. Stevenson and J. Wright; E. Robar, City Manager; and A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk, N. Jacobsen, Meeting Clerk, T. Day, G. Goodin, E. Norton and M. Friesen, Office of the City Clerk, were also in attendance.

1.3

Adoption of Agenda

• Moved by: K. Principe

  That the May 14, 2025, Executive Committee meeting agenda be adopted.

  In Favour (5)

  A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, K. Tang, and K. Principe

  Carried (5 to 0)

1.4

Approval of Minutes

• Moved by: T. Cartmell

  That the minutes from the following meetings be approved:

  • March 5, 2025, Executive Committee
  • March 12, 2025, Executive Committee - Non-Regular
  • March 31, 2025, Special Executive Committee
  • April 16, 2025, Executive Committee - Non-Regular

  In Favour (5)

  A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, K. Tang, and K. Principe

  Carried (5 to 0)

1.5

Protocol Items

1.5.1

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of Executive Committee, recognized May 17 as International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The City of Edmonton remains committed to supporting the LGBTQ2S+ community by creating a city where everyone feels safe, respected and included.

1.5.2

Moose Hide Campaign Day (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of Executive Committee, recognized May 15 as Moose Hide Campaign Day. This initiative brings together men and boys to stand up against violence towards women, children and Two-Spirit People in Canada.

1.5.3

St. Maria Goretti School (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of Executive Committee, welcomed the Grade 6 classes from St. Maria Goretti School in Ward Dene and their teachers, M. Cardoso and C. Filipiak.

2.

Items for Discussion and Related Business

2.1

Select Items for Debate

The following items were selected for debate: 7.1, 7.2, 7.5, 7.7 and 9.1.

2.2

Vote on Reports not Selected for Debate

• Moved by: K. Tang

  That the recommendations in the following reports be approved:

  • 7.3 Annual Delegation of Authority
  • 7.4 City of Edmonton Submission: Federal Supply Chains Act
  • 7.6 Single Source Request for Digital Signature Service Agreement
  • 7.8 Bylaw 21095 - To Designate Douglas Manor as a Municipal Historic Resource Amendment No. 1
  • 7.9 Bylaw 21106 - To Designate Field Log House as a Municipal Historic Resource Amendment No. 1
  • 7.10 Bylaw 21112 - To Designate the Gilpin Residence as a Municipal Historic Resource

  In Favour (5)

  A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, K. Tang, and K. Principe

  Carried (5 to 0)

2.3

Requests to Speak

• Moved by: K. Tang

  That Executive Committee hear from the following speakers, in panels when appropriate:

  • 7.1 Wellington Park Land Options and Business Case Analysis

  Panel 1:

  1. 1. S. Juru, Africa Centre
     2. E. Wakene, Africa Centre
     3. V. Manasc, Reimagine Architects
     4. S. Oboh
     5. G. Davis
     6. J. Kichere
     7. J. Lahman
     8. S. Yameogo
     9. R. Kemtsa, Cameroonian Association of Edmonton
     10. T. Oriola
     11. R. George
     12. N. Mathe, Dateway Holistic Care and the University of Calgary
     13. D. Coombs-Montrose
     14. I. Orefuja, Black Business Edmonton
     15. E. Awuah

  Panel 2:

  1. 1. P. Okeke-Ihejirika
     2. A. Nakate
     3. M. Ahmed, Somali Community Edmonton
     4. A. Ngwenya, African Soccer Tournament
     5. K. Mansaray, Africa Centre
     6. A. Hassan, Somali Canadian Education and Rural Development Organization
     7. N. Badr, Africa Centre
     8. J. Ibrahim
     9. P. Bennett

  • 7.5 St. James School Site

  1. 1. C. Stewart
     2. A. Hasan, Hasco Development Corporation
     3. E. Dhooma, Al Mustafa Academy
     4. A. Rosland, Situate Inc.

  In Favour (5)

  A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, K. Tang, and K. Principe

  Carried (5 to 0)
• Moved by: A. Sohi

  That Executive Committee hear from the following additional speaker:

  • 7.1 Wellington Park Land Options and Business Case Analysis

  1. 1. O. Welch

  With the unanimous consent of Executive Committee, the motion carried.

  
  

2.4

Requests for Specific Time on Agenda

• Moved by: K. Tang

  That the following item be dealt with at a specific time on the agenda:

  • 7.7 Tax Forgiveness Options - Southern Springs GP LTD - 1:30 p.m.

  In Favour (5)

  A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, K. Tang, and K. Principe

  Carried (5 to 0)

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

Wellington Park Land Options and Business Case Analysis

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

• J. Flaman, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
• C. Hodgson, Financial and Corporate Services
• S. Gellatly, Community Services

Panel 1:

The following public speakers made presentations:

• S. Oboh
• J. Kichere
• S. Yameogo
• R. Kemtsa, Cameroonian Association of Edmonton
• R. George
• N. Mathe, Dateway Holistic Care and the University of Calgary
• D. Coombs-Montrose
• I. Orefuja, Black Business Edmonton
• E. Awuah

The following public speakers made presentations and answered questions:

• J. Lahman
• V. Manasc, Reimagine Architects
• S. Juru, Africa Centre
• G. Davis
• E. Wakene, Africa Centre

Panel 2:

The following public speakers made presentations:

• A. Nakate
• A. Ngwenya, African Soccer Tournament
• O. Welch

The following public speakers made presentations and answered questions:

• K. Mansaray, Africa Centre
• J. Ibrahim
• M. Ahmed, Somali Community Edmonton
• P. Bennett
• P. Okeke-Ihejirika
• N. Badr, Africa Centre

The following members of Administration's delegation answered questions:

• B. Jarocki, Financial and Corporate Services
• S. Gellatly, Community Services
• C. Hodgson, Financial and Corporate Services
• J. Flaman, Deputy City Manager, Community Services

*Clerk's note: The following public speakers answered questions during questions to Administration:

• K. Mansaray, Africa Centre
• S. Juru, Africa Centre
• E. Wakene, Africa Centre

• Moved by: A. Sohi

  That Executive Committee recommend to City Council:

  That Administration negotiate a nominal ($1.00) value agreement with the Council for the Advancement of African Canadians in Alberta for the sale of the approximately 1.2 hectare portion of Plan 2488KS, Block 76, Lot 1 as outlined in Attachment 7 of the May 14, 2025, Community Services report CS02816, that includes a buy-back option for the City to purchase the land back for nominal ($1.00) value if construction is not commenced within 5 years, and provide a report to Committee for approval that includes the following additional information to be requested from the Council for the Advancement of African Canadians in Alberta:

  1. an updated operating model that includes contingencies for vacancy of commercial and/or housing units;
  2. letters of support from Black-led organizations that reflect the wide diversity of the African, Black and Caribbean community;
  3. evidence of a plan to implement a governance structure for the African Multicultural Community Centre (AMCC) that reflects the diversity of the African, Black and Caribbean community;
  4. a capital funding strategy, including any letters of intent from potential funders; and
  5. options to replenish the Parkland Purchase Reserve Account (PPRA).

  In Favour (5)

  A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, K. Tang, and K. Principe

  Carried (5 to 0)

7.2

Compliance of Contracted Services Providers with Living Wage Requirements - Annual Report

• Moved by: A. Paquette

  That the May 14, 2025, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS02573, be postponed to the June 4, 2025, Executive Committee meeting.

  In Favour (4)

  A. Paquette, A. Sohi, K. Tang, and K. Principe

  Carried (4 to 0)

7.3

Annual Delegation of Authority

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.2. The following motion carried:

1. That the May 14, 2025, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS02772, be received for information.
2. That Attachment 3 of the May 14, 2025, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS02772 remain private pursuant to section 27 (privileged information) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

7.4

City of Edmonton Submission: Federal Supply Chains Act

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.2. The following motion carried:

That Executive Committee recommend to City Council:

That Attachment 1 of the May 14, 2025, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS02948, be approved for submission to the Minister of Public Safety Canada.

7.5

St. James School Site

Councillor K. Tang stated they have a pecuniary interest with respect to item 7.5, as they are an owner of property in close proximity to the area. Therefore, they would not participate in the deliberations or vote on this item. Councillor K. Tang left the meeting.

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

• B. Jarocki, Financial and Corporate Services

The following public speakers made presentations:

• E. Dhooma, Al Mustafa Academy
• A. Rosland, Situate Inc.

The following public speakers made presentations and answered questions:

• C. Stewart
• A. Hasan, Hasco Development Corporation

The following members of Administration's delegation answered questions:

• B. Jarocki, Financial and Corporate Services
• C. Hodgson, Financial and Corporate Services

• Moved by: K. Principe

  That Executive Committee meet in private pursuant to sections 21 (disclosure harmful to intergovernmental relations), 24 (advice from officials) and 27 (privileged information) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the discussion of item 7.5.

  In Favour (3)

  A. Paquette, A. Sohi, and K. Principe

  Carried (3 to 0)

  Executive Committee met in private at 4:17 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

  The following members of Administration's delegation answered questions:

  • C. Hodgson, Financial and Corporate Services
  • K. Thurston, Employee and Legal Services
  • B. Jarocki, Financial and Corporate Services
  
  
• Moved by: A. Paquette

  That Executive Committee meet in public.

  In Favour (3)

  A. Paquette, A. Sohi, and K. Principe

  Carried (3 to 0)

  Executive Committee met in public at 4:46 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

  
  
• Moved by: A. Sohi

  That Administration negotiate with the current owner of the former St. James school site (7814 83 Street NW) to acquire a portion of the field space and continue discussions with the Province to resolve outstanding matters related to the GreenTrip funding to support expedited disposal of the City-owned lands acquired utilizing GreenTrip funding along the Valley Line Southeast LRT.

  In Favour (3)

  A. Paquette, A. Sohi, and K. Principe

  Carried (3 to 0)

7.6

Single Source Request for Digital Signature Service Agreement

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.2. The following motion carried:

1. That an extension of the agreement between the City of Edmonton and DocuSign Inc. to increase the value by up to $1 million (inclusive of GST) and extend the term for up to five years, with the total value not to exceed $1,971,000, as outlined in the May 14, 2025, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS02953, be approved, and that the extension be in form and content acceptable to the City Manager. 
2. That Attachment 1 of the May 14, 2025, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS02953 remain private pursuant to sections 24 (advice from officials), 25 (disclosure harmful to economic and other interests of a public body) and 27 (privileged information) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

7.7

Tax Forgiveness Options - Southern Springs GP LTD

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

• A. Szabo, Financial and Corporate Services

• Moved by: K. Tang

  That Executive Committee recommend to City Council:

  That tax forgiveness for accounts 10934587 (amenity building), 10277195 and 10277196 (parking stalls) be approved to bring the tax balance to $0.00 as of May 1, 2025, to be effective when, and conditional upon, title transferring to Southern Springs Condominium Corporation, with funding to come from the City’s property tax loss budget.

  In Favour (4)

  T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, K. Tang, and K. Principe

  Carried (4 to 0)

7.8

Bylaw 21095 - To Designate Douglas Manor as a Municipal Historic Resource Amendment No. 1

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.2. The following motion carried:

That Executive Committee recommend to City Council:

That Bylaw 21095 be given the appropriate readings.

7.9

Bylaw 21106 - To Designate Field Log House as a Municipal Historic Resource Amendment No. 1

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.2. The following motion carried:

That Executive Committee recommend to City Council:

That Bylaw 21106 be given the appropriate readings.

7.10

Bylaw 21112 Bylaw to Designate the Gilpin Residence as a Municipal Historic Resource

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.2. The following motion carried:

That Executive Committee recommend to City Council:

That Bylaw 21112 be given the appropriate readings.

8.

Responses to Councillor Inquiries

There were no Responses to Councillor Inquiries on the agenda.

9.

Private Reports

9.1

Legal Matter

*Clerk's note: This item was not discussed in private and the recommendation passed without debate.

• Moved by: A. Paquette
  1. That the instructions, as outlined in Attachment 1 of the May 14, 2025, Employee and Legal Services report ELS03043, be approved.
  2. That an increase to the confidential non-competitive procurement agreement, as outlined in Attachment 2 of the May 14, 2025, Employee and Legal Services report ELS03043, be approved, and that the amendment be in form and content acceptable to the City Manager.
  3. That the May 14, 2025, Employee and Legal Services report ELS03043 remain private pursuant to sections 16 (disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party), 25 (disclosure harmful to economic and other interests of a public body) and 27 (privileged information) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

  In Favour (4)

  A. Paquette, A. Sohi, K. Tang, and K. Principe

  Carried (4 to 0)

10.

Motions Pending

There were no Motions Pending on the agenda.

11.

Notices of Motion and Motions without Customary Notice

11.1

Visible Investments - Proactive Signage for Upcoming Infrastructure Projects (A. Paquette)

Councillor A. Paquette stated that at the next regular meeting of City Council, the following motion would be moved:

That Administration implement a city-wide strategy to visibly and proactively communicate upcoming infrastructure projects, beginning in August 2025, with the goal of increasing public awareness, reinforcing responsible planning, and demonstrating the City's commitment to core infrastructure, including:

1. Advance Signage at Project Locations - installing branded signage at sites where capital projects are scheduled, with messages such as "Renewal Coming 2026", placed approximately 18 months prior to construction;
2. Digital Enhancements - including QR codes or short links on signage that connect residents to more information about project timelines, scope, and benefits;
3. Strategic and Equitable Rollout - prioritizing signage in areas where aging infrastructure may contribute to perceptions of neglect, underinvestment, or frustration; and
4. Consistent Messaging and Visual Identity - creating a recognizable design and messaging approach - modelled after successful campaigns such as the Canada Action Plan - to build city-wide recognition and confidence.

• Notice of Motion Given: May 14, 2025, Executive Committee

11.2

Arterial Road Paving Renewal Analysis (K. Tang)

Councillor K. Tang stated that at the next regular meeting of City Council, the following motion would be moved:

That Administration perform an analysis of arterial road paving renewal based on condition priorities and provide a report with options to increase the funding for the Arterial Renewal Program in 2026 as part of the 2025 Fall Supplementary Capital Budget Adjustment.

Due Date: Fall 2025 Supplementary Capital Budget Adjustments

• Notice of Motion Given: May 14, 2025, Executive Committee

12.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2025.