Executive Committee - Minutes

Wednesday, March 05, 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 

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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, March 5, 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 Sioux, 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.

Councillor T. Cartmell was absent with notice for a portion of the meeting.

Councillors M. Janz, A. Knack, J. Rice, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson and J. Wright; E. Robar, City Manager; and N. Jacobsen, Meeting Clerk, G. Goodin and D. Molloy, Office of the City Clerk, were also in attendance.

1.3

Adoption of Agenda

• Moved by: T. Cartmell

  That the March 5, 2025, Executive Committee meeting agenda be adopted with the following changes:

  Additions:

  • 7.1 Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy End Date Extension
  • 7.3 Downtown Workspace Optimization
  • 7.4 Winspear Expansion Project - Interim Financing Requirements

   

  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: K. Tang

  That the February 12, 2025, Executive Committee meeting minutes be approved.

  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 Women’s Day (K. Tang)

Councillor K. Tang, on behalf of Executive Committee, recognized March 8, 2025, as International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the achievements of women and girls, advocate for gender parity and fight against discrimination.

1.5.2

Metro Continuing Education (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of Executive Committee, welcomed Metro Continuing Education in Ward Métis and their teachers, O. Duchak and F. Linares.

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 and 7.6.

2.2

Vote on Reports not Selected for Debate

• Moved by: T. Cartmell

  That the recommendations in the following reports be approved:

  • 5.1 Edmonton Transit Service Fare Policy C451H Review - Exploring the Revenue-Cost Ratio
  • 7.7 Bylaw 20867 - To Designate the Hardisty Residence as a Municipal Historic Resource
  • 7.8 Single Source Request - Canadian Red Cross for Emergency Response Services

  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 Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy End Date Extension

  1. 1. J. Syvixay, Building Industry and Land Development Association Alberta - Edmonton Metro
     2. B. Murray, Building Industry and Land Development Association Alberta - Edmonton Metro
     3. P. McBryan, Edmonton Downtown Business Association
     4. M. Kinney, NAIOP Edmonton
     5. C. Probert, Downtown Edmonton Community League
     6. A. Grabia
     7. C. Martin, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
     8. E. Slatter
     9. H. Edgar, Autograph and Building Industry and Land Development Association Alberta - Edmonton Metro
     10. J. Campbell 

  • 7.3 Downtown Workspace Optimization

  1. 1. A. Petrov, Francis Winspear Centre for Music / Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

  • 7.4 Winspear Expansion Project - Interim Financing Requirements

  1. 1. A. Petrov, Francis Winspear Centre for Music / Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
     2. S. Young, Francis Winspear Centre for Music / Edmonton Symphony Orchestra 
     3. S. Jenkins, Francis Winspear Centre for Music / Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

  • 7.6 Bylaw Development Incentive Program

  1. 1. P. McBryan, Edmonton Downtown Business Association

  In Favour (5)

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

  Carried (5 to 0)

2.4

Requests for Specific Time on Agenda

• Moved by: T. Cartmell

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

  • 7.5 Fiscal Gap Strategies Work Plan - 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

5.1

Edmonton Transit Service Fare Policy C451H Review - Exploring the Revenue-Cost Ratio

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

That the revised due date of June 4, 2025, Executive Committee, for the City Operations report CO02675, Edmonton Transit Service Fare Policy C451H Review - Exploring the Revenue-Cost Ratio, be approved.

Revised Due Date: June 4, 2025, Executive Committee 

6.

Unfinished Business

There was no Unfinished Business on the agenda.

7.

Public Reports

7.1

Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy End Date Extension

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

• K. Petrin, Deputy City Manager, Urban Planning and Economy
• A. Laliberte, Urban Planning and Economy
• B. Latchford, Urban Planning and Economy

The following public speakers made presentations: 

• C. Probert, Downtown Edmonton Community League
• E. Slatter
• J. Campbell 

The following public speakers made presentations and answered questions:

• C. Martin, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
• P. McBryan, Edmonton Downtown Business Association
• A. Grabia
• H. Edgar, Autograph and Building Industry and Land Development Association Alberta - Edmonton Metro
• J. Syvixay, Building Industry and Land Development Association Alberta - Edmonton Metro
• M. Kinney, NAIOP Edmonton
• B. Murray, Building Industry and Land Development Association Alberta - Edmonton Metro

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• B. Latchford, Urban Planning and Economy
• K. Petrin, Deputy City Manager, Urban Planning and Economy
• A. Laliberte, Urban Planning and Economy
• S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services
• A. Szabo, Financial and Corporate Services
• E. Robar, City Manager

• Moved by: A. Sohi

  That Executive Committee recommend to City Council:

  That Administration apply to the province to extend the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) by 10 years to 2044 to incorporate the projects listed in Attachment 3 of the March 5, 2025, Urban Planning and Economy Report UPE02445, with the addition of the Winspear Center Expansion project, and, if approved, prepare an amended Community Revitalization Levy Bylaw and return to a future City Council Public Hearing.

  Due Date: To be determined, City Council 

  In Favour (5)

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

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

  That Administration share information with downtown stakeholders about downtown investments and development permits since 2015, as well as the proportion of the total tax base represented by downtown development.

  In Favour (5)

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

  Carried (5 to 0)

7.2

The Quarters and Belvedere Community Revitalization Levies Boundary and End Date Review

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• B. Latchford, Urban Planning and Economy
• K. Petrin, Deputy City Manager, Urban Planning and Economy
• B. Jarocki, Financial and Corporate Services

• Moved by: K. Tang

  That the March 5, 2025, Urban Planning and Economy report UPE02446, be received for information.

  In Favour (5)

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

  Carried (5 to 0)

7.3

Downtown Workspace Optimization

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

• P. Ladouceur, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• B. Jarocki, Financial and Corporate Services

The following public speaker made a presentation and answered questions:

• A. Petrov, Francis Winspear Centre for Music / Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

The following member of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• P. Ladouceur, Integrated Infrastructure Services

• Moved by: A. Sohi

  That Executive Committee meet in 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 for the discussion of item 7.3.

  In Favour (5)

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

  Carried (5 to 0)

  Executive Committee met in private at 4:14 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

  The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

  • B. Jarocki, Financial and Corporate Services
  • C. Pooli, Employee and Legal Services
  • S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services
  • P. Ladouceur, Integrated Infrastructure Services
  • C. Walbaum, Acting Deputy City Manager, Integrated Infrastructure Services
  
  
• Moved by: A. Sohi

  That Executive Committee meet in public.

  In Favour (5)

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

  Carried (5 to 0)

  Executive Committee met in public at 4:40 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

  Councillors T. Cartmell and K. Tang requested the March 5, 2025, Integrated Infrastructure Services report IIS02821 be requisitioned to City Council without a Committee Recommendation.

  
  

7.4

Winspear Expansion Project - Interim Financing Requirements

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

• S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services

The following public speaker made a presentation:

• A. Petrov, Francis Winspear Centre for Music / Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

The following public speakers made a presentation and answered questions:

• S. Young, Francis Winspear Centre for Music / Edmonton Symphony Orchestra 
• S. Jenkins, Francis Winspear Centre for Music / Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

Mayor A. Sohi and Councillor K. Tang requested the March 5, 2025, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS02920 be requisitioned to City Council without a Committee Recommendation.

7.5

Fiscal Gap Strategies Work Plan

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

• S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• M. Petigara, Financial and Corporate Services
• C. Walbaum, Acting Deputy City Manager, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• E. Robar, City Manager
• A. Laliberte, Urban Planning and Economy
• K. Petrin, Deputy City Manager, Urban Planning and Economy

• Moved by: K. Tang

  That the March 5, 2025, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS02746, be received for information.

  In Favour (5)

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

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

  Edmonton Financial Sustainability Framework

  That Administration, in connection with the Fiscal Gaps work-plan, develop a draft framework to strengthen Edmonton's financial sustainability, future fiscal independence, and the potential of a “legacy savings fund”, by exploring new revenue strategies, optimizing municipal assets, attracting investment to stimulate economic growth, and enhancing the city’s capacity to leverage provincial and federal grants to their fullest potential. Further, that this framework:

  1. Aligns with existing strategies, ensuring coherence with current city policies, financial plans, and operational frameworks.
  2. Identifies new opportunities, including innovative financial models, diversification strategies, and approaches to improve the management of municipal assets.
  3. Develops initiatives to position Edmonton as a competitive destination for business and industrial investment, fostering economic diversification and growth.
  4. Strengthens Edmonton’s long-term financial resilience by addressing infrastructure funding needs, stabilizing revenue streams, and ensuring the city’s capacity to deliver essential services.

  Due Date: Third Quarter, 2025 Executive Committee

  In Favour (5)

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

  Carried (5 to 0)

7.6

Development Incentive Program

• Moved by: A. Sohi

  That the March 5, 2025, Urban Planning and Economy report UPE02251, be postponed to the April 2, 2025, Executive Committee meeting.

  Due Date: April 2, 2025, Executive Committee

  In Favour (4)

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

  Carried (4 to 0)

7.7

Bylaw 20867 - To Designate the Hardisty 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 20867 be given the appropriate readings.

7.8

Single Source Request - Canadian Red Cross for Emergency Response Services

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

That a single source agreement between the City of Edmonton and The Canadian Red Cross Society for a one-year term commencing on April 15, 2025, and for an amount not to exceed $15 million including GST, for the provision of emergency shelter and support services, as outlined in the March 5, 2025, Community Services report CS02911, be approved and that the agreement be in form and content acceptable to the City Manager.

8.

Responses to Councillor Inquiries

There were no Responses to Councillor Inquiries on the agenda.

9.

Private Reports

There were no Private Reports on the agenda.

10.

Motions Pending

There were no Motions Pending on the agenda.

11.

Notices of Motion and Motions without Customary Notice

11.1

Social Media Engagement (A. Paquette)

That Administration provide a report assessing the City’s current engagement on social media platforms, including X, that includes the nature and frequency of posts, levels of public interaction, and any potential risks or benefits associated with continued use of these platforms, that also explores alternative communication channels that align with the City’s communications needs to provide effective and timely outreach to relevant platform participants.

• Notice of Motion Given: March 5, 2025, Executive Committee

12.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5:08 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2025.