Community and Public Services Committee Minutes

Monday, April 11, 2022

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

Council Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall

Present:

• T. Cartmell, 
• M. Janz, 
• A. Sohi, 
• K. Tang, 
• and J. Wright

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1.

Call to Order and Related Business

1.1

Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement

Councillor T. Cartmell called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m., Monday, April 11, 2022, and acknowledged that Community and Public Services Committee meets on the traditional land of Treaty 6 Territory. 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 Metis and Inuit, and now settlers from around the world.

1.2

Roll Call

Councillor T. Cartmell conducted roll call and confirmed the attendance of Members of Community and Public Services Committee.

*Mayor A. Sohi is a Committee Member pursuant to section 15(3), Council Committee Bylaw 18156.

Councillors A. Knack, K. Principe, E. Rutherford, A. Salvador and A. Stevenson; and C. Schlamp, T. Orbell and R. Yusuf, Office of the City Clerk, were also in attendance.

1.3

Adoption of Agenda

• Moved by: J. Wright

  That the April 11, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee meeting agenda be adopted.

  In Favour (5)

  T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (5 to 0)

1.4

Approval of Minutes

• Moved by: J. Wright

  That the minutes from the following meetings be approved:

  • March 16, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee - Non-Regular
  • March 21, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee

  In Favour (5)

  T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (5 to 0)

1.5

Protocol Items

There were no Protocol Items.

2.

Items for Discussion and Related Business

2.1

Select Items for Debate

The following items were selected for debate: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 7.1.

2.2

Vote on Reports not Selected for Debate

• Moved by: A. Sohi

  That the recommendations in the following reports be approved:

  • 5.1 Festival Support and Growth
  • 5.2 Indigenous-led Shelters, Housing and Programming
  • 5.3 Administration of the Sport Component of the Community Investment Operating Grant Program
  • 5.4 City-owned Recreation Spaces for Youth Free Admission Drop-in Activities
  • 5.5 Licenses for Rental Providers and Public Access to Information (M. Janz)
  • 5.6 Overnight Paddlers Parking Pass

  In Favour (5)

  T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (5 to 0)

2.3

Requests to Speak

• Moved by: T. Cartmell

  That Community and Public Services Committee hear from the following speakers, in panels when appropriate:

  • 6.1 Problem Properties Initiative Update

  1. C. Morin, Arts on the Ave
  2. K. Gingras, Edmonton Community Development Company
  3. A. Bubel, Edmonton Community Development Company (to answer questions only)
  4. S. Grasso
  5. E. Estrada, Alberta Avenue Community League
  6. C. Shaw
  7. K. Hurtado
  8. D. Piquette
  9. M. Glasgow

  • 6.2 Support for Women’s Shelters

  1. L. Allen, Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters
  2. K. Kingdom, Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters
  3. S. Khan, Nisa Homes
  4. J. Reimer, Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters
  5. P. Vargas, Catholic Social Services - Lurana Shelter, La Salle Shelter and Drexel Place
  6. S. Languedoc, Community Initiatives Against Family Violence
  7. C. Furlong, Community Initiatives Against Family Violence

  • 7.1 Controlled Drug and Substances Act Section 56(1) Exemption Process (M. Janz)

  1. G. Salvalaggio, Opioid Poisoning Committee, Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association
  2. K. Speed
  3. N. LaMontagne

  In Favour (5)

  T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (5 to 0)
• Moved by: T. Cartmell

  That Community and Public Services Committee hear from the following speaker:

  • 6.1 Problem Properties Initiative Update

  1. J. Samson

  In Favour (5)

  T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (5 to 0)
• Moved by: T. Cartmell

  That Community and Public Services Committee hear from the following speaker:

  • 6.1 Problem Properties Initiative Update

  1. J. Peverett

  In Favour (5)

  T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (5 to 0)

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.

3.

Councillor Inquiries

There were no Councillor Inquiries.

4.

Reports to be Dealt with at a Different Meeting

4.1

Transit Fare Fines - Repayment Options

This report is scheduled to be dealt with at the June 13, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee meeting.

5.

Requests to Reschedule Reports

5.1

Festival Support and Growth

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 13, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee, for the Community Services report CS00949, Festival Support and Growth, be approved.

Revised Due Date: June 13, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee

5.2

Indigenous-led Shelters, Housing and Programming

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 27, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee, for the Community Services report CS00939, Indigenous-led Shelters, Housing and Programming, be approved.

Revised Due Date: June 27, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee

5.3

Administration of the Sport Component of the Community Investment Operating Grant Program

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 May 30, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee, for the Community Services report CS00941, Administration of the Sport Component of the Community Investment Operating Grant Program, be approved.

Revised Due Date: May 30, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee

5.4

City-owned Recreation Spaces for Youth Free Admission Drop-in Activities

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 May 30, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee, for the Community Services report CS00940, City-owned Recreation Spaces for Youth Free Admission Drop-in Activities, be approved.

Revised Due Date: May 30, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee

5.5

Licenses for Rental Providers and Public Access to Information (M. Janz)

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

That Community and Public Services Committee recommend to City Council:

That the revised due date of April 26, 2022, Urban Planning Committee, for the Urban Planning and Economy report UPE01090, Licenses for Rental Providers and Public Access to Information (M. Janz), be approved.

5.6

Overnight Paddlers Parking Pass

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 To be determined, Community and Public Services Committee, for the Community Services report CS00780, Overnight Paddlers Parking Pass, be approved.

Revised Due Date: To be determined, Community and Public Services Committee

6.

Public Reports

6.1

Problem Properties Initiative Update

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

• J. Flaman, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
• D. Jones, Community Services

The following public speakers made presentations:

• S. Grasso
• D. Piquette
• J. Peverett

The following public speakers made presentations and answered questions:

• C. Morin, Arts on the Ave
• K. Gingras, Edmonton Community Development Company
• E. Estrada, Alberta Avenue Community League
• C. Shaw
• K. Hurtado
• M. Glasgow
• J. Samson

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• D. Jones, Community Services
• K. Scott, Community Services
• R. McAdams, Office of the City Manager (Fire Services)
• J. Lallemand, Community Services
• C. Sikora, Alberta Health Services
• T. Esch, Office of the City Manager (Legal Services)
• K. Petrin, Urban Planning and Economy
• L. Peter, Urban Planning and Economy
• C. Watt, Financial and Corporate Services
• C. Ashmore, Office of the City Manager (Legal Services)
• S. Padbury, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Financial and Corporate Services
• C. Kjenner, Community Services

• Moved by: A. Sohi

  That Community and Public Services Committee recommend to City Council: 

  1. That the Fire Rescue Services Branch, Office of the City Manager, 2022 operating budget be increased by up to $850,000 on a one time basis  with one-time funding from the Edmonton Police Services funds held within Financial Strategies, for the purpose of extending the Community Property Safety Team pilot for up to 18 months, and prepare an unfunded service package for consideration at the 2023-2026 budget.

  2. That the Community Standards and Neighbourhoods Branch, Community Services, 2022 operating budget be increased by $915,000 on a one-time basis with one-time funding from Edmonton Police Services funds held within Financial Strategies, to enhance dedicated resources for problem properties as outlined in the April 11, 2022, Community Services report CS00896, and prepare an unfunded service package for consideration at the 2023-2026 budget.

  In Favour (4)

  T. Cartmell, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (4 to 0)
• Moved by: A. Sohi

  That Community and Public Services Committee recommend to City Council:

  That Administration provide a report to Committee outlining:

  1. Options for definitions of “derelict" residential and non-residential properties for the purposes of creating tax subclasses, including: 
  1. a discussion of tax rate differentials for a “derelict properties” subclasses, including the maximum allowable rate ratio associated with a derelict non-residential tax subclass; 
  2. details of an off-setting grant program, along with a draft policy, that could further incentivize redevelopment of “derelict properties”; and 
  3. methodology for monitoring and proving that derelict non-residential property are unoccupied for at least one year to ensure compliance with the Edmonton City Charter, 2018 Regulation. 
  2. An approach for increasing the demolition and/or disposition of problem properties, including but not limited to increased acquisition of properties through tax forfeiture.

  In Favour (5)

  T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (5 to 0)
• Moved by: M. Janz

  Housing Redevelopment Grant Program Update

  That Administration provide an update on the Housing Redevelopment Grant program, including lessons learned and opportunities to align with efforts around problem properties.

  Due Date: October 28, 2022, Community and Public Services Committee

  In Favour (4)

  T. Cartmell, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (4 to 0)

6.2

Support for Women’s Shelters

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

• J. Flamman, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
• C. Kjenner, Community Services
• T. Schmidt, Community Services

The following public speakers made presentations:

• S. Khan, Nisa Homes
• C. Furlong, Community Initiatives Against Family Violence

The following public speakers made presentations and answered questions:

• K. Kingdom, Alberta Council of Women's Shelters
• J. Reimer, Alberta Council of Women's Shelters
• P. Vargas, Catholic Social Services, Lurana Shelter, La Salle Shelter and Drexel Place
• S. Languedoc, Community Initiatives Against Family Violence

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• C. Kjenner, Community Services
• T. Schmidt, Community Services
• J. Smith, Community Services

• Moved by: J. Wright

  That Community and Public Services Committee recommend to City Council: 

  1. That Administration, as part of the upcoming update of the City of Edmonton Affordable Housing Strategy, incorporate the housing needs of women and other persons fleeing domestic violence, and identify key actions. 

  2. That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, write a letter to the Ministry of Community and Social Services , highlighting the need for additional financial resources to address the shelter needs of women and other persons fleeing domestic violence in Edmonton and requesting that additional financial measures be considered. 

  3. That Administration, as part of its on-going advocacy efforts, incorporate an advocacy strategy to raise the profile/awareness of women and other persons fleeing domestic violence and the need for immediate supports for them and their families.

  In Favour (4)

  T. Cartmell, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (4 to 0)
• Moved by: J. Wright

  That Community and Public Services Committee recommend to City Council:

  That the Social Development Branch, Community Services, 2022 Operating budget be increased by $880,000 on a one-time basis from the Edmonton Police Services funding held within Financial Strategies to fund the Edmonton Women's Shelters' request as outlined in Report CS00947.

  In Favour (4)

  T. Cartmell, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (4 to 0)

6.3

Bylaw 19984 - Semi-Annual Amendments to Speed Zones Bylaw 6894

• Moved by: M. Janz

  That Community and Public Services Committee recommend to City Council:

  That Bylaw 19984 be given the appropriate readings.

  In Favour (4)

  T. Cartmell, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (4 to 0)

7.

Responses to Councillor Inquiries

7.1

Controlled Drug and Substances Act Section 56(1) Exemption Process (M. Janz)

The following public speakers made presentations:

• D. McGeown, Arcadia Brewing Co.
• K. Speed
• N. LaMontagne

The following public speakers made presentations and answered questions:

• P. Schulz, Moms Stop the Harm
• E. Hyshka
• E. Thomson, EACH+EVERY: Businesses for Harm Reduction
• G. Salvalaggio, Opioid Poisoning Committee, Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• J. Flaman, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
• Y. Oke, Communications and Engagement
• C. Kjenner, Community Services
• Z. Frost, Community Services
• T. Esch, Office of the City Manager (Legal Services)

• Moved by: A. Sohi

  That Community and Public Services Committee recommend to City Council:

  1. That Administration work collaboratively with stakeholders (including but not limited to Alberta Health Services, Alberta Health, Edmonton Police Services, public health and medical experts, people with lived experience, family and patient advocates, and Indigenous peoples) to develop recommendations to reduce drug poisoning injuries and deaths in Edmonton, including providing recommendations to pursue a section 56(1) exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to decriminalize simple personal possession (excluding trafficking) of illicit substances in Edmonton.

  2. That Administration develop an intergovernmental advocacy strategy to reduce drug poisoning injury and deaths in Edmonton, including decriminalization of simple personal possession, safe supply, safe consumption sites, treatment and supportive housing.  

  Due Date: First Quarter 2023, Community and Public Services Committee

  In Favour (5)

  T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, M. Janz, K. Tang, and J. Wright

  Carried (5 to 0)

8.

Motions Pending

There were no Motions Pending on the agenda.

9.

Private Reports

There were no Private Reports on the agenda.

10.

Notices of Motion and Motions without Customary Notice

Councillor T. Cartmell asked whether there were any Notices of Motion. There were none.

11.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4:51 p.m., Monday, April 11, 2022.