City Council - Minutes

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

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

Council Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall

Present:

• A. Sohi, 
• T. Cartmell, 
• S. Hamilton, 
• M. Janz, 
• A. Knack, 
• A. Paquette, 
• K. Principe, 
• J. Rice, 
• 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. Sohi called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m., Tuesday, February 25, 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 Sioux, as well as Métis and Inuit, and now settlers from around the world.

*Clerk's note: The February 25, 2025, City Council meeting was held over two days: February 25, 2025, and February 26, 2025.

1.2

Roll Call

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

Mayor A. Sohi and Councillor S. Hamilton were absent with notice for a portion of the meeting.

S. Padbury, Acting City Manager; and A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk, T. Day, G. Goodin, D. Molloy, J. Taves and E. Norton, Office of the City Clerk, were also in attendance.

1.3

Adoption of Agenda

• Moved by: S. Hamilton
  Seconded by: J. Rice

  That the February 25/26, 2025, City Council meeting agenda be adopted with the following changes:

  Additions:

  • 7.1 Transportation Projects Traffic Management (Q1 2025)
    - Attachment 4
  • 7.8 Intergovernmental Update - Tariffs - Verbal report

  Replacement report/attachments:

  • 7.1 Transportation Projects Traffic Management (Q1 2025)
    - Integrated Infrastructure Services report IIS02750
  • 7.7 Policy C583A Update - Henderson Estates and Leger - Executive Committee report
    - Attachment 1
  • 8.1 Bylaw 20700 - Public Spaces Bylaw - Additional Information - Community and Public Services Committee report
    - Attachment 1

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: A. Knack
  Seconded by: A. Paquette

  That the following item be added to the February 25/26, 2025, City Council meeting agenda:

  • 9.2 Intergovernmental Update - Verbal report
    (Private pursuant to sections 21, 24 and 27 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)
    

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

1.4

Approval of Minutes

• Moved by: A. Knack
  Seconded by: E. Rutherford

  That the minutes from the following meetings be approved:

  • February 3, 2025, City Council Public Hearing
  • February 4/5, 2025, City Council
  • February 19, 2025, City Council - Non-Regular

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

1.5

Protocol Items

1.5.1

Holyrood School (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of City Council, welcomed the Grade 6 class from Holyrood School in Ward Métis and their teacher, B. Yassin.

1.5.2

Pink Shirt Day - February 26 (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of City Council, recognized February 26, 2025, as Pink Shirt Day, a day to bring attention and understanding to the impact of bullying and to encourage the creation of safe environments for everyone.

1.5.3

Recognizing Coach Ron Thompson (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of City Council, recognized Coach R. Thompson for their mentorship, leadership, and community building for over four decades. R. Thompson is a legendary figure in Edmonton’s athletics community, and their dedication to coaching has shaped the careers of countless athletes.

1.5.4

Introducing Reading by Poet Laureate, Shima Robinson (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of City Council, recognized Poet Laureate, S. Robinson (pen name Dwennimmen), who recited their poem, Portrait, to Members of Council.

1.5.5

Bishop Savaryn Catholic Elementary School (A. Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of City Council, welcomed the Grade 6 classes from Bishop Savaryn Catholic Elementary School in Ward tastawiyiniwak and their teachers, A. Lavallee and A. Merkosky.

1.5.6

Al Mustafa Academy (A.Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of City Council, welcomed the Grade 5 class from Al Mustafa Academy in Ward Métis and their teacher, P. Sood.

1.5.7

Hardisty School (A.Sohi)

Mayor A. Sohi, on behalf of City Council, welcomed the Grade 5/6 class from Hardisty School in Ward Métis and their teacher, M. Lastiwka.

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, 7.8 and 9.1.

*Clerk's note: Item 9.2 was added as an addendum verbal report and was also selected for debate.

2.2

Vote on Reports not Selected for Debate

• Moved by: A. Knack
  Seconded by: J. Wright

  That the recommendations in the following reports be approved:

  • 7.4 18 Street over Horsehills Creek Bridge Replacement - Environmental Impact Assessment
  • 7.5 Gariepy Neighbourhood Renewal - Environmental Impact Assessment and Site Location Study
  • 7.6 Taxes Recommended for Cancellation (Write-off) - Cancellation of Uncollectible Taxes and Penalties
  • 7.7 Policy C583A Update - Henderson Estates and Leger

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

2.3

Requests to Speak

Requests to Speak were not considered.

2.4

Requests for Specific Time on Agenda

• Moved by: S. Hamilton
  Seconded by: J. Rice

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

  • 7.8 Intergovernmental Update - Tariffs - Verbal report - 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025
  • 9.1 Collective Bargaining Update - Verbal report - 3:45 p.m., on Tuesday, February 25, 2025

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

2.5

Vote on Bylaws not Selected for Debate

• Moved by: E. Rutherford
  Seconded by: A. Stevenson

  That the following Bylaws be read a first time:

  • 8.1 Bylaw 20700 - Public Spaces Bylaw - Additional Information
  • 8.2 Bylaw 20944 - Closure of Vehicular Access to Titled Parcels on 106 Street in support of the Warehouse Park Project

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: E. Rutherford
  Seconded by: A. Stevenson

  That the following Bylaws be read a second time:

  • 8.1 Bylaw 20700 - Public Spaces Bylaw - Additional Information
  • 8.2 Bylaw 20944 - Closure of Vehicular Access to Titled Parcels on 106 Street in support of the Warehouse Park Project

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: E. Rutherford
  Seconded by: A. Stevenson

  That the following Bylaws be considered for third reading:

  • 8.1 Bylaw 20700 - Public Spaces Bylaw - Additional Information
  • 8.2 Bylaw 20944 - Closure of Vehicular Access to Titled Parcels on 106 Street in support of the Warehouse Park Project

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)
• Moved by: E. Rutherford
  Seconded by: A. Stevenson

  That the following Bylaws be read a third time:

  • 8.1 Bylaw 20700 - Public Spaces Bylaw - Additional Information
  • 8.2 Bylaw 20944 - Closure of Vehicular Access to Titled Parcels on 106 Street in support of the Warehouse Park Project

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

  *Clerk’s note: For subsequent motions on Bylaw 20700, please see item 8.1.

  
  

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

Transportation Projects Traffic Management (Q1 2025)

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

• C. Walbaum, Acting Deputy City Manager, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• N. Lazurko, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• J. Meliefste, Integrated Infrastructure Services

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• S. Feldman, City Operations
• P. Ladouceur, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• N. Wolfe, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• C. Hotton-MacDonald, City Operations
• C. Zerebeski, City Operations
• J. Badry, City Operations
• C. McKeown, Acting Deputy City Manager, City Operations
• T. Girvan, Urban Planning and Economy
• B. Ferguson, Integrated Infrastructure Services

• Moved by: A. Sohi
  Seconded by: E. Rutherford

  That the February 25, 2025, Integrated Infrastructure Services report IIS02750, be received for information.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

7.2

Creation of an Infrastructure Standing Committee

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

• A. Giesbrecht, City Clerk

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• C. Walbaum, Acting Deputy City Manager, Integrated Infrastructure Services
• S. Padbury, Acting City Manager
• M. Plouffe, Chief People Officer and City Solicitor

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

  1. That Administration prepare amendments to Bylaw 18156 Council Committees Bylaw as follows:

  1. establishing an Infrastructure Committee of Council comprised of four Councillors,
  2. Mayor is the Chair,
  3. reduce the number of Council members of Utility Committee from six to five,
  4. the mandate of the Infrastructure Committee would be as follows: the mandate of Infrastructure Committee is the delivery, renewal and decommissioning of City infrastructure, including: i. financial implications of capital projects, and  ii. capital project design and delivery, and
  5. any other ancillary adjustments as required.

  Due Date: March 2025

  2. That Administration develop an external nomination process collaboratively with industry associations (e.g., Edmonton Construction Association, APEGA Engineers, Alberta Association of Architects) for public members serving as technical non-voting advisors to the committee.

• Amendment:

  Moved by: E. Rutherford
  Seconded by: A. Salvador

  That the due date of "March 2025", be deleted and replaced with "Fourth Quarter 2025".

  In Favour (5)	A. Paquette, A. Salvador, J. Rice, E. Rutherford, and J. Wright
  Opposed (7)	A. Knack, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, M. Janz, K. Tang, A. Stevenson, and K. Principe

  Defeated (5 to 7)

• Motion, put:

  Moved by: K. Tang
  Seconded by: T. Cartmell

  Bylaw 21120 - Amendments to Bylaw 18156 Council Committees Bylaw

  1. That Administration prepare amendments to Bylaw 18156 Council Committees Bylaw as follows:

  1. establishing an Infrastructure Committee of Council comprised of four Councillors,
  2. Mayor is the Chair,
  3. reduce the number of Council members of Utility Committee from six to five,
  4. the mandate of the Infrastructure Committee would be as follows: the mandate of Infrastructure Committee is the delivery, renewal and decommissioning of City infrastructure, including: i. financial implications of capital projects, and  ii. capital project design and delivery, and
  5. any other ancillary adjustments as required 

  Due Date: March 18, 2025, City Council

  2. That Administration develop an external nomination process collaboratively with industry associations (e.g., Edmonton Construction Association, APEGA Engineers, Alberta Association of Architects) for public members serving as technical non-voting advisors to the committee.

  In Favour (9)	A. Knack, S. Hamilton, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, A. Stevenson, and K. Principe
  Opposed (4)	A. Paquette, J. Rice, E. Rutherford, and J. Wright

  Carried (9 to 4)

7.3

Monthly Update on Dutch Elm Disease in Edmonton - Verbal report

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

• C. Zerebeski, City Operations

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

• M. Beare, City Operations

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

  That Administration cease providing verbal updates on Dutch Elm Disease in Edmonton as of February 25, 2025, and provide an update on Dutch Elm Disease by memo to City Council no later than May 31, 2025.

  In Favour (6)	A. Knack, A. Paquette, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, and A. Stevenson
  Opposed (6)	S. Hamilton, T. Cartmell, J. Rice, E. Rutherford, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Defeated (6 to 6)

7.4

18 Street over Horsehills Creek Bridge Replacement - Environmental Impact Assessment

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

That the Environmental Impact Assessment for the 18 Street over Horsehills Creek Bridge (B081) Replacement Project, as outlined in Attachment 1 of the February 11, 2025, Integrated Infrastructure Services report IIS02605, be approved.

7.5

Gariepy Neighbourhood Renewal - Environmental Impact Assessment and Site Location Study

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

1. That the Gariepy Neighbourhood Renewal - Environmental Impact Assessment and Site Location Study, as outlined in Attachments 1 and 2 of the February 11, 2025, Integrated Infrastructure Services report IIS02806, be approved pursuant to the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan, Bylaw 7188.
2. That the locations of the missing active transportation connections as outlined in Attachment 2 of the February 11, 2025, Integrated Infrastructure Services report IIS02806 be deemed essential, pursuant to the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan, Bylaw 7188.

7.6

Taxes Recommended for Cancellation (Write-off) - Cancellation of Uncollectible Taxes and Penalties

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

That the cancellation (write-off) of $94,264.78 in uncollectible Business  Improvement Area (BIA) taxes, including all accrued penalties, as at December 31, 2024, as outlined in Attachment 1 of the February 12, 2025, Financial and Corporate Services report FCS02757, be approved.

7.7

Policy C583A Update - Henderson Estates and Leger

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

That Policy C583A - Developing Surplus School Sites, as amended, be approved.

7.8

Intergovernmental Update - Tariffs - Verbal report

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

• S. Ebrahim, Office of the City Manager
• S. Padbury, Acting City Manager
• K. Petrin, Deputy City Manager, Urban Planning and Economy

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

• A. Laliberte, Urban Planning and Economy
• J. Badry, Interim Chief Communications Officer

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

• D. Griffiths, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
• M. Bruce, Edmonton Global
• T. Bednard, Explore Edmonton

• Moved by: E. Rutherford
  Seconded by: J. Wright

  That the February 25, 2025, Office of the City Manager verbal report OCM02952, be received for information.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

8.

Bylaws

8.1

Bylaw 20700 - Public Spaces Bylaw - Additional Information

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.5. Bylaw 20700 received three readings.

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• M. Gunther, Employee and Legal Services
• J. Wilson, Community Services
• J. Flaman, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
• M. Plouffe, Chief People Officer and City Solicitor

• Subsequent Motion 1:

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

  Training Module for Peace Officers on Harm Reduction

  That Administration work with mutual aid organizations focused on harm reduction to identify existing or develop and deliver a module of training for Peace Officers interacting with individuals who are using drugs in public spaces, and return to Council with information on the funding required to resource this initiative.

  Due Date: To be determined 

  In Favour (10)	A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Salvador, M. Janz, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, and J. Wright
  Opposed (2)	J. Rice, and K. Principe

  Carried (10 to 2)

• Subsequent Motion 2:

  Moved by: M. Janz
  Seconded by: A. Knack

  That Administration provide a cold weather overlay to Bylaw 20700 - Public Spaces Bylaw.

  With the unanimous consent of City Council, Councillor M. Janz withdrew the motion.

  Withdrawn

  
  

• Subsequent Motion 3:

  Moved by: A. Sohi
  Seconded by: E. Rutherford

  One Year Review of Bylaw 20700 - Public Spaces Bylaw

  That Administration conduct an evaluation and provide a one-year review report to Committee on the outcomes from implementation of Bylaw 20700 - Public Spaces Bylaw, including any successes, challenges and any unintended impacts, with a special focus on:  

  • implementation of sections 24(1) and (2), and 
  • the efficacy of $25 fines for certain offences, and whether this approach should be expanded to other offences.

  Due Date: September 2026, Community and Public Services Committee

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

• Subsequent Motion 4:

  Moved by: A. Stevenson
  Seconded by: K. Principe

  Additional Provisions for Regulating Amplification in Public Spaces

  That Administration provide a report with options for additional provisions for regulating amplification in public spaces, including restrictions from doorways or to gatherings greater than 25 people. 

  Due Date: November 2025, Community and Public Services Committee

  In Favour (12)	A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe
  Opposed (1)	M. Janz

  Carried (12 to 1)

8.2

Bylaw 20944 - Closure of Vehicular Access to Titled Parcels on 106 Street in support of the Warehouse Park Project

This item was not selected for debate and was dealt with as part of item 2.5. Bylaw 20944 received three readings.

9.

Private Reports

9.1

Collective Bargaining Update - Verbal report

• Moved by: E. Rutherford
  Seconded by: A. Knack

  That City Council meet in private pursuant to sections 24 (advice from officials) and 25 (disclosure harmful to economic and other interests of a public body) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the discussion of 9.1

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

  City Council met in private at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

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

  • H. Rai, Financial and Corporate Services
  • M. Dorval, Employee and Legal Services
  • M. Plouffe, Chief People Officer and City Solicitor

  The following member of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

  • S. Padbury, Acting City Manager
  
  
• Moved by: A. Knack
  Seconded by: A. Salvador

  That City Council meet in public.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

  City Council met in public at 4:51 p.m., Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

  
  
• Moved by: E. Rutherford
  Seconded by: J. Wright
  1. That the presentation be added as Attachment 1 to the February 25, 2025, Employee and Legal Services verbal report ELS02949.
  2. That the recommended actions in red, as outlined on slide 6 of Attachment 1 of the February 25, 2025, Employee and Legal Services verbal report ELS02949, be approved.
  3. That the February 25, 2025, Employee and Legal Services verbal report ELS02949 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.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

9.2

Intergovernmental Update - Verbal report

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

  That City Council 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 9.2.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

  City Council met in private at 2:48 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

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

  • S. Padbury, Acting City Manager
  • S. Ebrahim, Office of the City Manager
  • K. Petrin, Deputy City Manager, Urban Planning and Economy

  The following members of Administration's delegation answered questions:

  • A. Szabo, Financial and Corporate Services
  • C. Ashmore, Employee and Legal Services
  
  
• Moved by: A. Paquette
  Seconded by: A. Salvador

  That City Council meet in public.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

  City Council met in public at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

  
  
• Moved by: A. Sohi
  Seconded by: A. Knack
  1. That the presentation be added as Attachment 1 to the February 26, 2025, Office of the City Manager verbal report OCM02967.
  2. That Attachment 2 be added to the February 26, 2025, Office of the City Manager verbal report OCM02967.
  3. That the actions outlined in Attachment 2 of the February 26, 2025, Office of the City Manager verbal report OCM02967, be approved.
  4. That the February 26, 2025, Office of the City Manager verbal report OCM02967 remain 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.

  In Favour (12)	A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe
  Opposed (1)	M. Janz

  Carried (12 to 1)

10.

Motions Pending

10.1

Community Energy Transition Strategy (M. Janz)

Councillor M. Janz stated that they would not be making the motion for which they had given notice at the February 4/5, 2025, City Council meeting.

10.2

Edmonton Heritage Festival Association Grant Funding (A. Knack)

The following members of Administration’s delegation answered questions:

• R. Jevne, Community Services
• M. Gunther, Employee and Legal Services

• Moved by: A. Knack
  Seconded by: A. Sohi

  That Council approve a grant to the Edmonton Heritage Festival Association of $200,000, on a one time basis in 2025, with funding from Council Contingency with $75,000 held in abeyance pending a report to Council confirming matching funding has been received from the other orders of government.

  In Favour (13)

  A. Knack, S. Hamilton, A. Paquette, T. Cartmell, A. Sohi, A. Salvador, M. Janz, J. Rice, K. Tang, E. Rutherford, A. Stevenson, J. Wright, and K. Principe

  Carried (13 to 0)

10.3

Edmonton Financial Sustainability Framework (A. Paquette)

• Moved by: A. Paquette
  Seconded by: A. Knack

  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.

  With the unanimous consent of City Council, Councillor A. Paquette withdrew the motion.

  Withdrawn 

  
  

11.

Notices of Motion and Motions without Customary Notice

Mayor A. Sohi asked whether there were any Notices of Motion. There were none.

12.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025.