Crime is now illegal

Speaking Municipally

The province and EPS held a press conference to issue a new ban on crime. That'll fix it. Plus, Boyle Street will be out of its location on Sept. 30, and the city will be short just over $70M this year.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Boyle Street

• Boyle Street to alter services ahead of Edmonton Oilers-led development
• Boyle Street Community Services to leave location near Rogers Place this month
• Keith Gerein's tweet
• Boyle Street's looming closure begs community to question: Do Edmonton's most vulnerable matter?
• 'This place helps so many people': Edmontonians react to Boyle Street building closure
• Keith Gerein: Boyle Street's closure a mess that didn't need to happen

Zero tolerance

• News Release: Zero tolerance for crime
• Edmonton police chief explains how new 'zero tolerance' rules will play out on city streets
• Alberta government introduces new public safety protocols aimed at addressing crime concerns
• Open-air drug use, escalating violence and disorder underline EPS Safer Public Spaces approach

Budget deficit

• On the agenda: Operating deficits, capital spending, and another Oliver tower
• City of Edmonton forecasts $73.8 million deficit in 2023 operating budget
• City staff will 'curb and watch' discretionary spending to offset projected $73.8 million year-end deficit

Surface parking

• There are 275 surface parking lots in downtown Edmonton, most without permits

Affordable housing

• News Release: Affordable housing units receive upgrade

Climate and housing

• Task force led by Lisa Raitt, Don Iveson aims to bridge climate, housing issues

Valley Line LRT

• Delays aside, are Edmonton drivers ready for the new Valley Line?

This episode was sponsored by the Edmonton Community Foundation, which presents Wills Week from Oct. 2 to 6. Wills Week is a series of free online and in-person seminars from Alberta wills and estates lawyers on the importance of having an up-to-date will. Learn more and register for the free event.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

★ Support this podcast ★