Please see some important updates from my office below. 

Infill Survey 

During the election I continually heard feedback from residents regarding concerns with infill.

The City of Edmonton is seeking input on proposed changes to Zoning Bylaw 20001 and the District Policy that will impact development of new housing in redeveloping (existing) neighbourhoods in Edmonton. 

In 2025, City Council passed several motions asking Administration to do an analysis of several aspects of the zoning bylaw which will impact infill development. The proposed changes include: 

• Recommendations and implications on reducing the maximum number of dwellings on an interior site in the RS Zone.
• Options and recommendations to reduce the impact of height on adjacent properties in the RS Zone.
  
• Options and recommendations to support maintenance and retention of trees on private property.
  
• On potential amendments to the Zoning Bylaw or District Plans for consideration to limit mid-block redevelopment larger than small scale development outside of nodes and corridors with considerations of site size, height and context.
  

The City is requesting residents to share their feedback on the proposed changes.  Please visit edmonton.ca/infill. Input will be gathered until January 29 with a verbal summary presented to Urban Planning Committee on February 10.

Snow Removal 

This year has had a difficult start with residential snow removal. I want to assure you that I have heard your concerns clearly. As this is the first major snowfall during my term as City Councillor, it is evident that our policies must change to include better contingencies for significant weather events.

This week, I visited one of the City's snow and ice yards to connect with crew members regarding the challenges they are currently facing. They were appreciative of the visit and were very frank and open with me, which I sincerely respected. They provided the following feedback;

• The city needs to do a better job of informing the public of the parking ban in residential areas. The alert notices generally state there is no parking starting at 7am however the crews are ready to commence at midnight therefore they have to wait or maneuver around parked vehicles.
• Graders generally do not enter neighbourhoods however due to the heavy snow and ice, the trucks cannot move it therefore the graders have to do it. The problem this creates is the snow and ice has completely covered the catch basins. This will likely cause issues in the spring as there will be nowhere for the melted snow to go which is likely to create a flooding problem.
• Bikes lanes are also a major hindrance for snow clearing as it narrows the roads and are often hit by equipment. Bike lanes should only be available in the summer and removed in the winter as they are rarely used in the winter.
• Peace officers should go ahead of the snow equipment with their lights on to warn residents of the impending snow clearing. If they do not move, they should be proactive in issuing tickets.
• Citizens should sign up for text message alerts as the information and updates on snow clearing is very accurate.
• Peace officers only work during the day for snow enforcement and need to also work at night.
• Residents need to respect the size of the equipment and ensure to make room or keep a safe distance to ensure everyone is safe.
• The snow schedule follows the waste schedule. If there is waste pick up in your neighbourhood, the plows will not start that neighbourhood until the waste is removed.
• Finally, the crew members have been working 12 hour shifts for weeks with no time off. They are extremely tired and I sincerely thank everyone for their hard work and dedication. If you have an opportunity, please take a minute to thank them as they are citizens like you and are trying to perform their job. 

To understand these challenges firsthand, I have been requesting that the City Manager and Administration coordinate a ride-along with a residential crew. While I was advised that this would take place in the coming weeks, my expectations for a more immediate timeline were not met. I assure you that I will conduct this ride-along before future discussions occur at Council, as understanding the experiences of our frontline workers is essential to identifying necessary improvements.

As noted in my last newsletter, a formal discussion is scheduled for August. Council will review data from the previous winter season alongside the scheduled Snow and Ice Policy Review. I intend to question Administration closely regarding the data presented on our residential snow removal efforts.

Additionally, City Council will begin four-year budget discussions this November and December. Improving service levels for residential snow removal will be a top priority for me during this budget cycle.

My team is continuing to compile your feedback ahead of these meetings. We have received many emails regarding windrows, non-compliance with parking bans, lack of access for emergency vehicles, concerns with the snow map online and the overall delay on attending to residential streets. I hear you, and I understand your frustrations.

You’re Invited to have Coffee with your Councillor!

On Saturday, February 21 from 10am-noon, I will be hosting a meet & greet at the Currents McDonald’s (6314 Currents Dr NW). This will be a great opportunity to meet me, and talk to me in person about any questions or concerns you have. Please watch my newsletters and Social Media channels as my office will be putting out more information about this in the coming weeks. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely, 

Mike Elliott