Infill, EPCOR, and the Single-Use Plastic Bylaw are just a few of the important topics being discussed across our city. I’d like to share an update on each of these issues and highlight what they mean for our community.

First, my Four-Year Budget Survey is open until November 20th. If you have not already done so, please complete it by visiting this link. Your feedback is invaluable as I prepare for Budget Deliberations at the end of November.

https://www.mikeelliott.ca/2027_2030_budget_survey

Finding the Right Balance on Infill

On Thursday, October 8th, the Alberta government ordered the City of Edmonton to roll back its high-density residential infill rules and revert to pre-2024 zoning parameters. 

I understand there are concerns about how this unfolded with the Province. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the Province’s intervention, we, as a Council, need a better approach to managing our growing city. The Province’s intervention provides Council with an opportunity to make this issue a priority and work toward a meaningful solution.

Edmonton is a growing city, and responsible infill is important to providing more housing and making use of existing infrastructure. But growth must also respect the character of our mature neighbourhoods and the residents who call them home. 

During the 2025 election, many residents shared concerns about the pace and scale of infill. I believe we need a better balance between increasing density and preserving the history and character of our communities.

Earlier this year, I voted to reduce the maximum from eight units to six. Unfortunately, the proposal did not pass, as most of my Council colleagues did not support the change. I do not believe the current infill regulations strike the right balance, and too often they create conflict between neighbours rather than building stronger communities.

Responsible infill should complement the surrounding neighbourhood, with thoughtful consideration for building size, height, design, and community character. Residents should feel that development is happening with their neighbourhood, not simply to it.

As the Province moves to restore the 2023 zoning regulations, I will continue working with residents, Council, and City Administration to understand the implications for current and future development applications and advocate for an approach that supports growth while respecting our communities.

Edmonton deserves thoughtful development that brings neighbours together. I will continue listening to the residents I represent and welcome your feedback as we work toward a better balance for our city.

EPCOR Franchise Fee 

On Tuesday, October 6, Council voted to approve an increase to EPCOR’s franchise fee by a vote of 8–5.  The increase that was approved was  17.65% to 19.4%, which will be implemented on January 1st, 2027. I voted against the increase because I believe we must carefully consider the broader financial impact on Edmontonians before adding to their costs.

The increase will mean higher electricity bills for residents and added operating costs for hospitals, universities, and businesses. These costs can put further pressure on household budgets and may ultimately affect the services and programs our community relies on.

Higher operating costs can also make Edmonton less competitive when attracting investment, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs.

At a time when families and businesses are already facing rising costs, we should be focused on keeping Edmonton affordable and economically competitive—not adding further financial pressure.

Single-Use Plastic Bylaw: Bag Fee Update

Discussion surrounding the restaurant bag fee began in Fall 2025, when I introduced an initial Motion to amend the Bylaw and remove the bag fee requirement for restaurants. This issue has remained an ongoing discussion throughout the current Council term.

However, the discussion was postponed until Fall 2026 to align with the release of the 2025–2026 Waste Characterization Study results and the Single-use Item Reduction Bylaw Path Forward.

Last week, City Council discussed the following Motion, which was moved by Councillor Morgan and seconded by me:

That Administration prepare amendments to Revised Charter Bylaw 20117, Single-use Item Reduction Bylaw, to exempt pick-up and drive-through restaurants from the requirements to charge a customer the minimum fee for each shopping bag. 

Due Date: Second Quarter 2027, Utility Committee 

Ultimately, the above Motion was defeated by a vote of 6–7, meaning Edmontonians will continue to pay for bags at local restaurants. Please note that I voted in favour of the Motion, as I supported Administration making these amendments

As the Motion was not supported, there is little opportunity to move this conversation forward at this time. My Council colleagues were not in favour of making these changes, despite Councillor Morgan and me advocating for their support.

Terwillegar Drive Update

On Friday, October 9, the Rainbow Valley Bridge officially opened to the public. It is wonderful to see this bridge completed, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication in making this project possible. Please note, some off-peak or overnight single-lane closures may occur as crews complete final touches. Landscaping and site restoration work will continue in 2027 and is not anticipated to impact traffic. 

A single-lane closure is in place on Whitemud Drive westbound at 122 Street due to embankment erosion caused by heavy summer precipitation. Work to temporarily restore the area will continue until late October, and a new project has begun for the permanent repair. This work is not part of the Stage 2 project, but is being completed during the deficiency period due to its proximity to the site. 

With the full opening of the Rainbow Valley Bridge, City Administration has communicated that Stage 2 of the Terwillegar Drive Project is now completed on time and on budget. Stage 2 included:

• Widening Terwillegar Drive and Whitemud Drive

• Renewal and widening of the Rainbow Valley Bridge to four lanes in each direction

• Improvements to the Whitemud Drive/Terwillegar Drive interchange and ramps

• A dedicated bus-only lane

• Upgraded shared-use pathways between 122 Street and 142 Street

• Pedestrian and cyclist bridges at Rainbow Valley and 142 Street

• Retaining and noise walls

• Tree planting and landscaping improvements

Thank you to everyone involved for your efforts in making Stage 2 a success. I would also like to acknowledge my predecessor, Tim Cartmell, for his dedicated work and significant contributions to this initiative.

Looking ahead, Stage 3 of the Terwillegar Drive Expansion Program is underway, with completion anticipated by the end of 2028. Details on Stage 3 can be found by visiting this link. 

Thank you again for your engagement with my office. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any municipal questions or concerns in the future. 

Sincerely,

Mike