On Wednesday, physically distanced City Councillors and City of Edmonton Administration leaders gathered in City Hall, in City offices and in homes across Edmonton to do the business of the people of Edmonton during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are some highlights of what was discussed, starting with a proclamation read by Mayor Don Iveson to the people of Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotians remembered
“The wounds caused by this unthinkable tragedy are deep, and they will take time to heal,” said Iveson.
“Current circumstances prevent us from gathering in person to mourn these losses, but in true Canadian fashion we are finding meaningful ways to connect and stand strong with our Nova Scotian neighbours.”
While the mayor spoke, an image of Edmonton’s High Level Bridge lit in Nova Scotian white and blue was projected on the meeting screen. The mayor read the names of the victims of the shooting rampage that happened over the weekend.
“On Monday, as you can see on the screen here, we lit the High Level Bridge blue and white to honour and pay tribute to the victims, their families, the first responders, those who provide care for the injured, and the grieving,” said Iveson.
Community Gardens to grow
Meanwhile, Interim City Manager Adam Laughlin said the pandemic has created food security issues for many families. Laughlin announced that the City’s community gardens will continue—provided physical distancing and hygiene practices are followed—and will grow.
“We will be expanding the number of gardens this year by adding to the inventory new City-owned plots, private land leased by the City, and community league-owned plots of land,” said Laughlin.
“We will also be promoting the use of front yards as vegetable gardens.”
On-street farmers markets are scheduled to open May 1.
Road adjustments
Plans are afoot to open up additional shared-use space for people to move while practising physical distancing.
“Streets in dense neighbourhoods are a priority, so more Edmontonians have an opportunity to space out,” said Laughlin.
Laughlin listed six factors taken into consideration when a roadway is repurposed. They are: the population density of the area; volume of pedestrian, bike and traffic activity; type and design of the road; safety; impact to emergency vehicles; and, location.
On Thursday, April 23, lane reductions will be expanded south along the 104 Street service road from Saskatchewan Drive to University Avenue.
On Friday, April 24, road lane closure on Saskatchewan Drive will be expanded to include 110 Street to 116 Street. The westbound lane will be closed to provide a shared space for people walking and biking, next to the shared pathway.
Areas in the Queen Mary Park and Alberta Avenue neighbourhoods are among the locations being studied as shared streets, City Council heard.
Economy
In discussion with City Councillors, Laughlin said there is evidence that “we are flattening the curve” and that now is not the time to get complacent about restrictions on mass gatherings and physical distancing. He indicated City moves to allow the re-opening of businesses would follow the direction of the provincial government and its COVID-19 health measures.
Garage sales
Garage sales are no longer permitted in the city of Edmonton.
Laughlin said it’s the City’s responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by minimizing contact points and, by so doing, supporting provincial health orders. Garage sales present risks on numerous fronts, including cash handling and the touching and handling of used goods.
Capital City Clean Up
In a news release after the Council meeting, the City announced that plans are taking shape to kickstart this year’s Capital City Clean Up.
In previous springs, the kits were handed out at recreation centres and libraries, all of which are now temporarily closed. This year, starting next week, the kits will be available for pick-up at community leagues.
Thank you
Laughlin said “the past two weekends have shown that Edmontonians are taking the public health requirements seriously and responsibly.”
City Council voted to extend the official State of Local Emergency for another seven days.