The EFCL, on behalf of community leagues across the city, is trying to create a dialogue with Edmonton Planning and Development to address the rising public concern about the frequency of Zoning Bylaw infractions and the inadequacy of municipal enforcement.
On November 8, 2007, noting the chorus of citizens’ and community leagues’ complaints about poor enforcement of zoning regulations and development permits, EFCL’s Board of Directors took the concern directly to City Hall. In a letter to the General Manager of Planning and Development, EFCL President Shane Bergdahl cited insufficient municipal resources and over-reliance on a complaint driven process as conditions that, if left unchanged, will substantially undermine public confidence in Edmonton’s entire neighbourhood planning and development system and may even put community stability at risk. Status – The Conversation Starts
On March 5, Jeff Price, Director of Permitting and Licensing for Edmonton Planning and Development, contacted EFCL to begin talking about the concern. Mr. Price stated he intends to meet with EFCL and some development sector organizations to discuss solutions, but first wants to develop a few proposals. EFCL suggested meeting earlier, to clarify the issues before building solutions, and suggested some meetings be held with development sector representatives and community league leaders together, to promote awareness and understanding of different perspectives. The City has not yet set a schedule for meetings and discussions.
Strathcona Centre Takes Action to a Higher Level
On March 18, 2008, the Strathcona Centre Community League took the matter directly to the government of Alberta, registering an official complaint and requesting the Minister to intervene. Acting independently but with encouragement and help from many like-minded neighbourhood leaders, the Community League’s Planning Committee put together a comprehensive fact-based compilation of their own experiences and those of their neighbours. Citing real examples and stories of residents’ frustrations, the document is a well organized and compelling case.
Strathcona's document is no longer online - contact them directly if you would like to discuss this issue or see the document. |