HIGHLIGHTS:

• 100th Anniversary Project to be voted on at AGM
• Solar Energy Projects
  
• Supplier Marketplace
• Leagues Alive Conference & Trade Show
  
• Board Development                     & much more

The City of Edmonton is hosting an online survey to ask for your thoughts on the future of Queen Elizabeth Park. We're in the 'idea gathering' stage so this is a great  opportunity to provide your input  and to help us create a vision for the park that will attract, captivate and delight park visitors into the future.    The survey will be open until May 2nd and should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Please forward this email to anyone you think might be interested in this process.    For more information on the project please visit www.edmonton.ca/QEparkplan.      

To sign up for project updates, send an e-mail to  QEparkplan@edmonton.ca.

The City of Edmonton Buena Vista/Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Master Plan Design Team has taken input received from stakeholders and the public during past public consultations  about the park , as well as the March 21, 2012 public visioning session,  and crafted a draft vision statement that will guide the master plan design process.  

Fill out a short,  nine question, survey to let us know if the draft vision statement reflects your future vision for the park.   Based on input, changes to the visioning statement may be made to better reflect what Edmontonians' envision for this dynamic park area. The survey will be available until May 6, 2012.

Click here to go to the survey: http://www.surveymk.com/s/buenavistalaurierparkvision

Due to grave concerns expressed by many Leagues, the EFCL Board recently passed motions to request more community input into the re-purposing of surplus school sites and the re-planning of the host park.  

Created in 2011, the Blue Sky Award seeks to enable Albertan not-for-profit organizations to realize their dream projects! To help them achieve this, Manasc Isaac will donate $10,000 of consulting time toward the creation of a conceptual design or feasibility study.* This will empower the winning organization to seek partners and funding, and determine timelines for their project.

Last year, we received over 25 entries and we can’t wait to see what projects this year will bring!

Free workshop on Motorized traffic and Health: Interventions to mitigate its impacts, June 11. Click here to learn more: http://www.ncchpp.ca/176/presentations.ccnpps?id_article=740

Transit Oriented Development Policy and Guidelines Approved by the Executive Committee of Council, February 8, 2012.  (For details go to Feb 8 Agenda and click on TOD Policy and Guidelines.)  The EFCL argued that the TOD policy should focus more on creating quality neighbourhoods with adequate amenities and family housing, while the West Jasper Community League advocated for a minimum portion of single family homes in all Neighbourhood Station areas, taking into account the density which already exists in neighbourhoods.      Council indicated there would be funding for TOD Plans which would address the neighbourhood quality concerns.

City Administration is working on amendments to the Zoning Bylaw which would allow greater density development in all low density zones, from single family housing zones to row housing zones, and erode the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay which is designed to preserve the character of mature neighbourhoods.    Contact Bev.Zubot@efcl.org if you wish to receive a copy of the draft amendments.

Many of the recommendations suggested by Community Leagues and highlighted in EFCL’s report have been incorporated into the Task Force’s report.  (Go to edmonton.ca and search for “Elevate”.) 

The report focuses on three areas:  a) the creation of a multi-jurisdictional body to design a “new urban agenda”, b) introduction of community-driven approaches including asset-based development plans, and c) promotion of life-long learning and the expanded uses of schools for people of all ages. 

What do you think of the recommendations?

In response to numerous complaints about cell tower developments, several city councillors made an inquiry about potential changes to the community consultation process and the criteria used to decide whether or not to support a tower proposal.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a widely accepted set of crime prevention principles.  The CPTED premise is that the proper design and effective use of the physical environment can reduce the perception of fear and incidence of crime.  This leads to an improvement in the quality of life

Want more children and long-term residents in your neighbourhood? The EFCL has a tool for you to use when advocating for more quality mulit-family housing.  See EFCL's Recommendations for Child/Family-Friendly Multi-Unit Housing.

Reduced Parking Requirements for Seniors Housing and other supportive housing projects is being considered by the City.

After many requests by EFCL to make family friendly infill housing a priority, the Executive Committee of Council finally directed City Administration to review the definition of family-oriented housing and to report on options to promoting family friendly infill housing.   

The EFCL supports the development of City guidelines to direct the type of development that can occur in neighbourhoods near transit stations over the next 30 years.  The EFCL has submitted a position statement to the City with the following recommendations . . .

Following a couple of workshops with Leagues this summer, EFCL prepared a comprehensive report to the inter-governmental and citizen Community Sustainability Task Force.

On October 19^th, Bev Zubot, EFCL’s Planning Advisor, and Christine Bremner, EFCL Board member, spoke to Executive Committee of Council about Restrictive Covenants limiting grocery stores.    They spoke against the practice of grocery chains placing a covenant, on their sold properties, which restricts the future sale of food on the site

 The Light Efficient Community Coalition and EFCL were both disappointed with the digital sign regulations adopted by City Council in September.

In 2012, City Council will be considering new bylaw regulations for non-medical massage parlours, or rather, Body Rub Centres

 Mega-events may trigger the building of iconic stadiums and plenty of promises about a sparkling future.

 Read all about it!  

New regulations for four storey apartments and six storey apartments have recently been approved by City Council.   Many of these rules can be used to benefit your neighbourhood.

On July 13, EFCL hosted the second consultation on mature neighbourhood sustainability.  

In the last few weeks, over a third of the mature neighbourhood community leagues had representatives meet with the Community Sustainability Task Force to explain the challenges facing their neighbourhoods and to suggest solutions.  

The city is considering reducing the minimum lot width from 39 feet (12 m) to 25 feet (7.62 m) so that a standard house lot can be subdivided to allow the building of two single family homes.

The City’s Planning and Development Department is considering modifications to parking requirements for multi-residential units near transit facilities. An updated version of the proposed Draft Amendment to Zoning Bylaw 12800 is available on EFCL’s website under Planning Matters- Civic Documents .

A new task force appointed by Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel is looking for ways to help sustain and support Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods. The committee will be conducting research and meeting with citizens over the next three months. The EFCL will be organizing a meeting for leagues to discuss solutions and to help the EFCL develop its submission to the Task Force.

If you live close to an existing or future LRT Station or Transit Station, you can expect to higher density developments coming your way.

You have an opportunity to influence the development of ‘overlay’ regulations for low-rise apartment and stacked row housing developments in mature, pre- 1972 neighbourhoods.    The Medium Scale Residential (MSRI) Overlay is being drafted by the City to enhance the quality of medium scale infill developments.  

Edmonton Public is reviewing their community use of schools policy. Here is a survey and a blog post from Trustee Michael Janz with some more information about the survey and the policy How do you think that the community should use Edmonton Public Schools?

Council is meeting tomorrow at 9:30 am to give the go ahead for developers to commence neighbourhood structure planning.  EFCL sends cautionary note to council . . .

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues and its planning committee have worked diligently on assessing the nature of Family Friendly Housing.  We would like an opportunity to make a presentation to City Council on the subject of mature neighborhoods and their ability to retain and attract families with children.

 EFCL Vice President David Dodge has accepted an invitation from the City of Edmonton to sit on its renewable energy task force.

With the newly elected District members, Jamie ,Cora ,and Deepali , the Planning Committee has representatives from nearly every District.

Did you ever wish you had more time to review city administration reports before they went to Council? A few days is just not long enough

More compact row housing with small front yards, and perhaps no back yards, may be the norm if Council accepts a new set of regulations on December 13th.

Low rise apartments being built in mature neighbourhoods could take on a different look if a new set of regulations in a Medium Scale Residential Overlay is adopted.

The City is working on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Guidelines and Standards which would allow more intense developments around stations, while improving pedestrian and cycling access to the LRT stations. Maximum densities are not specified in the TOD guidelines because higher density around LRT stations is being encouraged in order to maximize ridership. New construction of single-family homes would not be permitted, with the exception of home replacements. . .

The EFCL’s September 25^th Family Friendly multi-unit Housing Workshop got people talking about appropriate housing for families with children as we build a more compact city and redevelop our mature neighbourhoods.   Thirty seven workshop participants discussed why it was important for higher density housing to accommodate families with children, what would make multi-unit housing “family friendly”, and how we can promote more family-friendly infill housing..

Within our business plan initiatives one of the areas that we felt support should be afforded our community partners and groups is around criminally stressed or challenged areas in the City of Edmonton.

City Council is considering a definition of commercial vehicles to be added to the zoning bylaw in order to improve enforcement of the existing bylaw which restricts commercial vehicles on residential lots. This may be both good news and bad news for some neighbourhoods.  

 The consultation process well underway by the City’s environment department has brought to light key issues effecting the well being of our city. “It has become quite clear with this process that the overwhelming majority of people involved in the planning of our City’s future agree that lifestyle changes are inevitable,” says Valerie Pachal, EFCL representative in the consultation process.

 The EFCL is hosting a workshop to review ways to make multi-unit housing attractive to families.  The workshop is set for 9:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 25 at Queen Alexandra Community League Hall, 10425 University Avenue.  The EFCL has come to realize that many leagues are worried about the loss of family-friendly accommodation in their neighborhood.

The Neighbourhood Renewal program is meant to ensure that roads, sidewalks, and streetlights in our older communities are kept in good condition.  However, some community league members are becoming quite concerned about the city’s approach to streetlight upgrades. 

 City Council has directed city staff to work on a new artificial lighting policy— focusing on outdoor street lights. The staff have been directed to consult with the EFCL and the Light Efficient Community Coalition.   A report is to be submitted to Council in November. 

 The EFCL has recommended to the City of Edmonton that the proposed Urban Character Row Housing Zone be modified to create a zone which provides family-oriented housing fronting on pedestrian friendly streets. The EFCL believes that higher density is fine as long as it leaves room for children’s play and for green space. There must be a balance. 

Citizen input required for enhancing trails and routes for walkers, cyclists, skiers, skaters and horse riders.

The Downtown Edmonton Community League (DECL) is has released its initial feedback to the City of Edmonton in regards to the AED zone for the purposes of an arena, associated entertainment district and other uses as proposed by the Katz Group.

Success at City Hall –EFCL and the Light Efficient Community Coalition will be working with the City on a new artificial lighting policy to reduce energy consumption and light pollution while enhancing safety.   The concerns expressed by various Community Leagues played a part in this new direction.

New higher density Urban Character Row Housing Zone is being proposed by the City.    Shape the regulations for this zone by giving your feedback.     The proposal and your input will be reviewed at the May 19^th City Council Executive Committee meeting, and the final draft of the proposed Zone will go to a public hearing in the fall, likely September 12^th. 

 The City of Edmonton, led by the Office of Great Neighbourhoods, is hosting three Connections 2010 events in April 2010 to inform Edmontonians of the many current and upcoming City projects, programs and services happening in their neighbourhoods and build stronger connections between residents and City staff.

 Having a long term plan for our people services better prepares us to seize opportunities to create the city Edmontonians envision.  A draft of The Way We Live: Edmonton’s People Plan is now ready for your review.

     There is still an opportunity for you to join EFCL’s group of community league people reviewing the City’s draft “Integrated Transit and Land Use Framework”. This document will guide the development of neighbourhoods around LRT and Transit stations.    Call Bev at 780-437-2913 for meeting times. 

      After over a decade of negotiation, February 17^th was the historic day that the City adopted a policy governing developments on the top of our river and ravine valleys.    This policy greatly improves public access.   Edmonton now has a policy which requires all new developments, including large infill developments, to provide a walkway within a minimum 10 to 15 m natural area on top of the bank.   The policy includes EFCL’s request for mandatory access to the walkway every 120 m (approximately one block). At least 30% of the top of bank area is to have an adjacent roadway.

     Over a year ago the City passed new regulations and introduced grants to encourage the development of Garden, Garage and Secondary suites.    The city administration will be reporting on the impact of these changes during the April 7^th Executive Committee meeting of Council.

A sense of excitement filled the EFCL meeting room on March 4^th as a group of people meet for the first time to work on common goals – to promote family friendly multi-unit infill development, and to keep our established neighbourhoods with the families they need to properly utilize schools, playgrounds, parks and various programs.

     In January, the EFCL assisted the City in organizing a meeting of community leagues to discuss a proposal to require a one-or-two-block separation between group homes. Over 25 people, representing a dozen north Edmonton Community Leagues, attended the meeting and expressed their concerns about the over concentration of group homes and other forms of housing for persons with special needs.  

     The EFCL has recently adopted a policy position Affordable Housing Positionwhich will guide EFCL’s participation in a variety of housing task groups, committees and policy initiatives.

Do you know where higher density housing will be allowed in your mature neighbourhood?

  There have been numerous complaints about the problems created by multi-unit developments being placed too close to houses and row houses.    Residents have complained of excessive sun shadows, loss of privacy, and a feeling of being overwhelmed by a massive building next door.   

Heartland Transmission Project - If your questions or concerns weren’t addressed at one of the open houses for your area, or you couldn’t attend the meetings you can call the Heaertland Project Team and book an information presentation at your hall.  Or if you are just an individual, you may get your questions answered by the expert in the area of your concern, for example health concerns or aesthetics. 

Eastwood School, located at 12023 – 81 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, offers a Kindergarten and Grades 1 to 6 regular program, Grades 1 to 6 Opportunity Program and Division II Behaviour Learning Assistance Program. The Board of Trustees is considering the closure of all programs accommodated at Eastwood School.

If your questions or concerns weren’t addressed at one of the open houses for your area, or you couldn’t attend the meetings you can call the Heaertland Project Team and book an information presentation at your hall.

You will want to read the “Integrated Transit and Land Use Framework” if your neighbourhood is within 800 meters of an existing or proposed LRT Station. This Framework was brought forward as information to Executive Committee of Council on November 3^rd, and will be brought to Council with Zoning Bylaw amendments for consideration in 2010.   The land use changes may impact your neighbourhood long before you see an LRT station.

 Become an EFCL Representative on the Oil & Gas Working Group. Bring a citizen’s perspective to the group which advises the City on oil and gas issues and makes recommendations on safe urban development practices adjacent to oil and gas facilities.  For more information contact Bev Zubot at EFCL.   780 437-2913

In memory of our past board member Edo Nyland, the EFCL Board has voted to approve $2000 worth of scholarships to pay half of the tuition for community league members to become certified through the Planning Academy workshops. 

The City of Edmonton once again invites residents and neighbourhood leaders to its Planning Academy – a series of courses in land use planning, transportation planning and urban design.

City council’s transportation and Public Works Committee is reviewing the idea of reducing speed limits on residential roads and has asked the city administration to consult the public. EFCL has been asked for its input by the city’s traffic safety branch.

This project could radically change what you see from your yard.  Epcor communicated with whom they considered key leagues effected by the Heartland transmission lines project to receive community feedback. The proposed Heartland Transmission Project (the Project) involves the construction of a high voltage transmission line, which will connect the Heartland region (northeast of Fort Saskatchewan) to existing transmission facilities either west of Edmonton or in southern Edmonton. AltaLink and EPCOR, the Heartland Project Team, are working together in the project’s development.   

The Heartland Project Team would like to provide your community with information on the Proposed Heartland Transmission Project and receive your community's feedback. 

Low-rise apartments, the 3 or 4 storey “walk-ups” which can be found in nearly every community, may be a dying breed if proposed low-rise apartment regulations are adopted by City Council.    Proposed Bylaw 15178 would allow extensive increases in density and building mass, and would relax parking requirements for low-rise apartment developments which provide underground parking and are located on a transit route. 

The City of Edmonton is working with Boyle Street Community League, the YMCA and the Inner City Youth Development Association (ICYDA) on a major redevelopment of the community league hall and park site at 104 Avenue and 95 Street.

Do you remember the homes which fell down the river bank? Have you ever tried to visit a ravine area and couldn’t get past the row of houses? Hopefully these problems are a thing of the past in new development areas. The City is once again attempting to create a Top of Bank (TOB) policy which would regulate developments at the top of river and ravine valley banks.

The City is considering lowering the speed limit on our community’s roads. Historically EFCL supported lowering the speed limit and is working with Traffic Safety on the issue

Now is the time for your community to test the Residential Infill Guidelines for Mature Neighbourhoods. Your feedback is needed before the Guidelines go to City Council for approval as early as June 2009

The goal of the City’s Municipal Development Plan is to achieve higher density housing in Edmonton, primarily through infill developments in Mature Neighbourhoods, Downtown and at premium transit locations.   Rezoning for multi-unit housing will occur in every Mature Neighbourhood, but few communities will get a new Neighbourhood Redevelopment Plan

EFCL , and ultimately City Council, needs feedback from Community Leagues on two of the most significant documents for Edmonton’s future – a new Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Bylaw 15100  and new Transportation System Bylaw 15101

On February 2^nd, Edmonton City Council passed Bylaw 15036 which relaxes rules governing secondary suites, and allows garage and garden suites which you may want to keep a close watch on.

Edmonton City Council has postponed a decision on the relaxation of rules governing secondary suites, partially in response to concerns raised by the EFCL.

The articles are in our news, or you can view them in a pdf newsletter format.  Enjoy news on everything from budget, to infrastructure, to treasurer training, to spring flowers. . .

Since 2006 the City’s Planning and Development Department has been designing new rules for how future change will happen in our neighbourhoods.  Under the heading of Smart Choices, the Department is defining what kinds of “infill” housing, ranging from single family homes on much smaller lots to high rise apartments in large projects, will be allowed to replace existing housing in Edmonton’s communities. UPDATED ARTICLE

Zoning Bylaw Text Amendments for Platform Structures.

080725 Memo re Zoning Bylaw Amendments for Household and Dwelling Definitions

City proposes ammendments to zoning bylaws concerning secondary suites and occupancy of dwellings, houses.

The study titled Community Report on Restrictive Covenants on Supermarket Sites in Edmonton hypothesized that the closure of supermarkets, coupled with the prohibition of any other operating store on the sites, may have negative consequences for local residents’ access to healthy food and for the overall quality of the community.