EDMONTON – It’s been one year since a new mayor and six new councillors, along with six incumbents, were elected to lead the City of Edmonton.
Mayor Don Iveson made several promises during his election campaign.
Twelve months later we take a look back at some of the most notable moves Iveson and the rest of city council have made.
Roads
Improving city roads was a primary focus during Iveson’s campaign.
City council drafted a long-term plan earlier this year to improve the city’s roads. It has the city committing about $200 million every year to arterial roads.
LRT
Expanding the LRT was another big focus of the 2013 campaign.
In March, city council secured funding from the federal government for the sourtheast LRT line (the Valley Line), which is expected to be in service by 2020.
However, Iveson and the rest of council will be dealing with more issues surrounding the LRT, including securing funding for the second phase of the Valley Line, which would extend from downtown to Lewis Estates.
Homelessness and Poverty
In March, the mayor also announced a task force for the elimination of poverty. The city is in the middle of a 10-year plan to end homelessness.
But affordable housing continues to be an issue city council will have to battle.
The Canada Housing Mortgage Corporation recorded the April apartment vacancy rate was at just 1.4 per cent, and the average two bedroom apartment rent is $1,180 a month.
Big City Charter
In October, Iveson – along with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi – signed an agreement with the province to start discussions to develop civic charters. The agreement says the parties will work together to come up with a pan to deal with Alberta’s growing population.
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