EDMONTON – On Monday afternoon, Mayor Don Iveson spoke about innovation, streamlining city expenses and campaigning to both provincial and federal governments for their “fair share” of support during his State of the City address.
Improving how the city operates:
“Last month, we welcomed Linda Cochrane as our new city manager,” the mayor said to loud applause. “In her early days as leader, she has enhanced confidence in city administration and brought a fresh perspective to our organization.”
Iveson said the city created a new Integrated Infrastructure Services department, so that the transportation department is not separate from other related departments like roadways.
“This change was long overdue,” Iveson said.
“It’s not fair to say the myriad of issues we saw with the Metro Line would have been prevented under this new structure, however at the root of these challenges was an organization that fostered silos rather than collaboration.”
He admitted council, like citizens, is troubled by a few high-profile capital projects that have suffered setbacks. While 83 of the 97 capital projects in 2015 were on time and on or under budget, he said the city will do better.
Edmonton will undergo a review of all the services offered by the city to ensure “the things we are doing reflect the priorities of Edmontonians,” Iveson said.
The mayor spoke about council’s two per cent initiative, which uses savings and efficiencies to fund other important projects.
“Every new initiative in 2016 was funded this way – through internal savings.”
WATCH IN FULL: Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson gives his State of the City address. This is the first part.
Provincial and federal support:
“We’ll continue advocating for our region to be included in the expanded Employment Insurance program,” the mayor stressed. “Many workers in our city need these benefits – not next month, not next year – but today.”
Iveson said last fall, council sent a “clear signal” to other orders of government to take “full responsibility” for issues with their jurisdiction, like affordable housing for instance.
READ MORE: Alberta Budget 2016: What’s in it for Edmonton?
“We cannot continue shouldering so much of the costs for infrastructure and services that benefit the entire region,” he said.
“Pipelines are critical too,” Iveson said. “Alberta’s pipeline advocacy is beginning to pay off, the national dialogue is shifting in the right direction.”
Canada’s Health Innovation City:
Much of the mayor’s speech was focused on the innovation that exists in Edmonton and the need to foster that and keep it here.
“Today I’m announcing the launch of a new health industry strategy that positions Edmonton as Canada’s health innovation city.”
“This initiative will begin to tackle the barriers that prevent our health industry from scaling up by growing an ecosystem that attracts and retains and support talent from across Canada and beyond.”
Rogers Place Open House:
The first chance to see the completed downtown arena will be Saturday, Sept. 10.
WATCH IN FULL: The second part of Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson’s State of the City address.
“In the state of our economy today, we find ourselves in the middle of a different kind of battlefield, but that’s no reason to stop inventing or to stop thinking of new ways we can make this city even better,” Iveson said in closing.
“You are all city builders and Edmonton will need the best of you in the coming months and years. Edmonton needs your optimism, your creativity, your perseverance. Under my leadership, you can expect the same from your city council.”
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