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LIBRARY The City of Edmonton

Monitoring and Implementation Program

Acknowledgements Senior Management Team would like to thank the following departments and agencies for their contribution to the preparation of Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003: • Asset Management • Edmonton Regional & Public Works Airports Authority • Community Services • Emergency Response • Corporate Services • Office of the City Manager • Edmonton Economic • Planning & Development Development Corporation • Subdivision Authority • Edmonton Police Service • Transportation & Streets • Edmonton Public library

Monitoring and Implementation Program

Introduction

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lan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 provides an annual update on the actions taken and the progress made to implement Plan _Edmonton, Edmonton's Municipal Development Plan.

Plan Edmonton is City Council's strategic policy framework and provides direction for Edmonton's physical, economic and social development. Plan Edmonton commits the City to pursue new initiatives and continue the services, facilities and policies that our citizens value and expect. Monitoring Our Progress acknowledges these commitments by reporting on ongoing activities as well as new initiatives and milestones. A comprehensive monitoring system tracks actions which implement Plan Edmonton:c priorities and strategies using input from all City departments and agencies.

Monitoring Our Progress is structured to reflect the five municipal responsibility areas identified by Council as essential to support Edmonton's quality of life: • Planned Growth • Economic Development • Services to People • Infrastructure Development and Maintenance • Leadership and Regional Cooperation and to reflect the intermunicipal planning requirements of the Municipal Government Act.

Inside this report,

statements of Council's priorities for each municipal responsibility area and for intermunicipal planning are accompanied by: • a summary of ongoing Council, departmental and agency activities that support Plan Edmonton fr. priorities; • identification of new initiatives that support the plan's priorities; • highlights of projects completed in 2003; and • a look ahead at actions scheduled in the 2004-2006 Corporate Business Plan.

The back page of this report identifies new challenges and opportunities, along with gaps in P Ian Edmonton policy with respect to emerging city priorities.

Measuring progress and identifying gaps will ensure that Council has the necessary information to amend Than Edmonton and to maintain it as an up-to-date strategic plan and a vital aid to civic governance.

P64Edmonton EDMONTONS•MUNICIPAL•DEVELOPMENT.PLAN

A Guide to Municipal Decision Making

Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004

Monitoring and Implementation Program Planned Growth addresses the municipal mandate to manage land use and development. A physical growth strategy and land development philosophy will meet long-term development needs. Investment in mature neighbourhoods and business areas will be promoted. New growth in suburban areas will be accommodated in a fiscally responsible manner.

Priorities include making effective use of investments in infrastructure and providing for access to natural areas and open spaces. The City will work with its private and public sector partners to maintain the quality of the urban environment.

Planned Orme

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Plan Edmonton priorities for Planned Growth are: • Balanced land development • An attractive, dynamic downtown • LTtili7ation of existing infrastructure • Development of economic activity centres within Edmonton • Reinvestment in mature neighbourhoods • Preservation and enhancement of the natural environment and open spaces • Managing suburban growth • Planning for population growth

Ongoing Performance (supporting Plan Edmonton's priorities) Land Development Philosophy

Council oversees land use compatibility through its control of the land development process. In 2003, land development activity continued at record high levels, exceeding one billion dollars in construction value for the second year in a row at $1.1 billion. Council dealt with 284 planning bylaws and resolutions.

Through its actions, Council balances the objectives of maintaining the attractiveness and sustainability of mature neighbourhoods while providing for new growth.

Downtown Development

Implementation of the Capita/ City Downtown Plan continued with a focus on partnership and independent activities related to economic development, arts, culture, entertainment, and local environmental projects. In 2003, the value of permits issued in the Downtown was $32.8 million for non-residential construction and $48 million for residential construction. Permits were issued for 652 new dwelling units.

Utilization of Existing Infrastructure

Smart Choices is a series of initiatives aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of life in Edmonton as it grows and develops over time. In 2003, Small Choices presented ideas and engaged citizens in discussion about accommodating growth and reinvestment in Edmonton. confirmed an next page

Plan Edmonton: Monitcning Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004

Monitoring and Implementation Program

Planned firowlft

Economic Activity Centres within the City

City departments undertake planning activities to support, enhance and link Edmonton's economic activity centres, including review and renewal of plans for older industrial areas and preparation of new industrial plans. In 2003, the City serviced five hectares of industrial land.

Reinvestment in Mature Neighbourhoods

Edmonton's zoning bylaw recognizes the uniqueness of older neighbourhoods through its Mature Neighbourhood Overlay.

Capital improvements to existing parks and recreation facilities ensure that these continue to meet citizens' needs. Rehabilitation and upgrading programs sustain existing roads and sewers in mature neighbourhoods.

Preservation and Community Services is developing an Urban Parks Management Program for Enhancement of parks, open space corridors and natural areas. In 2003, the Plan's vision and the Natural principles were finalized.

Environment and Open Spaces The Conservation Coordinator oversees implementation of policies for the conservation of natural sites in Edmonton's table lands and the North Saskatchewan River Valley Bylaw.

Managing Suburban Growth

Application of Council's single family/multi family housing mix guideline continues to provide for a range of housing types in each new neighbourhood.

In 2003, 63.2 % of new suburban housing units were single family dwellings and 36.8% were multi family dwellings.

Population Growth

Planning and funding of municipal services to support population growth occurs through a hierarchy of planning instruments, such as Plan Edmonton, Transportation Master Plan, Infrastructure Strategy and the Capital Priorities Plan.

Municipal Reserves

The Subdivision Authority allocates municipal reserve land or cash-in-lieu for school and park sites through the subdivision process. In 2003, 217 subdivisions were approved.

Sour Gas Facilities • Planning and Development reviews development proposals abutting sour gas facilities.

Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004

Monitoring and Implementation Program

Planned CrowIN

, New Developments \ (projects initiated in 2003 to support Plan Edmonton priorities)

2003's Milestones (projects completed in 2003)

The City of Edmonton began providing its support and services for the upcoming 2005 World Masters Games. This event is the largest multi-sport games in the world.

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Planning and Development initiated its review of development setbacks adjacent to pipeline rights of way.

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As part of the development of the Urban Parks Management Plan, Community Services undertook a municipal practices review, developed a stakeholder consultation plan, and finalized a vision and principles.

Emergency Response began the construction process for the Lake District Fire Station and Emergency Response Station to meet the needs of our growing community An implementation management group for the Industrial Land Strategy was established.

Permits were issued for 8,575 residential units in 2003. Over half (4,927) of these were for multi family dwelling units. Total construction value for all permits issued in 2003 exceeded $1 billion for a record-setting second year in a row.

Future School Sites Project, a City project undertaken with representation from School Boards, the Province, Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, and the Urban Development Institute, was completed in 2003. This project was initiated to address concerns regarding the number of vacant school sites and timing of school construction in new neighbourhoods.

Council approved capital budget funds for industrial land purchase and development.

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Looking Ahead (the next three years, highlights of approved 2004-2006 Corporate Business Plan initiatives)

Acquisition of new land inventory to ensure the availability of a three-year supply of serviced industrial land.

Implementation of Fort Road Old Town Master Plan including land acquisition and consultant studies in 2004. Completion is planned by September of 2008.

Improvements to the most congested intersections and arterial road widening in conjested areas to manage traffic flow.

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Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004 1

Monitoring and Implementation Program Economic Development focuses on the City's leadership role in creating a positive and dynamic business climate within Edmonton and the Edmonton Capital Region. The goal of expanding the economic base will be achieved through effective economic development programs and by providing a "best value" business environment.

Edmonton will build on its economic advantages through active partnerships with businesses, institutions and other governments to develop a strong city economy with a global orientation.

Economic DOLVION118111

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Plan Edmonton priorities for Economic

Development are: • • • • • • • • • •

Expanded business base Positive City profile Key ambassador role for the Mayor and Council Positive business environment Cost-effective municipal services Strong regional economic ties Active partnerships throughout the community Supportive relationships with the provincial and federal governments Global perspective Safe and secure community

Ongoing Performance (supporting Plan Edmonton's priorities) Expanded Business Base

Council's Vision for Economic Prosperity is used as the basis for development of policies and programs by City staff and agencies such as Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC). The combination of Council's T Lcion for Economic ProJperity with its T 7sion for Social IVell-Being and Quality of Life allows the City and its citizens to take advantage of economic growth opportunities.

Positive City Pro file

EEDC promotes Edmonton and the region through its business attraction, retention, and cluster development units.

City assets such as Shaw Conference Centre, Commonwealth Stadium and Rexall Place attract major events that increase the City's profile.

Key Ambassador Role for Mayor and Council

The Mayor and members of Council represent the City at numerous events throughout the year and host visitors from around the world. Council also appoints members to many of its 55 agencies, boards and commissions.

Positive Business Environment

Corporate Services conducts customer satisfaction surveys and continues to monitor and review customer service targets.

Planning and Development assists in the establishment of Business Revitalization Zones (BRZs) and maintains its cooperative relationships with existing BRZs such as the Downtown and Whyte Avenue. continued on nexl page

Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 •July 2004

Monitoring and Implementation Program

Cost-Effective Municipal Services

Economic Development

Asset Management and Public Works undertakes fleet maintenance, refurbishment and replacement practices to ensure optimal life cycle cost.

Planning and Development monitors and compares the City's residential property taxes and utilities through an annual survey of regional and national municipalities.

Regional Economic Ties

Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) markets the $39 billion plus City/Regional economy. In 2003, EEDC developed a new regional marketing plan to capitalize on the existing economic base by attracting new businesses and strengthening emerging knowledge-based clusters.

Canadian Forces Base Edmonton contributes to the economic health of the City and Region.

Active Partnerships

Asset Management and Public Works maximizes the exposure of City properties for sale through partnerships with the Edmonton Real Estate Board and the Greater Edmonton Home Builders' Association.

The City is preparing a new structure plan for a 260 ha industrial park in Pylypow in partnership with an owners group. This plan will be completed in 2004.

Supportive Relationships

The City's Waste Management Centre evaluates opportunities for value-added activities such as sod farming and greenhouses and pursues resource recovery opportunities with the private sector.

The Edmonton Public Library provides information and research services for businesses.

Global Perspective

EEDC actively promotes Edmonton nationally and internationally through Edmonton Tourism, including its promotion of Edmonton for film production.

In 2003, this resulted in $23 million in film industry expenditures.

Safe Community Asset Management and Public Works facilitates and promotes responsible handling of household hazardous waste in Edmonton and surrounding region.

The City of Edmonton's Emergency Preparedness Program will enable the City to react to a natural or human-made emergency or disaster.

Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004

Monitoring and Implementation Program

New Developments (projects initiated in 2003 to support Plan Edmonton priorities) Council approved a funding program for the Fort Road Old Town Master Plan project that was initiated by the local Fort Road BRZ. Implementation of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 20/20 project, a long term plan which focuses on the need to: provide a high standard of patient care, value employees, and establish effective partnerships.

2003's Milestones (projects completed in 2003) •

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EEDC's first VenturePrize Business Plan competition was successfully completed.

VenturePrize and Deal Generator are entrepreneur support programs that encourage investment in start up and high growth potential companies.

Edmonton successfully hosted the first outdoor Heritage Classic hockey event at the Commonwealth Stadium in November of 2003.

City of Edmonton's 2004 Centennial celebrations have been planned.

The strong regional economy resulted in an increase of 18,000 people in the regional population with 12,000 more people in the City of Edmonton.

2 Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004

Economic Nyelemon!

Looking Ahead (the next three years, highlights of approved 2004-2006 Corporate Business Plan initiatives) Management of preparations and services for the operation of the 2005 World Masters Games.

Expansion of the Shaw Conference Centre in 2006 to accommodate an additional 26,900 sq. ft. of new exhibition space and 12,000 sq. ft. of pre-function and meeting space.

Monitoring and Implementation Program Services to People deals with the delivery of City services that contribute to the safety, security, well-being and enjoyment of Edmonton's citizens.

Services will be provided in an effective, efficient and citizen-oriented manner.

The City will work in partnership with other organizations where service mandates are complementary In planning and providing services, the City will take into account the different and changing characteristics and needs of communities. The City will support community development initiatives and volunteer activities.

Services to People

Plan Edmonton priorities for Services to

People are: • •

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Regular assessment of service delivery roles Support for neighbourhood and community development Safety and security Opportunities for recreation, culture and arts Programming which contributes to well-being and quality of life Responding to changing demographics Supporting volunteers and volunteer services Good customer service to citizens and businesses

Ongoing Performance (supporting Plan Edmonton's priorities) Service Delivery Roles

Throughout 2003, the implementation of the ay of Edmonton Low Income and Special Needs Housing Strategy continued with activities that included the Mayor's Task Force on Affordable Housing, a Safe Housing Program Operational Review; and a review of provincial/municipal social housing roles and responsibilities.

Corporate Services assesses the City's workforce in order to confirm the extent of upcoming challenges as demographic and skill requirement changes so that the City can be prepared to deal with these changes as they occur.

Community Development

Community development is an ongoing focus for the Community Services Department. This includes assisting communities with common interests or geographical base so that they can become self-sustaining and focus on improved social and recreational services and programs.

Safety & Security Edmonton Police Services undertakes and participates in many community programs to enhance the safety and security of Edmontonians. In 2003, these included the province-wide "Give us room to work" education and awareness campaign, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), Regional Bike Helmet Strategy, High Risk Driver Program, and others.

The City's Derelict Housing Program enforces the Alberta Safety Codes Act and Municipal Government Act regarding derelict housing within designated inner city neighbourhoods. In 2003, 215 complaints were received, 58 active files were handled, and 30 homes were demolished. contained on next page

Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004

Monitoring and Implementation Program Recreation, Culture and the Arts

Services to People

Sir Winston Churchill Square, Hawrelak Park and Rundle Park hosted over 200 events during 2003, including the Heritage Festival.

Community Services is developing a Facility Master Plan to establish a model and principles for new facility development and to identify development priorities for new public recreation facilities.

Well-being

Community Services continues implementation of Towards 2010, A New Peripective: An Integrated Service Strategy. This is a ten-year plan intended to fully integrate the delivery of diverse neighbourhood social and recreation programs and services that provide maximum benefit to the citizens of Edmonton with the fewest barriers to participation.

Changing Demographics

Edmonton Socio-Economic Outlook is produced semi-annually and is used as a reference for the City's corporate and departmental business plans and budgets.

It contains existing demographic and economic information and a five-year forecast.

Volunteer Services

The City's infrastructure and support services for volunteers allow the City to host major events such as the upcoming World Masters Games in 2005.

The City supports and works with community leagues, arts, cultural, entertainment, sports and business organizations to encourage volunteer work.

The City is a leader in the use of volunteer management best practices in the public service.

Customer Service Corporate Services continues to develop and extend e-business applications on the City's web site.

Public input and communications programs are included in business planning and budgets. Edmonton this Quarter and Budget in Brief are two publications produced to keep the public informed about City business.

.:11. Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004

Monitoring and Implementation Program

, New Developments \\ (projects initiated in 2003 to support Plan Edmonton priorities) Edmonton Police Services, through the Zebra Child Protection Centre, is developing child abuse prevention resources to support Alberta Learning curriculum for grades four to six.

Community Services has initiated a project to identify high priority neighbourhoods and optimal delivery targets including development of community building partnerships.

Services to People

Looking Ahead (the next three years, highlights of approved 2004-2006 Corporate Business Plan initiatives) Development of an Alternative Revenue Generation Strategy for the City.

Examine ways to change service provisions without affecting service levels.

Development and implementation of Towards an

Equitable Provindal-MunicipalRelationship.

Completion of Urban Parks Manasement Plan and Public Space Strategy by 2006.

2003's Milestones (projects completed in 2003) •

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Edmonton Police Services completed its Breach Enforcement Team Pilot Project, in which police officers followed up on spousal violence court orders to ensure compliance and prevent any additional spousal violence.

Asset Management and Public Works, in conjunction with Community Services, completed its review of all aquatic facilities to determine future capital requirements.

The Muttart Conservatory celebrated its 50th anniversary. Events included an open house in March and free admission one weekend per month.

Work with municipal committees and organizations to examine issues, needs, opportunities, and municipal roles and responsibilities to address the needs of Edmonton's Aboriginal citizens.

Work with the Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities to develop a plan to advertise and promote accessible facilities and awareness of disability issues in the community.

Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004 Fia

Monitoring and Implementation Program Infrastructure Development and Maintenance focuses on the City's responsibility for infrastructure ranging from roads, waste management systems and water systems to public buildings and park facilities. The City's fiscal objective is to meet the demand for new infrastructure while ensuring that existing infrastructure remains safe and reliable. The City's environmental strategy will maintain the quality of the natural environment for present and future generations. City priorities also address the development and use of advanced communications and information technology.

Infrastructure Development ant/ Maintenance Plan Edmonton priorities for Infrastructure Development and Maintenance are: • • • • • •

Affordable, safe and sustainable infrastructure A long term financial plan Safe, efficient movement of people and goods Protection of the natural environment Effective and affordable waste collection, processing and disposal infrastructure Communications infrastructure which uses advanced technology where appropriate

Ongoing Performance (supporting Plan Edmonton's priorities) Approach to Infrastructure

Implementation of Edmonton's Infrastructure Stratesy focuses on ensuring that the City's infrastructure is in a good state of repair, rehabilitation and development programs are adequately funded, and the gap between capital needs and available funding is addressed.

The City:c Facility Conservation Program, Parks Conservation Program, Preventative Maintenance Program and other programs protect corporate assets.

The City's Corporate Energy Management Committee conducts an annual energy audit and implements resulting recommendations to reduce energy consumption and operating costs.

Financing Infrastructure

The Long Range Financial Plan (LRFP) quantifies the fiscal challenges facing the City. Its ten-year forecasts highlight large "gaps" between projected costs and revenues within both the operating and capital budgets. The infrastructure gap (2004 — 2013 LRFP) identifies a total gap of $3.5 billion for both existing and new infrastructure. The gap for rehabilitation of aging infrastructure for the 2004 — 2013 period is approximately $1.5 billion. The LRFP is updated annually. continued oil next page

Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004

Monitoring and Implementation Program

Movement of People & Goods

Infrostroctme Development an,'! lifaintellance

Construction of the southwest portion of Anthony Henday Drive continues and will be completed by 2006. The Province funds construction of the Drive while the City is responsible for the construction of connecting infrastructure.

Transportation and Streets is working on the South LRT extension. In 2003, construction of the University to Health Sciences portion progressed and the Belgravia Road to Southgate concept plan was completed.

Protection of the Natural Environment

Enforcement of the Sewers and Sewers Use Bylaw, the Annual Environmental Monitoring Program for water quality of storm discharges, creeks and storm water management ponds, and the Combined Sewer Overflow Control Strategy, protect the water supply for the City and its downstream neighbours.

Implementation of the Local Action Plan for Greenhouse Gas Emissions to reduce emissions from City operation, community-wide sources and to participate in provincial and federal climate change initiatives.

Waste Collection, Processing and Disposal Infrastructure

Asset Management and Public Works provides waste management collection services and waste management processing and disposal, including running the Blue Bag Recycling Program and operating the Edmonton Composting Facility

Communications Infrastructure

Corporate Services develops and implements voice and data communications and mobile computing strategies and infrastructure. In 2003, the City launched its new website with extended e-business applications.

Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004 IS

Monitoring and Implementation Program

Infrastructure Development aild Maintenance

New Developments \\ (projects initiated in 2003 to support Plan Edmonton priorities) Community Services initiated several projects under the Capital Priorities Plan Facility Conservation Procgram including Londonderry Leisure Centre structural upgrades, and roof replacements for the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre, Hardisty Fitness Centre, ACT Recreation Centre, and Victoria Golf Club Clubhouse.

Transportation and Streets, in conjunction with the Clean Air Strategic Alliance, launched the Car Heaven program to encourage drivers to retire their nonenvironmentally friendly vehicles in exchange for six months of transit passes.

2003's Milestones (projects completed in 2003) •

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Drainage Services, Asset Management and Public Works won an award of merit for its double barrel sewer project completed in 2003.

Creative engineering was required to resolve the problem of repairing and replacing double barrel pipe where the interior wall separating sanitary and storm sewer flows had deteriorated.

Transportation and Streets completed the evaluation of Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in a cold climate in conjunction with provincial and federal governments. This evaluation showed positive results in the reduction of diesel particulates.

The Ribbon of Steel Trail was completed in 2003 and will officially open in May 2004. This corridor runs along the abandoned rail line between the High Level Bridge and 100 Avenue and includes a multi-use trail for bicycles and foot traffic and the extension of Edmonton's historical streetcar line.

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Looking Ahead (the next three years, highlights of , approved 2004-2006 Corporate Business Plan initiatives)

Maximization of landfill diversion by increasing the residential waste being diverted from landfills from 60% to 70% using existing technology.

Implementation of the Infrastructure Strategy for new infrastructure, critical rehabilitation and appropriate funding sources to continue with a standardized ranking system to be applied to all City infrastructure.

Further extension of e-business applications on the City's web site to increase the ease of use and the numbers of opportunities available for citizens to do business via the web.

Negotiation of new water quality limits for 2005 to 2015 with Alberta Environment.

3 Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004

Monitoring and Implementation Program Leadership and Regional Cooperation focuses on municipal decision making and the City's mandate to represent the interests of its citizens. Emphasis will be placed on pursuing solutions to regional issues in cooperation with neighbouring municipalities. Edmonton will promote more effective and coordinated municipal planning within the Edmonton Capital Region. The City will examine opportunities to reduce costs and improve services through regional service delivery mechanisms. More effective relationships with regional authorities and the provincial and federal governments will be developed.

leadersftip ant/ Regional Cooperation

Plan Edmonton priorities for Leadership and Regional Cooperation are: • Intermunicipal cooperation • Strong, effective regional services • Constructive relationships with regional authorities • Provincial and federal government relations • Capital City promotion • Public participation • Develop and utili7e an effective city governance model

Ongoing Performance (supporting Plan Edmonton's prig rities) Intermunicipal- : The City of Edmonton communicates with surrounding municipalities on Cooperation common issues such as drainage, emergency preparedness, and development proposals in border areas. The Mayor, Councillors and senior managers address regional issues through the Alberta Capital Region Alliance (ACRA).

Transportation and Streets renewed agreements with St. Albert and County of Strathcona Transit for service in and between municipalities.

Regional Services

Asset Management and Public Works shares sewage conveyance through the Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission.

Emergency Response works with other municipal governments within the capital region towards the development of a Capital Region Emergency Preparedness Plan.

Provincial and Federal Government Relations

The City pursues the allocation of appropriate roles, responsibilities and resources between local, provincial and federal governments, particularly in terms of new and sustainable revenue sources.

Major capital projects, such as the planned expansion of the Shaw Conference Centre, are cost shared with the federal and provincial governments. continued on next pa,ge

Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004

Monitoring and Implementation Program Public Participation

Leadership and Regional Cooperation

Corporate Services produces an annual communication strategy to create a better understanding of civic operations and continues work on phase two of the Civic Identity Program.

The City complies with privacy provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP).

City Governance Model

Plan Edmonton, the corporate business plan, departmental business plans, and city budgets provide policies and programs to form the policy framework that supports Council's vision.

, New Developments / \\ (projects initiated in 2003 to support Plan Edmonton priorities) An evaluation of the pilot project to provide transit service between Beaumont and Edmonton was initiated.

Corporate Services, Planning and Development, Transportation and Streets, and Community Services have initiated a joint project to develop a corporate public participation process that includes public participation principles, a tool kit, and consistent activities for staff throughout the corporation.

Looking Ahead (the next three years, highlights of approved 2004-2006 Corporate Business Plan initiatives) Development of a sustained program to strengthen political, economic and administrative relationships with our northern neighbours.

Application of the Floodplain Management Overlay in Edmonton's zoning bylaw to the entire river valley.

2003's Milestones (projects completed in 2003) •

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Transition to provincial 911 platform for enhanced 911 wireless location service in the region.

Development of a new noise contour through the Noise and Development Study for the International Airport, Leduc County, Leduc City, Edmonton Airports and City of Edmonton.

The City of Edmonton maintained its top "five bloom" status and was commended for its support and cooperation provided to community gardens at the annual Communities in Bloom competition in partnership with the Edmonton Horticultural Society

RI Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004

Completion of the Airport Vicinity Protection Area Regulation review for the Edmonton International Airport.

Incorporation and implementation of workforce planning strategies into departmental and corporate business plans.

Monitoring and Implementation Program Emerging Trends or Issues The following list highlights issues that may come onto Plan Edmonton's agenda over the next ten years: • Significant growth experienced over the last few years is increasing the pressure for redevelopment in mature neighbourhoods and for designation of additional areas for suburban growth. Currently approved area structure plans and servicing concept design briefs provide enough land supply for 20 years or more. As suburban areas develop, demands for City services to support these areas increase, widening an already problematic infrastructure gap.

• Increasing oil prices impact the City Recent economic growth is partially due to oil-related construction and supply activity. Increasing costs of oil products increase operating costs for the City. Increases in the Province's oilrelated revenue could result in increased funding to municipalities.

• Electricity and natural gas deregulation has made utility costs and EPCOR revenues less predictable. The uncertainty of future prices makes it difficult for all consumers of natural gas and electricity, including the City, to budget for these costs. Longer term, increasing utility costs may have an impact on the consumer's choice of housing.

• Emergency preparedness for events such as a SARS outbreak, a future pandemic, weather-related or man-made disaster is increasingly important. The City participates in regional emergency planning and needs to plan for its own alternative staffing and operation should an emergency situation occur.

• Regional cooperation is an issue that the City has actively worked to address. Cooperation with surrounding municipalities will become increasingly important as suburban development grows nearer to the City's existing boundaries. The concept of shared services will also become increasingly important as the regional population reaches one million people by 2005.

• Protection and preservation of the environment remains a priority for Edmonton and its citizens. The recognition of the value of preserving and protecting the environment influences many City programs and projects.

Recycling and compost facilities, wastewater treatment, pest management practices, transportation and transit corridors, walkable communities, and conservation of natural sites are just some of the programs, policies and projects which protect Edmonton's environment and quality of life.

• Changing demographics will have a significant impact on the corporation and the City as a whole. Edmonton's population is aging. The City's workforce has a significant

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Emerging Trends and Issues

number of people reaching retirement age over the next decade. Active workforce planning, already initiated, will become increasingly important in order to maintain existing service levels. A higher percentage of seniors and a decreased number of children will impact the type of services the City will be expected to offer. As infrastructure dollars become scarcer, it will be important to ensure that the services the City can and will provide are targeted appropriately.

• Smart choices for developing our community could address many of the issues facing the City by making better use of existing infrastructure through infill development, promotion of transit oriented development, emphasis on walkable communities, neighbourhood reinvestment, urban design guidelines, and new approaches to underutilized commercial and industrial lands. New links between the design of suburban areas and the increase in obesity and related disease may have an impact on the future design of suburban areas and redesign of mature areas.

Emerging Plan Edmonton policy gaps • Prior to 1993, the City of Edmonton conducted an annual civic census. As per capita grants from the Province dwindled and the economy slowed during the mid nineties, an annual census was not perceived to be necessary. The last civic census was conducted in 1999 and the last federal census was conducted in 2001. The next federal census, planned for 2006, will not provide neighbourhood level data until 2007 or 2008. Although no plans have yet been approved, there may be justification for a 2005 civic census.

• Pressure to develop beyond areas designated for suburban development has increased. An examination of agricultural land which may face development pressure is appropriate.

• Pressure for residential development continues to result in conversion of land allocated for industrial use. Conversion to residential uses limits the use of remaining industrial land and will exacerbate the City's already low non-residential assessment base.

• Urban sustainability concerns have emerged over the past year through City Council's sessions on the Four Pillars of Urban Sustainabil4. Urban form, a regional strategy and a new fiscal deal were addressed.

When Plan Edmonton is reviewed the direction on these perspectives should be incorporated.

Plan Edmonton: Monitoring Our Progress, 2003 • July 2004 Ii