CITY MOVES AND LEVERS FOR CHANGE
A T T A C H M E N T O N ET H E C I T Y P L A N
( C R _ 6 4 0 8 )
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / / 2
EACH OF THE CITY MOVES WILL BE INFLUENCED TO VARYING DEGREES BY FOUR PRIMARY TYPES OF LEVERS:
▪ Policies,
▪ Investment priorities,
▪ Advocacy and partnerships, and
▪ Pricing and subsidies.
While all of these levers will play a role in achieving a given City
Move, some will be more influential than others. The relative degree
of influence from each type of lever is reflected below.
The City Moves also connect to the city-building outcomes detailed
in Attachment 4 and were drafted through Phase II of The City
Plan project outlined in the November 13, 2018 City Council report
CR_6407. Each City Move will deliver on a number of specific city-
building outcomes - these outcomes are identified below.
The five City Moves described below are an invitation to work together to build our future city, as a community. They define bold, transformative priorities that will create a different set of opportunities for Edmonton by advancing City Council’s Strategic vision, principle and goals through The City Plan.
CALLING ALL CITY-BUILDERS (THAT’S YOU)!
Building Edmonton is a collective project that requires
many voices, interests and ideas to come together to
make things happen. As our home, and the incubator
for cultural and economic innovation, Edmonton is
the kind of place that offers an open invitation to all
residents to co-develop our future and to participate
in shaping the spaces and places we call home.
GREENER AS WE GROW
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / / 3
Is about creating a city that is dedicated to preserving and protecting the
environment through good design and conscious development decisions. By
reclaiming underused sites, adopting regenerative design practices, becoming
more energy efficient, and enhancing urban biodiversity, Edmonton’s physical
growth and population expansion are not detrimental but instead act as a
catalyst to sustainability and resilience. By designing for people, a greener city is
a place where everyone has access to natural spaces and can enjoy the benefits
of living a healthier, and better connected, outdoor life.
About “Greener as We Grow”This City Move is about both the physical and technological green changes that we need to make as we grow, sustainably, to a city of two million people. It treats growth not as the inhibitor of a greener Edmonton, but as its enabler and indeed as a catalyst for positive change. Becoming ‘greener as we grow’ involves using new development and retrofits of existing areas as a practical means to expand our city’s inventory of green space, enhance urban biodiversity, and as an opportunity to leverage new green technologies and building design. Access to nature and recreation space is critical for everyone’s wellbeing. This City Move is about better supporting the physical, mental and social health outcomes for individual Edmontonians.
Some of the ways this could take shape in Edmonton include:▪ Physical extensions and improved connections to the river valley and
ravine system.▪ Expansion and enhancement of Edmonton’s mass transit network
and active transportation systems to reduce GHG emissions from automobiles.
▪ Improving the quantity, quality, diversity and access to open space and natural areas city-wide.
▪ Providing diverse outdoor spaces and networks for recreation, relaxation and celebration.
▪ Enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the urban environment through the redevelopment and transformation of underutilized or vacant sites.
▪ Supporting biodiversity in the city by design and bringing about ecological restoration and regenerative development.
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The global community has been coming to
terms with the collective and concerted
commitment required to tackle climate
change, and Edmonton has started to
rise to the challenge. As the city grows,
Edmonton must intentionally build on this
momentum. Yet, it is not just our sense of
shared responsibility that makes this an
important move for our community - the
benefits to individual Edmontonians are
also evident. As the city intensifies, its
aesthetic value, availability of open space
and robust public and active transportation
systems are reasons why people will
choose to live in denser and more amenity
rich environments. Yes, climate change is
a strong enough imperative to become a
low carbon city, but it is the tangible local
benefits to quality of life that resonates
most with Edmontonians in the transition.
The most influential lever for change in this area will be through investment in our green spaces and technologies. Some potential areas for investment include:
▪ Increasing the number and quality of access points
to the river valley and ravine system.
▪ Purchasing underutilized land (e.g. parking lots) or
using City-owned lands to strategically increase our
inventory of connected green space and improve
resident access to open space.
▪ Investing in greener mobility technologies in support
of an energy transition.
The City’s willingness to show leadership in this area will
be another key factor in the success of this City Move. For
example, it takes leadership and vision to accept that in some
cases, the ‘highest and best use’ of City-owned lands may
not necessarily be exclusively monetary. Instead, as a city-
building priority, the City can choose to dedicate some of its
assets to Edmonton’s long term health through the expansion
of our green networks and natural infrastructure.
Levers to Make it Happen
POLICY INVESTMENT ADVOCACY AND PARTNERSHIPS
PRICING AND SUBSIDIES
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
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Connection to City Building Outcomes
COLLECTIVELY, THE FOLLOWING CITY BUILDING OUTCOMES WILL ENABLE EDMONTON TO ‘BECOME GREENER AS WE GROW’:
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Edmonton fosters personal wellness and mental health
by promoting connection for people of all ages and
supporting those who feel isolated or vulnerable.
Edmontonians feel safe and secure in their communities
and benefit from public spaces and infrastructure systems that
support physical health.
Edmontonians are all Treaty 6 people who acknowledge and celebrate diverse cultures and
welcome perspectives and experiences from around
the world.
Edmonton encourages community participation
through access to barrier-free spaces, facilities and transportation networks.
Edmontonians protect and steward the natural
environment, local biodiversity, agriculture and food systems,
and cultural landscapes.
Edmonton’s community wellness fosters citizen
leadership, capacity building and co-creation.
Edmontonians are active in their community, events, connected to its diversity
of people, and celebrate its heritage and image.
Edmontonians have the ability to live locally, in all seasons, with access to diverse and
attainable housing options in communities that support their
daily needs.
Edmonton’s commercial areas support a diverse economy
by attracting skills, talent and investment while supporting
small business.
Edmontonians live closer to what they need and are supported by more
walkable communities, safe bicycle routes, and greater
connectivity across all travel modes.
Edmonton’s river valley, natural environment, parks
and open spaces are protected and expanded for future
generations to connect with, explore and enjoy.
Edmonton is where creative spaces emerge and arts and
culture flourish.
Edmonton’s city design fosters a sense of place by celebrating
our unique attributes, diversity and opportunities
within the region.
Edmonton’s infrastructure, businesses, schools, and services are sustainable,
benefiting the city and region in turn.
Edmontonians, entrepreneurs and investors have
opportunities and supports to grow a diverse and
resilient economy.
Edmonton’s transportation system connects residents
and businesses, creating opportunities and supporting
partnerships throughout the region.
Edmontonians invest in the maintenance and care of
regionally significant ecological assets, natural resources, and
infrastructure services.
Edmontonians are creative, develop and invest in new
ideas and sectors that contribute locally and are
recognized globally.
Edmontonians demonstrate shared leadership as stewards
of their environment and investors in their community.
Edmonton is a leader in efficient, sustainable
community design, development and living.
Edmonton supports a diverse economy by embracing
services and technologies adaptable to the impacts of
climate change.
Edmontonians benefit from improved public transit and high-quality active
transportation networks which reduce GHG emissions.
Edmonton’s natural and physical systems ensure
security and resilience against extreme weather events and other environmental hazards.
Edmonton uses its economic strength to foster innovation
in technology, lead new initiatives and strengthen
its future prosperity.
I WANT TO BELONG AND CONTRIBUTE
I WANT TO LIVE IN A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
I WANT OPPORTUNITIES TO THRIVE
I WANT ACCESS WITHIN MY CITY
I WANT TO PRESERVE WHAT MATTERS MOST
I WANT TO BE ABLE TO CREATE AND INNOVATE
Edmontonians benefit from improved public transit and high-quality active
transportation networks which reduce GHG emissions.
Edmonton’s natural and physical systems ensure
security and resilience against extreme weather events and other environmental hazards.
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
Edmonton supports a diverse economy by embracing
services and technologies adaptable to the impacts of
climate change.
Edmontonians invest in the maintenance and care of
regionally significant ecological assets, natural resources, and
infrastructure services.
Edmontonians protect and steward the natural
environment, local biodiversity, agriculture and food systems,
and cultural landscapes.
Edmonton’s river valley, natural environment, parks
and open spaces are protected and expanded for future
generations to connect with, explore and enjoy.
A REBUILDABLE CITY
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Is about working with what we have today and continuously adapting and re-
imagining our built environment to meet the needs of the future. Edmonton actively
enables redevelopment. The city is constantly evolving, intensifying and becoming
more efficient in response to new demands, opportunities and design ideas. Re-
shaping the city to better serve another million residents will require that we
preserve our heritage assets while deliberately making more room to grow. In a
rebuildable city residents respect the past but also understand the need to adjust, to
be creative, and to be open to new possibilities that make communities thrive.
About “A Rebuildable City”This City Move recognizes that ongoing change is the natural order of the city, and we can plan for that. Neighbourhoods and sites should be designed for continuous adaptability so they can shift, intensify, and diversify over time. In this way, Edmonton’s urban form at the street, district and city-wide scales can authentically reflect the evolving needs of our city as it is built and rebuilt over time. A re-buildable city is not a “disposable city,” but one that treats its assets as a precious resource for future development. By responsibly managing its urban form today, Edmonton can go along way in strengthening its climate resilience into the future.
Some of the ways this could take shape in Edmonton include:▪ Designing new and existing neighbourhoods, sites, street networks,
infrastructure and the public realm for increased efficiency and improved adaptability.
▪ Repurposing underutilized sites (e.g., power centres, vacant lots) to enable new development opportunities with a mixture of uses.
▪ Re-imagining road rights-of-way and other predominantly single-use corridors for multimodal and multifunctional use.
▪ Increasing infill opportunity across the city and expanding the diversity and density of housing and employment options.
▪ Actively advancing the redevelopment of transformative projects in major underutilized sites within core areas like Blatchford, The Quarters, Exhibition Lands and River Crossing at Rossdale.
▪ Designing places that are easy, playful, creative and transitional to support interim uses - not just perfect, permanent, places to redevelop.
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
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At any given point of time, Edmonton is in
transition. Recognizing this allows us to see
that, just as we have been gifted the present-
day city from past generations, Edmontonians
today are the temporary stewards and curators
of the future of our city. If we do not build
and grow our city with this mindset, we risk
creating great difficulty for both present-day
city-builders and future ones. For example,
once a street network is in place, it is very
difficult to change if we find it is too inflexible
or inefficient to meet our future needs, or if
we are unwilling to re-imagine its potential
use to meet new requirements. By taking the
long view on first-generation development,
and by actively embracing redevelopment
and retrofits city-wide, we put ourselves in a
position to accommodate the fiscal, social and
environmental realities that are likely to shape
Edmonton far into the future.
▪ Assuming some increased risk tolerance and being
willing to choose preferred locations for redevelopment
and infrastructure investment.
▪ Considering how the design of new suburban
development can better accommodate future
redevelopment opportunities.
▪ Creating more opportunities for infill in mature and
established neighbourhoods to meet or exceed the
current expectation for new suburban densities.
▪ Curating heritage assets carefully for future
generations to enjoy.
Investment, pricing and subsidies, and policy are also tools that will have significant influence on the success of this Move. These may include:
▪ Development levies for off-site improvements (mature
and developing neighbourhoods).
▪ Building capacity for redevelopment by allocating more
service dollars towards upgrading underutilized areas.
▪ More permissive and enabling regulatory environment.
Above all, a rebuildable city that’s designed for growth and change requires the City to take a proactive stance and support the market through advocacy and partnerships. This may involve some of the following strategies:
▪ Partnering with private landowners of large
underutilized sites.
Levers to Make it Happen
POLICY INVESTMENT ADVOCACY AND PARTNERSHIPS
PRICING AND SUBSIDIES
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
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Edmonton fosters personal wellness and mental health
by promoting connection for people of all ages and
supporting those who feel isolated or vulnerable.
Edmontonians feel safe and secure in their communities
and benefit from public spaces and infrastructure systems that
support physical health.
Edmontonians are all Treaty 6 people who acknowledge and celebrate diverse cultures and
welcome perspectives and experiences from around
the world.
Edmonton encourages community participation
through access to barrier-free spaces, facilities and transportation networks.
Edmontonians protect and steward the natural
environment, local biodiversity, agriculture and food systems,
and cultural landscapes.
Edmontonians are active in their community, events, connected to its diversity
of people, and celebrate its heritage and image.
Edmontonians have the ability to live locally, in all seasons, with access to diverse and
attainable housing options in communities that support their
daily needs.
Edmonton’s commercial areas support a diverse economy
by attracting skills, talent and investment while supporting
small business.
Edmontonians live closer to what they need and are supported by more
walkable communities, safe bicycle routes, and greater
connectivity across all travel modes.
Edmonton’s river valley, natural environment, parks
and open spaces are protected and expanded for future
generations to connect with, explore and enjoy.
Edmonton is where creative spaces emerge and arts and
culture flourish.
Edmonton’s city design fosters a sense of place by celebrating
our unique attributes, diversity and opportunities
within the region.
Edmonton’s infrastructure, businesses, schools, and services are sustainable,
benefiting the city and region in turn.
Edmonton’s transportation system connects residents
and businesses, creating opportunities and supporting
partnerships throughout the region.
Edmontonians invest in the maintenance and care of
regionally significant ecological assets, natural resources, and
infrastructure services.
Edmontonians are creative, develop and invest in new
ideas and sectors that contribute locally and are
recognized globally.
Edmontonians demonstrate shared leadership as stewards
of their environment and investors in their community.
Edmonton supports a diverse economy by embracing
services and technologies adaptable to the impacts of
climate change.
Edmontonians benefit from improved public transit and high-quality active
transportation networks which reduce GHG emissions.
Edmonton’s natural and physical systems ensure
security and resilience against extreme weather events and other environmental hazards.
Edmonton uses its economic strength to foster innovation
in technology, lead new initiatives and strengthen
its future prosperity.
I WANT TO BELONG AND CONTRIBUTE
I WANT TO LIVE IN A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
I WANT OPPORTUNITIES TO THRIVE
I WANT ACCESS WITHIN MY CITY
I WANT TO PRESERVE WHAT MATTERS MOST
I WANT TO BE ABLE TO CREATE AND INNOVATE
Connection to City Building Outcomes
COLLECTIVELY, THE FOLLOWING CITY BUILDING OUTCOMES WILL SUPPORT EDMONTON’S EFFORTS TO CREATE ‘A REBUILDABLE CITY’:
Edmontonians demonstrate shared leadership as stewards
of their environment and investors in their community.
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
Edmonton is a leader in efficient and sustainable
community design, development and living.
Edmontonians have the ability to live locally, in all seasons, with access to diverse and
attainable housing options in communities that support their
daily needs.
Edmonton’s infrastructure, businesses, schools, and services are sustainable,
benefiting the city and region in turn.
Edmonton supports a diverse economy by embracing
services and technologies adaptable to the impacts of
climate change.
Edmonton’s community wellness fosters citizen
leadership, capacity building and co-creation.
Edmontonians, entrepreneurs and investors have
opportunities and supports to grow a diverse and
resilient economy.
Edmonton is a leader in efficient, sustainable
community design, development and living.
A COMMUNITY OF COMMUNITIES
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Is about building connections to welcome new residents and developing housing,
recreation and employment centres that are within reach. Distinct geographic
districts comprised of many neighbourhoods and sub-areas within the city are
supported by local community hubs and social gathering places.They are linked
by a range of efficient mobility options, walkable features. Diverse design and
development opportunities are provided to meet the needs of residents through
all of life’s phases. Accessibility is improved so residents can turn their time and
attention to the things that really matter, like neighbourliness.
About “A Community of Communities”
Edmonton’s communities are its lifeblood. Many residents identify
strongly with their local street, neighbourhood and sector of the
city. Our city’s long track record of volunteerism and community
league leadership are attributes that are uniquely Edmonton. Yet
in most cases most residents cannot meet the majority of their
daily needs within their own community, and connections between
different neighbourhoods are often fragmented and can be difficult
to navigate. Supporting diverse and distinct areas of the city, as
a network, provides an important urban structure for creating
unique districts where daily life, work, and play intersect. Enhanced
walkability and local hubs will provide more easily accessible
gathering places for citizens to connect, socialize, and celebrate.
When linked by transit-supported corridors that connect even
wider areas, a ‘community of communities’ begins to emerge which
can support a range of mobility options and an ease of living that
serves Edmontonians, locally, no matter how they choose or are
able to live in their city.
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
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Edmontonians should not feel constrained
to use a single mode of transportation - true
freedom of mobility means having the ability
to choose whichever mode makes the most
sense for a given journey and, ideally, to limit
the need to travel long distances to access
daily needs at all. Providing more choice for
how to move around supports ageing in place,
improves social equity and can ultimately result
in greater independence as well as physical and
mental health benefits for people of all ages.
Ensuring easy access to daily needs also allows
for more time to connect with our community,
family and friends, focusing on wellness and
happiness, rather than hours spent commuting.
By envisioning Edmonton not as a set of
individual neighbourhoods spread out over the
large landscape of our city but as a cohesive
‘community of communities’, we can set a
new course for Edmonton which emphasizes
connection, accessibility and quality of life.
This City Move incorporates many fundamental elements of the urban form, and as such there are a number of tools which can have a high degree of influence on its success. Policy, investment, and various pricing tools which may include:
▪ Policy supporting new residential, commercial and
institutional development focused within an city
structure based on districts, nodes and corridors.
▪ Investment in a better-connected, more versatile
mass transit network that does not require
“backtracking” or necessitate travelling through the
core for crosstown trips.
▪ Transportation pricing and subsidies to influence
mode choice and support a wider range of mobility
options.
Levers to Make it Happen
POLICY INVESTMENT ADVOCACY AND PARTNERSHIPS
PRICING AND SUBSIDIES
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
Edmonton’s commercial areas support a diverse economy
by attracting skills, talent and investment while supporting
small business.
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Edmonton fosters personal wellness and mental health
by promoting connection for people of all ages and
supporting those who feel isolated or vulnerable.
Edmontonians feel safe and secure in their communities
and benefit from public spaces and infrastructure systems that
support physical health.
Edmontonians are all Treaty 6 people who acknowledge and celebrate diverse cultures and
welcome perspectives and experiences from around
the world.
Edmonton encourages community participation
through access to barrier-free spaces, facilities and transportation networks.
Edmontonians protect and steward the natural
environment, local biodiversity, agriculture and food systems,
and cultural landscapes.
Edmontonians are active in their community, events, connected to its diversity
of people, and celebrate its heritage and image.
Edmontonians have the ability to live locally, in all seasons, with access to diverse and
attainable housing options in communities that support their
daily needs.
Edmonton’s commercial areas support a diverse economy
by attracting skills, talent and investment while supporting
small business.
Edmontonians live closer to what they need and are supported by more
walkable communities, safe bicycle routes, and greater
connectivity across all travel modes.
Edmonton’s river valley, natural environment, parks
and open spaces are protected and expanded for future
generations to connect with, explore and enjoy.
Edmonton is where creative spaces emerge and arts and
culture flourish.
Edmonton’s city design fosters a sense of place by celebrating
our unique attributes, diversity and opportunities
within the region.
Edmonton’s infrastructure, businesses, schools, and services are sustainable,
benefiting the city and region in turn.
Edmonton’s transportation system connects residents
and businesses, creating opportunities and supporting
partnerships throughout the region.
Edmontonians invest in the maintenance and care of
regionally significant ecological assets, natural resources, and
infrastructure services.
Edmontonians are creative, develop and invest in new
ideas and sectors that contribute locally and are
recognized globally.
Edmontonians demonstrate shared leadership as stewards
of their environment and investors in their community.
Edmonton supports a diverse economy by embracing
services and technologies adaptable to the impacts of
climate change.
Edmontonians benefit from improved public transit and high-quality active
transportation networks which reduce GHG emissions.
Edmonton’s natural and physical systems ensure
security and resilience against extreme weather events and other environmental hazards.
Edmonton uses its economic strength to foster innovation
in technology, lead new initiatives and strengthen
its future prosperity.
I WANT TO BELONG AND CONTRIBUTE
I WANT TO LIVE IN A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
I WANT OPPORTUNITIES TO THRIVE
I WANT ACCESS WITHIN MY CITY
I WANT TO PRESERVE WHAT MATTERS MOST
I WANT TO BE ABLE TO CREATE AND INNOVATE
Connection to City Building Outcomes
THESE CITY BUILDING OUTCOMES WILL EMERGE AS EDMONTON IGNITES ‘A COMMUNITY OF COMMUNITIES’:
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
Edmontonians live closer to what they need and are supported by more
walkable communities, safe bicycle routes, and greater
connectivity across all travel modes.
Edmonton’s transportation system connects residents
and businesses, creating opportunities and supporting
partnerships throughout the region.
Edmontonians benefit from improved public transit and high-quality active
transportation networks which reduce GHG emissions.
Edmonton’s community wellness fosters citizen
leadership, capacity-building and co-creation.
Edmonton’s community wellness fosters citizen
leadership, capacity building and co-creation.
Edmontonians, entrepreneurs and investors have
opportunities and supports to grow a diverse and
resilient economy.
Edmonton is a leader in efficient, sustainable
community design, development and living.
INCLUSIVE AND COMPASSIONATE
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Is city-making that supports human-centred design where people of all
ages, backgrounds and abilities can not only survive, but thrive. It’s where the
Indigenous roots of our region are celebrated and made concrete in our daily
lives and where newcomers feel welcome and at home. By focusing on building
a city that emphasizes compassion and inclusivity, the City of Edmonton and
Edmonton residents alike are intentional in their effort to reduce poverty, provide
attainable and affordable housing and eliminate homelessness.
About “Inclusive and Compassionate”
This City Move recognizes Edmonton as a place to build an equitable,
inclusive and compassionate future. This requires our city to embody truth
and reconciliation, increase and celebrate our cultural diversity, promote
health and recovery, and create meaningful space for people of all ages,
backgrounds and abilities. Edmonton has the opportunity to be a place of
safety and refuge, both for those who live here today and those who will
be welcomed into our city over many generations to come.
Some of the ways this could take shape in Edmonton include:▪ Working towards Truth and Reconciliation through the public realm (e.g.
art, street-naming, etc).
▪ Improving safety and accessibility for residents of all ages and abilities.
▪ Supporting a healthy city through physical design.
▪ Increasing the supply of affordable housing.
▪ Ending poverty and supporting recovery.
▪ Providing equitable access to public amenities and open spaces.
▪ Creating spaces for spirituality and community connection at a variety
of different scales and in diverse locations.
▪ Creating opportunities for formal and informal gathering, recreation,
arts and culture.
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
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Levers to Make it Happen
Concepts like improving equity, ending poverty,
eliminating racism and making clear progress towards
Truth and Reconciliation are complex, multi-faceted
problems which require a number of different
approaches. To foster an ‘inclusive and compassionate
city,’ the City Plan will be strongly reliant on advocacy,
partnerships, and capacity building on behalf of the
City and our civic institutions. Capital investments will
have comparatively less influence on this City Move but
targeted subsidies could play an important role, in terms
of affordable housing or transit, for example.
POLICY INVESTMENT ADVOCACY AND PARTNERSHIPS
PRICING AND SUBSIDIES
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
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Edmonton fosters personal wellness and mental health
by promoting connection for people of all ages and
supporting those who feel isolated or vulnerable.
Edmontonians feel safe and secure in their communities
and benefit from public spaces and infrastructure systems that
support physical health.
Edmontonians are all Treaty 6 people who acknowledge and celebrate diverse cultures and
welcome perspectives and experiences from around
the world.
Edmonton encourages community participation
through access to barrier-free spaces, facilities and transportation networks.
Edmontonians protect and steward the natural
environment, local biodiversity, agriculture and food systems,
and cultural landscapes.
Edmontonians are active in their community, events, connected to its diversity
of people, and celebrate its heritage and image.
Edmontonians have the ability to live locally, in all seasons, with access to diverse and
attainable housing options in communities that support their
daily needs.
Edmonton’s commercial areas support a diverse economy
by attracting skills, talent and investment while supporting
small business.
Edmontonians live closer to what they need and are supported by more
walkable communities, safe bicycle routes, and greater
connectivity across all travel modes.
Edmonton’s river valley, natural environment, parks
and open spaces are protected and expanded for future
generations to connect with, explore and enjoy.
Edmonton is where creative spaces emerge and arts and
culture flourish.
Edmonton’s city design fosters a sense of place by celebrating
our unique attributes, diversity and opportunities
within the region.
Edmonton’s infrastructure, businesses, schools, and services are sustainable,
benefiting the city and region in turn.
Edmonton’s transportation system connects residents
and businesses, creating opportunities and supporting
partnerships throughout the region.
Edmontonians invest in the maintenance and care of
regionally significant ecological assets, natural resources, and
infrastructure services.
Edmontonians are creative, develop and invest in new
ideas and sectors that contribute locally and are
recognized globally.
Edmontonians demonstrate shared leadership as stewards
of their environment and investors in their community.
Edmonton supports a diverse economy by embracing
services and technologies adaptable to the impacts of
climate change.
Edmontonians benefit from improved public transit and high-quality active
transportation networks which reduce GHG emissions.
Edmonton’s natural and physical systems ensure
security and resilience against extreme weather events and other environmental hazards.
Edmonton uses its economic strength to foster innovation
in technology, lead new initiatives and strengthen
its future prosperity.
I WANT TO BELONG AND CONTRIBUTE
I WANT TO LIVE IN A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
I WANT OPPORTUNITIES TO THRIVE
I WANT ACCESS WITHIN MY CITY
I WANT TO PRESERVE WHAT MATTERS MOST
I WANT TO BE ABLE TO CREATE AND INNOVATE
TOGETHER, THESE CITY BUILDING OUTCOMES WILL STRENGTHEN EDMONTON’S EFFORTS TO SUPPORT AN ‘INCLUSIVE AND COMPASSIONATE CITY’:
Connection to City Building Outcomes
Edmonton fosters personal wellness and mental health
by promoting connection for people of all ages and
supporting those who feel isolated or vulnerable.
Edmontonians protect and steward the natural
environment, local biodiversity, agriculture and food systems,
and cultural landscapes.
Edmonton’s city design fosters a sense of place by celebrating
our unique attributes, diversity and opportunities
within the region.
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
Edmontonians feel safe and secure in their communities
and benefit from public spaces and infrastructure systems
that support physical health.
Edmontonians are all Treaty 6 people who acknowledge and celebrate diverse cultures and
welcome perspectives and experiences from around
the world.
Edmonton encourages community participation
through access to barrier-free spaces, facilities and transportation networks.
Edmontonians are active in their community, events, connected to its diversity
of people, and celebrate its heritage and image.
Edmonton’s community wellness fosters citizen
leadership, capacity building and co-creation.
Edmontonians, entrepreneurs and investors have
opportunities and supports to grow a diverse and
resilient economy.
Edmonton is a leader in efficient, sustainable
community design, development and living.
CATALYZE AND CONVERGE
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Is about developing new physical and economic opportunities for ideas,
talent and investment to come together. It’s where innovation, creativity,
and technology go hand-in-hand with purpose and energy and where
partnerships are ignited to steward our future economy and support personal
prosperity. By creating a collaborative environment where businesses,
academic institutions, the arts, and technology spark synergies and drive
competitiveness ahead, Edmonton is attractive by design.
About “Catalyze and Converge”
This City Move is about sparking and nurturing the places and
partnerships that will attract new talent and and give our homegrown
talent a reason to stay in Edmonton. This means creating opportunities
for creative professionals, ideas and resources to purposefully converge
and it also means paying close attention to the beauty and smart design
of our urban places. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts and our
city can collectively perform as an entrepreneurial hub that supports the
assembly of investment, innovation and technology. A diverse economy
is a resilient economy and ‘catalyze and converge’ is about deliberately
creating the conditions for Edmonton’s knowledge, arts and emerging
economies to flourish. This presents a strategic advantage for our
community and province.
Artists, designers, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs - they
cannot thrive without the right conditions in place. Edmonton’s health
and academic institutions, arts and maker communities, traditional
businesses and new technology sectors provide the ecosystem for this
talent to converge. In order to help our economy grow and flourish, the
City has a role to play and must be purposeful.
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
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Edmonton needs to continually improve its
competitiveness and readiness to thrive within
both the national and the global economies. This
imperative is all the more pressing when considering
the rapid pace of change and the fact that we cannot
rely on the energy economy alone to support our
future prosperity. We can leverage our current
economic position to improve resilience and prepare
for future shifts.
To advance this City Move,’ The City Plan will rely
largely on advocacy and partnerships. One example
is to embrace the idea of the ‘city as a lab’ where pilot
projects or precursor technologies are tested with
purpose, to make Edmonton a leader in global changes.
Subsidies or targeted investments may also play a role,
in the form of financial incentives or grant programs to
support startups and small business.
Levers to Make it Happen
POLICY INVESTMENT ADVOCACY AND PARTNERSHIPS
PRICING AND SUBSIDIES
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
Some of the ways this could take shape in Edmonton include:▪ Reducing administrative and regulatory barriers to
make it increasingly easier to ‘make things’ here.▪ Strategically integrating our efforts with partners to
advance regional competitiveness and collaboration to improve our shared position in the global marketplace.
▪ Spurring economic development and international events through strategic infrastructure investments.
▪ Focusing on high-quality design in our public spaces and publicly-accessible places.
▪ Advancing the idea of mobility as a service in Edmonton while being technology agnostic.
▪ Harnessing, managing, and manipulating data through a smart city lens.
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Edmonton fosters personal wellness and mental health
by promoting connection for people of all ages and
supporting those who feel isolated or vulnerable.
Edmontonians feel safe and secure in their communities
and benefit from public spaces and infrastructure systems that
support physical health.
Edmontonians are all Treaty 6 people who acknowledge and celebrate diverse cultures and
welcome perspectives and experiences from around
the world.
Edmonton encourages community participation
through access to barrier-free spaces, facilities and transportation networks.
Edmontonians protect and steward the natural
environment, local biodiversity, agriculture and food systems,
and cultural landscapes.
Edmontonians are active in their community, events, connected to its diversity
of people, and celebrate its heritage and image.
Edmontonians have the ability to live locally, in all seasons, with access to diverse and
attainable housing options in communities that support their
daily needs.
Edmonton’s commercial areas support a diverse economy
by attracting skills, talent and investment while supporting
small business.
Edmontonians live closer to what they need and are supported by more
walkable communities, safe bicycle routes, and greater
connectivity across all travel modes.
Edmonton’s river valley, natural environment, parks
and open spaces are protected and expanded for future
generations to connect with, explore and enjoy.
Edmonton is where creative spaces emerge and arts and
culture flourish.
Edmonton’s city design fosters a sense of place by celebrating
our unique attributes, diversity and opportunities
within the region.
Edmonton’s infrastructure, businesses, schools, and services are sustainable,
benefiting the city and region in turn.
Edmonton’s transportation system connects residents
and businesses, creating opportunities and supporting
partnerships throughout the region.
Edmontonians invest in the maintenance and care of
regionally significant ecological assets, natural resources, and
infrastructure services.
Edmontonians are creative, develop and invest in new
ideas and sectors that contribute locally and are
recognized globally.
Edmontonians demonstrate shared leadership as stewards
of their environment and investors in their community.
Edmonton supports a diverse economy by embracing
services and technologies adaptable to the impacts of
climate change.
Edmontonians benefit from improved public transit and high-quality active
transportation networks which reduce GHG emissions.
Edmonton’s natural and physical systems ensure
security and resilience against extreme weather events and other environmental hazards.
Edmonton uses its economic strength to foster innovation
in technology, lead new initiatives and strengthen
its future prosperity.
I WANT TO BELONG AND CONTRIBUTE
I WANT TO LIVE IN A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
I WANT OPPORTUNITIES TO THRIVE
I WANT ACCESS WITHIN MY CITY
I WANT TO PRESERVE WHAT MATTERS MOST
I WANT TO BE ABLE TO CREATE AND INNOVATE
Connection to City Building Outcomes
THE FOLLOWING CITY BUILDING OUTCOMES ARE SOME OF THE CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE IN PLACE IN ORDER TO CREATE A CITY THAT CAN ‘CATALYZE AND CONVERGE’:
Edmonton uses its economic strength to foster innovation
in technology, lead new initiatives and strengthen
its future prosperity.
C I T Y M O V E S A N D L E V E R S F O R C H A N G E / /
Edmonton is where creative spaces emerge and arts and
culture flourish.Edmonton’s commercial areas support a diverse economy
by attracting skills, talent and investment while supporting
small business.
Edmontonians, entrepreneurs and investors have
opportunities and supports to grow a diverse and resilient economy.
Edmontonians are creative, develop and invest in new
ideas and sectors that contribute locally and are
recognized globally.
Edmonton’s community wellness fosters citizen
leadership, capacity building and co-creation.
Edmontonians, entrepreneurs and investors have
opportunities and supports to grow a diverse and
resilient economy.
Edmonton is a leader in efficient, sustainable
community design, development and living.
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