I'll be updating the media on the @CityofEdmonton's ongoing response to #COVID19 shortly. I'll share a summary of my statement below👇.
You can also watch LIVE on the City's YouTube channel:
You can also watch LIVE on the City's YouTube channel:
As you all know, @YourAlberta announced further details and a June 12 timeline for Stage two of its Relaunch Strategy. And as we heard from Adam today, the City will be reopening a few more amenities next week, which is encouraging.
I know that Edmontonians are keen to see our fantastic recreation facilities and pools open but as previously mentioned - we are still working through plans to do so safely, while also taking into account the City's financial limitations due to #COVID19.
We’re still tackling a pandemic in this province & we need to remain vigilant when it comes to following public health orders, such as physical distancing, #handwashing and limiting your exposure to large gatherings, in order to keep the #COVID19 cases down to a manageable level.
So please remember to wear masks indoors where physical distancing is a challenge and use your common sense: if a restaurant or store is busy, and you're concerned, then consider taking yourself away from the risk and visit at another time or go to another favourite local #yegbiz
On the @CityofEdmonton's ongoing financial difficulties:
Our City still needs to see an injection of cash flow to be able to return to more “normal” operations as part of our relaunch.
#Edmonton is not alone in our economic hardships due to Covid-19.
Our City still needs to see an injection of cash flow to be able to return to more “normal” operations as part of our relaunch.
#Edmonton is not alone in our economic hardships due to Covid-19.
Our usual revenue streams have been severely hit: We've delayed property tax payments for Edmontonians for example, and for some time we have not been collecting transit and parking fees.
Municipalities have done their best to tackle the pandemic, without the proper financial resources in hand. Our well-planned budgets, already strained by the economic hardships our province & city has been facing over the last few years, have exploded in the wake of #COVID19.
I know it may sound like a broken record but an injection of cash is essential if we’re to return to our previous service levels.
Edmontonians have suffered enough economic hardships already — we do not want to add to that strain by having to consider more service cuts and/or tax increases. Especially when #yegcc has worked hard to "flatten the curve" on your taxes.
#yegcc has heard loud and clear that folks are wondering about spray parks: hopefully, these will be a fairly low-cost expenditure for the city and we can open them sometime this summer.
Dandelions and long grass have also been cited as a concern: #yegcc will have further convo on this issue and see what we can do given the financial restraints your City is under.
I appreciate everyone’s patience & understanding in this regard. #COVID19AB
I appreciate everyone’s patience & understanding in this regard. #COVID19AB
I've seen that @ClrMikeNickel is working on a motion re: recreation & facility re-opening & I look forward to seeing his motion for how we can do that.
All hands are on deck at #yegcc as we try to manage the financial implications of #COVID19 and restore service levels.
All hands are on deck at #yegcc as we try to manage the financial implications of #COVID19 and restore service levels.
I appreciate that @EdmontonChamber recently added their name to a letter to the Prime Minister from the Canadian Global Cities Council & Business Council of Canada acknowledging that cities are out of options & recognizing that the cities are facing a financial crisis. 
I’m hopeful that the Premier will be in touch soon with some good news, and a cheque, so that we can restart soon!
