Last Week + Committee Meetings August 24, 2020
Last week
Committee of the Whole
On Wednesday, COW heard presentations regarding our Housing Affordability & Affordability project and provided feedback to Admin about updating the project. Along with two other members of Council, I wasn’t available to attend this meeting, but those who were available made excellent comments:
Covid-19 Testing in St. Albert
Although the list of asymptomatic testing sites hasn’t been updated as of Sunday afternoon, we’ve been told that Shoppers Drug Mark and Loblaws are starting testing in St. Albert. The Shoppers beside Sobeys has announced that they are accepting calls for appointments that prioritize those working in schools, but I haven’t heard about how to book at other locations. This is only for asymptomatic testing, so those with any symptoms will continue to have to book through AHS.
On a personal note, I wrote about my first experience with symptomatic testing, and am currently mandated to isolate until I receive notice of a negative result:
CLSC Meeting
This meeting was cancelled by Agenda Committee.
CGISC Agenda Highlights (1:30pm)
My agenda says this meeting is being conducted electronically through Zoom, but I’m reasonably confident that both in-person and virtual options are available. There is limited seating for members of the public, so please register if you wish to attend.
Development Bonds
Right now, developers must have have Letters of Credit (essentially, cash in the bank) to show an ability to pay off-site levies (the costs for infrastructure for new developments, like for water, sewers, roads, etc.) when developments are approved. This can tie up cash for long periods, so places like Edmonton are piloting the option of using development bonds (like a line of credit) instead. Admin is recommending that we update our policies regarding development agreements to allow for flexibility - This would allow for the use of development bonds to help maintain our competitiveness, and other options.
This is a brief and incomplete overview of our meetings, with my personal comments sprinkled in - In no way are my opinions representative of the official direction of council or the City of St. Albert. Please let me know of any typos or errors.
