Amarjeet Sohi, Edmonton Ward 12 Councillor

Catholic school board supports relocation of J.H. Picard

The Edmonton Catholic School Board has supported in concept the relocation of J.H. Picard School from 99 Street to the area of 23 Avenue and 17 Street, where the Meadows Community Recreation Centre and Edmonton Public Library is scheduled to open in early 2014, with construction beginning this summer.  

As the Councillor representing Edmonton’s southeast, I think this is an exciting opportunity for the newer communities that have been developing in this area. Schools are neighbourhood hubs that support a broad range of amenities and services, and this proposed junior high and high school has the added benefit of sharing the new, state-of-the-art recreation and library facilities that will be at the site.

I support the retention of schools in mature neighbourhoods, and the work of Edmonton’s new Taskforce on Community Sustainability to make this happen. But we also need to recognize that, with limited resources, a consolidation such as the one proposed for Picard is a viable option when an area’s population no longer sustains a school. (Currently, just over 10% of Picard students live in the school’s own catchment area.) New schools should be built where kids are and will be – it is simply a reality that our city has been expanding rapidly to the southeast, and it is crucial to provide these developing communities with basic infrastructure. Ward 12 residents continually tell me that having schools in their communities is vital.  

Edmonton Transit community fair: Saturday, May 28

Check out the third annual Edmonton Transit community fair on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at West Edmonton Mall (Phase 1 between The Bay and Zellers). Staff will be there with information about new programs, LRT expansion, new payment options, transit security and more.  

Downtown arena district agreement framework approved

Based on the guidelines established on April 6, this week Council approved an agreement framework with the Katz Group for a downtown arena and entertainment district. I supported taking this step to further the project, and while this is not a binding or final agreement, it does reaffirm commitments from the City and Katz Group, and it allows both to pursue funding sources for the remaining portion of the arena budget. This project has the potential to contribute to the revitalization already underway in our downtown. A more vibrant core will benefit our City greatly.

Speed limit pilot project yields mixed results

From May to October of 2010, the City implemented a pilot project to reduce speed limits to 40 km/hour in six residential communities, based on research suggesting that severe injuries and collisions are reduced as traffic travels more slowly. I have been concerned about residential speeding for quite some time, so I had high hopes for this pilot project. However, the results – while mostly positive – are not conclusive, so it is unclear how the City should act in the future regarding residential speed limits. 

Graunke Park trail making day

The Graunke Park Naturalization Committee is a stewardship group that was formed by long-term Weinlos community residents and the various members of the City of Edmonton. It is an outstanding example of community engagement that aims to improve and preserve the green space located at 50 Street and 34 Avenue.