‘I think it’s going to be a real sticker shock’: reaction to Edmonton city council’s approved budget – Edmonton | 24CA News

After a busy two weeks of funds deliberations, Edmontonians now have a clearer image as to the place their tax {dollars} are going and the way way more it’s going to price householders.

“I think it’s going to be a real sticker shock for Edmontonians, those who are property taxpayers,” political analyst and commentator John Brennan mentioned.

City council is getting combined evaluations on its newest funds. On Friday, council accepted a capital funds of greater than $7 billion together with an working funds of greater than $3 billion.

That enhance means Edmontonians can pay 4.9 per cent extra in taxes over the following three years, with a rise of 4.4 per cent in 2026.

“What we noticed throughout two weeks of funds deliberations was council including extra issues again in than they took out, and the consequence — the property tax enhance when from 3.9 per cent to 5 per cent,’ Brennan mentioned.

That enhance goes to fund various initiatives, however Brennan questions sure initiatives metropolis council determined to approve.

‘What I see as being the most controversial thing is the $100 million for bike lanes over the next four years, because the initial reactions from Edmontonians have been very negative,” Brennan said.

“But with regards to things like the Lewis rec centre, that’s actually going to be widespread in northwest Edmonton. For Edmontonians who assist the LRT enlargement, the continued building of the western leg LRT, individuals are going to see assist,” Brennan mentioned.

But gadgets like snow clearing will see its present funds trimmed within the new yr happening 30 per cent.

“The city said despite less funding and a possible decrease in service, it will try to maintain current work levels until the end of winter.

“So I hope it doesn’t snow,” Ward sipiwiyiniwak metropolis councillor Sarah Hamilton mentioned.

Drivers should shell out extra to park downtown.

“Parking is going to increase at all the EPark stations by a dollar an hour and no longer will parking be free in the evening and parking will no longer be free on Sundays,” Brennan mentioned.

“This could really hurt the downtown and discourage more people from coming downtown,” Brennan mentioned.

While the vote was divided, many councillors agreed this was a tricky funds that may finally be funded by taxpayers

“A vast majority of Edmontonians that did not take part in the municipal election, and if you don’t take part you really don’t have the opportunity to complain when council makes decisions like this,” Brennan mentioned.

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