Posted by 
Edmontonians are passionate about their neighbourhoods and, understandably, have questions about the proposed zoning bylaw.
However, some of this concern seems to be rooted in misinformation. I want to address specifically the statement made in this opinion piece: “Citizens deserve a say in proposed zoning changes, Opinion, June 16,” raising fears that “Tens of thousands of people who now live on quiet residential streets will face the possibility that mid-rise (five-eight storeys) or highrise buildings will be built on their blocks, or even next door.”
Long story short — a highrise is not moving in next door. But people don’t need to take my word for it. I encourage Edmontonians to visit engaged.edmonton.ca/zoningbylawrenewal to learn more and share their thoughts.
Andre Corbould, city manager, City of Edmonton
Zoning bylaw consultation inadequate
It is not good enough for city planning employees to scold Edmonton residents about not paying attention to their efforts to publicize the new 850-page zoning bylaw. If only three per cent of Edmontonians felt they could explain it to another person, and 62 per cent have never heard about it, then the city needs to do much better.
In a functioning democracy, citizens have the right to engage, meet, talk, hear opposing viewpoints, new perspectives, independent critiques and creative ideas to make a new law better. Please don’t condescend to us like we’re children who haven’t been paying attention.
This kind of transformational change in how we organize our city (and truly protect our urban environment) deserves the kind of consultation and engagement that is meaningful and actually works. The proof is in the pudding, and this pudding is not ready to eat.
Marie Gordon, Edmonton
Start over on proposed zoning changes
David Berry and others advocating for the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative claim it to be the first overhauling of the bylaw since 1960. This is simply not true. In the two six-years terms that I served on the Subdivision and
Development Appeal Board, major changes occurred, all designed to increase density within the city.
Lot coverage requirements were amended to facilitate the creation of two skinny homes on RF1 lots. Provision for garage suites and garden suites were introduced. On-site parking requirements were significantly reduced.
All of these changes were accomplished following meaningful consultation and hearings by city council, unlike the radical Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative of which the vast majority of Edmontonians seem blissfully unaware. Kevin Taft is right. It’s time for city planners to go back to the drawing boards.
Noel Somerville, Edmonton
Fans too negative about Elks’ losses
I hate all the negative posts by the Elks fans lately. Yes, we didn’t win in B.C. on June 17, or at home on June 11, but let’s not be so negative about it.
Let’s just be happy CFL football is back. I know some of you may start to rethink your relationship with the team i.e. season tickets and other stuff, but don’t jump ship this early; it’s only week two of the season. It’s not Chris Jones’s fault or the QB’s.
John Kerby, St. Albert
Smith should step away from social media
So it appears as if our premier is at it again, telling half-truths and theories to elicit outrage and deflect away from herself. That aside, my question is why is she taking up valuable time on her social media site? Put down the phone Premier Smith, and start working on all the brilliant things you said you were going to do if elected. My view sees a worsening of democratic freedoms in Alberta and minority protections from someone who goes on about freedom and censorship ad nauseum since and prior to being elected.
One last thought is this: I am writing this letter to the editor to a privately owned newspaper business; they shall decide to or not publish it. Facebook is also a private business that may decide they don’t want wacky hate and weirdly inaccurate posts on their platform and decide that they shouldn’t be published. Shall I call an unpublished letter to the editor “censorship?”
Grant Hammond, Edmonton
City’s public engagement needs work
Having just read Mr. David Berry’s column in which he justified the city inflicting its new zoning bylaws upon Edmonton neighbourhoods, I was moved to comment upon what passes for engagement by the city.
Having been part of three year-long discussions with the city on an issue of critical importance to our community, I have been repeatedly exposed to what passes for engagement and consultation with the city. Events are scheduled either when most people are at work or at difficult-to-access venues; sessions are not oriented towards dialogue and an open exchange of ideas but rather to a one-sided download of already solidified positions or previously determined courses of action; questions that are directed to be asked in “chat boxes” never get answered; and promises to consult and work with stakeholders prior to taking decisions or actions are met with notifications of decision made or actions taken shortly after the sham engagement sessions have taken place.
City administration does whatever it wants to do, citizen input or council positions be damned. They believe they know best and the rest of us don’t matter. Time to call their engagement process what it actually is — mere box-ticking so they can do what they have already decided to do.
Bob Thompson, Edmonton
Urban densification is the real cult
Are those who support trees any more of a cult that those who support wild west, unlimited densification (sometimes called development for developers, by developers, paid for by citizens)? What developer, Mr. Gerein, has made the oxygen you breathe? We must banish from this land all plastics and containers in the name of climate, yet it’s OK to pave over green, cut down trees and only compost that which can be composted in 15 days.
Cities must breathe and one of Edmonton’s attractions is that we have not yet paved over and built up. A place that dense, that developed will increase crime, mental health issues, (all well documented by studies) but it will not be where your developers live; they will reside somewhere safer — and greener.
Dean Warner, Edmonton
Happy with medical testing by Dynalife
As a senior, born-and-raised Edmontonian, I have had many requests by physicians to have tests that were performed by Dynalife. Instructions usually were to get the tests done at least a week prior to our follow-up appointment. Many times, I was tardy and had testing done a day or two prior. Not once have I returned to the doctor’s office and was told the results weren’t back yet.
Making appointments online is easy and they get you in on time. There must be more to this attack on Dynalife than meets the eye. Let’s see performance stats rather than just political pandering. AHS, with its bloated managerial structure, can’t handle our health-care needs as it is.
G.D. Meleshko, Edmonton
Remembering deadly Lamont bus crash
Time erases painful memories. Almost forgotten has been the Lamont school bus crash of 1960 in which 17 teenagers died.
In 2010, a memorial was erected in Lamont to remember the lost children.
Ruth Adria, Edmonton
