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Small-town mayors face growth backlash as Edmonton grapples with population surge
Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-15 21:49:05.0
Tags: [Alberta, Municipal, Housing, Infrastructure, Governance, Taxation]According to the BILD Edmonton Metro 2026 State of the Region report, row house and apartment permits in regional Edmonton municipalities surged by over 600 per cent over a five-year period amid population growth. Regional leaders, including Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw, Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank, and Fort Saskatchewan Mayor Lisa Makin, highlighted constituent backlash against development and the ongoing challenge of balancing growth with demands for municipal services without raising property taxes. The data shows provincial housing starts increased 130.8 per cent between 2020 and 2025, with Edmonton issuing $3.2 billion in building permits in 2025, while regional municipalities experienced average permit turnaround times ranging from 5 to 26 days compared to Edmonton's 53.8 days.
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Yellowknife city council moves community, transport plans in possible last meeting of term
Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-09-24 15:31:26.0
Tags: [Municipal, Housing, Transportation, Taxation, Infrastructure]The Yellowknife City Council passed a 25-year community growth plan, adopted a comprehensive transportation plan targeting pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and approved a new vacant land tax class taking effect in January 2028 to penalize undeveloped property. Additionally, the council established a major projects and opportunities secretariat municipal department to support national defence infrastructure investments, such as extending piped water and sewer to the Yellowknife airport. The community plan amendment passed second reading despite opposition and now awaits final review and approval by the territorial Department of Municipal and Community Affairs before a potential third reading.
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