On the agenda: CRLs, derelict properties, and Rossdale
This week, councillors will hear an update on community revitalization levies, consider a higher tax for derelict properties that aren't residential, and make a recommendation on renewing part of the Rossdale neighbourhood.
There is a community and public services meeting on March 23, an urban planning committee meeting on March 23, a special city council meeting on March 24 and 25, and an executive committee meeting on March 26.
Here are some key items on the agenda:
- Revenue generated from The Quarters community revitalization levy is not projected to cover the investment the city has made in the neighbourhood, a report set to be presented to executive committee said. Municipalities can use CRLs to finance infrastructure developments needed to attract private development to targeted areas, and the investment is meant to be paid back through the property tax uplift of new development. The Quarters CRL has funded $100 million in "catalyst projects," including The Armature, upgraded drainage servicing, Kinistinâw Park, and the adaptive reuse of City-owned buildings into new art spaces. The report said the improvements attracted more than $450 million in private development. Despite this, the revenues from the CRL are expected to be about $63.6 million short of covering all outstanding costs of the catalyst projects. The general tax revenue in The Quarters could cover the outstanding debt by 2041, 10 years after the CRL ends, the report said. Meanwhile, the city's revenue projection for the Belvedere CRL has increased by $5 million to $35.4 million, and that project is expected to break even by the end of its 20-year term in 2032. The downtown CRL was extended in 2025. The revenue projection for that CRL has decreased by $77 million to $1.4 billion.
- About 20 properties in Edmonton with a total assessment value of $29 million could be considered candidates for a derelict non-residential tax subclass, a report to be presented to executive committee said. The subclass is one way to address issues associated with abandoned, fenced-off, or dangerous non-residential properties. Edmonton introduced a higher tax rate for derelict residential properties in mature neighbourhoods starting in 2024, and assessed about 200 properties at the higher rate. The tax was deemed a success — about 60 properties were demolished or remediated after it was introduced — and the derelict residential rate will be expanded city-wide in 2027. If council chooses to pursue a derelict tax for non-residential properties, administration said it recommends establishing the subclass but keeping the normal tax rate at first as assessors develop and refine the process. The report said the threat of higher taxes can sometimes be enough to motivate owners of derelict properties to demolish or sell. A cross-referenced report details other ways to address vacant residential and non-residential properties, especially in the redeveloping area within Anthony Henday Drive. Council could establish a tax subclass for vacant properties or a tax incentive program to help spur development, the report said.
- Administration is looking to start construction on the first phase of the River Crossing plan in Rossdale, which would see the construction or rehabilitation of the roads north of Re/Max Field and the first steps toward housing development on the field's parking area. Councillors will be asked to approve $15 million for underground servicing, subdivision, and planning applications for the parking area, which would be divided into four lots for buildings between four and 12 storeys high, with up to 300 units. Executive committee is scheduled to review the proposal and make a recommendation to council.
