Metro Insight
Edmonton Council Watch
Council to vote on Happy Beer Street Entertainment District allowing public alcohol consumption on 78 Avenue between 99 and 100 Streets.
Executive Committee meets February 11 to recommend approval of Bylaw 21371, establishing Edmonton's newest Entertainment District on 78 Avenue (Happy Beer Street). The district would permit patrons to consume alcohol purchased from licensed businesses in the public street when activated. Also on the agenda: three tax forgiveness requests totaling up to $59,800, and a $25 million two-year emergency services agreement with Canadian Red Cross.
Happy Beer Street Entertainment District (Bylaw 21371)
Bylaw 21371 would designate 78 Avenue between 99 and 100 Streets as an Entertainment District, allowing public consumption of alcohol purchased from licensed businesses when the district is activated. The area, branded by local businesses as Happy Beer Street, concentrates breweries, restaurants and bars near Whyte Avenue. Public engagement showed 87% support from 1,484 respondents. The district eliminates red tape by removing the need for special event liquor licenses during festivals and events.
The Impact: Businesses can sell alcohol for public consumption in the street; no purchase required to enjoy the space.
Three Tax Forgiveness Requests
Three non-profit organizations seek retroactive tax forgiveness outside Council Policy C607B limits: Homes 4 Hope ($14,489 for 2023-2024, property sold December 2025 for $488,000 above purchase price), Alberta Craft Council ($7,377 plus penalties for 2023 error-of-fact exceeding $5,000 policy limit), and Ethiopian Community Association ($59,803 for 2023-2024 after failing to renew exemption). All requests fall outside standard policy requiring Council approval. Administration notes forgiveness may encourage organizations to ignore exemption requirements.
The Impact: Council can approve tax relief beyond policy limits; forgiveness impacts overall tax levy and sets precedent.
Canadian Red Cross Emergency Services Contract
Two-year $25 million agreement with Canadian Red Cross for emergency shelter and support services, up from one-year approvals. Amount based on actual costs from 2023-2024 wildfire seasons when City supported 17,400+ displaced Albertans. Agreement covers both local emergencies (structure fires, gas leaks) and Requests for Assistance from other municipalities. City recovers costs through provincial Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program. Red Cross provides accommodations at no cost for displacements under 25 people.
The Impact: Sets terms for emergency response without spending commitment; costs recovered from province or requesting municipalities.
Uncollectible Tax Write-Off
Annual cancellation of $265,093 in uncollectible taxes across 172 inactive accounts including manufactured homes, leased properties and Business Improvement Areas. BIA write-offs represent 3.3% of annual BIA levy, reflecting 2024 and prior years. Criteria include dissolved corporations, unlocatable sole proprietors, late closure notifications and low recovery likelihood. Post-pandemic economic conditions increased BIA collection challenges due to limited enforcement mechanisms compared to real property.
The Impact: Routine annual write-off of taxes with no recovery possibility; budgeted by Administration.
Midblock Redevelopment Restrictions (Bylaw 20001)
Amendments to District Policy and Zoning Bylaw 20001 to limit larger-scale midblock development outside nodes and corridors. Changes emphasize development opportunity primarily in nodes, corridors, near mass transit and along arterial roads. Provides additional discretion to evaluate local context during rezoning review rather than narrow criteria compliance. Expected to shift infill rezonings from neighbourhood interiors to nodes and corridors. Interior neighbourhoods will primarily use Small Scale Residential (RS) Zone allowing single detached, semi-detached, cluster, row and multi-unit housing.
The Impact: Larger developments pushed to corridors and transit areas; neighbourhood interiors limited to small-scale residential.
RS Zone Tree Preservation Amendments
Options for amendments to RS Zone and private tree maintenance requirements, dealt with together with midblock redevelopment item. Replacement attachment provided. Specific details on tree preservation requirements and RS Zone changes to be presented at committee meeting.
The Impact: Tree preservation rules for small-scale residential development under review alongside midblock changes.
📌 Worth Noting
Happy Beer Street Entertainment District faces final vote after 87% public support — businesses can extend alcohol service into the street during events, no fenced beer gardens required.
Sources: City of Edmonton eSCRIBE
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