‘Spending like a drunken sailor’: Mayor Sohi’s hot mic comment sparks concerns about budget decisions
A comment made by Edmonton’s mayor caught on a hot mic during budget deliberations is sparking concerns about city spending – including the fate of an Edmonton landmark.
With his microphone still on, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi was overheard commenting on the spending patterns of his council.
“Spending like a drunken sailor,” he could be heard whispering.
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After the meeting, the mayor walked back his words.
“It wasn’t a reference to anyone or anything, it was just thinking aloud,” he said. “It was just a comment.”
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Before council began budget deliberations, Edmonton taxpayers were expected to see at least a 3.9 per cent increase annually for four years.
That number could increase with the way council is approving capital funding.
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But the mayor remains tight lipped about exactly what the cost to taxpayers will be.
“My hope is that final number will be reasonable for Edmontonians,” he said. “If we can demonstrate to them that we are investing in priorities of Edmontonians.”
Demolition of old Coliseum
One item that has been approved in the capital budget is the demolition of Edmonton’s old Coliseum. It comes with a $35 million price tag.
It’s a project city councillor Ashley Salvador says is long overdue.
“The longer we wait on the demolition, the more it is costing Edmontontians,” said Salvador.
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In 2015, the estimated cost of demolition was between $15-25 million. Council has approved a $35 million demolition beginning in 2025.
It would make way for what Salvador hopes is a more usable area for Edmontonians.
“We are unlocking land, making way for a more walkable, transit oriented, mixed use community,” said Salvador. “And ultimately that does have to occur, the demolition does have to proceed.”
