Residents in the community of Ottewell in Edmonton are outraged over delayed construction in their neighbourhood

For residents in the community of Ottewell — what was supposed to be a revitalization dream — has turned into a nightmare full of inconvenience.

“Obviously losing parking with the construction barricades, and the fact that there’s no sidewalk which means there’s no postal delivery,” said Bill Allen, an Ottewell community resident.

We’re getting nothing from the city.  We got a bulletin back in June saying kind of when they were going to start digging up the roads which took place and now we’re just left with this mess.”

Many have been left frustrated by what they describe as “half-finished projects” they say should have been finished in August. With no communication from the City on when work will be done.

“We’re just waiting and nothing much is happening,” said Sandra Figura, an Ottewell Resident. 

The work is part of the City’s neighbourhood renewal program, which includes fixing roads, replacing street lights, curbs, and gutters, and repairing sidewalks meant to update the city’s aging neighborhoods.

But with temporary sidewalks now down and light poles still sticking out of the centre of sidewalks, many worry things will remain this way through the winter.

“We’ve lost a lot of confidence,” said Jordan Yeo, an Ottewell resident. “Even down the street by Ottewell school I know they had to pour temporary asphalt sidewalks because they couldn’t finish it in time.

“I’m really curious if we’re going to snow or completed sidewalk first is the first thing that comes to mind for me.”

Residents say they’re already going to be dealing with increased property taxes in the thousands to cover the renewal.

In a statement to CityNews, the City of Edmonton says the roads, sidewalks, and driveways in the community will be in service by the end of the 2023 construction season. They say any changes to project timelines won’t cost residents additional fees.

“Neighbourhood Renewal in Ottewell is being staged over four years. The tentative year-to-year staging plan for the neighbourhood is dependent on a number of variables and is subject to change as the project progresses over the four years of planned construction. Any changes to construction phasing are not anticipated to impact the overall project schedule and will have no cost impact to the residents,” said Kirby Bourne, communications advisor for the project.

The City did note, that Canada Post may choose to temporarily suspend mail delivery. Adding affected residents would be notified prior to the suspension of mail.