Sohi calls 13% tax increase ‘unacceptable’ as Edmonton announces clean energy program

Edmonton’s mayor defended a new green initiative at city hall Friday, while insisting the city can continue to fund programs and grants and also slash a proposed tax increase.

Amarjeet Sohi said the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) — which will help homeowners install solar panels, upgrade insulation and buy heating pumps — is necessary, even as city taxpayers face a 13 per cent property tax hike next year.

“This program is essential because it allows us to reduce emissions and climate change is an existential threat,” Sohi told CityNews, adding it will help some people reduce their utility bills and create jobs.

CEIP will provide $20 million in financing to home and business owners. That money will be repaid over time through additional property taxes, but only to individuals who benefit from it. Edmonton taxpayers will fund the operation of the CEIP program, which city officials estimate at $1 million a year.

Edmonton now has at least 39 taxpayer-supported grant and funding support programs. Schools can get $15,000 for bike parking, businesses up to $2,000 for winter patio furniture and there’s $5,000 grants for murals.

When asked if Edmonton should continue to fund programs some would consider non-essential, Sohi said he appreciates that many people in the city are struggling with affordability.

“Whenever we add additional property taxes that adds to their burden. So, we are very attuned to that reality,” the mayor said.

“That is why I am very clear to the administration that a 13 per cent property tax increase is unacceptable and we’re working very diligently to bring it down.”

But Councillor Tim Cartmell thinks it’s time to take a hard look at grant money, saying he’s heard from residents who want the city to focus on core services.

“’Provide the services that cities are supposed to provide, and quite frankly, stop telling me how to think and how to live. I would really rather you just run the city and leave me out of it and do it efficiently.’ I hear that all the time,” he explained of resident feedback.

A recent poll for CityNews found about 80 per cent of Edmontonians are struggling with bills, 72 per cent think the mayor and city councillors are “out of touch” and just 26 per cent want them re-elected.

On the streets of Whyte Avenue Friday, some said property taxes are too high, while others are willing to pay for extras that encourage a better city.

“There’s waste out there and I’m pretty sure everybody can see it,” Chris Swenson said.

“If we need some of those [grant programs] to make things happen, I want this to be a vibrant, walkable city,” Matt Barker said.

“I’m for investment in terms of non-traditional things, yeah for sure,” Taylor Chadwick said of Edmonton’s expenses.

Another cost-saving idea being pitched, is pay freezes for city council. Coun. Aaron Paquette says that would show solidarity for “budget tightening required across the board.”

City staff will bring budget recommendations in early November and heated debate is expected after that, perhaps extending into December.