Edmonton bylaw dissolves seven council committees

Edmonton city council passed a bylaw Tuesday that means the end for seven council committees.

The advisory groups were set up to give the city’s politicians advice on issues impacting transit riders, women, youth, veterans, the environment and more.

“Our decision to conclude these committees was not easy to make but we have other avenues for their work to continue,” said Mayor Andrew Knack in a news release. “It’s about ensuring we have the right tools and resources to hear the voices we need to hear. Each committee has left a legacy that has made an impact on our city.”

The seven advisory boards coming to an end are: the anti-racism advisory committee; the Edmonton historical board; the Edmonton salutes committee; the Edmonton transit service advisory board; the energy transition climate resilience committee; the women’s advisory voice of edmonton committee; and the City of Edmonton youth council.

The first six will conclude Thursday, while the City of Edmonton youth council will end Aug. 31. Five committees will remain.

Mayor Knack did not clarify last week why exactly the advisory committees are ending. He specified it’s not about saving money, since members of those groups are volunteers.

The city says while the committees are formally concluding, council will “continue to engage with Edmontonians on these topics, and some of this work will now be achieved through City Council, Administration and community partners.”