The leadup to council’s summer break put a spotlight on city hall with more than 100 Edmontonians showing up for a public hearing on infill housing. Troy Pavlek, the host of political podcast Municipally Speaking, believes the crowd was motivated by a pledge from mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell to pause mid-block infill projects. But when it came time to vote on July 8 – two days after council’s summer break started – Cartmell’s seat in council chambers was empty. “This was a rare opportunity for this reduction on infill to occur, and it needs the conservative block to pass,” Pavel told CTV News Edmonton. “Two members of the conservative block – Sarah Hamilton and Cartmell – opted not to show up.” Coun. Erin Rutherford’s seat was also empty, but she attended the meeting virtually while on vacation in Kelowna. Rutherford voted in favour of mayor Amarjeet Sohi’s motion to leave the decision on infill reduction to a later date after consultations are completed in 2027. The motion was narrowly passed 6-5. Coun. Michael Janz made the motion to cut the mid-block infill maximum from eight units to six. He said he’s been hearing about the motion’s failure on the campaign trail. “I was at a house that had a “Neighbourhoods United’ sign, and they were really mad that Cartmell didn’t show up,” said Janz Friday. Some candidates running under Cartmell’s ‘Better Edmonton’ banner, also wanted to see the unit reduction approved. “I saw it as a necessary step to build trust with residents while ensuring that infill continues in a way that respects neighbourhood character, ”said a statement from Nicholas Rheubottom, who is running for a council seat in Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi. “This week was an opportunity to bring clarity and closure to the infill conversation,” Rheubottom continued. “While engagement has value, the decision to defer resolution for an additional 18 months creates further uncertainty for both residents and the housing sector at a time when clarity is needed most.” Cartmell’s campaign manager Alex Hryciw confirmed that he was not available for comment. “Municipal parties were not designed to have whipped votes or ‘party lines,’” said Hryciw in a statement Friday. Edmonton’s municipal election will be on Oct. 20.
