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June 8th E-News Update¶
June 8th E-News
- Bike Month Brewery visit - Sunday June 12th 12:30PM at Polar Park Brewing
- Did you know: "Why do I keep seeing so many unhoused neighbours?"
- Mansions Tax: Contemplating a higher tax subclass on the wealthiest homes
- Saving police time and tax money: expanding 24/7 crisis diversion
- E-Bike Share - have you tried one?
- Help report a problem property!
- Read this book: Crisis in Canada's Policing by former Toronto Mayor John Sewell
- Renter's Rights: Motion Passed
Bike Month Brewery Visit: SUNDAY, JUNE 12th, 12:30PM¶
Bike month rolls along (view all events) and this Sunday we are meeting for "Bikes and Breweries" through Ward papastew starting at 12:30 at Polar Park Brewery.
Saturday, June 18th is also a Pedals, Playgrounds and tacos event. Pump up your tires and come join us!
Did You Know: "Why do I keep seeing so many unhoused neighbours?"¶
As of May 2022, Edmonton only has 170 Day Shelter Spaces Available for 2,765 houseless people. This is a result of chronic underfunding and downloading by successive Provincial & Federal Governments. If you were homeless, where would you go during the day?
Mansions Tax: Considering a Multi-million dollar Wealth Tax to help improve safety & eliminate poverty¶
Edmonton has over 100 residences valued at over $3 Million dollars. We also have 55,000 children in poverty.
At an upcoming meeting we will be debating the following motion:
That Administration prepare a report with options for additional tax subclasses on:
- properties valued in the top 1% of residential homes
- residential properties valued over $2 million and that the additional revenue if realized be allocated to community safety and well-being initiatives and poverty elimination.
Sign up to show your support here: https://www.michaeljanz.ca/mansionstax
Saving police time and tax money: expanding 24/7 crisis diversion¶
When it comes to community safety, how can we free up more police to respond to emergencies or support downtown/chinatown/Alberta Ave? Did you know REACH 24/7 crisis diversion answers ~1,400 calls a month at a cost of operating ~10 EPS officers (~$2 Million)?
This program dispatches crisis diversion teams around the clock, 365 days a year. They respond to people who are in distress and vulnerable on the streets of Edmonton. For a greater investment, we could realize significant cost savings to police/emerg.
E-Bike Share: Have you tried one?¶
“This is going to be a transformation in transportation that hasn’t happened since the horse and carriage. You can bike across the river valley on an electric bike with pedal assist, get up and down both sides of the hill and not even break a sweat. It’s going to be so convenient,” Janz said.
Complaints drive down Edmonton rental e-scooter fleets; e-bikes arrive | Edmonton Journal
Help report a problem property!¶
You know that problem property in your community? Help us take action. Reporting a problem property in your community has the potential to:
- Improve community safety
- Empower citizens
- Target properties, not individuals
- Hold property owners accountable for activities on their properties
Read This Book: Crisis in Canada's Policing¶
Why change is so hard and how we can get real reform in our police forces by former Toronto Mayor John Sewell
John Sewell, former mayor of Toronto and police reformer, compiled a very provocative must-read book for citizens and taxpayers.
Key takeaways:¶
- What do police do? A very small part of officers' time is spent responding to crime. Most calls are about disorder, disturbances, mental health, homelessness, etc.
- Crime has decreased substantially in the past twenty years, yet police budgets continue to rise.
- Systemic racism has been identified many times over in authoritative reports.
- Police are more likely to create or escalate violent situations than promote safety and security.
- Weak governance and ineffective oversight by police commissions.
Rental Motion (PASSED)¶
I was glad to see city council step up to advocate for the 37% of Edmontonians who are renters. Sign up to support at www.michaeljanz.ca/renters
a. That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, write a letter to the Government of Alberta highlighting the need to expand and enhance minimum rental standards.
b. That Administration prepare a report identifying options and tools available to the City of Edmonton to support residential tenants, beyond existing provincial requirements and standards, and available tenant services.
Michael Janz
http://www.michaeljanz.ca/