"We're giving the area subsidies": 32% of drivers on Edmonton roadways don’t reside in the city, survey finds
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi expressed his reluctance to pursue toll roads but suggested that the province should contribute more funding.
A new report from the City of Edmonton reveals that 32 percent of non-commercial traffic on the city’s roads comes from drivers who do not live in Edmonton and do not pay municipal taxes. This report is set to be presented to city councillors next week.
Michael Janz, representing Ward Papastew, expressed his shock at the findings. “It was shocking to see all of these numbers laid out in this format. It just really shows you that we are paying more as Edmontonians but getting less. We’re subsidizing the region; we’re subsidizing the province,” he said.
While Edmontonians also drive in nearby municipalities such as St. Albert and Sherwood Park, the study indicates that only 9 percent of drivers on regional roads originate from Edmonton.
The report suggests that Edmonton taxpayers are effectively subsidizing services, including roads and bridges, for the roughly 400,000 residents living in the surrounding areas. This raises the question of whether toll roads could be a viable solution.
CityNews spoke with residents on Jasper Avenue about this possibility. “They use the roads every day, and look at our roads. It’s not good—potholes here, potholes there. It’s not good,” said John Oaing, a resident who supports implementing a small road fee for non-residents.
Conversely, Kurt Engel, another local resident and former Sherwood Park resident, argued, “They’re coming into our city and they’re dropping money here. So, I don’t see where we’re losing.”
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi expressed his reluctance to pursue toll roads but suggested that the province should contribute more funding.
“I proposed to Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver a potential top-up in grant funding for service-hub municipalities like Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Wetaskiwin, and others,” Sohi explained.
The province does provide financial support for local infrastructure; however, a fund that previously allocated around $400 per person annually has now been reduced to about $100, according to the city report.
Janz noted the province’s ban on tolling existing roads but believes Edmonton should consider increasing parking fees for non-residents. He also advocated for new cost-sharing agreements with neighboring municipalities and the province.
“It is putting Edmonton on a path to fiscal ruin if we do not figure out a new funding deal to make the region pay their fair share, make the province pay their fair share, and provide alternatives to driving,” Janz warned.
In a statement, Alberta’s transportation ministry indicated that while they do not support toll roads, they are also not enforcing the existing ban on them.
The ministry further noted that the province is providing $2.2 billion over three years for roads, bridges, and municipal grants in Edmonton.
