Edmonton’s city council has agreed to spend more than $9 million to improve west-end traffic flow near the River Cree Casino and Resort. That decision is part of ongoing budget talks. The project is a three-way partnership with the Alberta government and Enoch Cree Nation. Ward sipiwiyiniwak Coun. Thu Parmar says the intersection where Whitemud Drive meets 215 Street is frequently backed up. “If Enoch is successful, the west end is successful, and not only Ward sipiwiyiniwak, but Ward Nakota Isga, also Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, the region,” Parmar, whose ward includes a busy Costco and an expanding shopping sector near the intersection and across the street from the River Cree, told media on Thursday. “This is a very large economic corridor.” The money for the city’s portion will be taken from its reserve, which currently sits below the self-imposed minimum balance. City council also approved $6 million to hire 31 new peace officers who will be dedicated to traffic enforcement. Mayor Andrew Knack says peace officers are needed because police don’t have the resources to boost traffic stops. “People talked about safety in every community,” Knack told reporters. “Traffic safety was one of the No. 1 issues. This is going to make a meaningful difference to the safety of our streets, so it’s critical that we’re starting this.” Budget talks are ongoing. As it stands, the tax increase for 2026 sits just under seven per cent. If it stays there, the average homeowner would pay about $245 more in property taxes next year.
