February 6, 2025
Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Supports Public Spaces Bylaw to Strengthen Business Environment
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is voicing its strong support for Bylaw 20700: Public Spaces Bylaw, set for review by the Community and Public Services Committee on February 10, 2025. The Chamber believes the bylaw will help create a safer, more predictable, and business-friendly environment in Edmonton’s public spaces, ultimately fostering economic growth and investment in the city.
“As businesses continue to face challenges related to public safety and regulatory complexity, this bylaw is a step in the right direction,” said Doug Griffiths, President and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. “Clarity in regulations, improved safety, and better-managed public spaces are fundamental to ensuring Edmonton remains an attractive destination for businesses, investors, and visitors.”
The Public Spaces Bylaw, which has been under development since 2022, aims to consolidate and streamline multiple existing regulations into a single, comprehensive framework. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce highlights three key benefits of the bylaw:
- Regulatory Clarity for Businesses: Edmonton’s business community thrives when regulatory frameworks are transparent and consistent. The bylaw simplifies compliance by merging several existing regulations into a single framework, reducing red tape for businesses that engage with public spaces for sales, marketing, or service delivery.
- Enhanced Public Safety and Business Confidence: A recent Edmonton Chamber of Commerce survey found that 61% of businesses cite public safety as their top concern. With crime rates rising, businesses need assurances that municipal policies will help create a more secure environment. The Public Spaces Bylaw is one of many tools that can contribute to safer streets, benefitting businesses and the broader community.
Resources
Public Spaces Bylaw: A Fact Sheet for Local Businesses
Template Letter of Support for Bylaw 20700: Public Spaces Bylaw
Letter of Support for Bylaw 20700: Public Spaces Bylaw
- Strengthening Edmonton’s Economic Reputation: A well-maintained and safe city plays a crucial role in attracting new businesses, retaining talent, and boosting tourism. By reinforcing Edmonton’s commitment to high standards for public space management, this bylaw will help position the city as a premier destination for business and economic activity.
We acknowledge concerns raised in past Council meetings about the bylaw’s impact on certain communities; however, the Chamber believes it is a vital step toward a safer, more attractive Edmonton. We trust city administration and law enforcement to implement it responsibly, equitably, and with compassion, and encourage businesses to voice their support at Monday’s meeting or submit a letter to their councillor.
“The business community supports policies that foster a vibrant, safe, and competitive economic environment,” added Griffiths. “This bylaw aligns with our commitment to making Edmonton a safer and more attractive city where people choose to live, work, start a family, and grow a business”
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continued collaboration with City Council, City Administration and local businesses to ensure that Edmonton’s public spaces remain welcoming and economically vibrant.
Have your say.
The Edmonton Chamber wants to hear from you. What are the top issues and priorities for your business? Start the conversation by writing to policy@edmontonchamber.com
