Edmonton in brief
The City of Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta. It is located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, about 220 km east of the Rocky Mountains, with rich agricultural lands to the south and east and boreal forest to the north and west. Edmonton’s river valley constitutes the longest stretch of connected urban parkland in North America, and it has the highest amount of parkland per capita of any Canadian city. It hosts a year-round slate of festivals, reflected in the nickname “Canada’s Festival City”.
Edmonton is growing fast – over the past two years, it has grown by 7.4% or more than 60,000 people. Edmonton also has significant economic diversity as a cultural, governmental and educational centre.
Sustainability profile
Edmonton has the greatest area of parkland per capita in Canada, and its North Saskatchewan River valley parks system is the longest stretch of connected urban parkland in North America.
Non-renewable energy currently forms a key part of Edmonton’s economy, with conventional oil and gas throughout Alberta and significant tarsands deposits 450 kilometers north in the Fort McMurray area. The City’s Energy Transition Strategy is working toward reducing and replacing its dependence on coal, natural gas, and other unsustainable energy sources.
Thematic priorities for the exchange
Resilience and adaptation: While a number of sectors within City operations and the Edmonton community are undertaking resilience and adaptation initiatives, it does not appear that common climate change scenarios and impacts or a common vulnerability and risk analysis are being used. Edmonton is interested in discussion with cities that have performed, are currently undergoing, or are planning a resilience/adaptation assessment.
Ecosystem services: Edmonton has previously participated in the Local Action for Biodiversity program, and has also integrated natural areas and wetlands protection into municipal planning processes. The City looks to gain additional understanding of natural area restoration opportunities and the value of ecosystems services.
Low-carbon development: Edmonton is currently developing community-wide programs for improving energy efficiency and making renewable energy available in buildings, as well as improving land-use and transportation planning for reduced energy consumption. The City is also interested in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency and promoting resilient energy systems.