Edmonton city officials maintain they have consulted extensively with Indigenous stakeholders on plans to redevelop residential lots in the Rossdale Flats and other River Valley neighbourhoods, but vocal opponents say the public has been kept in the dark about the steps and progress made.
Councillor calls for transparency on Indigenous engagement
On Wednesday, Ward O-day’min Coun. Anne Stevenson motioned for administration to provide a report detailing how information on Indigenous engagement and archaeological evidence has been shared with the public. Administration will now produce annual updates on all completed communications.
The motion came in response to public concerns raised at the Urban Planning Committee, which had requested a report on the city’s requirements for consulting Indigenous stakeholders.
“There’s potential for human remains, that has to be treated with the utmost focus and delicacy,” said Stevenson. “The city has procedures in place that I think are rigorous, but they’re not available publicly right now and there’s no reason why they can’t be from what I understand.”
What is the duty to consult?
Section 35 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms imposes a legal obligation on the Crown—federal and provincial governments—to consult Indigenous and Inuit governments about conduct that may affect their lands, resources, or people.
Are municipalities considered ‘the Crown’?
No, but court rulings have been divided. A case in British Columbia found no duty to consult for municipalities, while an Ontario case concluded there was. City of Edmonton officials say they have no legal requirement to consult on city-owned or private land.
What is the city’s obligation?
Edmonton has made it official policy to commit to Truth and Reconciliation, meaning the city believes it should consult with local Indigenous governments in good faith.
“While there may be minimum legal requirements, the city’s expectations of ourselves go far above that,” said Stevenson.
How many Indigenous groups are involved?
City administration maintains a list of 32 First Nation and Indigenous stakeholders.
What are the Indigenous concerns about development in Rossdale Flats and the River Valley?
The North Saskatchewan River served as a highway for thousands of years, leaving hundreds of historically significant areas—from religious and cultural sites to burial grounds. Some critics compare potential development to bulldozing Stonehenge for condos.
However, Stevenson noted that the areas eyed for development were already zoned residential. “Rossdale looks empty but it was previously a residential neighbourhood,” she said. “There used to be houses on what now are seen as open streets.”
