The Potential Impact of Edmonton’s 15-Minute City Plan

October 10, 2024 TruthUSA

Edmonton has embraced the 15-minute city model, joining a select group of cities worldwide that have adopted this concept. The city recently approved its ambitious city plan, which aims to provide residents with access to essential amenities and workplaces within a 15-minute walk, bike ride, or transit trip from their homes. A key objective of this initiative is to reduce the percentage of trips made by vehicles from the current level of approximately 80 percent to 50 percent as part of Edmonton’s broader efforts to decrease carbon emissions.

The 15-minute city concept has generated mixed reactions globally. While some experts have praised it, citing the latest urban development research, others have raised concerns. In Edmonton, the public has expressed both support and opposition during hearings and council meetings on the matter.

One of the primary concerns raised is around freedom of movement, particularly as the idea of 15-minute cities intersects with possible limitations on personal vehicle use. Oxford University professor Ian Loader highlights the intrinsic link between automobile autonomy and personal liberty in his paper on “15-minute cities and the denial(s) of auto-freedom.”

The Edmonton city council has addressed concerns about freedom of movement by amending the city plan to ensure that citizens’ charter right to freedom of movement will not be compromised. The city’s plan does not include measures like traffic filters or detailed strategies to restrict vehicle use, focusing instead on minimizing roadway expansion for vehicles and creating more pedestrian and cycling-friendly spaces.

Urban planning expert Sandeep Agrawal, a professor at the University of Alberta, supports the concept of 15-minute cities and views Edmonton’s plans as aspirational. He emphasizes that the realization of this vision will require active participation from Edmontonians and the private sector, acknowledging that the transition may take time to manifest.

Part of the city’s strategy includes promoting infill building to increase building density in certain areas, a move aimed at fostering more sustainable urban development.

While the concept of 15-minute cities offers several advantages, such as reduced vehicle pollution and enhanced community cohesion, Agrawal acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead in turning this vision into a reality, particularly in a city like Edmonton where factors like winter weather and existing commuting patterns pose obstacles.

Despite the potential benefits, there are concerns about the practicality of having workplaces within a 15-minute radius, given that Edmontonians’ average commute distance is currently 24 kilometers according to Statistics Canada.

The city’s aspiration of having 50 percent of trips made by transit, walking, or biking has been a subject of ongoing discussion. While this goal was not explicitly outlined in the recently passed district policy, it was referenced in conjunction with the 15-minute city plans presented to the city council.

The district policy serves as a detailed guideline for land use, mobility, and growth management, aligning with The City Plan’s “Big City Moves” vision for transformative change. This vision includes enhancing city life connectivity and improving access to daily amenities.

City staff have proposed methods to achieve the 50 percent goal of trips made by transit or active modes, which may involve implementing measures to reduce vehicle trips and enhance alternative transportation options.

While the path to realizing Edmonton’s 15-minute city plans may present challenges, the city remains committed to creating a more accessible, sustainable, and connected urban environment for its residents.

The debate surrounding 15-minute cities underscores the complex interplay between urban development, transportation policies, and individual freedoms. As cities like Edmonton navigate the transition towards more sustainable and equitable urban landscapes, balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and the environment will be crucial in shaping the cities of tomorrow.

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