Council expected to buy one new helicopter for police

In a close seven-to-six vote, city councillors decided Monday to give police at least one new helicopter, drawing money from a tight supply of capital dollars. That is, until the vote was recalled.

The Edmonton Police Commission is asking for $7 million for a new twin-engine helicopter to replace its two aging single-engine choppers.

Council came up with several options: buy one twin-engine helicopter, buy two smaller helicopters, buy only one smaller helicopter, or buy none at all.

In Monday's unofficial vote, only Coun. Tony Caterina showed support for the $7-million twin-engine option, although Coun. Ben Henderson said it was his second choice, after no chopper at all.

In the end, the majority of councillors spoke in favour of buying one single-engine helicopter, which Mayor Don Iveson called a compromise that would balance the needs of the helicopter program with the small amount of capital budget money available.

However, the number of choices involved in the vote made for a procedural quagmire that ultimately rendered the first vote invalid.

When the vote was recalled, a frustrated Iveson flipped his budget book off the table. Afterward, he stayed late to work on the problem with the city clerk in advance of Tuesday's second vote.

That vote will give those who want to stop the city from purchasing more helicopters a small chance to gain some ground.

Other Monday Budget Highlights

Council approved $3.5 million to begin basic design work on the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre in the west end. It’s a far cry from the $10.5 million Coun. Michael Oshry was hoping to spend on the full design work.

Council also confirmed its commitment to the Coronation Velodrome project, approving spending $1.5 million raised by the city’s velodrome partners, and committing to the substantial construction costs in the next capital budget.

Without debate, councillors approved $10.5 million to outfit more ETS buses with Smartbus technology to give commuters real time updates on their buses.  

Also approved was $33.5 million to widen Whitemud Drive, in the hopes of reducing collisions between 66th Street and 34th Street.

Councillors said they were torn about whether to keep the Rossdale Fire Station in the budget, because vocal members of the community opposed it. They were also worried about the possibility of flooding, because the station is so close to the river. In the end, they voted in favour of spending $4.8 million to reactive the station.