Multi-Use Lanes Need Your Support
Minister Dreeshen sent a letter to Edmonton Councillor Principe on April 16, 2025, opposing the complete streets infrastructure design being implemented as part of Edmonton’s 132nd Avenue Renewal project, asking Edmonton’s City Council to cancel or postpone key design elements of the project, while mentioning that other infrastructure in Edmonton and Calgary could be the target for removed or cancellation as well. This provincial overreach into local roadway projects, especially with no evidence of any local stakeholder engagement driving this action, is deeply concerning. We must speak up for municipal autonomy and complete street designs that will properly support all community members regardless of their needs, abilities or chosen mode of transportation.
On April 17, 2025, we reached out to Minister Dreeshen by email stating our concern about his letter to the Councillor and asking him to meet with us. To date, we have not received a response. If we all speak up together, our voices will be strong and will be heard.
The Community’s Response
The community response has been strong, with advocates, Councillors, residents and community groups speaking out and sharing their concern for the Ministers comments. Here are a few examples:
- April 17, 2025 – Media Release by Bike Edmonton
- April 17, 2025 – Response from YEG Bike Coalition
- April 17, 2025 – Response from Councillor Rutherford
- April 17, 2025 – Response from Councillor Janz
- April 17, 2025 – CTV Article: ‘Insulting to Edmontonians’: Locals react to Alberta minister’s desire to cancel Edmonton bike lane projects
- April 17, 2025 – Joint Post by Climate Justice Edmonton, Edmonton Transit Riders, et al.
April 19, 2025 – Video by Bike Edmonton - April 19, 2025 – Video by Councillor Salvador
- April 23, 2025 – Opinion: Finally, a roadway for people to walk or bike safely in northeast Edmonton by Jennifer Porritt
- April 24, 2025 – Alberta at Noon
- April 25, 2025 – Bike Calgary in the Media
Did we miss an important response or initiative on this list? Let us know at [email protected].
Other Ways to Support the Cause
- Support the Bike Plan
- Follow other local advocates
Background
On October 3, 2024, we sent a letter to Minister Dreeshen outlining our concerns with the recent Ontario legislation regarding bike lanes. We received a response on October 24, 2025, from Minister McIver, cc’ing Minister Dreeshen.
