Community Benefit Agreements: A Win-Win Solution for Edmonton

For many residents of Edmonton, the city is more than just a place to live. It’s a community where people come together to work, play and build a better future. But as the city continues to grow and change, it’s important that the benefits of development are shared equally among all residents. One way to achieve this is through Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs).

What are Community Benefit Agreements?

At their core, CBAs are contracts between developers and community groups that aim to ensure that the benefits of development are shared with the local community. By including provisions that require developers to hire locally, provide apprenticeships and support community initiatives, CBAs can help to promote economic and social development in the areas where they are signed.

Why are CBAs important for Edmonton?

As Edmonton continues to grow, it’s important that the benefits of development are shared with all residents. This is particularly important in areas where there are large numbers of low-income residents, as these areas often lack access to good jobs, training and education opportunities.

By signing CBAs, developers can help to address these issues by:

– Hiring and training local residents: By requiring developers to hire locally and provide apprenticeships, CBAs can help to create job opportunities for local residents, particularly those who have been excluded from the labour market in the past.

– Supporting community initiatives: CBAs can also include provisions that require developers to support local community initiatives such as community gardens, sports leagues and other programs that benefit local residents.

– Providing affordable housing: CBAs can also include provisions that require developers to provide affordable housing units as part of their developments, helping to address the city’s ongoing housing crisis.

What are the challenges facing CBAs in Edmonton?

While CBAs have been successful in other cities across Canada and the US, there are some challenges to implementing them in Edmonton. These include:

– Lack of awareness: Many residents and community groups in Edmonton are not aware of the benefits of CBAs or how they work.

– Limited government support: While some governments have been supportive of CBAs, others have been less so. This can make it challenging to get developers to sign onto CBAs.

– Limited developer interest: Some developers may be reluctant to sign onto CBAs due to concerns about the additional costs and time it takes to negotiate and implement them.

Despite these challenges, there are many reasons to believe that CBAs can be successful in Edmonton. With growing interest in community-led development and increasing recognition of the importance of local hiring and training, now is the time to explore the potential of CBAs in our city.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, Community Benefit Agreements offer a win-win solution for developers and residents in Edmonton. By requiring developers to hire and train local residents, support community initiatives and provide affordable housing, CBAs can help to create a more equitable and sustainable city for all. While there are challenges to implementing CBAs in Edmonton, the potential benefits are too great to ignore. It’s time for developers, residents and policymakers to come together to explore the potential of CBAs in our city.