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Keith Gerein: Premier Smith's edict is in — Edmonton is not allowed to be Edmonton

After the province imposed its jurisdictional imperialism on everything from photo radar to public libraries, Edmonton’s highly successful zoning framework was perhaps the city's last remaining signature policy — something the UCP regime clearly couldn’t abide.

Premier Danielle’s Smith announcement last week that her government is forcing Edmonton to throw out its hard-won zoning bylaw is the crowning achievement in a municipal relations record of democratic disrespect, political nihilism, hypocrisy, and shortsightedness.

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There is little left of civic autonomy for the UCP government to conquer.

After the province imposed its jurisdictional imperialism on everything from photo radar and bike lanes to regional planning boards and public libraries, Edmonton’s highly successful zoning framework was perhaps the city’s last remaining signature policy — something the UCP regime clearly couldn’t abide.

The premier’s message to the capital city is clear. We are not permitted to manage our own affairs. Our votes don’t matter. Edmonton cannot be allowed to be Edmonton.

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