Keeping local businesses afloat, maintaining property tax increases near zero and finding innovative ways to run the city are priorities Edmonton city councillors envision for 2021. Several councillors say thinking outside the box and doing things differently may be the key to helping the economy recover and saving small and medium businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the city cut red tape for businesses, for example, making the permit process simple for patio extensions. "But I think we showed — COVID did show — that maybe we don't need to overthink all of these things." Bev Esslinger said council will continue to have challenging decisions but should focus on reducing red tape for businesses.

Source: CBC News December 27, 2020 15:00 UTC