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But Iveson said he hasn’t heard a thing in the month since and is worried.

“Frankly, we haven’t had a lot of movement … and the clock’s ticking,” said Iveson, saying legislation takes a lot of effort to negotiate, write and pass. “That has to happen really fast here in order to do our next four-year plan. There are real and significant projects here that are in jeopardy.”

The Lewis Farms Recreation Centre were designed and readied for construction in the last four-year budget. It’s expected to cost more than $200 million, which is roughly the size of the provincial cut.

Iveson’s comments came after a “sobering” presentation to council on Edmonton’s 10-year funding challenge, showing a $3.8-billion gap between money promised for construction projects and the estimated cost of the work.

Even in this next four-year capital budget cycle, there is not enough available cash for the city to cover repairs and the new growth projects where partners have already promised to share costs.

Funding for those projects, such as the Yellowhead Trail upgrade and west LRT, is not easily shifted to emerging needs like fire stations, pedestrian crossing upgrades or housing for the homeless. That means little room to budget for those emerging projects.

Starting work on the capital budget

“It’s a very sobering talk of what we need to do and our limited ability to do so,” said Coun. Bev Esslinger as council questioned administration.

Friday’s discussion was the first step to setting the next four-year capital budget, which deals with the city’s building and repair needs. The budget will be presented to city council Oct. 23, with a public hearing Nov. 16.