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More than 50 speakers lined up Monday to speak for and against a record-breaking 80-storey tower proposal for a top-of-the-riverbank spot in The Quarters.

Council already approveda deal to sell the land — 0.5 hectares of steep slope with few natural plants that is part of Edmonton’s river valley parkland.

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The rezoning hearing ran into the night. Several people were still waiting to speak on the issue, so the debate and vote were adjourned until Wednesday. Here are a few highlights.

Public access

Edmonton’s land deal includes a restrictive covenant and easement to guarantee public access to the terraces below the new tower and the 0.8-hectare public park around it, said Alldritt legal counsel Bob Bruce.

“They’re city parks. They’ll have the rules and regulations that apply to Borden Park, whatever city park you want to talk about,” said Bruce, saying the city will regulate the use and policing of the land.