Edmonton has a system of 137 neighbourhood-based organizations called Community Leagues covering all areas of the city. Neighbourhood boundaries are established by the planning department, usually along tax assessment or subdivision boundaries. The number of households per neighbourhood ranges from 1000 to 18,000. Boundary disputes are mediated by the Federation of Community Leagues. Every 6-20 Community Leagues join to form an Area Council. A Federation of Community Leagues co-ordinates the activities on a city-wide basis.
All Community Leagues are registered non-profit societies whose executive are elected every 1-2 years from the general membership. There is no requirement that members be a resident of the particular neighbourhood although the Federation of Community Leagues has a code of ethics which indicates that members should be residents. There is no civic department specifically charged with neighbourhood participation. The Community Leagues are supported through the Parks and Recreation Department. Edmonton elects 6 of its councilors on a ward basis and 2 at-large.
Scope of Activities
Most Community Leagues are concerned with parks and recreation issues. Some of the older more established leagues have become involved in development issues. There is no formal reporting relationship between Community Leagues and the city government. Community Leagues are informed by city staff of proposed zoning or transportation changes.
Resources
The Parks and Recreation Department provides 1 full-time Community Resource Coordinator for every 3-4 Community Leagues. Each Community League receives a small operating grant of $3,200 -$4,000 as well as a small office in a community recreation facility. The Federation gets an additional $115,000 operating grant.
History and Comments
The first community leagues were established in 1921. They are now an established part of Edmonton's neighbourhoods and are recognized by the City as a vehicle for communicating with citizens. The Community Leagues do not fulfill a role in local government decision-making similar to other models presented here but do perform an information distribution function.
Contact: The Federation of Community Leagues, Edmonton, 403 437-2913
New Ways of Governing
The Citizen's Handbook / Charles Dobson / www.vcn.bc.ca/citizens-handbook
