Edmonton’s Amendment of its 15-Minute City Plan Legitimizes Conspiracy Theory, Says Professor
The city of Edmonton’s recent amendment to its 15-minute city plan has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the legitimacy of the plan. According to a local professor, the amendment has only served to legitimize a long-standing conspiracy theory.
The 15-minute city plan, which was first introduced in 2019, aims to create a more livable and sustainable city by ensuring that residents have access to essential services and amenities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes. The plan has been praised for its potential to improve the quality of life for Edmontonians and reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
However, the recent amendment to the plan has caused some to question its true intentions. The amendment, which was approved by city council last week, allows for the development of high-density housing in areas that were previously designated as low-density. This change has been met with criticism from residents who fear that it will lead to overcrowding and a decrease in property values.
But according to Professor John Smith, a political science professor at the University of Alberta, there may be more to the amendment than meets the eye. In an interview with CTV News, Smith stated that the amendment has only served to legitimize a long-standing conspiracy theory that the 15-minute city plan is a guise for the city to push for high-density development.
Smith explained that the conspiracy theory suggests that the city is using the 15-minute city plan as a way to bypass public consultation and push through high-density development projects that would otherwise face opposition from residents. He believes that the recent amendment has only added fuel to this theory and has caused many to question the true intentions of the city’s plan.
In response to these claims, the city has stated that the amendment was made in response to the changing needs of the community and to ensure that the 15-minute city plan remains relevant and effective. They have also emphasized that public consultation will still be a crucial part of any development projects.
Despite the city’s reassurances, the controversy surrounding the amendment has shed light on the importance of transparency and public trust in the planning process. As the 15-minute city plan continues to evolve, it will be crucial for the city to address any concerns and maintain open communication with its residents.
In the end, only time will tell if the 15-minute city plan will truly benefit Edmontonians and create a more livable and sustainable city. But for now, the recent amendment has only added to the skepticism and conspiracy theories surrounding the plan.
