Premier Smith offers Edmonton help, city councillors indicate its not needed – Edmonton [Video]

Premier Danielle Smith told reporters Wednesday that the Alberta government is “ready to assist if (the City of Edmonton) would like to ask us for assistance.”

Smith said her government had “received a number of reports that do have us concerned.”

She did not elaborate on exactly what those reports or concerns were aside from saying the city is facing some serious financial challenges.

Those are not a surprise and the city has asked the province for help in solving those challenges.

City councillors have been vocal about the Edmonton’s financial struggles, especially after approving a 6.6 per cent tax increase in November.

Recently, multiple organizations and city departments have asked city council for financial assistance.

At the March 19 urban planning committee meeting, city councillors were told 322 Edmonton Transit Service buses needed to be replaced in the 2023-2026 budget cycle, costing $257.6 million.

City councillors questioned staff about where that money …