City Government

Legally Binding Petitions

The law regarding petitions is complex, and the information provided here is intended as general information only. It is not a substitute for reviewing the applicable legislation. Other special requirements may apply for petitions on local improvements, business revitalization zones and other matters.

If you are considering proceeding with a petition to Council under the Municipal Government Act (MGA), you should review the legislation yourself, or consult with a lawyer.

Legal Requirements

1. Purpose Statement

A statement explaining the purpose of the petition must be identically reproduced on every page of the document. The petition must ask for a new bylaw, or for the removal (repeal) of a bylaw or other decision made by Council.

Legislation restricts what can be petitioned. Petitions must fall within the jurisdiction of the municipal government, and meet the conditions of both the Municipal Government Act and the Procedures and Committees Bylaw 12300. Copies of the MGA can be viewed at the Public Library or the Court House Library, or can be purchased from the Queen's Printer at 10611 - 98 Avenue (phone 780-427-4952).

A petition has no effect if it requests a new bylaw, the repeal of an existing bylaw, or a change to a Council decision on financial administration, assessment and taxation, or planning and development.

Whether a petition meets these requirements depends on the wording. It is not always a simple matter, and petitioners are urged to consult with a lawyer before they proceed to get signatures.

2. Signatures

At least 10% of Edmonton's population (as given by the most recent civic or federal census) must sign a petition for it to be a valid, legally binding petition.

Only the signatures of "electors" will be counted for the purposes of a legal petition. This includes Canadian citizens who live in Edmonton, have lived in Alberta for at least 6 months before the date of signing, and those who are at least 18 years old.

For each signature to be valid it must be accompanied by:

Printed surname and printed given name (or initial) of the individual
Street address or legal description of where in Edmonton the signee resides
Date it was signed
Confirmation that the signature was witnessed (witnesses are required to complete an affidavit that the signatures witnessed are those of persons entitled to sign the petition)

3. Representative's Statement

This statement indicates the name of the representative for the petition. It also confirms that the representative is available to answer any questions regarding the petition, and provides the representative's contact information.

4. Deadline for Submission

To challenge an existing bylaw or resolution, a petition must be filed within 60 days of its being passed. In the case of a bylaw or resolution that has been publicly advertised, the petition must usually be filed within 60 days from the end of advertisement. Petitions against proposed bylaws or resolutions dealing with financial administration must be filed within 15 days of the last day the bylaw or resolution is advertised.

Legislation also requires that the signatures on the petition be dated within 60 days of the date on which the petition is filed with the City. Any signatures older than 60 days will not be counted.

Additional Information

If your petition does not meet these legal requirements, you may also submit an Informal Petition.

Once your petition meets all legal conditions and you are ready to submit, please deliver it to the Office of the City Clerk.

For more information:

Office of the City Clerk

3rd floor, City Hall
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7

Telephone	780-496-8178
Fax	780-496-8175
Email	city.clerk@edmonton.ca