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AR-RG-28 · Instelling · 1977 - current

The Office of the Auditor General was established in 1977 by Bylaw No. 4873: A Bylaw to Appoint a City Auditor General. An Auditor was appointed in late 1977 but did not start work until January 1, 1978. At the time, Edmonton was the only municipality in Canada to have an auditor general. When the Office was created, it absorbed the internal audit section which had previously been part of the Finance Department.

The Office of the Auditor General was envisioned as an independent financial overseer for the City. The position was appointed by City Council and was accountable directly to City Council unless otherwise directed. After a major internal reorganization in 1997, the Office of the Auditor General began receiving administrative support from the Office of the City Manager, but the two remained otherwise independent of one another.

When it was established in 1977, the role of the Office of the Auditor General was to examine the financial, administrative, and organizational affairs of the City of Edmonton. Analysis was done to ensure efficient, effective, and economical operations, and to promote accountability and continuous improvement. The work was done in a variety of ways. Cash audits determined whether cash resources were handled in a manner consistent with established City requirements and safeguards against loss. Comprehensive reviews determined whether a department, service, or program operated efficiently, effectively, and economically, and whether risks were minimized. Advisory services assisted in the development or enhancement of sound business practices and strategies. Governance activities determined whether corporate management practices met general ethical and performance standards, and complied with legal and regulatory requirements. Investigative services proved or refuted alleged fraudulent or inappropriate behaviour on the part of a City employee, Council member, or other party. Special projects included all audits, investigations, or studies not listed in the annual audit plan. Finally, system audits ensured that adequate controls were built into automated systems and determined whether they continued to operate effectively.

Edmonton Public Library
AR-RG-27 · Instelling · 1909-

The Edmonton Public Library was founded in 1909 with the passing of Bylaw 240-1909: A Bylaw to Establish a Public Library. This document enabled the appointment of the Edmonton Library Board. The following year the Strathcona Library Board was appointed. Both libraries opened their loan departments in 1913.

Since its creation the Edmonton Public Library has sought to improve the lives of Edmontonians through various information-related programs and services, relying initially on the printed word, but by the 1950s including audio visual, and more recently digital material as well.

AR-RG-26 · Instelling · 1910-1954

Prior to the creation of the License Department, the task of issuing licenses and enforcing them was the responsibility of, Thomas McCallum was hired by the Police Department as a constable and license inspector in 1903. After the License Department was established McCallum became the City License Inspector.

The License Department was responsible for collecting licence fees established by City Bylaws, issuing licence certificates, and checking premises in the City to see that necessary licenses are obtained. The necessity of obtaining licenses was meant to bring the City additional revenue as well as to regulate, and control or prohibit certain activities. As example, in 1931 there were over 70 different types of licenses, ranging from $2 for a male dog, to $250 for a beer license north of the river and south of 118 Avenue.

There were close relationships between the License Department and other City departments due to the nature of the work. For example, license payments were collected by the Assessor's Department until 1924, then by the Comptroller's Office until 1927, and then by the Police Department. The Police Department was also involved in inspecting for licenses and enforcing the license bylaws.

Around 1932 the License Department was renamed the License and Collection Department.

The License Department was dissolved in 1954 after it was decided it should be . The amalgamation was Effective January 1, 1955, the License Department was absorbed by the Business Tax & License Section of the Assessor's Department.

AR-RG-25 · Instelling · 1976 - 1984

The Bylaw Enforcement Department was created by a civic reorganization in 1976, when certain sections of the Planning Department and the Water and Sanitation Department were merged to form a new entity. The Bylaw Enforcement Department was operated by a General Manager who reported to the Commissioner of Public Affairs until 1980. After 1980 the General Manager reported to the Commissioner of Utilities and Protective Services. The Commissioner in turn reported to City Council. According to the 1980 annual report, Bylaw Enforcement is a service Department responsible for enhancing the safety, security, and quality of life of Edmontonians by the judicious enforcement of appropriate legislation and regulations; the operation of civic parking facilities; and the provision of security services for City assets and staff. In 1984, in an attempt to cut costs, the Bylaw Enforcement Department was absorbed into the Finance Department, with the Building Inspection Branch going to the Planning and Building Department.

AR-RG-24 · Instelling · 1926-1997

The Community and Family Services Department grew out of the Children's Aid Society of Edmonton and served as the city's source of children's aid and public welfare from 1926 to 1997 when it was eventually absorbed into the Community Services Department. Reporting to the Mayor and City Council, the Department was tasked with supplying relief to the at-risk populations of Edmonton, including seniors, families in need, and children. These responsibilities took the form of subsidy and grant management, welfare distribution, and pension payment. Although the Department was occupied with several services for various populations, most of the records contained within the fonds consist of documents pertaining to children's aid.

Throughout all iterations and changes of the Department, the functions of the service endeavored to create, maintain, and manage projects related to daycares, special subsidies, and other social support mechanisms. As part of a major administrative reorganization launched by the City of Edmonton in 1997, the Department was absorbed in order to lower costs and make the City more efficient.

AR-RG-23 · Instelling · 1971-1982

The Industrial Development Board was approved by Council in 1945 and was responsible for promoting industrial development in Edmonton and to advise City Council and the City Commissioners. In 1957 the Industrial Development Board became the Land and Industrial Development Department, but two years later it was dissolved into the Land Department and the Industrial Development Department. The Industrial Development Department was responsible for promoting Edmonton as a destination for industry.

In 1971 the Industrial Development Department was renamed the Business Development Department to more accurately represent the work being done. The primary purpose of the Business Development Department was to develop and execute programs to attract and facilitate all aspects of economic and industrial growth in the Edmonton area. Through its involvement in resource development and tourism the department also played a vital role in the promotion of the city and its facilities. Specifically, it was instrumental in the growth and development of Klondike Days and Fort Edmonton Park, which were used as promotional tools at Expo '67 in Montreal. The department also assisted in the development and promotion of the Yellowhead Highway route across western Canada.

The Business Development Department was dissolved in 1982 when it was replaced by the Edmonton Economic Development Authority.

Parks Department
AR-RG-22 · Instelling · 1911-1913, 1947-1961

In 1911 City parks were operated by Paul A. von Aueberg under the City Engineer. There was a Parks Commission, which likely provided guidance to the development of the parks system, to which City Engineer A.J. Latronell was appointed in 1911. On April 1, 1912 Parks became an independent department, with von Aueberg as superintendent. The early Parks Department was tasked with establishing, maintaining, and improving all parks and parkland in the city.

Due to a financial crisis the Parks Department was closed by order of Council on August 21, 1913 and the parks function reverted to the Engineer's Department. Over the next thirty-four years the Engineer's Department guided the parks system: the parks were maintained and expanded, Borden Park Zoo established, the Municipal Golf Course was created, swimming pools and hockey rinks were built, boulevards constructed, trees planted, and the community leagues movement began.

On January 13, 1947 the Parks Department was resurrected when Council approved the formation of the City Parks Department. The Parks Department had 180 staff, mostly transferred from the Engineer's Department.

A 1952 organizational chart lists the responsibilities of the re-established Parks Department as the maintenance of City parks, boulevards, the football stadium, the zoo, and rinks; the maintenance and operation of cemeteries including issuing permits, collecting fees, and removing snow; the maintenance and operation of golf courses and swimming pools; the operation of concessions in parks, swimming pools and golf courses; and maintaining complete accounting records.

The Zoo Advisory Board was established on 1959 through Bylaw 1967. The Board's function was to provide advice to City Council in connection to projects and policies relating to zoological issues, particularly in respect to the Children's Zoo in Laurier Park. The five member Board was composed of three individuals appointed by Council from a list provided by the Edmonton Zoological Society, and two members appointed by Council as citizen's-at-large members.

On August 29, 1961 Bylaw 2202 was passed, merging the Parks Department and Recreation Department to form the Parks and Recreation Department. The amalgamation took effect January 1, 1962.

AR-RG-21 · Instelling · 1962-

The Parks and Recreation Department was established on January 1, 1962 through the amalgamation of the Parks Department and the Recreation Department. The newly formed department was responsible for all City-owned recreational facilities and parklands. This included all parks, arenas, and pools, as well as facilities such as Fort Edmonton Park, the Storyland Valley Zoo, the Planetarium, John Walter Museum, golf courses, City leisure centres, and municipal cemeteries. The department also provided recreation opportunities to citizens. These changed over time, but included athletics, dramatics, crafts, daycare, play school, camping, clubs, and dance.

The Parks and Recreation Department was led by a Superintendent from 1962 until the early 1970s, at which time the position was reclassified as a General Manager. The head of the department reported to the City Commissioners until 1983, when the Commissioners’ positions were dissolved and replaced a the City Manager.

There were a number of advisory boards that provided advice to City Council regarding a number of issues relating to the work of the Parks and Recreation Department. Over time these included the Zoo Advisory Board, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Edmonton Historical Board, and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Advisory Board.

When the Parks and Recreation Department was established there was an administrative division, a research and planning division, a programme division (which included pools, the planetarium [later the Space Sciences Centre], and playgrounds), a construction division, and a maintenance division. The Storyland Valley Zoo was part of the Parks and Recreation Department but operated independently from the larger divisions.

The division names changed slightly over the next few years but the functions remained the same until 1966, when the Historical section, including the Historical Exhibits Building and John Walter Museum, was assigned to the department. This relieved the Historical Board of its administrative duties and allowed it to focus on an advisory role. Also this year operation of municipal cemeteries (including Beechmount, Edmonton and Mount Pleasant) was transferred to the General Maintenance Division of Parks and Recreation.

In 1967 the department underwent a significant restructuring meant to create a more logically aligned and balanced organization. The new divisions included Administration, Development (including planning, design, engineering, construction, forestry), Program Resources (formerly the Programs Division), Community Programs (divided by district), Revenue Programs (such as aquatics, arenas, zoo, planetarium, concessions, and golf courses), Maintenance (including forestry, horticulture and cemeteries), and Historical Development. This structure lasted until at least 1971.

In 1978 the Edmonton Space Sciences Foundation was established to plan for the creation and operation of a Space Sciences Centre. When this dream was finally realized in 1984 the Planetarium was closed.

By 1980 the Parks and Recreation Department had been reorganized into four units: Operations, Administrative Services, Planning and Development, and Major Facilities. Yet another reorganization occurred by 1988, by which time the organization of the department had become less centralized. The units at the time included Administrative Services, Marketing and Major Facilities Branch, Leisure Centres, Recreation and Culture Branch, Parks Maintenance Branch, Horticultural Services, and the Development Branch. The following year the Recreation and Culture Branch was renamed the Community Leisure Services Branch.

In 1992 the organization contracted to five units: Administrative Services, Community Leisure Services Branch, Major Facilities Branch, Parks Operations Branch, and Parks Development Branch. In 1993 Community Leisure Services Branch was renamed Community Recreation and Culture Services Branch. This organizational structure remained until 1997.

In 1997 the Parks and Recreation Department was reorganized as part of City ‘97, and became the Community Services Department. In 2016 the department was renamed Citizen Services.

Card, Annie
AR-RG-200-12-26 · Persoon · 1867 - 1959

Annie Worswick Card was born in 1867. She moved from West Virginia to Innisfail with her husband Rev. Gerald Card in 1904. After losing everything to a prairie fire in 1906, the couple moved briefly to Vegreville, then to Fort Simpson in the Northwest Territories, where Rev. Simpson served as an Indian Agent. Upon his death in 1932, Annie Card moved back south, settling in Edmonton. Although she had been painting since the 1880s, it was at this time that she could concentrate on her art.

Working in both watercolor and oil (though preferring the later), she painted a lot of still lifes and scenes with Indigenous subjects. Annie Card was a member of the Edmonton Art Club (joined in 1933), the Alberta Society of Artists, and the Canadian Federation of Artists. She passed away in 1959 and is interred at the Edmonton Municipal Cemetery.

Recreation Board
AR-RG-20-S-3 · Instelling · 1957-[ca. 1961]

On January 14, 1957 Bylaw 1804 was passed, dissolving the Recreation Commission and establishing a Recreation Board. The Board consisted of nine members: one member of City Council, one Public and one Separate School Board member, and four citizens nominated by the Nominating Committee of Council. The Recreation Board acted in an advisory capacity to the civic administration in all matters affecting the development, maintenance, extension and use of all recreation grounds owned or controlled by the City.