So you’ve been elected to council, what’s your game plan?
What happens at the ballot box matters on a local level. Choices at city hall over the next four years will affect everything from Edmonton’s parks and recreation to transit routes and taxes. There’s a lot for voters to weigh in narrowing down the options
Ward 1 Randy Allen, 53
Consistent speed limits. Drivers are creatures of habit and we currently have too many variations of speed limits throughout the city. I would suggest eliminating “timed” speed zones and make them permanent (24-7) so there is no ambiguity. We should aim for consistent driving habits and make our streets safer for all citizens.
Reuben Avellana, 34
Frivolous spending. Edmontonians are tired of seeing their money wasted on things like $2 million to rebrand us as just Edmonton. I believe I can argue for sensible solutions: rather than spend $7.5 million on a bike grid I would push for lower ETS fares to encourage people to use public transit.
Andrew Knack, 33
I believe council can make significant improvements in providing a wider range of housing options in our mature communities, such as single storey, semidetached homes for seniors, which we currently have in our developing communities.
At the same time, we can also provide opportunities to make housing in all neighbourhoods more affordable by expanding the opportunity for “invisible density,” such as secondary suites and garden suites, in all low-density residential areas. These options can help offset mortgage costs. If the rules change early in the next term, we could see positive results before the end of the term.
Dave Olivier, 56
One issue that I could work on and make significant improvements is on the issue of infill. I have first-hand knowledge of the trials and frustration of infill issues the community. I believe that I could be the voice and the bridge to council that is lacking in this area. Having experience in the construction industry is also beneficial. I will aim to achieve a mechanism so that residents, builders and the city can agree on infill as a whole ... right down to individual projects.
Ward 2 Bev Esslinger, 59
I would work on improving transit service, safety and access to northwest LRT for Ward 2. The timing of the work on the new transit strategy provides an opportunity to work to get improved transit including to new areas, providing better connectivity to major centres and access to LRT. The transit strategy is also looking at improving the safety of riders with improved lighting and other security features. I would advocate for that as part of the new transit.
Ali Haymour, 47
Councillors must hold city employees and managers accountable for planning and executing every project, from the initial design to the finished product. We have seen too many tax dollars wasted on poorly planned and badly executed projects that do not live up to their promises. Bike lanes and LRT expansion are two examples of how millions of dollars are spent and yet the result is not up to standard. Councillors need to be much better aware of how money is being spent. They must not get caught up in pet political projects and lose sight that they are spending taxpayers’ money.
Shelley Tupper, 57
City council approved the transit strategy to guide decisions about what the bus and LRT system will be like in the next 10 years. I’ve used our transit system extensively, first when I moved to Edmonton to attend NAIT, then commuting from my community to work downtown. Being involved with the strategy will also provide experience to help with other issues in the ward and city.
I would aim to achieve the safe and reliable transit system current transit users tell me is important to them and that will encourage more people to choose transit to reduce traffic congestion.
Ward 3 Jon Dziadyk, 35
Within the first month, I will start to hold regular office hours in Ward 3. I intend to explore a permanent office location similar to MPs and MLAs, although the use of community league buildings would likely be sufficient for this purpose. Currently, residents have to go to city hall to meet with their councillor. I will come to the communities. I suspect other councillors will follow this precedent but I vow to be the most accessible councillor in Edmonton.
I want to form a caucus with other north side councillors to collectively tackle north side issues.
Dave Loken, 52
Transit. My goal in the next term is to ensure that Edmontonians have a more efficient, cost effective, convenient and environmentally-friendly transit system.
John Oplanich, 56
As an individual, I would work on homelessness. With council, I’ll work to fix our crumbling roads and sidewalks. New subdivisions not more than 20 years old need new roads and sidewalks. How can this be happening? These areas should not need this kind of work for 40 years. As a land developer, this is unacceptable. Baturyn, Canossa and Cherry Grove Heights are all going through this right now. It’s unbelievable. More checks and balances are required.
Karen Principe, 48
While speaking with residents of Ward 3, I discovered safety was the main concern. Creating and supporting a wellness centre and collision centre would significantly free up police resources. A collision centre would reduce the amount of police resources necessary. The wellness centre would have many resources such as medical, social and mental health care to assist heavy users of services. This would prevent police from spending many hours waiting with heavy users at emergency wards, thus freeing up police resources.
Sarmad Rasheed, 36
Putting our tax dollars to better use. City council needs to get back to the basics; our road infrastructure is in appalling shape. In Ward 3, people are concerned with the amount of money being spent on LRT expansion and multimillion dollar bike lanes downtown. What I’ve heard from residence of Ward 3 is that council needs to stop neglecting roads, which are the real backbone of our system. Edmonton is a winter city and most people drive. Our current city council has forgotten this fact and the people of Ward 3 are unimpressed by our city council’s priorities.
Ward 4 Felix Amenaghawon, 48
Infrastructure development focusing on Ward 4.
Rocco Caterina, 32
I believe our biggest challenge is our reliance on the residential tax base. Through the development of Horse Hill and the Edmonton Energy and Technology Park, Ward 4 is primed to help attract a better ratio of nonresidential taxes to Edmonton, which shifts the burden away from the residential tax base to fund the services we expect as citizens. This also becomes an opportunity to create and retain employment, diversify our economy and continue to further increase Edmonton’s economic resilience.
Justin Draper, 22
I want to prioritize long-term development in the northeast by working to develop a longterm development framework. Obviously “long-term development” implies a lot more than just a single term, but laying the groundwork and the initial direction to frame future development can certainly be achieved in one term.
This framework would include things such as infrastructure needs, community revitalization timelines and zoning. It would incorporate the preservation and creation of parks and green spaces and the allocation of spaces for services and facilities.
Beatrice Ghettuba, age not disclosed
Work with business associations to encourage small business startups in Ward 4. Lobby all levels of government to offer incentives to developers to build business parks here, like those found in the south and west of the city.
Work with council toward community league empowerment, using that structure to help assess the needs and priorities for local communities. Conduct membership drives to encourage greater participation. Transform them to a place where as neighbours we get to know each other and share culture.
Sam Hachem, 36
Reduced increases in property taxes.
Hassan Haymour, 29
My main focus will be on fostering economic development throughout the city and in Ward 4. City council needs to have greater oversight on major projects. We’ve seen it time and time again with projects like Walterdale Bridge and the LRT.
Instead of always outsourcing, we need to harness the people and resources found in the Edmonton area. It’s time for northeast Edmonton to grow. These neighbourhoods need access to the same schools, recreational services and green spaces as the rest of the city. The future of Edmonton is bright but only if we make sure its economic development stays on track.
Emerson Mayers, age not disclosed
Mental health and addiction would be the issue. My aim would be to increase the level of compliance with treatment, and have safe injection sites. Having support of the community is also key.
Martin Narsing, 49
In Edmonton, the northeast has a reputation as “the Hood.” Those who live here know this is a great place to live but that reputation sends investment to other parts of the city. My passion and purpose will be to change that conversation and attract business development. I will also seek investment from educational institutions such as the University of Alberta, NAIT and Grant MacEwan to build satellite campuses here. Geographical expansion is limited by St. Albert and the military base but I believe in one term, I can attract business investment and to help grow our Heartland Industrial centre.
Alison Poste, 47
I have been a part of the team that helped establish Horse Hill and the Edmonton Energy and Technology Park (EETP) during my years with the Department of National Defence and the City of Edmonton.
At the doors, I have heard from Ward 4 residents about stagnant wages and reduced opportunities. Unlike my opponents, I have in-depth knowledge of the infrastructure, plans and proposed developments throughout the EETP. I intend to deliver on Coun. Gibbons’ legacy by growing the EETP to be a driver of job growth, throughout Ward 4, the Industrial Heartland and the Capital Region.
Tricia Velthuizen, 35
Neighbourhoods I remember playing in as a child are often viewed as being less safe for young families these days. If elected, I would work tirelessly to secure more community policing and neighbourhood programs.
Ward 5 Phil Asher, age not disclosed
I would work to bring in term limits, and prevent city councillors from accepting a federal or provincial nomination during their term.
Nafisa Bowen, 34
Edmonton is celebrated for its diversity and inclusivity. However, many citizens still experience racism and discrimination. I would like to be part of the solution fighting racism in Edmonton. My campaign is based on the principle that everyone has a voice and everyone should be heard. I am passionate about celebrating inclusion as I come from a mixed-ethnicity family. In a single term, I will work with our community engagement department to develop innovative solutions to fight race and discrimination across the city.
Sarah Hamilton, 32
Residents of Ward 5 are excited for the new recreation centre and LRT expansion to be built in our community. However, we have seen major headaches with other large infrastructure builds in the city because of a lack of planning and clear vision. As city councillor for Ward 5, I’m committed to ensuring these projects are built in Ward 5 on time and on budget. Residents want their city council to present a clear plan and vision to grow this city and I will bring fresh ideas and smart leadership to present that vision to Edmontonians.
Miranda Jimmy, 36
The one issue I think where we could make the most significant gains in a single term is public engagement. The next council will be tasked with implementing the public engagement policy that I worked on while on the council initiative’s policy, vision and framework working group. Throughout the three-year process of developing the policy, it was clear residents must have a stronger impact in our city’s decisions, rely on their councillors to ask tough questions of administration on their behalf and have the ability to bring ideas forward that will push the city in new and innovative directions.
Svetlana Pavlenko, age not disclosed
My goal will be to have a seniors’ centre incorporated in the new Lewis Farms multipurpose recreational facility, which is in the design phase right now. We need to act on this immediately. According to the 2016 census, 43 per cent of the combined population of Ward 5 and Ward 1 is 55-plus years old. I know from practical experience, research and as executive director of a seniors’ centre, how important preventive actions are to help seniors stay active and “age in place.” Preventive measures reduce city expenses and benefit the extended family by reducing the constant pressure of daily care.
James Prentice, 40
I bring a strong understanding of the need to prepare and position our city for the future in relation to the new economy, new technology, new jobs and ways to do it. I want to set up a new technology and optimization unit specifically dedicated to the task of improving and optimizing government services through innovations in artificial intelligence, automation and other technology, which would improve services, cut costs and increase transparency. The world is changing as we speak and we need to keep up. There’s some work to do but Edmonton has what it takes to lead the way.
Ward 6 Scott McKeen, 58
Police spend one-third of their resources on the side effects of homelessness. Homeless people make up half the caseload at the Royal Alex emergency room. Our community wastes tens of millions of dollars each year by failing to properly house our most vulnerable citizens. That is, frankly, dumb.
We leave hundreds of wounded, mentally ill citizens abandoned to the street. The social disorder, crime and daily grind of rampant poverty mars host communities and scares customers away from business areas. The Urban Wellness Plan, sponsored by the mayor and I, is poised to deliver on an old promise to build supportive housing for the most vulnerable.
Tish Prouse, 37
Our approach to ending homelessness. I spent the past two years interviewing people involved in our current plan, researching why it’s not working and exploring ways to make it. What a national embarrassment to not be even close after nine years of effort.
I aim to achieve a more community-involved approach. It will provide the housing to get people off the streets and support to deal with challenges like mental illness.
Our plan is not working because it’s continually trying to build new buildings in BoyleMcCauley. We need a different approach, one similar to what Regina and Medicine Hat are using.
Ward 7 Kris Andreychuk, 34
Some people in Ward 7 feel the ward does not have a voice on city council. For me, city councillors need to represent all the people of their wards. It’s a big responsibility, one that I take seriously.
We are a diverse ward, with different income levels and cultural backgrounds. If elected, I will work tirelessly to bring all of those voices to city council. To succeed on tough files, we need a leader who knows how to collaborate. I’ve been building collaboration on the streets and in homes, businesses and boardrooms for more than a decade.
Tony Caterina, 61
I will work on an area redevelopment plan for the 160-acre site at Northlands. We need to focus on development that compliments the neighbourhood.
Andrzej Gudanowski, age not disclosed
My political work will be based on practical, constructive, wellinformed and effective action, for the benefit of my community and for our common future. I am not afraid to take responsibility for my political work. I will be well organized. Everybody will have the opportunity to judge the quality of my work. It is not the police, but the councillors who are guardians of peace and power in the city. I will become the guarantee of civil peace. I will convince my fellow councillors that our hard work cannot be wasted; it must give people hope, better future and peace of mind.
Liz John-West, age not disclosed
One issue I would work hard on is Northlands. It’s critical that a quick and wise decision is made so that the land is not sitting empty. A second issue is ending homelessness.
Matthew Kleywegt, 39
The city actively vets greenfield (suburban) developers so they can get building permits in as little as 48 hours. In Ward 7, a permit will take from 80 to 120 days. We need a process to vet in-city developers like we already do out for developers building in fields. If we are serious about infill we need to work with developers to make reasonable middle-ground developments profitable and thus possible.
Mimi Williams, 54
I would like to work toward an anti-racism strategy that is designed and built by affected communities. As our city grows ever more diversified, it is vital that we take a proactive, inclusive approach to finding ways to ensure all Edmontonians feel safe and that they belong and are welcome here.
Ward 8 Rob Bernshaw, age not disclosed
The single most important issue is to create a more open and transparent city council where open-door meetings are the norm not the exception. Quit the rhetoric about openness and transparency and live it, breathe it, enjoy it.
Where public tax dollars are concerned there should be no privacy even if private business is concerned. If a private for-profit business wants public tax dollars, there needs to be a transparent process so the public has confidence their city council is working for their best interest. I would work to make freedom of information requests free or with a flat fee.
Kirsten Goa, 43
We need to consider the implications of design, especially for larger scale developments. The amount of frontage or the width of a hallway has significant impact on the level of social connection in a neighbourhood. The diversity of housing types impacts the demographics of a community. Good design isn’t just in the “eye of the beholder.” It impacts how a building integrates and connects with the community, social cohesion, safety, affordability, demographics and economic viability.
Currently only downtown benefits from the Edmonton Design Committee and our zoning bylaw doesn’t take design into account at all, except in some recent exceptions.
Ben Henderson, 59
I am committed to pushing the city forward on our energy transition strategy so that we can truly meet the goals we have set for ourselves in green house gas reduction. So far we have done much planning but have been failing to actually take the steps to truly achieve our targets. Not only will this help us meet our environmental goals but I also believe it is one of the best solutions to how we diversify our future economy and will help us become less economically reliant on oil and gas.
James Kosowan, 51
The single biggest issue for me is infill development. There is a tsunami of redevelopment coming to mature neighbourhoods and it is vital that council establishes very clear guidelines beyond the mature neighbourhood overlay to ensure the character of mature neighbourhoods is respected and these regulations are enforced. Conversely, developers should have very clear guidelines to facilitate project approvals in a timely fashion. Area redevelopment plans and transit-oriented development guidelines should not be routinely violated for large-scale developments. I would also push for much higher standards for new buildings so they meet LEED (environmental) certification. Eli Schrader, 27
I have partnered with an internationally-renowned online engagement company called Bang the Table. Their tools let me get feedback from constituents and accurately analyze large numbers of comments to guide decision-making. I’m the first person who is running for council to use their engagement tools.
I would like to create a governing process that generates plans that encompass multiple points of view. These would allow for successful long-term planning while being fiscally responsible. I have the commitment, experiences, skills and tools to change the way governance works and to make democracy more meaningful than a ballot every four years. Ward 9 Rob Agostinis, 56
When I talk with Ward 9 residents, the main complaint is about transportation. Council needs to review all current projects to understand the bigger picture.
There are road construction projects from years ago that remain unfinished, leaving Edmontonians to drive on temporary roads. These projects need to take priority. I want to establish implementation plans to complete these projects and ensure plans are communicated to citizens.
I want the city to move quickly on bus rapid transit and develop the roads needed for implementation. This method of public transportation is more efficient and less costly than other options council is considering. Tim Cartmell, 51
Our most precious resource is our time. If elected, I want to take pressure off of our existing transportation infrastructure so people spend less time in congestion. I intend to work on improvements to our transportation system, not just within Ward 9, but in adjacent wards where transportation decisions directly affect Ward 9 residents.
We must move toward a multimodal transportation network that includes proportions of roadways, bike lanes, multi-use trails and transit services. A balance of travelling choices that might provide an opportunity to combine commuting and leisure time, and will more importantly reduce pressure on our roadway network. Mark Hope, 31
I think the basis for every issue should be input from the public. I believe city council needs to be engaging with the public and making it easier for them to take part in discussing the issues. People live busy lives, but a little creativity can go a long way in making Edmonton a more collaborative city. And it is not just input that we need; transparency is needed, rather than closed door meetings, and information needs to be shared with the public in ways they will see it, before decisions are made, rather than when it’s too late. Payman Parseyan, 28
Transportation and transit. Council voted down a motion to inquire on private partnership for transit services with a 5-5 vote. I would like to see the city make this inquiry to see if we are able to offer a more cost effective and reliable service to Edmontonians. I am a proponent of LRT but always say we must go over/ under major intersections.
On transportation, I aim to have Terwillegar Drive funded and parts of the construction started, beginning with the 40th Avenue overpass. I would also like to remove photo radar from freeways and put it into school/playground/high-pedestrian zones.
Sandy Pon, 52
I want to achieve fair transportation strategies to serve the demands of different parts of the city. Residents in Ward 9 need more road access and transit to get in and out. Like many areas in Edmonton, Ward 9 neighbourhoods are wide spread. For convenience and long distance, our residents need motor vehicles as the mode of transportation.
We need more lanes and interchanges in congested locations. We need a mass transit strategy with dedicated lanes and express buses to ease commuter wait time and decrease traffic congestions. Also preparing the future LRT expansion is important.
Ward 10 Vieri Berretti, 52
Planning and development of a progressive and long-term infill and densification plan that will meet the needs of Edmonton as it grows without sacrificing the needs of individual communities or citizens, a plan that doesn’t pit neighbours against each other or the city against communities. We need a long-term infill, densification and development plan that will help transform Edmonton economically by supporting long-term economic diversification planning.
Samantha Hees, 29
I would be most excited to work on transit initiatives that would work toward making transit more enticing and affordable to use. Things such as late night service, not just for people who are out enjoying the Edmonton nightlife but also for the shift workers who run our hospitals and other industries that don’t keep 9-5 hours. Sim Senol, 46
One issue where I can truly make an impact is the integration of new immigrants into our community. As a new Canadian myself, I have been working with multicultural communities extensively since I arrived in Edmonton six years ago. Foreign-born residents of Edmonton now exceeded 250,000, with around 90,000 new immigrants arriving in the last 11 years. Many new immigrants work in jobs they are overqualified for but offer untapped potential for our city. I would love to lead a citywide initiative to help them acquire Canadian experience through volunteer and internship programs. All it needs is a little bit of co-ordination.
Michael Walters, 46
The establishment of a community hubs strategy and funding program to help neighbourhoods create spaces for more community connection, whether that’s revamped community league buildings, business districts, former school spaces or gathering spaces for families and citizens to work together, support each other and generally be more engaged.
Glenda K. Williams, age not disclosed
I’d focus on developing more low-income housing especially for seniors, and I’d work to stop carding to improve safety and dignity of minorities.
Ward 11 Rob Aromin, 48
Urban farming and gardening. With the increasing need for food bank services, we should start a movement to provide food for people. We seem to talk about ending homelessness yet we can fall short. We must also attend to health, wellness and poverty prevention.
Brandy Burdeniuk, 35
I would like to cut through red tape, address administrative waste and work toward making Edmonton a dynamic, wellrun city. I have worked hard in Edmonton to show businesses how to be more efficient by identifying and eliminating waste in their processes and systems. It’s a win-win with environmental benefits at no added cost. I feel I could make significant improvements with civic administration. The City of Calgary has already shown great success with their “Cut Red Tape” program, saving over $14 million and saving over 140,000 hours in the first five years, while eliminating nonessential procedures, forms, licences and regulations. Chris Christianson, 58
Being an expert in land, I would like to work closely with the planning and construction departments. The lines of communication must be efficient with both Epcor and Atco to minimize the disruptions to communities. The end result will be money saved for the taxpayer.
Mike Nickel, 52
Value for your taxes. It has been made clear to me that people in Ward 11 want their core services and they want value for the taxes that they pay. Our top three issues in Ward 11 are: getting taxes and civic spending under control, getting police into our neighbourhoods and better project and infrastructure management, for example back alley repair.
Troy Pavlek, 23
Vision Zero. We’d be able to achieve massive progress, as an individual councillor or as a group, because we’re already so far behind on this file. We need to reframe the conversation about traffic safety and vulnerable users. We need to stop issuing ads that blame jaywalkers and tout “shared responsibility.” We need to build infrastructure with the perspective of walking and biking in mind. We need clear infrastructure spending plans to improve problem locations — if photo radar is deployed in one area frequently, that signals infrastructure improvements are required. We need firm dates to achieve our zero target.
Keren Tang, 32
The city’s (recent reallocation of bus service) reduced and cut bus lines in Ward 11. I am a transit user like many residents who say that without fast, reliable bus routes, their jobs might suffer.
I would work with residents on solutions to overcome the negative impact from the transit changes, making an intentional effort to reach out to those who face more barriers to participation in decision-making about public transportation. I would work with communities and private sector partners to identify options to fill the transit gap and ensure our public transportation system is efficient and affordable.
Moe Banga, 62
We need to look out for those at the margins and those who have worked to build this ward and city to what it is today. I have been and will continue to advocate for the city to help our seniors with subsidized transit and recreation passes. Our seniors need to know that this city is accessible to them, and that their mental and physical well-being is something we care about. They need to be able to access this city’s facilities and feel included and dignified.
Nigel Logan, 33
The No. 1 issue I’m hearing at the doors is the protection and improvement of public transit. This means not going with a private option or ride sharing but keeping public transit public. How can someone without a credit card — people under 18 for example — call Uber?
Ward 12 is vastly under-served. The Valley Line LRT is coming in, but residents in Summerside and Ellerslie will not benefit without additional local routes or a parking solution at Mill Woods Town Centre. Instead of running empty buses, we can look at technological solutions to improve access to services without higher costs.
Mike Russnak, 35
We must find more cost-effective strategies to solve the needs of Edmontonians. While a new LRT system looks impressive on paper, according to my estimates, we could have served the same need using buses for 3.3 per cent of the cost. I would advocate for the use of common sense strategies to solve our needs, vote against such costly motions and rally support of council to resist this type of imprudent spending.
Jo-Anne Wright, 55
My top priority is to provide greater guidance and oversight surrounding the way our tax dollars are spent. Infrastructure spending is a large part of the capital budget. We need to shift the focus from what appears to many to be solely downtown revitalization, to also taking care of the needs of the suburban residents, helping to connect people in these communities.
Walter Youb, 35
Urban planning is the issue I feel I would be able to improve in a single term. My background in project management and working on capital projects would be a valuable asset. My goal would be to fix our bid system, get the proper city management in place, and make sure new capital projects are planned not only for what the city needs now but what it will need in the future. I will ensure projects consider their effect on neighbourhoods, such as increased traffic flow and loss of jobs, and make sure those are addressed at the planning stage.