We Can’t Go Backwards On Affordability

One of the top concerns I hear repeatedly is that Edmonton’s next mayor needs to have a plan to address affordability.

For many, the cost of living is already too high. Parents are worried their children won't be able to afford a home. Others worry we are just years away from becoming another major Canadian city where the average person cannot afford to build a good life.

The issues that matter to Edmontonians are the issues that matter to me.

That’s why I’m running as an independent candidate - accountable only to Edmontonians.

It’s also why I voted NO to a bad deal for Edmontonians – one that saw public dollars being used to subsidize a billionaire.

And, it’s why, as mayor, I will ensure that we keep building homes in all parts of our city. It’s also why I’m open to supporting reducing the number of units that can be constructed mid-block, by right, as well as changes that will improve how these units look and fit into communities. We need affordability, but not at the expense of livability.

Edmonton is growing faster than almost any other time in our city’s history. We need a plan for the future, not false promises. We can’t go backward.

That’s why Councillor Cartmell’s suggestion that we should immediately stop building any more homes is not just irresponsible, it will only drive up housing prices, rents and property taxes. And it’s a complete reversal on the position he’s held until now.

Residents and businesses need certainty. Real leadership means listening to the concerns of Edmontonians and actually doing something about those concerns instead of putting forward an illegal proposal.

We’ve heard similar positions on neighbourhood renewal: stop building. These types of arguments are disingenuous at best and, at worst, irresponsible.

That is why after hearing the concerns of Edmontonians at Public Hearings, kitchen tables, and community league AGMs, I put forward a motion in October 2024 directing City staff to prepare amendments to District Policy and Plans. Through engagement with Edmontonians we will refine where neighbourhoods will see densification, clarify criteria for supporting density outside of nodes and corridors, and enhance density downtown. This work will be returning to council in 2026. 

I’ve never once tried to score points off of residents' concerns or frustrations. As mayor, I never will. I won’t blame city staff for my own lack of planning or leadership. I will be open, transparent, straightforward, and honest. And if something can be done to make life better for the people I represent, I will take sincere action to do it.