Crime

Safer Transit with a Stronger Security Presence

The Problem

Public transit is essential for many Edmontonians, including students, seniors, workers, and families. But growing concerns around violence, open drug use, harassment, and vandalism at LRT stations and bus terminals have made many residents feel unsafe. Riders should never have to choose between affordability and personal safety.

The Proposal

As a city councilor, I will advocate for a stronger and more visible police and security presence at transit locations across Edmonton. This will help protect passengers, deter crime, and restore public trust in our transit system.

Key Actions

• Increase patrol coverage at high-risk stations during peak hours, evenings, and overnight periods

• Assign dedicated officers and transit peace officers to priority locations, including LRT platforms and bus exchanges

• Establish consistent presence zones, where police or security are stationed rather than dispatched only when incidents occur

• Use data and surveillance tools to focus resources on locations with the highest safety concerns

• Coordinate with mental health and addiction outreach teams when appropriate

Message to Voters

Everyone has the right to feel safe while commuting. A stronger security presence on our transit system is a practical and necessary step to ensure Edmonton remains a city where people can move freely, safely, and without fear.

Accountability in Justice: Stronger Sentencing for Repeat and Violent Offenders

The Problem

Many Edmontonians are frustrated by a justice system that often releases repeat offenders and violent individuals back into the community with little consequence. Stories of individuals with long histories of assault, theft, or weapons charges being released on bail or given lenient sentences have become far too common.

This erodes public trust, undermines the work of police, and puts innocent people at risk. Residents, frontline workers, business owners, and transit users deserve to feel safe and to know that violent behavior will carry serious consequences.

The Proposal

As a city councilor, I will push for stronger, more consistent sentencing for repeat and violent offenders by working directly with the provincial justice system and advocating for public safety as a top priority.

Key Actions

• Advocate for the prioritization of public safety in bail and sentencing decisions involving violent crimes, weapons charges, and repeat offenders

• Push for regular public reporting on sentencing outcomes to increase transparency and accountability

• Work with Alberta Justice to identify repeat offenders and high-risk individuals contributing to crime spikes in key areas like transit, downtown, and vulnerable neighborhoods

• Support city council resolutions and motions that urge the provincial and federal governments to reform bail and sentencing guidelines

• Collaborate with law enforcement, Crown prosecutors, and judicial officials to ensure community safety is not outweighed by procedural leniency

Message to Voters

No one should have to worry about facing the same violent offender over and over again. We need a justice system that protects law-abiding citizens and holds repeat criminals accountable. I will stand up for a system that prioritizes safety, consequences, and justice for all Edmontonians.

Ban on the Sale of Hard Drug Paraphernalia in Retail Stores

The Problem

In recent years, residents across Edmonton have voiced growing concerns about the open availability of drug paraphernalia in convenience stores, smoke shops, and retail outlets. Items such as crack pipes, meth stems, and burners are being sold openly, often just steps away from schools, transit stations, and family neighborhoods.

This undermines community efforts to reduce drug use, fuels street-level addiction, and sends the wrong message to youth and families trying to build safe lives in their communities.

The Proposal

As a city councilor, I will advocate for a municipal bylaw that bans the sale of hard drug paraphernalia in all retail outlets across Edmonton. Businesses caught violating the bylaw would face significant fines, suspension of their business license, and public disclosure of the infraction.

Key Actions

• Introduce a bylaw clearly defining and prohibiting the sale of items commonly used to smoke or prepare hard drugs

• Establish a fine structure with escalating penalties for repeat offenses

• Grant city inspectors and peace officers the authority to enforce the bylaw during regular business inspections

• Launch an education campaign to notify business owners about the ban and how to comply

• Encourage community members to report violations anonymously

Message to Voters

We cannot allow the open sale of tools used to smoke crack, meth, and other hard drugs in our communities. It puts lives at risk, enables addiction, and damages public trust. I will fight for a city where safety, accountability, and common sense come first.

Housing

Affordable Housing Through Building Revitalization

Problem

Across Edmonton, particularly in core neighbourhoods and vulnerable communities, there are a growing number of boarded-up or abandoned low-income apartment buildings. These properties once provided affordable housing to working families, seniors, and individuals on fixed incomes. Today, many sit vacant, deteriorating, and attracting crime and safety concerns. Meanwhile, thousands of Edmontonians are struggling with rising rents, housing instability, or are living in tents and vehicles.

Proposal

The City of Edmonton should lead a targeted revitalization program to bring abandoned residential buildings back into active use as affordable housing. This initiative would include two streams:

1. City-led Acquisition and Renovation

• Identify vacant or at-risk multi-unit residential buildings that can be acquired and renovated by the city or its housing partners.

• Use provincial and federal funding, along with city capital investment, to convert these properties into safe, code-compliant, rent-stabilized housing.

• Prioritize buildings in areas already zoned for residential use to avoid delays.

2. Private Sector and Non-profit Incentives

• Offer tax relief, permit fast-tracking, and reduced development fees for private developers or housing organizations that commit to restoring abandoned buildings.

• Require affordability guarantees for a minimum period (such as 10 to 15 years).

• Encourage the use of local trades and small contractors in the renovation process to support Edmonton’s economy.

Pilot Program Opportunity

Launch the program as a pilot in the Métis Ward, where many of these abandoned structures are concentrated. This would provide a visible, measurable impact while addressing housing needs in one of Edmonton’s most affected areas.

Message to Voters

We cannot afford to ignore boarded-up homes while Edmonton families sleep outside. Revitalizing these properties is a practical, cost-effective step toward restoring safety, dignity, and housing access across the city.

Fix the Infill Bylaw: Put Neighbourhoods and Families First

The blanket change that allows eight unit multiplexes across large parts of the city is the wrong approach. It concentrates more people and cars in already crowded streets, prices out first time home buyers who cannot compete with developers for starter homes, and pulls builder time and money away from the many abandoned and boarded up apartment buildings that should be brought back to life. It also leads to the loss of historic character homes, and residents did not have a real chance to weigh in before the change was passed.

What I will do

• Replace blanket upzoning with targeted, plan led growth tied to real capacity for parking, utilities, schools, parks, and transit
• Require early and meaningful public engagement before rezonings or large infill approvals, with plain language notices and ward level meetings
• Protect historic character homes through stronger heritage reviews, incentives to preserve or adapt, and clear design standards where infill proceeds
• Prioritize revitalization of abandoned and boarded up apartment buildings by fast tracking permits and fees only when long term affordability is guaranteed
• Stabilize starter home areas by setting clear demolition and servicing rules so speculative teardown to multiplex is not the automatic outcome
• Publish transparent data each quarter on teardowns, approvals, unit types, and neighbourhood impacts so residents can see what is happening

The goal

Add the right homes in the right places, keep first time buyers in the market, restore vacant buildings to safe and affordable use, and respect the character and capacity of established neighbourhoods.

-Vacancy Tax to Unlock Housing Supply

Problem

At a time when thousands of Edmontonians are struggling to find affordable housing or are facing homelessness, too many residential units across the city remain vacant for long periods without being made available to renters. Whether due to speculative ownership, absentee landlords, or long-term neglect, these empty homes represent missed opportunities to address the city’s housing crisis.

Proposal

Introduce a vacancy tax on residential units that remain unoccupied for more than 1 year without valid exemption. This tax would apply to investment properties, second homes, and long-vacant rental units that are not part of an active redevelopment or sale process.

Key Elements

• Property owners would be required to declare the occupancy status of their properties annually.

• The tax would be set at 1% of the property assessed value.

• Exemptions would apply for:

• Homes listed for sale or rent for a period less than 1 year

• Units under active renovation or construction.

• Medical or emergency-related absences.

One-Year Property Tax Holiday for First-Time Home Buyers

Problem

For many young families, working professionals, and long-time renters in Edmonton, the cost of buying a home is simply out of reach. Even for those who manage to save enough for a down payment, additional costs like legal fees, moving expenses, and property taxes in the first year of ownership can create a serious financial burden. These added costs can discourage homeownership, especially in neighborhoods that would benefit from new investment and long-term residents.

Proposal

Create a one-year property tax exemption for first-time home buyers in the City of Edmonton. This program would apply to owner-occupied residential properties and would be designed to support middle- and working-class individuals and families entering the housing market for the first time.

Key Features

• Applies to Edmonton residents purchasing their first primary residence within city limits.

• Eligible buyers would receive a 100% rebate or exemption on their municipal property taxes for the first full calendar year after purchase.

• Homeowners must occupy the property as their primary residence for the duration of the exemption period.

• The exemption would not apply to investment properties or second homes.

Cost of Living

Eliminate Bag Fees to Help Residents Afford the Basics

The Problem

As the cost of living continues to rise, Edmontonians are being hit with extra charges on everyday necessities, including bag fees at grocery stores, convenience shops, and retailers. These fees, often 25 cents to 2 dollars per bag, may seem small on the surface but add up quickly for families, seniors, and low-income residents already struggling to afford food, transportation, and basic goods.

For many residents, especially those relying on public transit, walking, or food banks, carrying reusable bags is not always practical. What was meant to reduce waste has instead become another barrier for working families trying to make ends meet.

The Proposal

As a city councilor, I will introduce a bylaw to ban mandatory bag fees in Edmonton and ensure that retailers cannot pass the cost of basic packaging onto consumers.

Key Actions

• Prohibit retailers from charging for paper or reusable bags unless voluntarily requested by the customer

• Require that at least one free bag option be available for all customers at checkout

• Encourage sustainable packaging practices without punishing those who cannot afford or carry reusable bags

• Review similar policies in other municipalities to ensure Edmonton remains environmentally responsible while putting residents first

Message to Voters

You should not have to pay extra just to carry your groceries home. I will fight to eliminate unfair bag fees and make life more affordable for all Edmontonians, one step at a time.

Stop Wasting Millions on Traffic Projects That Don’t Work

The Problem

Edmontonians are increasingly frustrated with traffic management tools that cause more problems than they solve. Expensive road diets, lane reductions, confusing intersections, and so-called calming measures often lead to greater congestion, longer commute times, and frustrated drivers. All of this comes at a significant cost to taxpayers.

These projects are often implemented without proper consultation or public accountability, leaving many residents wondering who actually benefits.

The Proposal

As a city councilor, I will push for a freeze on new traffic management experiments that restrict flow and create unnecessary bottlenecks. I will advocate for solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and common sense. Transportation infrastructure should work for the people who use it every day.

Key Actions

• Halt the rollout of new traffic calming projects that reduce lane access or disrupt major routes

• Require full cost-benefit and congestion impact assessments before approving future road reconfigurations

• Reassess recent projects that have worsened congestion and restore road capacity where needed

• Focus transportation spending on fixing potholes, improving signal timing, and maintaining clear, accessible roads

• Involve local residents and commuters in decision-making before major infrastructure changes are approved

Message to Voters

We do not need more expensive road experiments that make traffic worse. I will work to restore common sense in transportation planning and protect your time, your tax dollars, and your ability to move freely through our city.

Pause Residential Property Tax Increases for Two Years

The Problem

Edmontonians are facing financial pressure on all sides. Food prices are rising. Utility bills are climbing. Rent and mortgage payments are higher than ever. For homeowners, property tax increases add even more weight to already stretched household budgets. Seniors, working families, and new homeowners are being forced to make difficult decisions just to stay afloat.

While the City of Edmonton needs stable revenue to operate, there must also be recognition of the financial realities facing residents today. Raising taxes while so many are struggling is not sustainable and not fair.

The Proposal

As a city councilor, I will advocate for a two-year pause on residential property tax increases. This freeze will give residents financial breathing room while the city focuses on finding internal savings, prioritizing essential services, and encouraging economic growth.

Key Actions

• Support a motion to pause all residential property tax increases for the next two fiscal years

• Direct administration to identify cost savings and spending efficiencies within existing departments

• Focus new revenue efforts on attracting investment and growing the tax base rather than raising rates on existing homeowners

• Ensure core services remain protected while delivering a fair break for taxpayers

Message to Voters

Now is not the time to raise taxes on working people. A temporary pause on residential property tax increases is a practical step that puts residents first and acknowledges the reality of what families across Edmonton are going through.

Pause on New Art and Culture Spending

The Problem

Edmonton has a proud artistic and cultural community, but during a time of rising costs and growing service needs, taxpayers are rightfully questioning where public money is being spent. While many residents are struggling to afford housing, food, and basic services, the city continues to fund new public art installations and cultural projects that often come with large price tags and limited community benefit.

Funding for arts and culture should not come at the expense of safety, infrastructure, or essential services, especially in a time of economic strain.

The Proposal

As a city councilor, I will support a temporary pause on all new discretionary spending for art and cultural programs, except for projects that are already under contract or in progress. This pause will allow for a full review of spending priorities and ensure that public funds are directed toward areas with the most immediate impact on residents' daily lives.

Key Actions

• Pause all new allocations for public art, murals, non-essential cultural grants, and installations

• Honor and complete all existing contractual commitments to artists and organizations

• Conduct a full review of cultural spending with input from community members, including taxpayers and artists

• Reassess priorities with a focus on basic services, safety, and financial accountability

• Consider reinstating paused programs only when core services and cost-of-living relief have been addressed

Message to Voters

Art and culture matter, but right now, so does keeping the lights on, fixing our roads, and protecting our communities. I will support a temporary pause on non-essential cultural spending until we get Edmonton’s financial house in order and restore balance to our budget.

Job Growth

Edmonton STEP: A Summer Jobs Program for 3,500 Youth

The Problem

Alberta once operated the Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP), which helped thousands of young people gain valuable work experience through short-term, paid positions. That program was eliminated several years ago, leaving a major gap in youth employment opportunities.

Today, with youth unemployment in Alberta hovering around 17 percent and cost-of-living pressures rising, many young Edmontonians are eager to work but struggling to find real opportunities.

The Proposal

As a city councilor, I will push to recreate a city-funded version of the STEP program, offering 3,500 summer jobs for youth aged 15 to 24. These positions would be created in partnership with City departments, non-profits, small businesses, and community organizations.

Key Actions

• Launch a City of Edmonton Summer Employment Program based on the successful model of the former STEP

• Fund up to 3,500 temporary summer positions for youth in public services, community work, environmental projects, local events, and entry-level trades

• Offer wage subsidies to approved employers across the city who agree to hire, train, and mentor youth

• Partner with school boards and employment agencies to promote the program and support applicants

• Prioritize equity by ensuring job opportunities are available across all wards, with a focus on marginalized and underrepresented communities

Message to Voters

We had a program that worked and we can bring it back. Edmonton’s youth deserve opportunity, and our communities will benefit from their energy, talent, and work ethic. By recreating a local version of the STEP program, we will invest in the future while delivering results today.

Cut Business Licensing Fees by 50 Percent

The Problem

Small businesses are the backbone of Edmonton’s economy, yet they continue to face rising costs, red tape, and outdated policies that make it harder to survive, grow, or even get started. Business licensing fees in Edmonton can cost hundreds of dollars per year, regardless of the size or nature of the business.

For sole proprietors, home-based businesses, tradespeople, and part-time entrepreneurs, these fees can be a barrier to entry and a burden that discourages innovation and local growth.

The Proposal

As a city councilor, I will introduce a motion to reduce all general business licensing fees by 50 percent for at least two years. This will provide immediate relief to new and existing businesses and signal that Edmonton is serious about becoming a city that supports entrepreneurship and job creation.

Key Actions

• Cut general business licensing fees by 50 percent across all categories, with no reduction in processing time or service quality

• Apply the fee reduction automatically for existing license renewals and new applications

• Review home-based business licensing requirements to eliminate unnecessary steps and paperwork

• Launch a public awareness campaign to encourage local startups, sole proprietors, and side hustlers to take advantage of the reduced costs

• Reassess fee levels after two years based on economic recovery, small business growth, and administrative needs
  
  

Message to Voters

We need to remove the barriers that are holding back Edmonton’s entrepreneurs. Cutting business license fees in half is a practical way to support job creation, economic recovery, and local growth without compromising service. I will make it easier and more affordable to do business in our city.

Strengthening Alberta’s Youth Employment Program

Alberta has launched a youth employment program to help young people aged 15 to 24 gain valuable job experience by offering financial incentives to employers who hire them.

To build on this momentum, I propose that the City of Edmonton fund an additional 500 youth job placements using the same model. These positions would follow the same structure as the provincial program, offering grants to employers within Edmonton who hire youth for meaningful, paid work.

This local expansion would give more young Edmontonians a path into the workforce, create stronger community connections, and ensure more of our city’s youth benefit from the opportunities already being created at the provincial level.

Supporting youth employment is an investment in Edmonton’s future.