See the City of Edmonton’s commitment to immediate and long-term actions that address community safety in Chinatown. — Something that I consistently hear from community members is that they want more input and more communication on how the City is handling safety issues. If you reached out to your Councillor, came to speak at our meetings, talked to community leaders, or voiced your concerns, I want to thank…

Edmonton does deserve better. And if we work together, we can get there. — I want to acknowledge the letter that Minister Shandro sent to my office earlier today, and the plan that he asked me to prepare in the next two weeks. I share the same concerns about safety in our Downtown, Chinatown, and on the LRT that he highlighted in his letter…

Finding the right resources and right people to address issues is key to a sustainable safety ecosystem. — In the context of misinformation circulating in the community, I would like to provide some perspective about Edmonton Police Service funding. In November, my City Council colleagues and I will be faced with the most complex and constrained budget deliberation in recent memory. With increased inflation, two years of very…

After six months in office, I would like to share my vision for our city and tell you more about how the Edmonton I know faces its challenges. — The State of the City address is a longstanding tradition where each Mayor reflects on their progress and presents future plans to make Edmonton a great place to live, grow, and invest. When I was a councillor, I listened to these speeches looking for hope and a guiding message…

An update on the complexities of Edmonton’s encampment response. — Last weekend I visited A Taste of Ramadan, an event hosted by Al Rashid Mosque and Edmonton Community Foundation in Churchill Square. This event brought support agencies, public services and a warm meal to our downtown residents. As I walked through the service booths and visited with folks eating their…

Problem properties affect much more than curb appeal, and it is our duty to put an end to the emotional trauma and financial burden they cause. — Earlier this month, I enjoyed a tea and meeting at The Carrot on Alberta Avenue (118th Ave) in Ward Métis. The cafe is steeped in neighbourhood pride and is a prime example of how beneficial a community-focused business can be. The Alberta Avenue community has invested time and effort into…

3 ways to make Edmonton a plug-and-play business hub. — I have represented Edmonton at thousands of meetings and conferences over my time as an elected official. I am used to describing what Edmonton is like, what our values are, and that no, we are not that close to Toronto. But in the last few years, I have noticed that…

It’s time to treat substance use disorder as what it is: a public health crisis. — Many Edmontonians know we have a drug poisoning epidemic. You have likely heard about it on the news, on the radio, and even seen the effects of an overdose in person or experienced one yourself. On the sidewalk or in a penthouse, drug poisonings are happening all around us. …

What is a National Urban Park and how will it make Edmonton even more awesome? And no, you will never need to pay to access it. — Take one part urban greenspace, one part federal funding, and a big helping of Indigenous collaboration and what do you get? This week, I joined Minister Randy Boissanault, Chief Tony Alexis of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, President Audrey Poitras of the Metis Nation and Parks Canada for an announcement…