Campaign Roundup - Day 6
- Transit is shaping up to be a defining issue in the Mayoral race, with candidates split on fares, safety, and future LRT expansion. Michael Walters proposes a four-year fare freeze, while Rahim Jaffer wants to revive the free-fare LRT zone downtown - both argue cheaper fares would boost ridership and safety through busier stations. Andrew Knack supports maintaining current fare levels and stresses that candidates must show how lower fares would be funded. On safety, Tim Cartmell pushes for turnstiles and dedicated LRT beat cops, Jaffer backs fare gates to deter crime, and Omar Mohammad promises more peace officers, AI-monitored cameras, better lighting, and nonprofit partnerships to address homelessness and addiction. Walters wants to open stations to more businesses, while Tony Caterina advocates selling “air rights” for development above stations.
- The Edmonton Journal is doing a series asking Mayoral candidates why they should be Mayor. Andrew Knack says he promises to put residents’ needs first in every decision. He highlights affordability, homelessness, housing, and safety as top priorities, while pledging responsible budgeting that maintains core services like transit, emergency response, and recreation. Knack pointed to his record of finding budget savings, proposes growing the City’s tax base through business development, and stresses transparency through full campaign donation disclosure and ongoing public engagement. He says rebuilding trust at City Hall is essential to addressing Edmonton’s growth and ensuring a stronger, more affordable city.
- In Ward papastew incumbent Michael Janz is seeking re-election but faces competition over issues like infill, zoning, and infrastructure. Janz emphasizes independence from developers, opposition to the downtown fan park deal, and his record on limiting infill density, while challengers argue Council has become too political and unresponsive. Better Edmonton’s Joshua Doyle highlights what he calls an “infrastructure crisis,” PACE’s Mark Hillman criticizes Janz for betraying neighbourhoods and pushing ideology, and Terrie Holgerson stresses better communication and community consultation.
- Ward Dene’s race centers on affordability, infrastructure, and public safety, with incumbent Aaron Paquette seeking a third term to complete projects like road upgrades and the $1.6-billion hydrogen energy complex at Aurum Energy Park. Paquette emphasizes growth management, job creation, and adding more peace officers and traffic enforcement. Challengers include Banisha Sandhu of Better Edmonton, who is calling for fiscal responsibility and teamwork; Albert Mazzocca, who is stressing lived experience, lower taxes, and provincial cooperation; Lana Palmer, who is highlighting economic resilience and affordable housing; and Paul Brake, who is campaigning on transparency and accountability.