New polls suggest Edmonton’s 2025 municipal election could be a close race between Tim Cartmell and Andrew Knack, but voter engagement remains a challenge. An Abacus poll shows only 34% of residents think the city is heading in the right direction, with Cartmell leading at 22% and Knack at 17%, while 37% remain undecided. Similarly, a Leger poll finds 26% of residents believe the city is on the right track, with Cartmell and Knack tied at 14%, and over half of voters unfamiliar with the leading candidates. Low turnout has been a trend, with 2021 seeing 37.6% participation, though advance polls accounted for over one-quarter of votes. Candidates are focusing on grassroots engagement, door-knocking, volunteer outreach, and digital strategies, with considerations for cultural events like Diwali and the ongoing Alberta teachers’ strike potentially affecting voter attention.
At a mayoral forum hosted by the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, candidates criticized Council’s handling of downtown revitalization, arts, and nightlife. Executive Director Puneeta McBryan claimed Council’s record was disastrous, citing stalled progress on recommendations to boost the nighttime economy and challenges with Churchill Square as a public space. Candidates Tim Cartmell, Michael Walters, Andrew Knack, and Rahim Jaffer agreed more needs to be done to support arts and cultural organizations. Proposals included streamlining permitting, appointing a music industry officer, increasing housing downtown, reducing red tape for festivals, and improving safety. They also emphasized stable funding for arts groups and better support for festivals. The future of Edmonton City Centre mall, recently placed in receivership, was also discussed, with suggestions ranging from creating an entertainment hub to focusing on predictable taxation and safety. While approaches differed, all candidates agreed that strengthening arts, housing, and safety must be priorities for Edmonton’s next Mayor and Council.
Edmonton Elections warns that the results of the municipal election may not be fully known on election night due to recent provincial changes requiring all ballots to be counted by hand. Preliminary counts will start at voting stations immediately after polls close and continue overnight at the Central Count Centre, which handles advance votes, special ballots, and votes from seniors’ residences, hospitals, and schools. While some preliminary results may be available, the official results are scheduled for release on October 24th at 12:00 pm. Scrutineers, appointed by campaigns, will observe the counting process.
Five years after Edmonton adopted its City Plan, one of its original authors says the document needs updating. The plan set ambitious targets, such as housing 600,000 new residents within Anthony Henday Drive, shifting half of all trips to transit, cycling, or walking, and ensuring most residents work within the city. It guided council’s controversial zoning bylaw, which encouraged densification but drew opposition from neighbourhood groups concerned about community character. Since 2020, Edmonton’s population has grown much faster than anticipated, surpassing projections by nearly a decade. Kalen Anderson, now CEO of BILD Edmonton Metro, argues the rapid growth requires a revision rather than abandoning the plan. She emphasizes it was never meant to be treated as law, but as a flexible guide that should adapt to public feedback. Anderson also says the next phase should shift focus from zoning to economic development, infrastructure, and partnerships to support Edmonton’s expanding population.
William Hawrelak Park is nearing the end of a three-year, $134.5 million rehabilitation and is set to reopen this winter. The project, which began in 2023, replaced deep underground infrastructure - including storm, sanitary, water, power, and irrigation systems - while upgrading park facilities and open spaces. Recent work includes paved pathways and roadways, a new playground, repairs to the Trans Canada Trail, and lake reshaping. Remaining tasks include finishing electrical and mechanical work in facilities, completing playground and Heritage Amphitheatre details, and landscaping such as planting trees and laying sod. Once construction slows, picnic tables, benches, and signage will be installed, allowing the park to safely welcome visitors again.
