CommonSenseEdmonton

• Mayor-elect Andrew Knack has outlined priorities focused on safety, affordability, and addressing homelessness, while pledging to honour the $250-million fan park deal with the Oilers Entertainment Group. Despite previously opposing the deal as a Councillor, Knack said the agreement will proceed, though the new Council will monitor the Province’s contributions to ensure they benefit Edmontonians. Knack emphasized practical governance over partisan politics, noting that essential City services like snow removal and park maintenance require cooperation rather than ideology. With less than 40% of the popular vote and voter turnout under 30%, he acknowledged his mandate represents a small portion of eligible voters but stressed that Council must relentlessly focus on population growth, City services, and maintaining affordability. The new Council will also prioritize setting a budget and addressing infrastructure gaps, including four to five missing fire halls, while finding efficiencies without cutting essential services.
• As Edmonton voters returned many incumbents to Council, business leaders are calling for fiscal restraint and cooperation to address the City’s financial challenges. Doug Griffiths, President of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, said the next four years will require hard decisions rather than large infrastructure projects, urging collaboration between City officials and the private sector to restore stability. The Chamber’s 2025 Municipal Action Plan outlines 14 recommendations focused on construction, business development, and safety. The Business Council of Alberta echoed these concerns, identifying three key priorities for municipalities: responsible growth, stronger fiscal management, and improved public safety. BCA vice-president Mike Holden said safety and crime concerns ranked highest among member priorities, surpassing typical economic issues like taxation and red tape. Both organizations say they are ready to work with local governments to foster economic resilience, warning that inaction could worsen the City’s financial strain.
• In Ward 7 (sipiwiyiniwak), the Council race initially showed a six-vote difference between the top two candidates, Darrell Friesen and Thu Parmar, but a recount later revealed Parmar won by 600 votes. The discrepancy resulted from a transposition error that occurred when tally results were copied between sheets, incorrectly assigning votes to a different candidate. Both candidates and election officials accepted the outcome, attributing it to administrative mistakes rather than fraud. Analysts noted that returning to hand-counting after decades of using vote tabulating machines contributed to errors, as municipal elections involve multiple ballots per voter. Additional challenges included insufficient staff, inadequate training, and delays from a new permanent voter registry mandated by provincial law. A third-party audit has been called for, and a review of the election process is expected to identify improvements for future elections.
• A provincial report on Edmonton’s police governance has recommended removing City Councillors from the Edmonton Police Commission and raising pay for Commissioners to attract more qualified members. The 190-page review, authored by Justice William Hourigan, followed tensions between Council, the Commission, and the Edmonton Police Service over appointments and funding. Hourigan found that Councillor-Commissioners face an ‘irresolvable challenge’ balancing their roles as policymakers and impartial police overseers. He called for legislative changes requiring professional backgrounds in finance, law, and public administration for future appointees, as well as restrictions on former police officers, judges, or criminal lawyers serving as commissioners. The report also urged higher compensation, suggesting the chair’s role be full-time and vice-chair part-time, to reflect the complexity of oversight duties. Other recommendations include improved training, greater transparency in budgeting, and clearer public reporting to restore trust between City Hall, the commission, and the Edmonton Police Service.
• Several returning Councillors say the mood they encountered while doorknocking was far calmer than the anger seen online during the 2025 municipal election. Ward 8 (papastew) Councillor Michael Janz, re-elected with 57% of the vote, said social media “rage-baiting” overstated voter discontent, noting that most residents he spoke with were concerned about local safety, affordability, and basic City services. Ward 4 (Dene) Councillor Aaron Paquette said the public’s tone shifted in recent months as voters prioritized stability amid national and global uncertainty. He said residents largely wanted practical solutions such as road repairs and better infrastructure rather than sweeping political changes. I mean, we completely agree that residents want a focus on safety, affordability, basic public services, and practical solutions - the problem was they didn't get it from the last Council. If these returning Councillors are suggesting that's what they'll focus on this time, then great!

Campaign Roundup - Day 27

• We are in the last days of the election campaign! Election Day is Monday, October 20th. Polls will be open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can find locations - as well as voter information - on the City’s website.
• Mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell is hosting a Virtual Town Hall on October 19th at 3:30 PM to discuss the challenges facing Edmonton and his plans to improve the city. Rahim Jaffer, also vying for the Mayor’s chair, posted a new campaign video urging Edmontonians to vote for real change. He highlighted the need to cut taxes, tackle crime, focus on the basics, and end the status quo that he says has failed the City for decades.
• Michael Walters took to Facebook to post several endorsements of those supporting his bid for Mayor. Endorsements include former Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan, former Mayor Stephen Mandel, and former Councillor Scott McKeen.
• Also continuing to campaign is Mayoral candidate Andrew Knack, who shared a message highlighting the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on seniors, families, and young residents. He says he envisions a Stronger Edmonton where affordability is a priority, with support for seniors, accessible childcare, fair housing for renters, affordable City services, and a strong, safe transit system.
• Don’t forget to check out our 2025 Municipal Election Coverage, which reveals where Mayoral and Council candidates stand on key issues like safety, affordability, taxation, and accountability. We have published their unedited responses so voters can make informed choices. There are videos too!

Campaign Roundup - Day 26

• Our Edmonton Election Survey is being updated regularly to reflect new candidate submissions. The survey reveals where Mayoral and Council candidates stand on key issues like safety, affordability, taxation, and accountability. We have published their unedited responses so voters can make informed choices.
• We have also launched our Edmonton Election Videos, featuring in-depth interviews with candidates for Mayor and Council. This video series offers a more personal way to learn about candidates compared to written survey responses.
• The Canada Post strike is forcing Edmonton mayoral campaigns to pivot from traditional mailouts to volunteer-driven outreach. Candidates like Andrew Knack and Michael Walters are relying on volunteers to hand-deliver literature and engage residents directly, as voter information cards were not mailed due to the strike. Knack emphasized that door-to-door efforts foster stronger connections with voters and ensure people know when and where to vote. Walters expressed concern that new voter registration rules, combined with the lack of mailed information, could impact turnout. Edmonton Elections has expanded 311 services to help residents find polling stations and is encouraging in-person submission of special ballots.
• Public safety has emerged as the top issue in Edmonton’s municipal election, with 85% of surveyed residents prioritizing crime reduction and 80% concerned about downtown disorder. Mayoral candidates noted that addressing safety involves more than policing alone, but have differing solutions for how to deal with it.

Campaign Roundup - Day 25:

• The team at Common Sense Edmonton has released our 2025 Municipal Election Survey, revealing where Mayoral and Council candidates stand on key issues like safety, affordability, taxation, and accountability. We have published their unedited responses so voters can make informed choices. Some candidates answered, others declined - but all responses, or lack thereof, offer insight into their priorities. We’ll be updating the website as candidates respond, so check back often!
• A new CityNews poll shows widespread dissatisfaction among Edmontonians with the top six Mayoral candidates. While Tim Cartmell and Andrew Knack lead in support, large shares of respondents feel none of the candidates have the vision, trustworthiness, or alignment with residents’ values needed to lead the City.
• The poll also shows widespread dissatisfaction with Edmonton’s current Council, with more than two-thirds of voters believing their sitting Councillors don’t deserve re-election. About 51% of respondents rated their local Councillor as doing a “bad job,” and nearly 75% feel the City is headed in the wrong direction. With 9 of the 12 incumbents seeking re-election, these results suggest significant turnover could occur in Monday’s election.
• The priorities in this election are quite different from the priorities in 2021, when public health restrictions and pandemic-related issues dominated voters’ concerns. This year, key issues include managing the challenges of a growing city, fiscal responsibility, taxes, and public services like snow removal and safety. Social justice and climate change have decreased in perceived importance, while regaining trust in City leadership is being seen as central.

Campaign Roundup - Day 24

• Election Day is Monday, October 20th. Polls will be open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can find locations - as well as voter information - on the City’s website.
• We know many of you have questions about the survey we sent out - and we’re excited to share that we’re almost done collecting all the responses! The results will be published very soon, so keep an eye on your inbox for the update.
• Our friends at the Alberta Parents’ Union have officially launched the School Board Trustee Survey 2025! After extensive research, outreach, and review, this survey offers the most detailed look at school board candidates’ positions ever compiled in Alberta. It covers key topics like parental involvement, student safety, academic performance, and transparency. You can access it here.
• CTV News Edmonton has compiled a platform tracker outlining where each leading mayoral candidate stands on key issues ahead of the upcoming election. The tracker highlights candidate positions on taxes and affordability, safety, infill development, and city growth, with links to detailed articles for each topic. You can take a look here.

Campaign Roundup - Day 23

• Advance voting turnout reached 41,340 voters over five days, averaging 8,268 per day. While total turnout was lower than 2021’s 63,834, the daily average was significantly higher despite half as many voting days. Participation increased steadily throughout the week, peaking at nearly 10,700 on the final day. By comparison, Calgary’s advance polls drew over 96,000 voters during its six-day period.
• A new poll shows that most Edmontonians want improved City services like better snow clearing, road maintenance, and crime reduction - but without higher taxes.The next Council will have to balance fiscal restraint with residents’ expectations, possibly by rethinking how money is managed. Mayoral candidates have taken differing stances: Omar Mohammad pledges a tax freeze, Tim Cartmell wants to keep any increases within inflation, Michael Walters says the proposed 2026 tax hike needs to be cut by at least half, and Andrew Knack warns such promises may be unrealistic.
• Polling also shows that 62% of Edmontonians believe the city’s population is growing too fast, and over half say it has negatively affected their lives. Concerns are strongest among younger and lower-income residents struggling with affordability and housing. The issue of managing growth has become a central theme in the Mayoral race.
• Mayoral candidate Rahim Jaffer has promised free parking on evenings, weekends, overnights, and stat holidays, a 30-minute grace period for quick stops, and a lower daytime rate of $2.50/hour.

Campaign Roundup - Day 22

• Happy Thanksgiving! We’re thankful for you - the readers who make our work possible. Your engagement, feedback, and encouragement help us keep pushing for common sense and accountability in our communities. We hope you enjoy a warm and restful holiday surrounded by family, friends, and plenty of good food.
• Mayoral candidates also shared their messages of thanks. Andrew Knack thanked his volunteers, supporters, and family, Rahim Jaffer shared a video message, and Michael Walters wished a Happy Thanksgiving to his supporters and their families too.
• A new analysis of City Council’s voting records shows that most Councillors voted together the majority of the time over the past four years, with only Karen Principe and Jennifer Rice frequently breaking from the group. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi aligned most closely with Councillors Keren Tang and Jo-Anne Wright and led in overall vote success, while Principe and Rice often opposed the majority. Mayoral candidates Tim Cartmell and Andrew Knack voted together 72% of the time and about 75% with Sohi. Nine incumbents are seeking re-election.
• Election Day is Monday, October 20th. Polls will be open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can find locations - as well as voter information - on the City’s website.

• New polling suggests Edmonton voters are largely undecided heading into the municipal election, with 46% of respondents not yet choosing a candidate. Among those who have decided or are leaning, Andrew Knack leads with 41%, followed by Tim Cartmell at 21%. Other candidates, including former councillors and a former federal MP, trail significantly, with most receiving single-digit support. Experts say the high number of undecided voters is unusual this close to an election and could reflect voter fatigue or a desire for fresh faces. Knack has positioned himself as the progressive choice, focusing on issues like homelessness and housing affordability, while other candidates compete in centrist and right-leaning spaces. The election could hinge on which candidates are most effective at mobilizing voters. The results remain volatile, and small shifts in support could have a significant impact on the outcome.
• As Amarjeet Sohi ends his term as Mayor, he reflected on a challenging four years marked by the pandemic, population growth, and rising costs of living. Sohi defended his focus on spending, warning against austerity measures that could stall progress as the city added about 200,000 new residents. He highlighted efforts to restore transit, library, and police services after inheriting an $88-million deficit, as well as controversial initiatives like the City’s zoning bylaw overhaul to promote infill and sustainability. Sohi also pointed to key partnerships with the province, such as funding for housing and the Fan Park project, while criticizing the provincial government’s decision to allow political parties in municipal elections, calling it harmful to local democracy. Despite disagreements, he described Edmonton’s relationship with the province as “productive,” citing progress on homelessness and infrastructure. Sohi said he leaves office believing the City is in a stronger position and emphasized leadership grounded in care, compassion, and collaboration.
• The Downtown Revitalization Coalition is urging Alberta’s justice system to get tougher on crime, calling for bail reform and stricter handling of repeat and violent offenders. The group expressed strong support for new Edmonton Police Chief Warren Driechel, who has criticized lenient plea deals and called for justice reform after a controversial manslaughter plea in the death of an eight-year-old girl. Coalition Chair Cheryll Watson said crime is rising citywide but is especially concerning downtown, where hundreds of incidents have been reported at key intersections. The coalition wants more transparency in plea deals, stronger cooperation between police and Crown prosecutors, and judges to prioritize public safety when setting bail. Watson said Edmonton’s business and community leaders back Driechel’s push for reform, emphasizing that safer streets are essential for revitalizing downtown. Legal experts, however, noted that prosecutorial independence must be maintained, though some agreed that greater transparency in plea negotiations could benefit public trust.
• Edmonton has not issued any fines for the use of personal e-scooters so far this year, as City officials are prioritizing education over enforcement. Riding private e-scooters on public roads, bike lanes, or sidewalks is prohibited under the provincial Traffic Safety Act, and violations can carry fines up to $250. Despite a recent fatal crash involving a personal e-scooter, the City emphasizes officers often focus on educating riders rather than issuing tickets, partly because identifying personal scooters can be difficult. Edmonton and Calgary are currently running pilot projects to gather data on e-scooter safety and user behaviour, which will guide future legislation. 

Campaign Roundup - Day 21:

• Advance voting is now over. The next opportunity for voting is on Election Day - Monday, October 20th. Polls will be open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can find locations - as well as voter information - on the City’s website.
• More than 41,000 ballots were cast over the five days of advance voting. An average of 8,268 votes per day marks a nearly 30% increase from 2021, despite shorter polling hours. The busiest day was Saturday, with 10,698 votes recorded.
• Groups are mobilizing underrepresented communities to increase voter engagement. The University of Alberta Students’ Union is encouraging student pledges to vote and highlighting issues like housing, transit, and affordability. YEG Muslim Vote is working to ensure City policies reflect the needs of Muslim and other ethnic communities, focusing on affordability, housing, transit, and candidates’ stances on international and local issues. interVivos is engaging newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ residents, students, and people experiencing homelessness through forums to foster discussion and leadership on public safety and community challenges.
• Mayoral candidate Rahim Jaffer shared a Thanksgiving weekend post encouraging Edmontonians to discuss the municipal election using five prompts: feelings of safety compared to four years ago, experiences with crime on the LRT, concerns about high taxes amid declining services, the City’s handling of basic services like snow removal and garbage pickup, and readiness to vote for change on October 20th.

Campaign Roundup - Day 20

• Today is the last day for advance voting. Polls are open until 8:00 pm. Polling locations and voter information are available online.
• A new poll shows that almost half of Edmontonians remain undecided just over a week before the municipal election, an unusually high number this close to voting day. Among decided and leaning voters, Andrew Knack leads with 41%, followed by Tim Cartmell on 21%. Omar Mohammad and Michael Walters are both tied on 10%, while Rahim Jaffer is at 7% and Tony Caterina is at 6%.
• In a Mayoral forum at Stanley Milner Library, candidates focused on core services, public safety, infill, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility, outlining plans from shifting development to open areas, amending zoning bylaws, and freezing taxes, to improving relations with the Province and police. Candidates also highlighted priorities like libraries, arts, transit, and homelessness. You can watch the debate online here.
• Mayoral candidate Omar Mohammad criticized Council’s purchase of electric buses, which later faced safety concerns that contributed to the bus company’s bankruptcy. Mohammad says the decision was wasteful and driven by vanity, promising that, as Mayor, he would prevent such spending and safeguard public funds.

Campaign Roundup - Day 19

• Advance voting is still ongoing! You can cast a ballot until October 11th and polls are open from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Polling locations and voter information are available online.
• With election day approaching, University of Alberta students are working to boost youth voter turnout. The Students’ Union and the Edmonton Student Alliance are hosting events like a mayoral forum and on-campus advance voting to make local politics more accessible. Many students admit they know little about the candidates or doubt municipal politics can bring real change, but organizers stress that City issues like housing, transit, and affordability directly affect students.
• According to Taproot, interim campaign disclosures show Mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell has raised $834,552 as of July 31st, nearly matching the combined total of all other candidates for Mayor, Council, and School Trustee, which is $842,593. The next-highest mayoral fundraiser is Omar Mohammad with $115,730.
• Former Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel calls the 2025 municipal election “crucial” for the city’s future, warning that downtown Edmonton is struggling with safety, cleanliness, and declining vitality. He urges voters to support leadership that can address public safety, infill challenges, construction chaos, and social disorder while building consensus among Council members. Mandel emphasizes the need for creative partnerships with police and the Province and a Mayor and Council committed to improving all areas of the city.

Campaign Roundup - Day 18

• Mayoral candidate Andrew Knack is pledging full transparency by publicly disclosing all campaign donations before Election Day, rather than waiting until after the vote as current election law allows. He argues that voters deserve to know who candidates may be influenced by before casting their ballots and is challenging others to follow suit to keep City Hall independent and accountable to residents.
• Rahim Jaffer, also running for Mayor, visited Edmonton’s Chinatown to witness the challenges residents and businesses are facing, describing the situation as chaotic and neglected. He said that despite the hardship, there is still hope, as the community is ready to vote for change and move beyond the long-standing status quo.
• Mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell promised to reset the budget each year using zero-based budgeting, conduct a Blue Ribbon Review to cut waste, and lower business taxes to improve competitiveness.
• Michael Walters, another candidate for Mayor, shared his plan to address homelessness, calling it a “life or death issue” that demands immediate and collaborative action. He pledged to unite all levels of government, social agencies, and Indigenous leaders to create a plan with clear targets to eliminate homelessness. His proposals include expanding housing with wraparound supports, rebuilding crisis response teams, improving coordination between emergency services and social agencies, and investing in youth and family prevention programs.