My inquiry asked Administration to provide an update to City Council on feedback they’ve received from residents and how the program was responding to both successes and challenges.

I know many residents have been wondering about the status of the Lauderdale Dog Park and the work that EPCOR is doing with their Flood Mitigation project. My office recently received an update from them that I’m pleased to share with you.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about the role of council as financial stewards of public funds for the City of Edmonton. When I think about what this means, I think about my commitment to ensuring the financial health of the city.”

The challenge before us is how to deal with the cost pressures and without resorting to erosion of core city services.

The City has gone through a series of budget reduction and efficiency exercises over the past decade to keep tax increases as low as possible and this work will not stop.

While it’s clear that Edmonton is not immune to the financial challenges that are being faced across the country, Edmonton’s financial state remains stable.

I’ve heard a lot of discussion about Edmonton City Council salaries so I thought I’d give some background on this topic. I’ve also included information on ward office budgets so all the links on compensation and budgets can be found in one place.

Let's celebrate the power of tourism to create jobs, support local businesses, and build community pride!

The City finished the first phase of public engagement on the bylaw in December 2023 and is planning for the next phase of engagement to start later this spring.

As an animal supporter, I consider the needs of all those who are living in our City, including our furry, feathered, finned or scaled friends. I’m committed to continuing to advocate for adequate funding for Animal Care and Control operations, as well as ensuring the safety of Edmontonians, pets, and wildlife.

Starting April 29, 2024, our city is stepping up its parking game with a new mobile app/payment system for EPark!

While I campaigned on environmental stewardship, which included a focus on supporting the Waste Reduction Strategy, I also recognize that bringing community along during the process is crucial to sustainable change.

I’m heartbroken by the news out of Westlock. Let’s be clear. The plebiscite vote is a direct attack on the 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, individuals, families, and community. An attack on one community is an attack on all of us.

My commitment to residents is to continue working with Canada Lands to ensure great community spaces that welcome a diversity of people to this amazing community in North Edmonton.

Affordable housing and housing affordability are always top of mind for me - and come up often in chats I have with residents. While these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably in conversation, they have distinct definitions along the housing spectrum.

“While having adequate shelter spaces and the quality of those spaces has dominated the conversation, this is often a distraction from truly human-centered and rights-based approaches that are needed and many are asking for.”

When individuals are in core housing need, they lack access to affordable, safe, and appropriate housing.

“City Council approved investments of $183 million to build new affordable homes and ensure existing ones are in good shape this budget cycle. The investment is expected to create or renew 3,631 affordable housing units by 2026.”

Imagine the challenge for a bylaw or police officer to consistently and fairly enforce rules for public spaces when the rules change depending on where you are located. That’s exactly the situation I learned about soon after being elected.