Dear Readers, this week’s newsletter is all about better public transit. As of Monday December 8th, you can tap to pay with credit/debit/phone on city buses. This will make it more convenient to take transit when you have visitors, ride occasionally, or forget to refill your ARC card.
But I want to share with you some concerning news about uncertainty related to Federal Public Transit Funding...
We have plans to build new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to make it quicker and more reliable to get around the city. Route 4 for instance (the bus you’ve likely taken from Bonnie Doon to West Edm mall) is one of our highest performing routes and included in the planned BRT expansion. While the Valley Line to West Edm. Mall construction is scheduled for 2028, it is important for us to keep building high frequency transit where we see the highest demand. BRT would create dedicated bus lanes in specific areas to allow the buses to move more quickly and efficiently without weaving in and out of traffic.
As Edmonton continues growing towards a city of 2 million people, we cannot rely on continuously building more costly roads and lanes to accommodate increased traffic. We need to make sure we have alternatives that are safe, fast, frequent, and reliable for everyone. The BRT plan was supposed to be in place for when we reach 1.25 million people, and we are only a few new neighbours away from reaching that.
The decision point for City Council will be as part of the 4 year budget this November 2026, and failure to secure funding from other orders of government would delay this project even further. In the fall federal budget, Prime Minister Carney folded the Canada Public Transit Fund into a program that covers infrastructure more generally. I am concerned this will reduce federal dollars dedicated to public transit funding, and we need to send him a message so he knows it must remain a priority.
Will you show your support?
We created a letter tool to send the Prime Minister, Premier, and Mayor a letter here:
The Alberta Government is attacking our freedom to read. Help fight for your freedom and tell Premier Smith that now more than ever we need more freedom to read, not less. You can't be strong and free without the freedom to read.
Here is my statement in support.
As the price of gas skyrockets, this newsletter is about how I am pushing to reduce traffic and congestion while making public transit better. Read on how you can help...
But first... Have you seen this fantastic video from Translink? While they might look ‘empty’ at times, bus lanes can move more people than regular traffic lanes, creating a more efficient and sustainable transportation network.
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Hawrelak park soft reopening is tomorrow - Friday March 13th! Grab your family and go down for a walk in our central park. The official welcome party and grand opening will be May 30th. (Learn more)
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Expect to see more infill for sale, not rent.
I've heard from a number of builders recently that they are moving away from the small scale rental and moving towards small scale units built for sale as individual units.
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