Seven Edmonton City Building Projects I'm excited for in 2023

There's a lot of positive energy in Edmonton at the moment.

Over the Council recess, I jotted down seven Edmonton projects that I'm excited for in 2023. Some big, some small. Some Public, some private. Some breaking ground, some cutting ribbons.

As a disclaimer, this is very much a personal list of projects that from neighbourhood conversations that I feel have been overlooked or underrated. I didn't have a particular matrix or scorecard, but decided to profile these projects because I think they represent incremental improvements. Each in their own way will have a positive impact on our community, economic, climate, culture, or urban planning goals as we continue to build an Edmonton for everyone!

As I listen to friends in Toronto, Vancouver, or other cities bemoan the high cost of living, housing, and the long commute times, I can't help but smile at the incredible quality of life we are able to provide. I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be in 2023!

I invite you to share your own projects that get you excited!

Sole Source Agreements, Campaign Donations, and the need for a Lobbyist Registry

Next week, Edmonton City Council will be asked to approve a $26.5 Million Dollar sole source agreement for the Qualico Pedway. (https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/ledcor-26-5m-non-competitive-pedway-edmonton-contract).

One of my campaign commitments was strengthening the public interest, and I’ve petitioned about our need to create a lobbyist registry for municipal politics here: https://www.michaeljanz.ca/lobbyist_registry. I am working on a subsequent motion to this effect.

One of my favourite quotes attributed to Benjamin Franklin is “Sunshine is the greatest disinfectant.” My second favourite is by Lester Freeman in HBO's The Wire where he instructs the young police to “Follow the Money…”

Prior to the sole-source contract debate next week, I want to raise a few general questions I’ve been receiving from constituents about transparency at city hall: campaign donations and lobbyist transparency.

Drink Local - Supporting Our Local Beer Scene

Supporting our local craft beer scene is easy with so many fantastic opportunities and creative brewers. I recently had the opportunity to convene a table of local brewers alongside the Alberta Small Brewers Association to explore a few questions:

  • How can we support local brewers in expanding market opportunities, including city festivals and events?
  • How can we help grow opportunities for beer tourism, including inviting locals to be "tourists in their own backyard"

The more money we can keep circulating between friends and neighbours in our local economy, the more prosperous our city. Local brewers add to our local identity, they add creativity, and can be an attraction for other entrepreneurs to set up nearby.

Thank you again to: 

Alley Kat
SYC
Bent Stick
Endeavour
Brewsters
Bearhill/Campio
Irrational
Blind Enthusiasm
Odd Company
Ale Architect
And others for your participation and feedback.
Let's not forget the non-alcoholic beverage scene as well:

Your Views: Capital Budget 2022

Administration has put forward a new 4 year capital budget which includes everything from roads to bridges to recreation.

Do you have questions you would like me to ask? Click here to read the full budget.

Councillors have until November 7th to submit written questions to the administration to receive a written response. (Prefer Video? Here's a video and powerpoint of the Budget Presentation we received October 31, 2022 (Council Agenda, item 7.1 Proposed 2023-2026 Capital Budget


(Photo taken at a recent Economic Forecast event hosted by UDI)

Take action

Affordable Groceries: more choice, more competition, more affordable
Send a Custom Letter: Fund Public Transit

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