Edmonton City Council's 2026 budget concluded with a 6.9% increase—a challenging number for many households. As your new Councillor, I want to be transparent about what happened, share the critical wins we secured for Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi, and outline how we're preparing for a more affordable and accountable budget in the years ahead.

Challenges, Solutions and Looking Ahead

Budget Update: Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi

I'd like to start by saying a huge and belated thank you to all who supported our campaign for council. Our campaign spanned thousands of doors, dozens of events, and one-on-one meaningful connections with so many neighbours. You shared with me (and often with my Dad, too) your concerns, hopes, and insights. Joining Edmonton City Council as "the new guy", I've had the pleasure of meeting people in city administration and from previous council terms, who have helped guide me through my first Budget Review.

The final budget adjustment for this cycle has concluded, resulting in a 6.9% budget increase for the City of Edmonton. Let me be direct: I know this number is challenging to so many, and I understand the deep frustration it causes, especially when every household budget is already stretched thin by inflationary pressures.

This budget concludes the previous four-year cycle, and unfortunately, much of this increase and the priorities driving it were already in place. This difficult outcome is the result of necessary factors like paying back city reserves depleted during the pandemic and catching up on overdue maintenance for our infrastructure and operations.

In the lead-up to the budget process, I sought savings aggressively, but found few substantial cuts that would not have created higher costs or greater implications for future budgets. While I can't take credit for the budget decisions of the past, I will take responsibility for budget decisions of the present and next four years.

Despite the overarching financial challenge, I want to highlight the critical wins and tough fights we had to make sure we delivered for our Ward and the city:

Critical Wins for Our Ward

Cavanagh Transit Upgrade: We passed support for the purchase of an additional 25 new buses to the ETS fleet which will replace On-Demand Service to Cavanagh. This is an investment in reliable, consistent service for our growing communities, and aid us in our transportation needs.

Derelict Property Accountability: The Derelict Property Taxation Subclass was expanded citywide. This is a crucial step to either force out derelict properties that are damaging neighbourhood safety and stability or compel owners to upgrade them to community standards through higher taxation.

Community League Red Tape Removed: In a crucial win, I successfully made the motion that passed Council 13-0 to remove the red tape in the funding model for stormwater fees. The City will now pay these fees directly to EPCOR, easing the significant administrative burden on our dedicated Community League volunteers.

ETS Consolidation: We anticipate savings and increased strategic response by consolidating our two ETS Control Centres into a single, more efficient operational command centre.

Argyll Velodrome: Deconstructing the already closed Argyll Velodrome will save the City of Edmonton $20,000 per year in maintenance costs.

In a tough final budget year, not every fight was won. I want you to know I was there, advocating for our needs:

  • • I unsuccessfully advocated for the Parsons Road expansion, a roadway our Ward residents consistently use for travel to work and play.
  • • I also joined the unsuccessful advocacy for 4 undeveloped playgrounds across the city, including in Chappelle at Garth Worthington School, where kids have been waiting five years.
  • • I unsuccessfully advocated to reduce spending in the Edmonton Transit System for passenger counters by $1.5 million.

These setbacks are not permanent and we won't stop fighting.

I supported builds for two new firehalls. While they are a necessary and essential infrastructure, I am unhappy with the price tag and will fight for more sustainable spending practices. In the new year, I will be advocating for new funding and planning models to reduce costs and improve efficiencies on our future infrastructure projects to ensure they're focused on meeting the response needs of our frontline while also respecting our ability to cope with high costs.

Looking Ahead: The Next Four Years

The planning for the next four-year budget starts in the new year with a revised process that makes me genuinely optimistic:

Results-Based Budgeting: As motioned by Mayor Knack, the next process will focus on Results-Based Budgeting and include robust public engagement. This helps us understand the work our City staff is doing and align it with Council priorities.

Focus on Affordability: My office will be laser-focused on hitting our campaign promises around affordability and taxation, addressing transportation in the Ward (particularly our arterials), and ensuring safety for all Edmontonians in our communities and on our transit system.

Continued Engagement: I will continue performing ride-alongs with City staff and visiting our communities to appreciate the frontline work being done and find out where support for our staff and neighbours is truly required.

This budget was challenging, but we secured vital wins for Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi. Now, we roll up our sleeves and prepare to fight for a more sustainable, affordable, and accountable budget for the next four years while ensuring we remain collaborative and committed to the essential services Edmontonians rely on.

As always, my door is open. What is your top priority for the new Results-Based Budgeting process in 2026?