Fixing Infill. Rebuilding Trust. Planning for What’s Next.

When the new Zoning Bylaw came into effect, the promise was bold: modernize the way we grow our city, create more housing options, and make neighbourhoods more complete. And while we’ve seen a lot of success after 18 months in, it’s clear that we’re missing the mark on infill. 

I’ve heard you. 

Edmontonians are not opposed to growth. But they are opposed to being left out of it.

Residents across the city feel blindsided by sudden changes—streets overwhelmed with construction, infrastructure stretched thin, and oversized builds that don’t reflect the neighbourhood around them. They tell me what’s happening doesn’t feel thoughtful, coordinated, or fair.

They’re right. And I believe it’s time to course correct.

On June 30th, I am moving a motion to place a temporary moratorium on all new mid-block infill projects in our city.

We need to press pause.

This doesn’t mean we’re walking away from growth or density. But it does mean we need to stop, listen, and fix what’s broken before we allow more of the same.

When rules move faster than public trust—and faster than infrastructure—we create a backlash that puts our entire City Plan at risk.

Let’s not let that happen.

I also intend to support the motion to reduce the maximum number of row housing units on mid-block lots from 8 to 6.

It’s a modest but tangible change, based on what we’ve seen on the ground. The scale and form of development in many areas has simply not matched the character or capacity of the streets they’re being built on. This adjustment is a first step toward rebalancing.

But fixing what’s in front of us isn’t enough. We also need to plan for where we’re headed.

That’s why I’m moving a second motion—one that directs City Administration to initiate a full update of Edmonton’s District Plans. These plans must reflect Edmonton’s next phase of growth—from our current population of 1.2 million to the 1.5–1.75 million we know is coming.

When the District Plans were introduced, they were a consolidation exercise. They streamlined outdated neighbourhood plans—but they didn’t provide new detail, fresh data, or authentic public input. They didn’t answer basic questions like:

• Where should density go?
• What infrastructure do we need to support it?
• How will we ensure amenities and transportation options keep pace?

The next version of these plans must include technical modelling and real community consultation.

As your next Mayor, here’s what I’ll deliver:

• Smarter, better-coordinated infill. No more repeat road cuts, blocked sidewalks, or unfocused development.
• Prioritizing responsible infill. There are good home builders in this city. I’ve met them, talked with them and understand their side of this problem as well. Responsible builders will see fast-tracking of their permits with a Better Edmonton Council team. 
• A new phase of District Planning. Grounded in data, modelling, and real community input. If it fails on June 30th, I’ll be bringing it back. 
• Balanced growth. Density where it makes sense—not just where it’s easiest to build.
• Transparency and accountability. Communities deserve to know what’s coming—and have a say in shaping it.

I’ve been pushing for these changes for years. And I’ve watched every one of my motions be voted down by this Council. But I’m not backing down.

Because Edmonton’s future depends on getting this right.

A Better Edmonton Starts With a Better Team

On June 3rd, a few hundred Edmontonians gathered at the Better Edmonton Headquarters to launch something different: a team.

Not just a group of candidates. Not just a list of names on a ballot.

A team of people who chose to come together, share their values, and commit to working with one another—and with you—to build a city that works better for everyone.

I couldn’t be more proud of the group we’ve brought together. I’ve spent the past six months listening, reaching out, and carefully putting together a team of Edmontonians who aren’t just running to win—they’re stepping up to serve. Every one of them brings something unique to the table. But they all share one thing: a deep belief in Edmonton’s potential, and a hunger to get things done.

That’s why we created the Better Edmonton Party.

Because when you go to vote, you deserve to know what you’re getting.
You deserve candidates who are aligned on a common platform.
You deserve transparency, accountability, and follow-through.
You deserve a council that functions as a team, not 13 individuals pulling in different directions.

Too often, we elect good people with no shared plan—no agreement on what comes first or what matters most. The result? Gridlock. Delays. Excuses. The basics left undone.

We’re changing that.

When you vote for Better Edmonton, you're voting for clear priorities, shared commitments, and a group of people who are ready to work together from day one. 

Our plan is grounded in three pillars that Edmontonians have told us matter most:

Safe Streets

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own neighbourhood—on the bus, on a walk, in the park. That means investing in visible, effective community policing, and supporting prevention strategies that address root causes. Safety isn’t just a campaign promise—it’s a basic expectation.

Tough on Taxes

Edmontonians are paying more and getting less. We’re going to change that. We’ll fix the broken assessment model, stop runaway spending, and make sure every tax dollar is used responsibly—with real transparency.

Build It Better

We’re tired of delays. Of poor coordination. Of watching projects go over budget or fall apart too soon. Infrastructure should be managed with intention and discipline—from bridges and transit to sidewalks and sewers. We’ll bring a common-sense approach that gets the job done, on time and on budget.

This is personal for me. I ran for Council because I love Edmonton and I believed we could do better. And now, as I run to be your mayor, I believe that starts with building a team that’s prepared to deliver—not just debate.

We’re here to offer more than just opinions. We’re offering a plan. A direction. A Better Edmonton.

Meet the full team:

• Nurmaiya Brady – Ward Anirniq
• Banisha Sandhu – Ward Dene
• Nicholas Rheubottom – Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi
• Joti Buttar – Ward Karhiio
• Caroline Matthews – Ward Métis
• Reed Clarke – Ward Nakota Isga
• Stephen Hammerschmidt – Ward O-day’min
• Joshua Doyle – Ward papastew
• Mike Elliot – Ward pihêsiwin
• Darrell Friesen – Ward sipiwiyiniwak
• Harman Kandola – Ward Sspomitapi
• Karen Principe – Ward tastawiyiniwak

We also launched VoteBetterEdmonton.ca, where you can learn more about each candidate, our platform, and how to get involved.

This is just the beginning. Over the next five months, we’re going to have conversations in every neighbourhood. We’ll listen. We’ll learn. And we’ll keep refining the plan we’ll bring to City Hall.

If you’re ready for a city that works better—safer, smarter, and more accountable—then join us. Volunteer. Donate. Spread the word.

Edmonton is my hometown. I raised my family here. I built my career here. And I want every Edmontonian to feel as proud of this city as I do. That’s why I’m doing this. That’s why this team is here.

We believe in Edmonton. And we’re ready to fight for it.

Let’s build a Better Edmonton—together.

— Tim