Finance Minister Nate Horner tabled the 2025-26 provincial budget yesterday. I want to share some quick thoughts on what this means for Edmonton and why I believe we need a fundamental reset in how our city approaches provincial relations.

Navigating Uncertain Times

Let's be honest - this budget comes at a really challenging time for both Alberta and Edmonton. We're all watching the Trump tariff threats with concern, knowing they could hit our province's economy hard. Meanwhile, Edmonton is facing its own financial crunch. The provincial government has had to make difficult decisions, creating multiple budget scenarios to prepare for various outcomes.

Minister Horner called it a budget of "tough but measured choices." His team had to revise their revenue assumptions back in January just to account for all this uncertainty. As he put it, "There's so many things that are out of our control." That's exactly why I believe different orders of government need to be working together closer than ever - not picking fights with each other.

What's in it for Edmonton?

I'm glad to see some tax relief that will help Edmonton families, with that new eight percent income tax bracket for income up to $60,000. Every bit helps when household budgets are stretched thin.

I'm particularly happy about the commitment to build five new schools in Edmonton. Anyone with kids knows how desperately we need these new classrooms in our fast-growing communities.

I'm encouraged to see provincial funding for several key post-secondary projects: NorQuest College, the University of Alberta Biological Sciences Centre, ongoing support for MacEwan University's School of Business, and planning for NAIT's Advanced Skills Centre.

The budget includes a substantial $106 million investment in downtown Edmonton: $52 million for an event park east of Rogers Place, $37.5 million to demolish the old Coliseum, and $16.4 million to prepare land at the Ice District Village. These investments matter for our city's future and connect to important discussions about the Community Revitalization Levy happening next week. I'm looking forward to digging into how we can maximize the impact of these provincial investments.

We also continue to receive significant provincial funding for the Yellowhead Freeway Conversion, the 50th Street rail overpass, improvements to Anthony Henday Drive, and Phase 3 of Terwillegar Drive - not to mention two LRT extension projects. While these weren't new announcements in this budget, they represent ongoing provincial commitment to Edmonton's infrastructure.

Public Safety and Addiction Treatment: A Clear Provincial Priority

I commend the Province for its investment in recovery and addiction treatment centers and its ongoing commitment to public safety. The budget allocates $1.7 billion for implementing the compassionate intervention framework and Recovery Alberta Services, which is a significant investment to address the opioid crisis that has devastated families across our city.

The province has also bumped public safety funding by 3.7% to $1.3 billion and has requested alignment of community peace officers with police services. That's a pragmatic move that should improve how we coordinate our response to public safety concerns.

These aren't just budget line items - they're investments that will make a real difference in our communities if we work together to implement them effectively.

A Missed Opportunity for Constructive Engagement

While last year's budget included funding for some important Edmonton projects like the MacEwan School of Business building and Phase 3 of Terwillegar Drive, there was not nearly enough support for critical infrastructure investments. That should have been a moment for some serious soul-searching at City Council.

Instead, what happened? Mayor Sohi and his allies launched a campaign focused on recovering $15 million per year in unpaid property taxes from the province. Let me be straight with you - while a $15 million grant increase is welcome, when coupled with the increase in provincial education property taxes, the effect on your property tax bill will likely be net zero at best. Not exactly the major victory some will portray it to be.

Rather than picking public fights with the province - over the wrong thing - we NEED to collaborate with them for the good of our city. Our infrastructure needs, from transportation to affordable housing to our $1.7 billion deferred maintenance backlog, require provincial support in the hundreds of millions of dollars. We can't afford to damage that relationship over relatively minor disputes.

Forward Together

With all the economic uncertainty from potential U.S. tariffs, a partnership approach isn't just nice to have - it's essential. The province has set aside a $4 billion contingency for unexpected challenges.

The province has made significant progress with their red tape reduction initiatives, recently introducing an "automatic yes toolkit" and "shot clock" provisions on permit applications across government. These innovations could offer valuable lessons for improving our own municipal processes.

Similarly, the province has begun implementing artificial intelligence tools to "follow the money" in their bureaucracy, enhancing transparency and efficiency. We should explore whether similar technologies could benefit Edmonton's financial management systems.

There is so much to be gained from collaborative work that recognizes we all serve the same taxpayer, and that we have a shared responsibility to maximize the value of every dollar spent. Particularly during these profoundly uncertain economic times, Edmonton's leadership MUST BE at the table, working constructively to ensure our city's priorities are understood and addressed.

My Commitment to Edmonton

If you trust me with your vote for mayor, here's what I commit to:

1. I'll reset our relationship with the provincial government from day one, focusing on productive engagement instead of public disputes.
2. I'll make securing provincial funding for critical infrastructure projects a top priority.
3. I'll work collaboratively on our shared challenges, from economic development to public safety to efficient government services.
4. I'll fight to ensure Edmonton receives its fair share as the capital city while being realistic about provincial fiscal constraints.

Edmonton deserves leadership that understands how to build partnerships. Fighting with other levels of government might make for splashy headlines, but it doesn't help get roads built or services delivered.

In these uncertain economic times, all orders of government need to work together, not against each other. The potential impact of U.S. tariffs makes it more critical than ever to have a mayor who can work effectively with the province.

I look forward to continuing this conversation in the coming months. Together, we can build the partnership approach Edmonton needs to thrive.

Earlier today, City Council held a public hearing regarding the rezoning application to allow for a thermal spa development in Brander Gardens, at the site of the former Soaring House. After careful consideration of all perspectives and thorough review of the proposal, I voted in support of this rezoning.

I want to take a moment to explain my decision and address some of the concerns raised by our community members.

A Unique Opportunity for Our Community

The Scandinave Spa proposal represents a rare opportunity to bring a world-class wellness facility to our city. This isn't just another commercial development—it's a thoughtfully designed amenity that works with, rather than against, the natural landscape that makes our river valley so special.

Edmonton has long embraced its identity as a winter city, and this facility supports that vision with an outdoor wellness experience that can be enjoyed year-round. Similar Scandinave Spa facilities in Whistler, Blue Mountain, and Mont-Tremblant have demonstrated their ability to integrate beautifully with natural surroundings while providing exceptional wellness experiences.

Instead of seeing more houses or a different commercial development on this beautiful piece of land, we'll have a facility designed to help people connect with and appreciate our river valley. Many residents pointed out that this allows both locals and visitors to enjoy the river valley in a way that residential development simply wouldn't permit.

Addressing Community Concerns

Let me say right off the bat – I know not everyone agrees with this decision, and I respect that. During the engagement process, I heard from many residents both supporting and opposing this development. Community input has been incredibly valuable throughout this process, with over 90 residents sharing their perspectives. What struck me was how this wasn't a one-sided conversation. We had thoughtful points made both for and against.

I've heard loud and clear from residents worried about traffic impacts, and I take those concerns seriously. But here's why I think this particular use makes sense:

The reality is that spa visitors tend to arrive during off-peak hours and stay for extended periods – this isn't like a restaurant or retail store with constant in-and-out traffic. Several residents noted that compared to residential development (which would mean more vehicles at all hours), the spa actually represents a lower-impact option for the neighborhood.

It's also going to be appointment-based, which prevents overcrowding and helps manage traffic flow. The existing roads can handle this type of traffic pattern without major disruptions.

To those worried about neighborhood character, I believe the spa will complement, not detract from, our community. The Direct Control zoning includes specific regulations to ensure the development maintains appropriate setbacks from neighboring properties and preserves natural screening through existing trees.

Some residents expressed concerns about the potential future viability of the spa and what might happen if it were to close. The Direct Control zoning we approved is highly specific to this particular use, containing only 10 permitted uses compared to 36 in a standard commercial zone. This means any substantial change to the site's use would require another rezoning process and public hearing.

Protecting and Enhancing Access to the River Valley

One of my biggest concerns with any development near our river valley is making sure we protect what makes it special. This proposal actually does that in several key ways:

• No development below the top of the river valley bank
• Preservation of existing trees in setback areas
• Development focused in already-cleared areas
• A modest 0.37 Floor Area Ratio (that's planning-speak for "not too dense")

Many residents specifically noted that this approach offers a less ecologically disruptive alternative to other potential developments like high-density housing. The spa is designed to integrate with the landscape rather than reshape it.

An important aspect of this project that hasn't received as much attention is the opportunity to improve public access to our river valley. There is an existing agreement between the City and the University of Alberta that will be triggered at the development permit stage for the potential purchase of a 10-meter wide strip along the north property line. This would connect Whitemud Road to the existing public land below the top of the bank, providing much-needed public access, as well as access for forestry maintenance and wildland firefighting.

Economic Benefits

This isn't just about having a nice amenity. The spa will create local jobs during both construction and ongoing operations, generating meaningful employment opportunities in our area. Wellness tourism is growing rapidly across North America, and as Explore Edmonton noted in their letter of support, wellness travelers typically spend more per trip than average visitors. This spending flows to local restaurants, shops, and other businesses throughout our community.

Unlike seasonal attractions, the Nordic spa will operate year-round, supporting Edmonton's winter city identity while providing consistent economic activity.

Looking Forward

As this project moves from rezoning to development, I will continue to advocate for our community's interests and ensure that the regulations in place are followed. I remain committed to working with community members, the developer, and City Administration to address any issues that may arise and to ensure this development delivers on its promise of enhancing our ward while respecting its unique natural setting.

I believe this development strikes the right balance between economic opportunity, wellness amenities, and environmental stewardship. While I respect that not everyone will agree with this decision, I believe it represents a positive step forward for our community.

I encourage residents to stay engaged as this project progresses, and as always, my office remains open to your questions and concerns.

CityNews: February 3, 2025

Incoming U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods have been paused for 30 days but Edmonton's city and business leaders say now is the time to start thinking about thinking locally when it comes to big projects.

So here we are. The 25% tariffs are coming and with them, some hard truths about our economic reality. As your City Councillor, I've always believed in straight talk about challenges facing our city. This is one of those moments.

What This Means for Edmonton

Everything will get more expensive. Everything. That's the simple truth. The economies of our two countries are so completely intertwined, Minister LeBlanc described it as “trying to unscramble an omelette." There is nothing that will not be affected.

The City of Edmonton is not immune. The immediate impact will be felt across our business community. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce reports that 15-20% of their 2,000 member businesses export directly to the US, and nearly all local businesses will feel the ripple effects through supply chains and increased costs. We're already hearing concerning reports of some manufacturers considering relocating operations south of the border to avoid these tariffs. When the Chamber warns of a potential 60-cent Canadian dollar, we need to pay attention.

For the City of Edmonton, this presents specific challenges:

• Increased costs for construction materials and equipment
• Higher prices for vehicle parts and maintenance
• Rising fuel costs affecting transit and city operations
• Potential impacts on major infrastructure projects

But here's what this cannot mean - it cannot mean automatically passing these costs on to taxpayers. City Administration needs to make every effort to keep projects and operational costs on budget. The last thing Edmonton households need, as they face higher prices on everyday goods, is an additional tax burden.

This may mean some difficult choices ahead. We might need to adjust project timelines, explore alternative materials, or reallocate resources. We'll face tough decisions about what proceeds and what gets delayed. But these decisions must be made thoughtfully, with clear communication to residents and businesses.

A Deeper Reality Check

Here are a couple of broad truths we need to consider.

The more cynical version of the golden rule is that “Whoever has the gold makes the rules.” We have been living for a long time under a set of rules reinforced by American might - economic and military  - that we assumed were universal truths and shared values. We might be finding out those truths weren't so universal after all. 

There's a harder truth too: these tariffs will result in considerable additional revenue for the American government, while their dollar gains even more strength on the world market. It's a double uptick for the USA, a one-two punch for Canada. And history tells us that once governments find new revenue sources, they rarely let them go. When was the last time you saw a new government remove a revenue stream the previous one put in place?

While it's not my place as a City Councillor to wade into international trade strategy, I do know this: the relationship between our two countries is changed forever. It might moderate over time, but it won't ever be the same. Perhaps this is the wake-up call Canada needs to strengthen inter-provincial trade and build new partnerships beyond North America. 

But here's another truth - Edmonton has faced existential threats before. We've always made it through by pulling together, by supporting each other, by remembering that we are this remarkable community of communities that is profoundly different from most any other place. 

What Do We Do Now?

While we can't control decisions made in Washington, we can control how we respond here at home. Edmonton has always been a city of innovators and problem-solvers - and that's exactly what we need to be now. We need to focus on:

1. Working with City Administration to find innovative ways to keep projects on budget
2. Prioritizing essential services while seeking cost-effective alternatives
3. Supporting local businesses in navigating these challenges
4. Looking for opportunities to strengthen local supply chains

But maybe it's also time to think differently about "local." When we talk about shopping local, let's remember it's not just about where a business's head office is located. The local Subway franchise may have been purchased from an American parent company, but the owner might be your neighbour, the employees might be people from your neighbourhood or the kid next door, and the ingredients in those sandwiches might be sourced from Alberta producers.

Maybe it's time to explore more of what our backyard has to offer. When was the last time you visited the Old Strathcona farmers' market? Or wandered the shops on 124th Street? The people running these businesses are our neighbours, and they could use our support now more than ever.

Maybe it's time to explore Montreal or Halifax or Whitehorse this summer.  When was the last time you drove to Tofino? Or closer to home, the people in Jasper would surely love a little support. 

Moving Forward

These are uncertain times. The solutions to all of this will take time and patience to present themselves. The need for clear communication and collaboration between all orders of government has never been higher. But I remain optimistic about Edmonton's future because I've seen how we respond to challenges - not by turning inward, but by pulling together.

We will get through this together, as we always have, by supporting our local businesses, making prudent decisions about public resources, and focusing on practical, made-in-Edmonton solutions.