Election 2013 questionnaire response: Kyle Brown, Ward 6

1. In the context of our City’s growth, how will you support the development of existing communities as opposed to new neighbourhoods?

I would rather see more development and growth within our existing communities, as spreading out further hurts our natural beauty around the city, as well as leads to extra costs in infrastructure and development of lands. To help slow our spread I would push for redevelopment permits being issued, enhancing areas of the city to attract people to them, develop transit lines to keep people in their respective areas, and promote density in our existing communities.

2. How will you support and promote independent locally-owned businesses in Edmonton?

I fully support our independent businesses in Edmonton on a regular basis. To enhance these supports I would offer them revitalized areas, and enhancements to areas they may be working in, helping them to develop and promote tours, or festivals that would allow them to showcase their works. I would also support them through driving growth in existing neighborhoods instead of out spread through the promotion of redevelopment of areas.

3. How will you support local food and urban agriculture in Edmonton?

I support local food by pushing for more density in existing neighborhoods instead of spreading into areas used for farming, or animal growth. I also support local food by promoting out local farmers markets, and the plans to develop more local growing plots for the people of our city in their neighborhoods.

4. How will you address Indigenous Edmontonians’ history and needs?

As a Metis person myself, I fully believe that our indigenous population does need to share their history and meet their needs. Whether it be through festivals that can teach people of their ways, through introduction of programs for youth aimed to teach them specific skills, or through an interpretive center, the people of Edmonton need to be aware of our history and the role each person has played.

5. How do you envision the public transit system evolution?

I am all for the growth and development of public transportation. We need to introduce more train lines for our citizens, we also need to provide park and rides on the out skirts of our city so that we can reduce the amount of parking lots and car use in our downtown core. I also believe that our transit system should be looking at a greener options like Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal have already put into place. We are a world class city and we should act like one with our transit system as well.

6. What will you do to better engage post-secondary research / students / faculty with the rest of the community?

I feel that using the education system to introduce new things into our city is the best use of our resources. We have a huge artist base here in our city schools, and we should encourage that. We also have one of the best universities in the world, and we should be using that to our advantage as well. We have the brilliant educated students and faculty here, lets use their talents to enhance our already amazing city and make us a city that is desired by companies and people from around the world.

7. Councillor candidates: What is the biggest challenge your Ward faces? What solutions would you seek?

the biggest challenge that Ward 6 faces is our image to the city. A lot of my ward is seen as the less desired area to live and visit. My goal is to clean up the area, get our citizens to take pride in their area, make our downtown core the place to go and talk about. I plan on doing this by addressing the issues in my area like homelessness, drug usage, graffiti issues, lack of green spaces.

8. How can our readers learn more about your platform, contact you with questions or concerns, or get involved in your campaign?

The readers of this can always contact me via email at kylebrown.yerg@gmail.com, as it is always monitored directly by myself. 

If they wish to learn more about my platform they can visit my website at www.kylebrown-ward6.com, or our facebook page at www.facebook.com/kylebrwonward6

If anyone wishes to volunteer or support our campaign they are welcome to do so through our website, facebook or email at this time.