[We sent your questions to all the Election 2013 candidates. We are posting their unedited responses in the order that they’re received. – Ed.]
1. In the context of our City’s growth, how will you support the development of existing communities as opposed to new neighborhoods?
Our City is undergoing an significant period of growth. It is important to provide a wide range of housing options that includes a variety of sizes, price range and location. If Edmonton doesn’t offer a particular segment of the housing market it will be picked up by other jurisdictions in the Edmonton region. We cannot support the development of existing communities to the exclusion of new neighborhoods.
I have been integrally involved in the development of Edmonton’s 30-year vision, The Way Ahead and the 10-year plans that are responsible for its implementation The Way We Live, The Way We Green, The Way We Grow, The Way We Move, The Way We Prosper, and The Way We Finance. These plans received unprecedented public input. I continue to support the visionary statements in The Way Ahead and will continue to support the activities contained in the implementation plans.
Sustainability and quality of life are two very important concepts that reoccur in the everyday work of City Council. Increasing Edmonton’s sustainability and improving the quality of life for all Edmontonians guides the decisions I make on a daily basis.
2. How will you support independent locally-owned businesses in Edmonton?
I continue to support the work of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation and the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. These organizations are doing good work supporting local businesses. As Council Committees, Public Hearings and meetings occur, sensible policies and decisions that are pro-local business and benefit Edmontonians will continue to receive my support.
3. How will you support local food and urban agriculture in Edmonton?
I supported the creation of the Edmonton Food Council and trust the Edmonton Food Council will provide wise advice to City Council and the appropriate City Administration.
4. How will you address Indigenous Edmontonians history and needs?
As a member of the Council that created and unanimously passed the Edmonton Urban Aboriginal Accord, I will continue to support the statements it contains. Please see the attached Edmonton Urban Aboriginal Accord link:
5. How do you envision the public transit system evolution?
I believe that the priority LRT lines Downtown to NAIT/St. Albert, SE and West need Provincial and Federal grant funding. I will continue to lobby for a National Transit Strategy funding from the other orders of government and the lions share of regional green trip funding.
Once long term LRT funding is in place the focus of the next and future Councils needs to be on improving the bus to LRT service so all Edmontonian’s have quick and efficient access to our LRT network.
6. What will you do to better engage post-secondary research / students / faculty with the rest of the community?
The University of Alberta is the City’s largest employer. When you add in King’s University College, MacEwan University, Concordia College, NAIT, Norquest College and the University of Lethbridge (Edmonton Campus) the collective impact on our city is immense. Regular meetings and collaboration with the Deans and Board of Governors of these major institutions will continue to be held and provide a valuable two way information flow.
I will continue to support TEC Edmonton and the Edmonton Research Park initiatives designed to incubate and bring to market the research work being done by the students and faculty of our post secondary community.
City of Edmonton policies and decisions, improving student transportation and housing will receive my support.
7. What is the biggest challenge your Ward faces? What solutions would you seek?
In addition to individual issues primarily affecting a specific neighborhood, the biggest problem affecting Ward 9 residents is transportation infrastructure. The amount and speed of development in SW Edmonton is creating a significant number of congestion pinch points during the AM & PM peak commuter hours. The arterial transportation system is supposed to work properly when it is completed and includes the entire package of roadway amenities (four lane arterials, right and left turn lanes and bays, left turn signals, etc). Unfortunately it can take up to 10 years to have the area built out and requiring a full roadway package.
The solution is to have the SLRT extended to the Heritage Valley Town Center at 25 Avenue SW and to provide an end of the line park and ride facility. This would allow citizens from the entire SW, access to an LRT connection to the University of Alberta, NAIT and Downtown. The arrival of the LRT to Heritage Valley will give citizens a choice and slow the need for additional roadway improvements designed solely to handle commuter traffic.
8. How can our readers learn more about your platform, contact you with questions or concerns, or get involved in your campaign?
Access my website at bryananderson.ca or if your inquiry or issue is appropriately dealt with by your current councillor you can contact me at my City Hall office at 780-496-8130 or email me at bryan.anderson@edmonton.ca.