Election 2013 questionnaire response: Ted Grand, Ward 2

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

When looking at the growth projections for the City over the coming years there is little doubt that urban growth is going to happen. But I believe the City needs to look inward and upward more often when looking at future development. Although development within existing communities is mentioned in the Cities “The Way We Grow” MDP plan it appears the guidelines for infill have not been updated since 2009. If elected I would like to learn if the guidelines are working. Infilling is one way to help control the rising costs of core services. The City has a smart growth plan, as Councillor it will be my responsibility to see it is being applied appropriately. There should be a balance between growth and infilling.

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

I believe it’s important for the City to have a supportive administrative system to help locally owned businesses with the challenges they face. Different types of local businesses need different types of help. An entrepreneur might need help starting out. A “mom and pop” business could need help with a business plan or rule interpretation. We have many local businesses who are looking to expand and should be provided help and resources to explore new markets. The City should be involved in providing support and resources that can help in these and other areas. In addition, the most important thing a City can do is to sing the praises of our locally-owned businesses and raise public awareness of who they are and the varied services they provide. As a Councillor it would personally be important for me to be involved in this activity.

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

I think the most important thing I could do as a Councillor is to ensure the newly appointed Edmonton Food Council gets the support and funding they need, as they begin their task of advising the City on food and urban agriculture. There are eight other strategic directions in the 2010 Food and Urban Agriculture Strategy. For their successful implementation City Council and the administration will need to listen to the EFC’s reports and recommendations and be prepared to lend support where possible. 

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

I have to be honest and say this is an area that at this stage of the election campaign I have spent a limited amount of time on. I have read the “Spirit of Edmonton” proposal and their update on the website. If elected I would want to continue the City’s level of support for the eight projects as they move forward. The projects proposed are amazing and will go a long way to inform and connect the community to the history of the Indigenous people. Other projects that should also address this important history include space in either the new Royal Alberta Museum currently under construction or in the proposed Edmonton Museum. As for addressing needs, Council needs to continue supporting the various groups who work with Indigenous Edmontonians. As Councillors we need to listen to those who have the insight and expertise on what is needed and be prepared to act on those recommendations where possible.

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

All large Cities need to have the best possible integrated public transit system. We need to have a properly maintained bus fleet. The introduction of “smart bus” technology will help transit to be a safer and more rider friendly system. LRT expansion to all areas of the City needs to remain a top priority for Council. To do this Council will need to work even closer with the Provincial and Federal governments to ensure an adequate level of funding. While the Valley line is already committed to a P3 partnership to secure funding, it would be my hope the balance of the LRT expansion be achieved without P3’s. Regardless of how quickly the “smart bus” technology and the LRT expansion progress, the existing transit system must be continually upgraded and coordinated to best meet the needs of its customers.

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

I believe the City should be acting as a conduit to connect businesses and community with the group you identified in your question. There is a wealth of expertise at these institutions who if given the opportunity to meet and interact with the rest of the community would lead to a mutually beneficial situation. The City should be identifying these resources and reaching out to the community and help them connect. I would want to work with the City administration and see what programs could be implemented to achieve this goal.

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

The most common theme that is coming from the doorsteps of the residents I have spoken with up to now is the sense that Council and the Administration are not listening to the citizens. Throughout my years of community service I always held the belief you have to listen to the people you serve. We of course can’t please everyone, but it’s important they at least feel they have been heard. Public consultation by the City should be done earlier in the process and reoccur as necessary. I will be pushing to see that more public consultation be done.

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

Visit my website: tedgrand.ca. 

E mail me at info@tedgrand.ca 

Facebook: Ted Grand for Councillor Ward Two

Twitter @tedgrand2013

Phone me directly at 780-974-3557