Smart Growth, Not Growth at Any Cost

From North Glenora to Grovenor to Britannia Youngstown, I have heard the same thing — people support growing our city, but they don’t believe in extreme, anything-goes development. I agree.

I also would never support illegal moves like what some candidates are pushing — to pause all infill or throw out the zoning bylaw. I believe in smart growth, and not growth at any cost.

The question isn’t whether Edmonton will grow, it’s how. If we don’t make room for people within our existing neighbourhoods, we push development outward — onto spaces that are more expensive to service and maintain, leading to higher taxes and deeper inequality. Edmontonians are struggling to find housing they can afford. Now is the time to act — not to pause, water down, or walk away from smart solutions.

If elected, I will advocate to protect what works, while building what’s needed.  

Growth Rooted In Care for Our Communities

Edmonton’s zoning bylaw renewal will shape how we grow — and for folks in Ward Nakota Isga, this has real, everyday impact. One of the most common concerns I hear from residents in many mature neighbourhoods is that zoning reform will lead to uncontrolled, out-of-scale development that disrupts the character and livability of the community.

Let me be clear: I don’t support that kind of approach, and I never have.

What I support is directing growth to where it makes the most sense.

That means encouraging more housing on:

• Design changes that make sure new homes actually fit our mature neighbourhoods - like corner lots, areas where transit is available, and nodes — not jamming it into mid-blocks or cul-de-sacs.

• Protecting mature trees — and investing in replacement funds when removal is necessary.

• Setting stronger design rules so new builds respect neighbours’ privacy.

• Linking infill to community benefits — like benches, green space, and safer, more beautiful streets.

• Setting parking minimums where transit is limited, and introduce permits in high-demand areas.

• Improving engagement so neighbours get clear info, early notice, and a real voice in shaping change.

We can grow thoughtfully with clear policies, intentional design, and respect for context—strengthening what works while making space for what’s next.

Infill can and should be beautiful, well-designed, and respectful of the communities it’s joining. We can protect what works while building what’s needed. 

We should be cautious about allowing pretty drastic densification into the middle of a block or cul-de-sac without clear design standards or planning around parking. That’s not thoughtful planning — that’s reactionary zoning. I believe Ward Nakota Isga deserves better than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Housing Shouldn’t Be a Fight Between Neighbours

Some politicians will use zoning as a way of pitting neighbours against each other — they will try to make you feel that either you support change or you want to freeze neighbourhoods in time. Either you’re pro-density or you’re against community. But the truth is more complex, and so is my position.

I believe in building more housing options across the city to welcome newcomers and young families, while also encouraging redevelopment and greater density where it fits better within our communities.

That’s what zoning is. It’s not just about land, it’s about values. It’s about how we live alongside one another and build sustainable communities. If we do this well, we can create neighbourhoods that are more vibrant, more inclusive, and more affordable than ever before.

My Commitment to You

 As a candidate for Ward Nakota Isga, I’m committed to:

• Supporting context-sensitive, community-informed density — not a one-size-fits-all approach

• Directing growth to where it makes the most sense: corner lots, corridors, and nodes

• Protecting the character of our mature neighbourhoods through strong design standards

• Listening to residents and engaging in ongoing dialogue, not one-time consultation

• Using zoning policy as a tool for equity, sustainability, and better quality of life

Zoning reform isn’t about changing Ward Nakota Isga overnight. It’s about shaping a long-term vision for how we live, and ensuring that everyone feels like they belong.

In Ward Nakota Isga, we’re not just building housing — we’re building community. 

I’m committed to doing it in a way that reflects the best of our communities, while making space for what’s next. Let’s get this right.

If you'd like further background on the Zoning Bylaw Renewal and the immense growth Edmonton is currently experiencing, please check out my blog from last week.