I began this blog with a post highlighting why I chose to run. Today, in my final post before Monday’s election, I want to highlight my vision for my the ward and for the city. A large part of this vision is to see all of 118th Avenue restored from Abbotsfield all the way to NAIT (and, potentially, onto the airport lands) as a north side “main street” with vibrant shopping, arts and community districts, and smaller scale equivalents elsewhere in the ward.
To get there, we need to start in our communities. We have come a long way in the neighbourhoods that bound on 118th Avenue, after decades of neglect. Refreshed infrastructure including new sidewalks, roads and decorative features have made areas like Beverly and Alberta Avenue more walkable. New businesses, restaurants, festivals and other events such as farmers’ markets have started to coax residents from their home and onto the avenue. (continue reading…)
Wiser use of police resources must be part of the equation for making our neighbourhoods safer. Not only are beat officers out in the community getting to know the strengths and problem areas, but community members often get to know them and consider them part of the community. Some of the simplest solutions are often the best: refreshing infrastructure to make our streets more walkable and encouraging a vibrant local business community.
You can find the rest of Brendan’s campaign videos here.
Ward 7′s neighbourhoods are changing for the better, and we need to embrace and own that change to build communities that work for us. At the same time, we need to preserve what makes our part of the city special.
You can also find video from the candidate’s forum on Tuesday night posted on the city’s website. Brendan’s opening comments begin at the 25 minute mark.
As a proud resident of Alberta Avenue, I have had a front-row seat to Ward 7’s inspiring rebirth. As a board member of my community league, local social worker, regular volunteer at The Carrot, and transit advocate, I have worked with you to make our neighbourhood and city a better place to live.
We’ve come a long way, but to go further Ward 7 needs a councillor who lives in and understands our community – someone with a positive and proactive vision and the courage to move forward. On October 18, I hope you’ll lend me your vote.
[Ed: This is the third in our series of posts from campaign team members. Next is Bryan Saunders, Publicity & Media Coordinator. If you are interested in an interview with Brendan, contact Bryan at BSaunders@BrendanVanAlstine.ca]
When Brendan first told me that he would be running for city council, it hardly came as a surprise.
After all, I’ve known Brendan for about 3 years now, and have always been awed by the passion that he has for his community. (continue reading…)
[Ed: This is the first in a series of posts from campaign team members. First is Monika Penner, Volunteer Coordinator. Monika's always looking for new volunteers.]
I joined Brendan’s campaign because he is deeply committed to addressing issues I believe are important not only to the communities of Ward 7, but to Edmonton as a whole. His experience and vision in addressing issues of safety are especially important to me as someone who confronts these issues in my daily work. (continue reading…)
Daryl Katz, owner of the Edmonton Oilers, wants a new downtown arena. This is hardly news. Certainly Mr. Katz has a bold vision for a new arena district and has spoken about his desire to help revitalize Edmonton’s downtown core. I share this goal and can see the potential for an arena to make a positive contribution; however, the discussion around the new arena is still lacking, and I’m not yet sold on the funding plan.
Most troubling is the absolute lack of discussion about what would become of the existing Rexall Place, which is not only situated in Ward 7, but is also only a stone’s throw from my own neighbourhood. With a new arena, it’s likely Rexall would close, or would at least become much less active. Rexall Place (along with its parking lots) sits on 20 acres of land with an existing LRT station and is, for better or worse, the main anchor for 118 Avenue. While it’s certainly possible to imagine a better use for the site, a vacant arena is not it. (continue reading…)
