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Revitalization

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…)

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This video follows up on the blog post “Friendly Faces are Tough on Crime.”

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.

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[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…)

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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…)

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With less than 3 months until the next Municipal Election on October 18th, 2010, my team and I have worked hard to update the website to better engage in a dialogue with you, the citizens of Ward 7 and of Edmonton. We’ve added links at the top so that you can connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Connect2Edmonton (which will host its own election forum later on). Most important is this blog, where I will add detail to my election platform. Please check back here throughout the run-up to the election and consider lending a hand. I want to make sure that I am hearing your opinions and concerns so that I can better represent you through the election, and, I hope, afterward as well. (continue reading…)

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