During 2024, the current Ward 2 Councillor supported the controversial city-wide rezoning by voting in favour of its implementation. The rezoning proceeded despite significant public dissent, with a reported 79 percent of Ward 2 constituents having indicated opposition. This policy change facilitates the construction of up to eight residential units on parcels previously zoned for single-family or duplex housing. I am an advocate for affordable housing in the City. But we need to be thoughtful and respectful to preserve the character of existing communities, involve direct input and consultation from residents, and maintain most family’s largest investment – their homes. Many of the neighbourhoods and surrounding amenities, such as playgrounds, community fields, schools, and parking, in Ward 2 are designed for single family dwellings and are not equipped for the demand that comes from unplanned population growth. As an example, Calgary is home to approximately 30,000 youth soccer players and the city is behind on building indoor soccer fields and facilities, leading to challenges such as limited field time, aging infrastructure and overbookings.

Property taxes are rising uncontrollably, with the city double-dipping by combining a standard 3 percent rate hike with significant increases in assessed values due to inflation. Adding that three percent to increased values often end up being a 10 – 12 percent net increase. In some cases this is forcing citizens who have owned their home, often for decades, to sell. My proposed tax freeze will still mean tax money is being realized, but Ward 2 and Calgary residents will not be seeing unprecedented hikes causing undue hardships.

The water main break in 2024 affected the entire City of Calgary. While the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta’s (APEGA) opinion was the City met engineering standards, past water managers had advocated for replacing existing infrastructure – the arterial water supply for our city was shutoff and we teetered on the brink of disaster. Having redundancies and alternatives in place helps to ensure a predicatble and dependable water supply. Our roads also need to be a focus. Not only are potholes and other road hazards an inconvenience, they are also a safety issue. Potholes cause damage and undue wear and tear on vehicles with blown tires and other mechanical issues the result.

Ward 2 residents have raised concerns about speeding, traffic congestion and pedestrian safety in residential areas. I will collaborate with the Mobility Department of the City of Calgary and advocate for traffic studies during peak school hours to identify high risk areas and improve crosswalk signs and traffic “calming” measures. Ward 2 residents rely heavily on transit and there is an overall reluctance to use transit due to safety fears. 49 percent of Calgarians avoid using transit specifically due to the perception of safety concerns. I will advocate for a transit hub to reduce response time for peace officer and transit security officers and also support the Shaganappi Trail transit study to enhance the reliability and safety from the proposed Symons Valley Terminal to the Brentwood LRT.

There needs to be full disclosure on spending of big projects, beginning with the Greenline, the Memorial Drive flood mitigation project and water main projects. Councillors may not concern themselves with details beyond their scope and capacity to review and understand, but major spending initiatives must be disclosed and include justification and be approved by a council. I will advocate for a transit hub to reduce response time for peace officer and transit security officers and also support the Shaganappi Trail transit study to enhance the reliability and safety from the proposed Symons Valley Terminal to the Brentwood LRT.