Monitor and Measure

In part 2 of my blog series on my guiding principles, I want to elaborate on “Monitor and Measure”. What does this mean and how does it conform to the values of the Ward Karhiio residents?

Simply put, it’s about paying attention to the policies and bylaws that Council supports, ensuring they are consistent with previous regulations, and tracking the results to confirm they are working as intended. 

One would expect the board of a multi-billion dollar organization to already do this, but unfortunately, they do not. Usually I’m pretty reserved about claims of absolution, but I feel pretty confident in making this claim. However, it’s not all departments or all staff. While it’s easy to take cheap shots at the City, I do want to give credit where it’s due. Some departments are very well managed. Regardless, we need a Council that will provide clear and concise direction so that every department is well managed. 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I don’t believe this Council actually reads most of the reports put in front of them, and if they do, then they don’t understand what they’re reading.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog criticizing the absurdity of the Public Spaces Bylaw. Shortly thereafter, I discovered the Hillview neighborhood renewal project, which includes plans to widen sidewalks for bicycles. This project gained approval in 2022, whereas the Public Spaces Bylaw was approved in 2025. According to the bylaw, bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks. Therefore, we must either modify the Public Spaces Bylaw to permit bicycles on sidewalks or revise the Hillview project. Why are we imposing additional charges on residents beyond their taxes when the project's basis no longer aligns with City plans?

Soon, Ward Karhiio will be the new home for the Camrose Casino. To be clear, I don’t like the location of the casino, and I’ve heard many of the residents are also not in favour. However, it was the previous Councillor that allowed it to get approved without fighting for the ward we represented, and it follows the plans the current incumbent supports. The City Plan and the District Zoning plans support a casino there. This is largely because these plans are not clear in the type of development they are looking for. The ConnectEdmonton Strategic Plan promotes regional prosperity, which justifies the charity split remaining in the surrounding area at the expense of Edmonton charities. These are all plans this City Council, including the incumbent, support. Speaking of the incumbent, when she was vigorously opposing the casino to no avail, she did mention the lack of road infrastructure as a concern. I too share that concern, however, she’s the one who made the decision to not widen those roads, and she did so after the casino was approved. So when we compare what the incumbent says and what she actually does in Council chambers, we can see a clear difference. 

I don’t want to be a Councillor that tried to just undo everything of my predecessor. I do however believe that we need to periodically review every City Policy and active Bylaw to ensure they are consistent with the Edmonton we want to move forward with. During these reviews, we need to confirm they are delivering the results we expect. 

The best part about this principle, is that, for the most part, it does not require any action in Council Chambers, nor does it require the support of any other members of Council. All the active City Policies, Bylaws, Plans, and other legislative documents, are ALL publicly available. All that’s required is a Councillor that’s willing to review those documents and be able reference back to them. A Council member could submit an inquiry to have the Administration provide all of those documents, but it’s not necessary. 

The only thing the Administration cannot accurately provide, is the values of the Ward the Councillor represents. That’s why it’s so important to me to have that survey on my website. I want a guiding document that acts as a compass to ensure your values are reflected in the CIty’s governing documents. 

So, if you haven’t taken my survey yet, you can do so here. 

Remember, it’s not my voice going to City Hall - it’s yours. I’m just the vessel to carry your message.