Reed Clarke

Candidate for councillor in Nakota Isga

Affiliation: BE

Reed Clarke

Taproot Survey response

This 30-question, multiple-choice survey is based on hundreds of responses to our invitation to Edmontonians to share what issues they care about most, as well as further insights gathered at listening sessions, input from dozens of community partners, and our own observations of what the next city council will face.


Here are Reed Clarke's responses to the survey:


Advocate for the priorities of the people you represent.

Candidate comments: “I need and will be a voice for the residents of Nakota Isga during the budgeting process first. Their needs will be my starting point when building out all future budgets.”

  • Scrutinize the budget in detail.
  • Provide high-level direction.
  • Advocate for the priorities of the people you represent.
  • Skip this question

City council sets an operating and capital budget every four years. Twice annually, councillors adjust the budget and finalize a tax increase or decrease for the coming year. In March, council voted to transition to a zero-based budgeting process. Council will start the budget at zero rather than use a past budget as a starting point.

Community representative.

Candidate comments: “I think a great city councilor can be a true leader, fiscally responsible and an amazing community representative all at the same time.”

  • Prudent fiscal manager.
  • Visionary leader.
  • Community representative.
  • Skip this question

A city councillor must balance interests that can be at odds. Beyond public interests, a councillor's relationship with administration is also central to their work. Council oversees administration through the two employees it can hire and fire — the City Manager and the City Auditor. Residents with frustrations with administration often take these concerns to councillors. How willing those councillors are to hold administration accountable can affect their relationship with their constituents.

I don't have a position on this issue

  • Lower taxes by cutting spending.
  • Increase taxes only to keep up with inflation and population growth.
  • Increase taxes to improve quality of life.
  • Skip this question

City council approved a 5.7% tax increase for 2025. Canada's consumer price index was 1.7% in July 2025 and Edmonton's population increased by 5.76% in 2024. In 2021, council approved a 0% property tax increase to provide economic relief to those struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic.


Prioritize city-wide mobility instead of pursuing 15-minute districts.

Candidate comments: “Having services close to home/business is a plus and should be considered in any urban planning especially of new neighborhoods but we also need to make sure our citizens can get around the city for work, sports/recreation and leisure in a reasonable amount of time. Manageable commute times are a competitive advantage for Edmonton versus many other large cities, and we can't lose sight of this.”

  • Intervene to incentivize more mixed-use development and local services.
  • Let the market provide more mixed-use development and local services.
  • Prioritize city-wide mobility instead of pursuing 15-minute districts.
  • Skip this question

Edmonton's City Plan, approved by the previous council, introduced the 15-minute communities concept here, though it was well established elsewhere. The current council has since passed the associated district planning policy. Though the 15-minute concept has become a global lightning rod for conspiracy theories, at its root, it seeks to see a city designed to allow more of one's daily errands to be doable within a 15-minute walk, bike, or transit trip. This broad idea suggests shifts to housing and commercial development in established districts, and de-prioritizes Edmonton's previous design ethos of building a city that's easy to drive through.

Set a firm growth boundary.

Candidate comments: “I think there is still lots of land development opportunities with our city limits whether that is inside or outside the Athony Henday. I would like to see those areas developed (especially inside the Henday aka Blatchford and Northlands before we look to expand the city boundaries for increased expansion.”

  • Expand as the market demands.
  • Finish what's started first.
  • Set a firm growth boundary.
  • Skip this question

The city's proposed substantial completion standard would mandate that developing neighbourhoods achieve a level of progress before new development is allowed in future growth areas. A city report found new neighbourhoods will cost the city $1.4 billion more than they will bring in through tax revenue. BILD Edmonton, meanwhile, advocates for the city to allow development to expand to future growth areas, arguing that new suburbs can be cost-effective.

Slow the pace with stronger regulations.

Candidate comments: “The residents of Nakota Isga understand the importance of dentification for the city and their communities. They just want to see it done in a responsible and practical way. I will advocate for stronger regulations in mature neighbourhoods with a focus on developing the the nodes and corridors throughout the ward.”

  • Proceed as allowed under existing rules.
  • Slow the pace with stronger regulations.
  • Halt further development and revisit policies.
  • Skip this question

Edmonton's new zoning bylaw took force in 2024, permitting many new infill builds. Housing starts in June 2025 were up 82% compared with 2024. Though housing has surged, sprawl continues. In 2025, as the election campaigns kicked off, infill made headlines. A proposed moratorium and a proposal to limit the size of mid-block buildings both failed, though council did vote to make some minor adjustments to infill regulations. Recent surveys found that only 14% of respondents see infill as a top concern.


The climate is important, but must be balanced with other goals.

  • The climate crisis must be a consideration in every single decision.
  • The climate is important, but must be balanced with other goals.
  • A climate lens on all decisions would create unacceptable costs and delays.
  • Skip this question

Climate resilience is a goal in ConnectEdmonton, the city's strategic plan for 2019-2028. During the current term, city council approved new climate-focused procedures and the Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan. It also tabled its first carbon budget, which forecast that it is not on track to hit targets. One report found that many city buildings are vulnerable to climate-related hazards; another showed that a majority of Edmontonians are concerned about climate change.

Manage availability with tools like demand-based pricing.

Candidate comments: “Many business owners need parking to thrive, and many commuters count on parking when they visit their favourite businesses. This is a relationship that is not going to end anytime soon. I believe there is a better way to manage parking availability in commercial areas for both parties.”

  • Increase supply and/or reduce prices.
  • Manage availability with tools like demand-based pricing.
  • Reduce parking and reallocate land to other uses.
  • Skip this question

Through its Curbside Management Strategy, which has been in discussion during this council's term, Edmonton employs variable pricing in several parking zones, like downtown, and is rethinking its allocation of curbside space to private motor vehicles. The city also employs open option parking, after striking mandatory parking minimums in the last council's term, meaning businesses can now dedicate the amount of parking they see fit for their operations. Competing uses for space often involve parking. Some businesses north of downtown are concerned that a new dedicated bus lane will erode parking for their customers and hurt their bottom lines.

Grow the residential population.

Candidate comments: “The more people living downtown, the better. Additional residents downtown will help solve a lot of the current issues we are facing. Attracting more visitors, spectators and workers to this area is great and needs to be priority but I would emphasize more people living in the core.”

  • Grow the residential population.
  • Increase the number of office workers.
  • Attract more visitors.
  • Skip this question

Past investments to revitalize Edmonton's downtown have led to malls, LRT, and arenas. Current projects include the Downtown Action Plan, the $15-million Housing Accelerator Fund to build student housing, a $26-million pedway, roughly $45 million to build Warehouse Park, and a $400-million deal between the city, province, and OEG to build an event park beside Rogers Place and spur new housing. But the COVID-19 pandemic shifted work patterns. A decade ago, downtown's workforce was once more than 92,000, with tens of thousands more in students and residents. Today far fewer office workers, including city workers, journey downtown and the area's businesses are increasingly dependent on events, such as crowds drawn by the Edmonton Oilers.


Essential to quality of life and in need of stable funding.

Candidate comments: “Arts are an integral part of our city identity and have always been something that Edmonton is proud of. Stable funding with measurable metrics determined by both the EAC and the city are needed to ensure we remain on track of being a leader in the arts scene nationally, globally.”

  • Essential to quality of life and in need of stable funding.
  • An economic driver, so prioritize projects with measurable economic impact.
  • Not a core responsibility, so prioritize funding essential services instead.
  • Skip this question

The city funds the arts through the Edmonton Arts Council. In late 2024, EAC changed its funding strategy because its budget has been stagnant since 2021. The strategy update pauses multi-year funding for arts organizations until 2026. Artistic hubs are increasingly asking private citizens for donations to survive. From the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival to the Harcourt House Artist Run Centre to Grindstone Theatre, public dollars appear insufficient to keep the lights on. The EAC also oversees public art, and changed its finance model in 2021.

Invest in attracting new businesses to the city.

Candidate comments: “Ideally, I would pick all 3 answers as are ALL needed to improve our cities economic development. Attracting new businesses to the city will only happen is barriers are reduced/removed and if local businesses can work in conjunction with new businesses coming to Edmonton. Often times a new business (or industry) coming to a city can help spawn even more enterprises lead by local entrepreneurs.”

  • Invest in attracting new businesses to the city.
  • Invest in entrepreneurship and local businesses.
  • Remove barriers to business growth.
  • Skip this question

Edmonton has created multiple tools to develop its economy, including Edmonton Unlimited, its formative support to propose and create Edmonton Global, its investments in startups and small businesses through the Edmonton Edge Fund, and its 2022 work on its Business Licence Bylaw, which was created to streamline processes. Council has, during this term, worked to improve the so-called "red tape" that slows permitting and licensing. Regardless, business leaders often point to city planning, timelines, construction decisions, parking policies, tax rates, and other decisions as being central to their fortunes. During this council's term, concerns about Edmonton's non-residential tax rate, which is higher than surrounding municipalities, began to be discussed, as did the city's increasing reliance on residential property taxes due to its industrial tax base shrinking in relative terms.

Increase accessibility and public amenities.

Candidate comments: “The river valley is a special unique place for the City of Edmonton. I believe it needs to be celebrated and embraced more often by its residents and visitors.”

  • Protect it as a continuous natural area.
  • Increase accessibility and public amenities.
  • Accelerate development at select locations.
  • Skip this question

In 2025, council approved the updated River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan. It now allows administration to approve developments of up to 10,000 square metres without council oversight. Before this, council unanimously approved a rezoning for a Nordic spa in the valley, despite it breaking city policies. Advocates said that eroded public trust. New projects in the river valley include the Edmonton Bike Park (though far larger is the existing roadway infrastructure). In the distance are the ongoing efforts by the River Valley Alliance to build more than 100 kilometres of new trails.


Extend the life of existing facilities and avoid closures.

Candidate comments: “Recreation centers are keys community hubs for active living. Extending the life of well used aging facilities can make sense and I would lead the most toward this answer. I will say that city council does need to look at every situation individually and evaluate all options moving forward so in the end recreation is viewed a must not a want.”

  • Extend the life of existing facilities and avoid closures.
  • Decommission aging facilities and build replacements.
  • Close lower-use sites and upgrade the remaining ones.
  • Skip this question

Many inner-city facilities were erected in previous generations and need investment. In 2020, during budget deliberations, administration proposed closing Wîhkwêntôwin Outdoor Pool, Scona Pool, Eastglen Pool, and arenas in Wîhkwêntôwin and Tipton, to save $1.2 million. Council voted this down, though Scona was closed in 2022. Work to revitalize the Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, which incorporates the Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre, meanwhile, is scheduled to be completed in 2026. Its capital budget is $153 million.

Fund supportive services to alleviate suffering.

  • Build and operate more permanent supportive housing.
  • Fund supportive services to alleviate suffering.
  • Enforce bylaws to manage disorder.
  • Skip this question

City council has limited tools to combat homelessness: The province has jurisdiction over healthcare, community and social services, and social assistance, and cities rely on property taxes to fund their programs. Regardless, Edmonton's work on zoning bylaw renewal is aimed at increasing housing supply. In 2024, this council passed an affordable housing strategy and a homelessness and housing services plan. In 2025, council has approved the sale of city land well below market prices to supportive housing projects. The challenge nonetheless remains dire. The most recent By Name List data from Homeward Trust tracks more than 4,700 Edmontonians who have no housing or temporary housing.

Build housing, but only when other orders of government contribute.

Candidate comments: “I think this is our best option moving forward. If we can get other forms of government on board, we can both alleviate costs and provide the housing that is still needed in this city.”

  • Build housing, even without provincial or federal partners.
  • Build housing, but only when other orders of government contribute.
  • Lower costs and remove barriers for private and non-profit builders.
  • Skip this question

During this term, city council passed the zoning bylaw renewal, the most comprehensive shift to Edmonton's land use planning since the 1960s. The bylaw permits far greater housing forms and densities in most parts of the city. In 2023, council also approved an Affordable Housing Developments strategy, which includes a housing accelerator fund. The number of people without housing has increased during this council term, from roughly 2,800 in 2021 to nearly 5,000 in 2024. Housing Complex examined the complexity of the housing crisis in Edmonton.


The existence of parties will have little effect.

Candidate comments: “The role of political parties will little effect on future city council governance. I believe that each perspective councilor running will represent the needs of their wards first.”

  • Members of council should be free from party affiliation.
  • Parties will help council be more effective.
  • The existence of parties will have little effect.
  • Skip this question

The provincial government introduced parties and slates to Edmonton and Calgary's municipal elections with bills 20 and 50. Registered parties may now fundraise as much as individual candidates, and they can distribute money amongst party candidates for mayor and council however they see fit, giving party candidates a distinct financial advantage over independents. More than 70% of Albertans surveyed by the province, as well as Alberta Municipalities, have opposed parties and slates being allowed into municipal elections. As of Sept. 5, Edmonton has two registered municipal parties: Better Edmonton, and Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton (PACE).

Stand up for Edmonton's autonomy.

Candidate comments: “An elected city councilor's first priority is to represent and stand up for the citizens that voted them into office and the authority that comes with that position. I would like to think that my future councilors and I would be able to deal with the GOA at a positive and productive level before they would think to take dealing with municipal affairs.”

  • Stand up for Edmonton's autonomy.
  • Conduct a review to see if our shortcomings are at fault.
  • Negotiate with the province to ensure the best practical outcome.
  • Skip this question

The provincial government has exerted influence over matters that primarily belong to the municipal government since the last election. The province increased the number of people it appoints to the Edmonton Police Commission in late 2024. Later, Dale McFee, who was then the chief of the Edmonton Police Service, asked the province to investigate two city-appointed commissioners. (McFee now works for the province.) Plus, Devin Dreeshen, the transportation minister, has called for Edmonton to halt building bike lanes for which contracts are already signed.

Redirect public pressure to secure sufficient provincial funding.

Candidate comments: “We cannot solve some of these problems on our own financially - we need support from the province to help us deal with serious issues. These very real concerns of the COE need and should be the concerns of the GOA. We need alignment here on funding because we can't continue to do it alone while lives are at risk.”

  • Fund the services to ensure quality of life.
  • Refuse to fund and focus resources on municipal responsibilities.
  • Redirect public pressure to secure sufficient provincial funding.
  • Skip this question

Edmonton has more than 4,700 unhoused citizens, and more than 70% of opioid deaths in the province during March and April happened in the city. Both social failings are the province's jurisdiction, through its oversight of healthcare, community and social services, and social assistance. Edmonton has routinely raised concerns that these provincial matters are driving municipal costs. Edmonton's Fire Rescue Service spent more than $9 million responding to medical emergencies in 2023. In years past, the city provided its police service with more than $1 million to cover transporting prisoners to the remand centre.


Engage with Indigenous communities on specific issues.

Candidate comments: “There is some great work being done within the Indigenous Framework including the 4 roles outlined by the city for everyday work. This is a valuable template with detailed policies and calls to action. I do believe that great focus on specific crucial issues is still needed.”

  • Be guided by the Indigenous Framework in all decisions.
  • Engage with Indigenous communities on specific issues.
  • Focus on core municipal services, leaving reconciliation to the federal and provincial governments.
  • Skip this question

Before Edmonton existed, Indigenous peoples used what became the city as a meeting place and home, and signed Treaty 6 with the Canadian government. This has made the city's relationship with Indigenous nations complex. At the end of the last council's term, Edmonton adopted the Indigenous Framework. It sought to balance city processes with Indigenous approaches, and has led to basics like allowing smudging in recreation facilities, and increasing awareness across the city's workforce. The city launched its Municipal Response Plan in 2022 to respond to the 94 calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada report. The city's work on Indigenous-led housing remains complex.

Primarily provide stable funding and work through commission processes.

  • Primarily provide stable funding and work through commission processes.
  • Scrutinize commission decisions and demand greater transparency.
  • Make police funding contingent on achieving specific outcomes.
  • Skip this question

The city funds the Edmonton Police Commission. Until recently, council appointed its 10 civilian and two councillor members. In 2022, however, the provincial government gave itself powers to appoint commissioners, adding three in 2024. The commission develops policing budgets. Since 2018, council has used a funding formula based on inflation and population growth to determine how much it will increase the police budget. In late 2024, former chief Dale McFee retired, replaced by interim deputy chiefs. In early 2024, the commission requested two councillors be removed from sitting on the commission but council voted in September to keep them.

Re-establish a strong metropolitan approach with shared priorities.

Candidate comments: “One of Edmonton's great selling points is that it is part of a Captial region with strong municipalities. Working together needs to be a priority as it will enhance the entire metro area from a finacial and social standpoint.”

  • Focus on Edmonton's own needs and goals.
  • Re-establish a strong metropolitan approach with shared priorities.
  • Pursue collaboration on specific projects.
  • Skip this question

The Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board, which coordinated growth across the region and had roots back to the 1940s, is no more. In late 2024, the provincial government decided to cut funding. In January, council unanimously passed Mayor Amarjeet Sohi's motion instructing administration to collaborate with other regional municipalities to initiate a "new voluntary regional governance table." Research suggest regional governance helps municipalities, especially to curb costly sprawl, but can create resentment in forcing policies like density targets.


Performance is unsatisfactory because we are doing too much at once.

Candidate comments: “I would argue that the entire Nakota Isga ward and really all of the west-end have been impacted the most by the recent and ongoing LRT / road construction. Although I believe that management and communication do need to be improved the shear amount of construction happening at the same time is main issue leading to incredible frustration for residents and commuters daily.”

  • Performance is satisfactory, but communication and transparency could be improved.
  • Performance is unsatisfactory because project management and execution are poor.
  • Performance is unsatisfactory because we are doing too much at once.
  • Skip this question

City projects (from a capital budget of $7.9 billion) are 94% on budget and 75% on schedule, according to the city's dashboard. Resident experience can feel less convincing. Overlapping road and LRT construction has irked residents on the west side of the city. Business owners along the LRT route continue to express frustration. Simultaneous work on Jasper Avenue, along with LRT construction on 104 Avenue, has added frustration.

Build only if private partners or other orders of government contribute.

Candidate comments: “Maintenace and renewal are the priorities, but I would not rule out future capital projects if the opportunity to partner with other forms of government and the private sector presented itself. We have to explore all options because of the current COE financial situation.”

  • Build even if it means taking on more debt.
  • Build only if private partners or other orders of government contribute.
  • Maintain existing infrastructure instead of building more.
  • Skip this question

The city faces a $1.5-billion shortfall in its 2023-2026 capital budget for infrastructure maintenance and renewal. Council voted in March to support a dedicated renewal fund. Under the Municipal Government Act, the city's debt servicing cannot exceed 21% of city revenues. The city is projected to reach its peak debt servicing level in 2028.

I don't have a position on this issue

  • Expansion is important to reduce traffic congestion and accommodate growth.
  • Maintaining existing roads would be a better use of funds than expansion.
  • Investing in transit would be a better use of funds than expansion.
  • Skip this question

Enacting decisions made by previous councils, Edmonton is building the Terwillegar Drive Expansion, which will see extra lanes for drivers and a dedicated lane for buses. The total cost, split between the city and province, is more than $200 million. Edmonton is also working on the Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion. The provincial and federal governments are contributing up to $241.6 million each; Edmonton is on the hook for the rest of the more than $1-billion project (recently, costs have escalated). During this council, Edmonton created a plan for housing developers to foot the bill for lane expansions for Winterburn Road.


Implement transparency tools other than a lobbyist registry.

  • Implement a lobbyist registry.
  • Maintain existing mechanisms.
  • Implement transparency tools other than a lobbyist registry.
  • Skip this question

Former mayor Don Iveson created a lobbyist registry for those asking the mayor to support financial interests or policies. Iveson said it set an example. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has carried this forward, though some suggest it be extended across all of council. In 2025, council passed the Council Disclosure Bylaw, specifying that councillors disclose financial donations on the city's own website. In 2025, the provincial government eliminated council-governed codes of conduct through Bill 50. The change means Edmonton still has an integrity commissioner, but they have limited powers. Councillor voting records, meanwhile, are tracked on the open data portal.

Increase enforcement in public spaces and on transit.

Candidate comments: “perception is reality - right now people don't feel safe in many public spaces and on transit. We will never have the type of city we all want without safety. I don't believe this is just an EPS enforcement issue, we need additional support from all levels of government & to support local agencies that are making gains dealing with the root causes that lead to social disorder.”

  • Increase enforcement in public spaces and on transit.
  • Invest in addressing root causes to reduce disorder.
  • Press other orders of government to deliver health and social services.
  • Skip this question

The Edmonton Police Service's budget is the city's largest line item, at roughly $592 million in 2025. The Community Outreach Transit Team, a partnership with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, was created to improve safety on transit during the last council, but the current council has expanded it and approved a contract extension. Upcoming for council is a review of expanding the authority of peace officers, thereby reducing the need for police in some matters, though any change would need to be enabled by the provincial government.

Increase enforcement of bylaws.

Candidate comments: “I think traffic calming measures when used appropriately are great start to slow down traffic and improve street safety but actually having more enforcement of the bylaws already in place would result in increased safety for everyone using our roads and paths.”

  • Increase traffic-calming measures.
  • Increase enforcement of bylaws.
  • Reduce vehicle traffic by incentivizing other modes of transportation.
  • Skip this question

In 2015, Edmonton became the first Canadian city to adopt Vision Zero, and during the last council it reduced the base speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h to increase the likelihood that someone hit by a driver lives. During this council, the city's Street Labs division has worked with numerous neighbourhoods to install measures that calm driver speeds in an attempt to make streets safer for people not in cars. This council has also recently approved updates to its Complete Streets policy. The policy is foundational, meaning it guides basic design and construction of street infrastructure.


I don't have a position on this issue

  • Build only what has already been planned.
  • Build more than is planned.
  • Build less than is planned.
  • Skip this question

Edmonton's city council made national headlines in 2022 when it approved a $100-million investment over three years in the 2023-2026 budget to increase active transportation infrastructure. In 2021, the current council also approved a bylaw directing safe distances for drivers passing cyclists. Since the 2023 decision, the city has built roughly 30 kilometres of bike lanes, with a further 31 kilometres planned for 2026. In 2025, several Edmonton community members approached the provincial government to attempt to stall or cancel some lanes. Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said he's opposed to projects that take away driving lanes. In 2025, an Ontario court struck down a provincial push there to remove bike lanes.

Spend more to improve clearing of roads.

Candidate comments: “I've heard over and over again the issues with snow clearing for both roads and pathways from Nakota Isga residents. Both need to be done but I hear about far more issues with zero or minimal clearing of roads than sidewalks or bike lanes. This is also needed to improve bus transportation.”

  • Spend more to improve clearing of roads.
  • Spend more to improve clearing of sidewalks and pathways.
  • Spend the same amount.
  • Skip this question

The city spends $67 million to remove snow and ice, with 55% of that used to clear 11,000 linear kilometres of vehicle lanes and 45% to clear 1,500 kilometres of bike lanes, multi-use paths, public pedestrian squares, bus stops, LRT platforms, and staircases. This past winter, the city added a mapping tool for non-road surfaces, split up its snow and ice crews and resources between roads and the rest of Edmonton's public surfaces, and tested a different kind of salt. Recent council decisions include a multi-year increase to Edmonton's Snow and Ice Control program, the creation of a high-priority sidewalk index, and an admin report that seeks $8 million to fix sidewalks and increase snow removal on active pathways. The next council will decide on that request.

I don't have a position on this issue

  • Continue expanding light rail transit (LRT).
  • Prioritize bus rapid transit (BRT).
  • Prioritize private vehicles instead of LRT or BRT.
  • Skip this question

The current council approved $5.5 million for concept planning for three bus rapid transit routes that will travel in dedicated lanes — B1, B2, and B6 (which is part of the Terwillegar Drive Expansion). Council also approved $7.1 million for transit priority measures. The next council will be tasked to decide on funding for detailed BRT design, and then construction. A 2018 city report estimated BRT costs 25% less than LRT.


Pitch

Here is the pitch that Reed Clarke shared:

“Team Taproot - Thank you for taking the time to hear my views while supporting a great local media organization. I love this city, and I love this community. As a born and raised Edmontonian I truly believe this city has amazing potential and I want to be part of seizing that opportunity. I hope I conveyed in my answers how much I care about making the responsible decisions that will make this city a place where everyone can be proud to call home. I might not have all the answers, but my commitment is work harder than anyone to get it right and make Edmonton a true City of Champions in every respect!”

Learn more at www.reedclarke.ca