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Compare Taproot Survey responses from up to four candidates side-by-side
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Mixed
Which would you prioritize in your role during the budget process?
Watson
Scrutinize the budget in detail.
Candidate comments:
“If Edmonton can't get the basics right, how can we trust the big numbers? Projects show 'on budget' online, but in reality millions are added over years. On Sept 5, council debated acoustics for offices while families face 20% tax hikes. Admin brings research — but it's council's job to set priorities that matter.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view of the most important function of a councillor?
Watson
Community representative.
Candidate comments:
“City administration does the research, and they're the subject matter experts. But at the end of the day, it's up to councillors to decide whether those recommendations are the right decisions for Edmonton.
Our city is unique. What works in Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto might not be appropriate here. That's why Edmonton's councillors need to apply a local lens — to weigh expert advice.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize regarding property taxes?
Watson
Increase taxes only to keep up with inflation and population growth.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on 15-minute districts?
Watson
Prioritize city-wide mobility instead of pursuing 15-minute districts.
Candidate comments:
“District Plans have eroded real neighbourhood planning with a one-size-fits-all approach. As a planner, I believe Edmonton needs to bring back neighbourhood planning — because each community has its own demographics, density, and character. Planning should fit people, not force sameness.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development outside Anthony Henday Drive?
Watson
Expand as the market demands.
Candidate comments:
“New neighbourhoods aren't the 'traditional suburb' anymore — they're denser and more compact. But servicing them with existing fire halls, police, and operations yards can be cost-prohibitive. The real build cost should reflect the true servicing costs, not just roads and pipes. There are several inner city areas that are affordable.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would guide infill development?
Watson
Slow the pace with stronger regulations.
Candidate comments:
“The new zoning bylaw has eroded neighbourhood character and context. I'd support bringing back parking minimums, stronger landscaping to prevent canopy loss, park and amenity upgrades when density rises, and contextual building requirements — so growth strengthens communities instead of stripping their identity.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would incorporate climate change into decision-making?
Watson
The climate is important, but must be balanced with other goals.
Candidate comments:
“The City loves to virtue signal: solar panels on buildings that aren't even turned on. Or 9.5 km of bike lanes with grass strips instead of naturalization, then $60M+ to retrofit nearby parks for flood mitigation. We say 'green' — but too often, we don't follow through”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would approach parking in commercial areas?
Watson
I don't have a position on this issue
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for downtown revitalization funds?
Watson
Grow the residential population.
Candidate comments:
“I'd support converting City facilities rather than selling them off for fire-sale prices, as is currently planned. I'd also lease City land instead of selling it — and add tools like TIFF financing on top of CRLs to actually promote building, while keeping public ownership intact”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your position on public funding for the arts?
Watson
An economic driver, so prioritize projects with measurable economic impact.
Candidate comments:
“I see the arts as an economic infrastructure, however the grants and funding I'd need to understand more to make decisions on what is tangible and achieving success and based on what outcomes.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to economic development?
Watson
Invest in attracting new businesses to the city.
Candidate comments:
“I support an 'Edmonton is Calling' campaign to recruit small and medium-sized businesses to our city. By using creative economic tools — like leasing City land, TIFF financing, and targeted incentives — we can attract investment, grow jobs, and make Edmonton the best place for entrepreneurs to put down roots”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development in the river valley?
Watson
Accelerate development at select locations.
Candidate comments:
“I support improving rossdale and key locations across the city.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize regarding aging recreation amenities?
Watson
Extend the life of existing facilities and avoid closures.
Candidate comments:
“If our goal is 50% of all new development to be infill, then we should be improving existing sites.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on homelessness?
Watson
Build and operate more permanent supportive housing.
Candidate comments:
“I support the Housing First approach. Smaller leases, meeting people where they are with support (relationship with the province), and taking communities through a proper journey with true "support" including waste and policing around the facilities. 1$ of support offsets 9$ of related economic impacts.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advance to alleviate the housing crisis?
Watson
Build housing, even without provincial or federal partners.
Candidate comments:
“We require more non market housing, I also support government intervention similar to cities across the world. The money we give though, however, we would need to ensure its used efficiently and that we know how much housing and numbers of people supported whenever requested.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on political parties at the municipal level?
Watson
Members of council should be free from party affiliation.
Candidate comments:
“I do not support parties. I also do not support voter lists and independents who say they are but are backed by the party machine.”
Mixed
If the provincial government intervenes in a municipal matter, which would you prioritize?
Watson
Conduct a review to see if our shortcomings are at fault.
Candidate comments:
“If a community disagrees and council/admin doesn't want to hold a public discussion, then it often escalates. The city does need to listen and make sure residents are heard to avoid, regardless the city's "policy".”
Mixed
If the City of Edmonton faces public pressure to fund services under provincial jurisdiction, which would you prioritize?
Watson
I don't have a position on this issue
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view of the City of Edmonton's responsibilities regarding Indigenous relations?
Watson
I don't have a position on this issue
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your guiding principle for council's relationship with the Edmonton Police Commission?
Watson
Primarily provide stable funding and work through commission processes.
Candidate comments:
“Positive change begins with positive relationships between council and the commission. Then through council we can request and support change if required.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to Edmonton's role in the metropolitan region?
Watson
Re-establish a strong metropolitan approach with shared priorities.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on how major projects have been delivered?
Watson
Performance is unsatisfactory because project management and execution are poor.
Candidate comments:
“Over budget, false reporting, misinformation - it needs an overhaul.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to building new capital projects?
Watson
Maintain existing infrastructure instead of building more.
Candidate comments:
“I support expanding existing sites (ie rec centres). Some capital is OK, but what is built "rolls royce vs jetta" is important as that impacts operating impacts of capital.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your position on roadway expansion?
Watson
Investing in transit would be a better use of funds than expansion.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to strengthening council accountability?
Watson
I don't have a position on this issue
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve community safety?
Watson
Increase enforcement in public spaces and on transit.
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve street safety?
Watson
Increase enforcement of bylaws.
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on bike lanes?
Watson
Build less than is planned.
Candidate comments:
“With Complete Streets, council is trying to make Bonnie Doon the same as Calder, the same as Dunluce. But every community has its own demographics, density, and landscape. To me, planning should be community-based — shaped by the people who live there. We do not need double corridor bike lanes like 132 Ave, I'd prefer priority transit and one lane, for example.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for snow clearing?
Watson
Spend more to improve clearing of sidewalks and pathways.
Candidate comments:
“This is a basic service not improved in decades due to budget priority. We do need to level up fines for parking bans and not clearing snow for accessibility and basic walking.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for high-capacity transit?
Watson
Prioritize bus rapid transit (BRT).
Candidate comments:
“I support a route on 97 St N from Castle Downs to downtown.”
Taproot Survey
Where do you stand on issues raised by voters in the 2025 municipal election?