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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?
Rheubottom
Advocate for the priorities of the people you represent.
Candidate comments:
“In the budget process my role is to advocate for the priorities of both my ward and Edmontonians citywide. That means ensuring investments reflect needs like safety, housing, and services, while practicing stewardship through fiscal transparency, responsible spending, and predictable taxation. Budgets must deliver real value for residents.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view of the most important function of a councillor?
Rheubottom
Community representative.
Candidate comments:
“The most important role of a councillor is to be a community representative. Listening to residents and reflecting their priorities must guide every decision. That means showing fiscal stewardship to use tax dollars wisely and advancing a long-term vision that makes Edmonton more livable, but always rooted in the voices of the people we serve.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize regarding property taxes?
Rheubottom
Increase taxes only to keep up with inflation and population growth.
Candidate comments:
“This question is biased because it frames taxation as reactive, when the real issue is structural change. Council must commit to cost-efficiencies and economic growth so taxes stop rising year after year. Over time, residential taxes should fund core services, while non-residential and secondary revenues cover capital projects.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on 15-minute districts?
Rheubottom
Intervene to incentivize more mixed-use development and local services.
Candidate comments:
“Edmonton should incentivize mixed-use development and local services to create vibrant, complete communities. This does not replace city-wide mobility but complements it by ensuring daily needs are closer to home. Supporting housing diversity, local businesses, and public spaces makes neighbourhoods stronger while keeping the city connected.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development outside Anthony Henday Drive?
Rheubottom
Expand as the market demands.
Candidate comments:
“Edmonton must expand as the market demands. Artificial barriers only drive up housing costs. Responsible growth means supporting both infill and suburban expansion, so we grow up and grow out. By aligning new development with infrastructure and services, we can keep housing affordable while building complete, connected communities.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would guide infill development?
Rheubottom
Proceed as allowed under existing rules.
Candidate comments:
“I hear many residents who want the cap reduced on midblock row housing, and as councillor I would bring that forward under the current system. But the root issue is the cap itself. Predictability comes when density is tied to lot size, not arbitrary caps. With rigorous community engagement, strong design standards, and investment in amenities, infill can strengthen communities.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would incorporate climate change into decision-making?
Rheubottom
The climate is important, but must be balanced with other goals.
Candidate comments:
“Climate must be part of decision-making, but balanced with affordability, growth, and livability. Our focus should be on climate action that demonstrates meaningful impact, such as sustainable construction practices and energy-efficient infrastructure, rather than layering blanket policies that add cost without clear results.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would approach parking in commercial areas?
Rheubottom
Manage availability with tools like demand-based pricing.
Candidate comments:
“Parking must balance the needs of businesses, residents, and transit users. Demand-based pricing and flexible policies like open option parking help manage availability without overbuilding. Where changes affect businesses, such as new bus lanes, the City must work with them to ensure accessibility and protect local economic activity.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for downtown revitalization funds?
Rheubottom
Grow the residential population.
Candidate comments:
“Growing the residential population is the strongest path to revitalization. Affordable and diverse housing for students, seniors, and families creates a stable community that supports shops, services, and safer streets. A larger resident base also draws visitors and office activity, ensuring downtown thrives as both a neighbourhood and an economic hub.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your position on public funding for the arts?
Rheubottom
Essential to quality of life and in need of stable funding.
Candidate comments:
“Arts and culture are essential to Edmonton's quality of life and part of what makes our city vibrant. They are also a key economic driver: our festivals and venues attract tourism, support local business, and create jobs, something Edmontonians can take real pride in. Stable funding ensures these benefits continue while delivering strong returns.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to economic development?
Rheubottom
Invest in entrepreneurship and local businesses.
Candidate comments:
“Strong local businesses are the foundation of Edmonton's economy. By investing in entrepreneurs, improving access to capital, and cutting red tape, we help small businesses thrive. This creates vibrant communities and a competitive climate that naturally attracts new business and investment to our city.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development in the river valley?
Rheubottom
Increase accessibility and public amenities.
Candidate comments:
“The river valley is Edmonton's greatest natural asset, and we must protect its character while making it more accessible. Thoughtful amenities like trails, gathering spaces, and safe connections enhance quality of life, attract tourism, and support a vibrant city while protecting its ecological value.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize regarding aging recreation amenities?
Rheubottom
Extend the life of existing facilities and avoid closures.
Candidate comments:
“Recreation amenities are core to community life, so closures should be avoided. Extending the life of existing facilities shows responsible stewardship and keeps services accessible. Over time, we must plan for phased replacements where needed, ensuring new facilities are built strategically while neighbourhoods are never left behind.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on homelessness?
Rheubottom
Build and operate more permanent supportive housing.
Candidate comments:
“Permanent supportive housing is essential to addressing homelessness, paired with services that help people succeed long-term. I know this can raise concerns, which is why community engagement is critical in how housing is planned and integrated. Done right, it reduces disorder, improves safety, and builds stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advance to alleviate the housing crisis?
Rheubottom
Build housing, but only when other orders of government contribute.
Candidate comments:
“The housing crisis is real and Edmonton must coordinate with other governments to address it. The City is carrying more of the load than it should, with most support coming from the federal level. The province must do more to fund housing more broadly so Edmonton can target investments in specific projects more strategically.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on political parties at the municipal level?
Rheubottom
Parties will help council be more effective.
Candidate comments:
“Parties can make council more effective by fostering collaboration and coordinated policy development. Better Edmonton is rooted in shared principles like taxes, city-building, and safety, not provincial partisan affiliations. This keeps council focused on local priorities, strengthens accountability, and helps councillors deliver results for residents.”
Mixed
If the provincial government intervenes in a municipal matter, which would you prioritize?
Rheubottom
Stand up for Edmonton's autonomy.
Candidate comments:
“Edmontonians expect decisions to be made locally, and I will stand up for Edmonton's autonomy. At the same time, many capital projects rely on provincial and federal partnerships, so collaboration and mutual respect are essential. Protecting municipal authority while building strong relationships ensures better outcomes for residents.”
Mixed
If the City of Edmonton faces public pressure to fund services under provincial jurisdiction, which would you prioritize?
Rheubottom
Redirect public pressure to secure sufficient provincial funding.
Candidate comments:
“The City must not be forced to shoulder provincial responsibilities. When residents raise concerns, I will redirect that pressure to secure proper provincial funding. This protects Edmonton's budget while ensuring people get the services they need. Working with community partners strengthens that advocacy and ensures residents' voices are heard.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view of the City of Edmonton's responsibilities regarding Indigenous relations?
Rheubottom
Engage with Indigenous communities on specific issues.
Candidate comments:
“The City must be guided by its Indigenous Framework in all decisions, acting as a Listener, Connector, Advocate, and Partner. By working alongside Indigenous communities and embedding their perspectives into city policy, we can build a more inclusive and accountable Edmonton rooted in lasting reconciliation.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your guiding principle for council's relationship with the Edmonton Police Commission?
Rheubottom
Primarily provide stable funding and work through commission processes.
Candidate comments:
“Council's role is to ensure stable, predictable funding so police can meet their mandate while working through the commission for accountability. Having councillors serve on the commission is also important, as it allows council to clearly communicate how community safety concerns are being addressed.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to Edmonton's role in the metropolitan region?
Rheubottom
Re-establish a strong metropolitan approach with shared priorities.
Candidate comments:
“Edmonton must lead with a strong metropolitan approach that aligns housing, transit, land use planning, and core infrastructure like roads and utilities. By setting clear priorities and working with neighbouring municipalities, we can unlock funding, reduce duplication, and ensure growth delivers real value for Edmonton residents and the wider region.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on how major projects have been delivered?
Rheubottom
Performance is unsatisfactory because project management and execution are poor.
Candidate comments:
“Major projects drag on because of poor coordination and weak execution. Residents deserve better. By frontloading construction with evening and night shifts, we can shorten timelines without adding cost. Clear communication and stronger project management will ensure neighbourhoods see progress without endless disruption.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to building new capital projects?
Rheubottom
Build only if private partners or other orders of government contribute.
Candidate comments:
“New capital projects should move forward when Edmonton can show a clear value proposition that attracts other governments and private partners to co-invest. By proving these projects create long-term benefits, we can secure shared funding, reduce taxpayer burden, and deliver growth responsibly.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your position on roadway expansion?
Rheubottom
Expansion is important to reduce traffic congestion and accommodate growth.
Candidate comments:
“Edmonton is growing fast, and roadway expansion is important to reduce congestion and ensure new communities are connected. We need to plan and deliver these projects responsibly so traffic moves efficiently and goods move reliably. Transit investment remains important, but it should complement, not replace, the road network.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to strengthening council accountability?
Rheubottom
Implement a lobbyist registry.
Candidate comments:
“I support implementing a lobbyist registry as a tool for transparency and ethical accountability. But accountability must also show results. Expanding open data and public dashboards, alongside performance-based reporting, will ensure council decisions are tied to measurable outcomes so residents can clearly see the value of their tax dollars.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve community safety?
Rheubottom
Invest in addressing root causes to reduce disorder.
Candidate comments:
“We can have compassion for the unhoused and those facing mental health or addiction while prioritizing safety in public spaces. EPS has a key role, not only through enforcement but also community presence and partnerships. True safety is built through prevention, coordination, and thoughtful placemaking.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve street safety?
Rheubottom
Increase traffic-calming measures.
Candidate comments:
“Improving street safety starts with traffic-calming measures that slow vehicles and make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. EPS enforcement and encouraging other modes also play a role, but the most direct and effective action the City can take is designing streets that prevent collisions and keep neighbourhoods safe.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on bike lanes?
Rheubottom
Build less than is planned.
Candidate comments:
“The $100 million bike plan is overbuilt. Scaling back can be achieved by listening to neighbourhoods that want lanes and those that don't. Doorknocking in my ward shows residents would rather see core services prioritized. This isn't about eliminating the plan, but right-sizing it so investments reflect demand and community priorities.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for snow clearing?
Rheubottom
Spend more to improve clearing of roads.
Candidate comments:
“If there is one budget item I would fund more, it is snow removal. As a winter city this is a core service, and the largest gaps I hear from residents are on residential roads. Without any reduction, Edmonton should continue to clear its existing bike lanes, multi-use paths, public pedestrian squares, bus stops, LRT platforms, and staircases, while increasing its commitment to roads.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for high-capacity transit?
Rheubottom
Prioritize private vehicles instead of LRT or BRT.
Candidate comments:
“My ward has crucial roadway infrastructure needs, so I would prioritize private vehicles. But this does not mean abandoning transit. We can integrate and incentivize steady LRT growth and BRT development where ridership density supports it, while ensuring roads remain a safe, reliable mobility choice for residents who choose that option.”
Taproot Survey
Where do you stand on issues raised by voters in the 2025 municipal election?