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Agreement Summary
| Metric | Count |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 30 |
| All Candidates Agree | 5 |
| All Candidates Disagree | 0 |
Pairwise Agreement
| Candidate Pair | Agreement Count |
|---|---|
| Tim Cartmell & Michael Walters | 18 / 30 |
| Rahim Jaffer & Michael Walters | 15 / 30 |
| Andrew Knack & Michael Walters | 15 / 30 |
| Tim Cartmell & Rahim Jaffer | 14 / 30 |
| Tim Cartmell & Andrew Knack | 11 / 30 |
| Rahim Jaffer & Andrew Knack | 11 / 30 |
Mixed
Which would you prioritize in your role during the budget process?
Cartmell
Advocate for the priorities of the people you represent.
Candidate comments:
“As mayor, my priority in the budget process is to advocate for the people I represent. Zero-based budgeting is a chance to reset how we spend and ensure every dollar delivers value. I'll focus on safe streets, reliable infrastructure, and fiscal discipline—making sure Edmonton's priorities guide every decision.”
Jaffer
Scrutinize the budget in detail.
Candidate comments:
“We need to stop a 6.4% tax increase, and while myself and the council colleagues will have suggestions, we need to see administration's options.”
Knack
Scrutinize the budget in detail.
Walters
Advocate for the priorities of the people you represent.
Candidate comments:
“As mayor, my role will be to set clear, high-level direction that reflects Edmonton's priorities: safety, affordability, reliable service, a strong economy and smart growth. I will focus budgets on essentials, cut waste in large projects, and hold administration accountable. Council should guide the vision and outcomes, then ensure every dollar delivers value for residents”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view of the most important function of a councillor?
Cartmell
Community representative.
Candidate comments:
“As mayor or councillor, the most important role is to be a community representative: listening to residents, understanding their priorities, and making sure their voices shape every decision. Leadership starts with accountability to the people we serve, & that's how I'll ensure Edmonton's future reflects the needs of residents. I'd offer we've drifted too far away from this in the last two terms”
Jaffer
I don't have a position on this issue
Knack
Community representative.
Candidate comments:
“Building a Stronger Edmonton is about putting the needs of Edmontonians first. We need to make sure that our city works for everyone. That means better services, safer communities, and economic growth that benefits everybody.”
Walters
Community representative.
Candidate comments:
“A councillor or mayor must be both a community representative and a visionary leader. I have always believed leadership means focus and accountability, but it also requires listening to residents and earning their trust. They must take responsibility when decisions are tough, build partnerships to get things done, and keep trust with the people they serve”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize regarding property taxes?
Cartmell
Lower taxes by cutting spending.
Candidate comments:
“There is a better way to manage our budget. I've been very clear on my record over the last two terms and we have to do more to help residents with rising costs.”
Jaffer
Lower taxes by cutting spending.
Candidate comments:
“We need to stop a 6.4% tax increase, and while myself and the council colleagues will have suggestions, we need to see administration's options.”
Knack
Increase taxes only to keep up with inflation and population growth.
Candidate comments:
“Increasing taxes that keeps up with inflation and population growth will allow us to improve the quality of life of Edmontonians.”
Walters
Increase taxes only to keep up with inflation and population growth.
Candidate comments:
“I will push to reduce this year's projected tax increase by cutting waste in big capital projects, refocusing on essentials, and finding savings through smarter growth. Going forward, taxes should only rise with inflation and population growth, while protecting our industrial and commercial competitiveness, delivering better public services and protecting affordability.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on 15-minute districts?
Cartmell
Let the market provide more mixed-use development and local services.
Jaffer
Let the market provide more mixed-use development and local services.
Candidate comments:
“15 minutes cities develop and evolve naturally. Don't force feed the residents this. Let it evolve. In Old Strathcona and Downtown 15 minutes city virtually already exists. It will happened gradually, don't force it.”
Knack
Let the market provide more mixed-use development and local services.
Candidate comments:
“I support incentivizing more local services so people have the choice to live more locally.”
Walters
Intervene to incentivize more mixed-use development and local services.
Candidate comments:
“I support walkable, complete communities, but not a one-size-fits-all model. As mayor, I will incentivize mixed-use growth where it makes sense, near transit, along main streets, and in new neighbourhood hubs, while protecting affordability and respecting existing communities. The goal is choice: every resident should have access to services close to home and strong city-wide mobility.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development outside Anthony Henday Drive?
Cartmell
Expand as the market demands.
Jaffer
Expand as the market demands.
Candidate comments:
“There is a balancing act needed. We have great big neighbourhoods inside the Henday that need to be completed first: Blatchford and the Exhibition lands. While planning should get underway for additional neighbourhoods south of Ellerslie Road, we have a lot of land that needs to be developed in Blatchford and the Exhibition lands.”
Knack
Set a firm growth boundary.
Candidate comments:
“I'm comfortable with the growth boundaries as set in the City Plan.”
Walters
Set a firm growth boundary.
Candidate comments:
“I think the City's priority should be to work with what is already on the table by unlocking Blatchford, Exhibition Lands and other major sites, and building around transit where we have invested billions. I also support planning south of 41 Ave SW to meet demand, but alongside completing existing projects. Growth must be smart, well-sequenced and tied to affordability.”
All Agree
Which of the following comes closest to how you would guide infill development?
Cartmell
Slow the pace with stronger regulations.
Jaffer
Slow the pace with stronger regulations.
Candidate comments:
“I don't like your options above.
I have already called for administration to go back to the Infill reports and come back ready to repeal and replace the residential portion of Bylaw 20001. Sources inside admin tell me this is already happening.
We need infill. But it needs to match the character of the neighbourhood and each unit needs its own parking stall.”
Knack
Slow the pace with stronger regulations.
Candidate comments:
“I support a reduction back to 6 units mid-block, mature tree preservation, support the Heritage Place Strategy to ensure the character of our neighbourhoods is preserved. I also support the further development of the Priority Growth Areas to offset the mid-block changes.”
Walters
Slow the pace with stronger regulations.
Candidate comments:
“I support infill, but the current "eight-plex everywhere" approach to zoning and building has gone too far, too fast. I will work to rewrite the rules to reduce mid-block density to four units, allow six on corners, and set clear design standards so new homes fit neighbourhoods. Infill must protect affordability while restoring trust with communities and builders”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would incorporate climate change into decision-making?
Cartmell
The climate is important, but must be balanced with other goals.
Candidate comments:
“As an engineer, I approach climate impacts from a much nerdier lens than most. Our biggest opportunities to address climate issues at a municipal level are through major infrastructure like dry ponds, tree canopies and watershed.”
Jaffer
The climate is important, but must be balanced with other goals.
Knack
The climate crisis must be a consideration in every single decision.
Walters
The climate is important, but must be balanced with other goals.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would approach parking in commercial areas?
Cartmell
Manage availability with tools like demand-based pricing.
Jaffer
Increase supply and/or reduce prices.
Candidate comments:
“Parking prices is what has hurt Downtown and other parts of the city. It is time to lower parking rates and it is time to ensure after 5PM evening and weekends and holidays, parking is free downtown. This will help revitalize our downtown and bring people back.”
Knack
Reduce parking and reallocate land to other uses.
Candidate comments:
“The current epark/Hotspot system needs to be improved as there are too many people who do not feel the system is working for them. Reallocation of land to other uses should be focused on housing and mixed-use development.”
Walters
Manage availability with tools like demand-based pricing.
All Agree
Which would you prioritize for downtown revitalization funds?
Cartmell
Grow the residential population.
Candidate comments:
“We need to focus on prioritizing investments in the Downtown Action Plan.”
Jaffer
Grow the residential population.
Candidate comments:
“There are huge opportunities for commercial building owners to sell air rights and allow condos and rental apartments to be built downtown, which will attract more businesses, and then attract more visitors. But we also need to get out of the way and stop the red tape killing festivals and events downtown”
Knack
Grow the residential population.
Walters
Grow the residential population.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your position on public funding for the arts?
Cartmell
An economic driver, so prioritize projects with measurable economic impact.
Jaffer
An economic driver, so prioritize projects with measurable economic impact.
Candidate comments:
“I have incorporated the arts into my business at the Rooster Kitchen and Bar. I ahve called for the establishment of endowments with the Edmonton Community Foundation to help finance Festivals like the Folk and Fringe Festivals.
I have become quite distraught at the run down condition of the Citadel Theatre. Anything at the Citadel is as good as London West End or New York Broadway.”
Knack
Essential to quality of life and in need of stable funding.
Walters
Essential to quality of life and in need of stable funding.
Candidate comments:
“Arts and culture are essential to Edmonton's spirit. From festivals to live music to community celebrations, they connect us, drive our economy, and make our city vibrant. As mayor, I'll support stable, predictable funding so organizations can plan ahead, and I'll create and support initiatives like my Heritage 365 plan that make culture more accessible and visible across the city.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to economic development?
Cartmell
Invest in entrepreneurship and local businesses.
Jaffer
Remove barriers to business growth.
Candidate comments:
“I have committed to enabling permits in 30 days or they are automatically approved.”
Knack
Invest in entrepreneurship and local businesses.
Candidate comments:
“In my platform, I have a detailed economic policy which includes attracting new businesses, investing in entrepreneurship and local business, and removing barriers to business growth. All of these are critical to our city's economic development.”
Walters
Remove barriers to business growth.
Candidate comments:
“Beyond removing barriers, my approach to economic development is about restoring confidence and making Edmonton Canada's most investable city. That means revitalizing downtown and main streets, cutting red tape so businesses can grow, building a competitive tax and investment climate, and leveraging our strengths in innovation, culture, and education to attract people, jobs, and opportunity.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development in the river valley?
Cartmell
Increase accessibility and public amenities.
Jaffer
Increase accessibility and public amenities.
Candidate comments:
“What ever happened to those proposals to Touch the River? places for boats to tie up and be landed so folks can come ashore?”
Knack
Protect it as a continuous natural area.
Candidate comments:
“While my voting record has prioritized protecting the River Valley as a continuous natural area, I am willing to consider very thoughtful development of public amenities and in select locations (ex: River Crossing) dependent on thorough engagement with Indigenous Peoples.”
Walters
Increase accessibility and public amenities.
Candidate comments:
“The river valley is our city's greatest asset. I'll protect it as a natural space, while expanding safe trails, gathering areas, and cultural and recreation opportunities. I'll make it more connected and accessible so every Edmontonian can enjoy it, without compromising its natural integrity.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize regarding aging recreation amenities?
Cartmell
Extend the life of existing facilities and avoid closures.
Candidate comments:
“We'll need strong partners to activate future recreation amenities to serve our growing population. I hear a lot from parents that kids cannot find ice time or turf time, we need to shift this.”
Jaffer
Close lower-use sites and upgrade the remaining ones.
Knack
Decommission aging facilities and build replacements.
Candidate comments:
“Social infrastructure is critical to the quality of life for all Edmontonians. These amenities should be available across all communities in Edmonton.”
Walters
Extend the life of existing facilities and avoid closures.
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on homelessness?
Cartmell
I don't have a position on this issue
Jaffer
Build and operate more permanent supportive housing.
Candidate comments:
“I have pledged to work with the province to establish a recovery village for addicts, mentally ill, and homeless, to get them off the streets and into wrap around services on site.”
Knack
Build and operate more permanent supportive housing.
Walters
Build and operate more permanent supportive housing.
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advance to alleviate the housing crisis?
Cartmell
I don't have a position on this issue
Jaffer
Lower costs and remove barriers for private and non-profit builders.
Candidate comments:
“We have not done enough to support cooperative housing in Edmonton where costs can be 15-30% lower than traditional rentals.
The Exhibition grounds and Blatchford Field need to have their housing accelerated, the timeliness are too long.
30% of the city's permits are behind schedule and I've committed to permit approvals in 30-days or the approval is automatic.”
Knack
Build housing, even without provincial or federal partners.
Candidate comments:
“I will always pursue partnership with other orders of government, private sector, and non-profit organizations to increase the supply of affordable housing in Edmonton. People are not political footballs especially when there are cost-effective, proven, and evidence-based solutions that save money and lives.”
Walters
Lower costs and remove barriers for private and non-profit builders.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on political parties at the municipal level?
Cartmell
The existence of parties will have little effect.
Candidate comments:
“The legislation, as it is written, doesn't allow for the function of municipal parties after the election. Prior to the election, parties serve as a demonstration of transparency, accountability and hopefully providing the voter more clarity on where folks stand on certain issues.”
Jaffer
Members of council should be free from party affiliation.
Candidate comments:
“Its a council, we need to work together, that is why I'm running without a party.”
Knack
Members of council should be free from party affiliation.
Walters
Members of council should be free from party affiliation.
Mixed
If the provincial government intervenes in a municipal matter, which would you prioritize?
Cartmell
Negotiate with the province to ensure the best practical outcome.
Jaffer
Negotiate with the province to ensure the best practical outcome.
Candidate comments:
“Edmonton is a creature of the province, a corporate body, to deliver local services. The Mayor and Council are the Board of Directors.”
Knack
Stand up for Edmonton's autonomy.
Walters
Negotiate with the province to ensure the best practical outcome.
Mixed
If the City of Edmonton faces public pressure to fund services under provincial jurisdiction, which would you prioritize?
Cartmell
Redirect public pressure to secure sufficient provincial funding.
Jaffer
Redirect public pressure to secure sufficient provincial funding.
Knack
Fund the services to ensure quality of life.
Candidate comments:
“We need to invite all levels of government to the table but I will no longer use jurisdiction as an excuse when lives are at stake.”
Walters
Redirect public pressure to secure sufficient provincial funding.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view of the City of Edmonton's responsibilities regarding Indigenous relations?
Cartmell
Be guided by the Indigenous Framework in all decisions.
Jaffer
Engage with Indigenous communities on specific issues.
Candidate comments:
“We need to engage with First Nations and Métis on social housing for both status and non-status persons who have moved off reserve to the City of Edmonton.”
Knack
Be guided by the Indigenous Framework in all decisions.
Walters
Engage with Indigenous communities on specific issues.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your guiding principle for council's relationship with the Edmonton Police Commission?
Cartmell
Primarily provide stable funding and work through commission processes.
Jaffer
Primarily provide stable funding and work through commission processes.
Candidate comments:
“City Councillors on the Police Commission who break operational security need to be fired from the Commission.”
Knack
Scrutinize commission decisions and demand greater transparency.
Walters
Primarily provide stable funding and work through commission processes.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to Edmonton's role in the metropolitan region?
Cartmell
Pursue collaboration on specific projects.
Jaffer
Focus on Edmonton's own needs and goals.
Candidate comments:
“I will not interfere in the local development decisions of my neighbours but work with them collaboratively on joint projects. We have to get this right. Whispers of amalgamations are circulating at the local level among our neighbours: so they can challenge Edmonton economically. Hence our need to lower taxes in Edmonton or we become the hole in the donut.”
Knack
Re-establish a strong metropolitan approach with shared priorities.
Walters
Re-establish a strong metropolitan approach with shared priorities.
All Agree
Which of the following comes closest to your view on how major projects have been delivered?
Cartmell
Performance is unsatisfactory because project management and execution are poor.
Candidate comments:
“All three of these answers are true: Performance is unsatisfactory because we are doing too much at once, because project management and execution are poor. Communication and transparency could be improved. As an engineer, I know we can fix this and I've laid out a detailed infrastructure policy to get us moving again!”
Jaffer
Performance is unsatisfactory because project management and execution are poor.
Candidate comments:
“The compounding of multiple projects in the same corridor on multiple roadways connecting downtown to the west end has been most frustrating especially the response given is to keep moving a few blocks north to the next major road, while it too is under construction. 500 people in integrated project delivery, and the council didn't spy this issue when a ghant chart review would have.”
Knack
Performance is unsatisfactory because project management and execution are poor.
Candidate comments:
“The vast majority of City projects are finished on budget and on schedule but the cumulative impact of projects has made life challenging for Edmontonians and local businesses. I have championed new ways to complete construction that has shorten construction timelines and can now be used across the city.”
Walters
Performance is unsatisfactory because project management and execution are poor.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to building new capital projects?
Cartmell
Maintain existing infrastructure instead of building more.
Jaffer
The candidate chose not to answer
Knack
Build even if it means taking on more debt.
Candidate comments:
“We need to use restraint in borrowing for large projects but we also need to ensure that all communities in Edmonton have access to the basic amenities they need. Fire halls, recreation centers, libraries, police stations, etc. are not frivolous.”
Walters
Maintain existing infrastructure instead of building more.
Candidate comments:
“I will advocate for a 70/30 renewal/growth ratio in the next Capital Budget and implanted a "small is beautiful" approach to new projects with a focus on smaller scale neighborhood amenities.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your position on roadway expansion?
Cartmell
Maintaining existing roads would be a better use of funds than expansion.
Jaffer
Expansion is important to reduce traffic congestion and accommodate growth.
Candidate comments:
“Depending on the type of road determines who pays. There is a cost to growth and it is not road over transit, it is both are required.”
Knack
Expansion is important to reduce traffic congestion and accommodate growth.
Candidate comments:
“Induced demand is real. There is also a need to address certain pinch points because they impact our transit service and have an impact on commute times in this city. We must continue to invest in transit as part of any transportation network expansion.”
Walters
Maintaining existing roads would be a better use of funds than expansion.
Candidate comments:
“My priority is to get better value from the infrastructure we already have and to improve our transit system. That means maintaining roads properly, reducing costly construction delays, and focusing growth around existing investments like LRT. Expansion should follow when demand and affordability justify it. Edmontonians deserve reliable, well-kept roads.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to strengthening council accountability?
Cartmell
Maintain existing mechanisms.
Jaffer
Implement a lobbyist registry.
Candidate comments:
“I have no problem with a lobbyist registry, in fact, with it, and the existing mechanism to track voting records should be sufficient with the addition of one more thing:
Quarterly Open Forum Town Hall meetings with the Mayor and Councilors so residents can come and hold their city government accountable for the decisions made.”
Knack
Implement a lobbyist registry.
Candidate comments:
“A lobbyist registry should be the bare minimum.”
Walters
Implement transparency tools other than a lobbyist registry.
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve community safety?
Cartmell
Press other orders of government to deliver health and social services.
Candidate comments:
“I'd select all three of these answers including: Increase enforcement in public spaces and on transit and investing in addressing root causes to reduce disorder.”
Jaffer
Increase enforcement in public spaces and on transit.
Candidate comments:
“I have committed to adding 500 additional police officers over four years. But I have also committed in my platform to work with the province to expand on their drug addition recovery community model by creating a recovery village to take in not only addicts but homeless, and mentally ill and provide wrap around services until they are well enough to transition to more permanent housing.”
Knack
Invest in addressing root causes to reduce disorder.
Candidate comments:
“My community safety plan requires all three options to be advanced.”
Walters
Invest in addressing root causes to reduce disorder.
All Agree
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve street safety?
Cartmell
Increase enforcement of bylaws.
Jaffer
Increase enforcement of bylaws.
Knack
Increase enforcement of bylaws.
Candidate comments:
“As the person who championed the creation of Vision Zero Street Labs, I am committed to continued investment in traffic-calming measures.”
Walters
Increase enforcement of bylaws.
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on bike lanes?
Cartmell
Build only what has already been planned.
Candidate comments:
“I recently put forward a motion to pause bike lane construction until our standing infrastructure committee is formed in 2026. Bike lanes are needed but we aren't integrating them thoughtfully with community at the table and that needs to change.”
Jaffer
Build less than is planned.
Candidate comments:
“Your survey lacks options. We need to freeze construction on Bike lanes. Errors have been made where Bike lanes block development. Those need to be corrected. Bike lanes, while yes, they need to be built, are not priority over pot hole repair and transit, police and fire, water and sewer.”
Knack
Build only what has already been planned.
Candidate comments:
“To be clear, the initial investment is not all that has been planned and there is a detailed Bike Plan that shows where we should be building infrastructure and I believe it's important to continue that work.”
Walters
Build only what has already been planned.
All Agree
Which would you prioritize for snow clearing?
Cartmell
Spend more to improve clearing of roads.
Candidate comments:
“I'd also pick this answer: Spend more to improve clearing of sidewalks and pathways. Both need to be addressed.”
Jaffer
Spend more to improve clearing of roads.
Candidate comments:
“85% of Edmontonians drive. 24 hours after snowfall, Edmonton's freeways and arterials need to be as good as if not better than the provincials highways. Waiting until the snow stops means its too late! Intersections compacted with snow turn to ice by then.”
Knack
Spend more to improve clearing of roads.
Candidate comments:
“I support spending more to improve the clearing of roads and the clearing of sidewalks/pathways, particularly around seniors residences and centres.”
Walters
Spend more to improve clearing of roads.
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for high-capacity transit?
Cartmell
Prioritize bus rapid transit (BRT).
Candidate comments:
“I've been a steadfast fan of BRT since the day I was first elected!”
Jaffer
Continue expanding light rail transit (LRT).
Candidate comments:
“It is essential that LRT get to the International Airport ASAP. Cities with fewer air travelers (Kyiv - Boryspiel) and lower populations (Ottawa) have rail to their airports, why can't we? We are losing out on global conventions over this.”
Knack
Prioritize bus rapid transit (BRT).
Candidate comments:
“Based on our upcoming 4-year capital budget, BRT is the most realistic high-capacity transit option that we will be able to fund. Although, I will advocate to the other orders of government to continue the expansion of existing LRT routes to other parts of the city (ex: Castle Downs).”
Walters
Prioritize bus rapid transit (BRT).
Taproot Survey
Where do you stand on issues raised by voters in the 2025 municipal election?