A group of Edmontonians banded together Saturday afternoon in a protest against all current members of city council, citing grievances that have been the topic of debate leading up to the city’s municipal election in October.
Herb Link Park saw a gathering of around 75 people who said they’re concerned about council direction on infill, bike lanes, crime, transit safety, supportive housing and taxation, among other things.
Chairperson of a group called Stop the Destruction of Dunluce, Janina Syrnyk, said the protest is a partnership with Edmonton Neighbourhoods United to petition voting out current council members.
“Today is about community, today is about ensuring we educate people, to get new council in that actually listens to our voices,” she told CTV News Edmonton at the protest on Saturday.
“It’s very important because the last four years have just been a disaster.”
Syrnyk cites her own neighbourhood as evidence. Dunluce, a community in north Edmonton, will see narrowed street construction, dwindled greenspaces and tax hikes, she said.
Her group recently brought a petition of 700 people to council to implement a better system for the neighbourhood’s renewal.
“Even with a petition handed in … they said no. Too bad. So sad,” she added. “They have their own agenda.”
Among the faces was current Ward pihêsiwin Coun. Tim Cartmell, who is now running for mayor. Syrnyk said she was glad to see current candidates come out to hear more on the issues.
“We want [voters] to ensure that they ask a lot of very, very difficult questions and not just get fluffy answers,” she said.
Fellow mayoral candidates Rahim Jaffer and Tony Caterina were also in attendance.
“We need action. We can’t continue to have words. My policy is clear on this. I think we need to protect our mature neighbourhoods,” Jaffer said to the crowd.
He referenced the ongoing infill debate in Edmonton neighbourhoods, calling Cartmell out for saying “good things” but not showing up to the council vote on the topic in July.
There are 12 wards in Edmonton, each with multiple candidates vying for a council position. There are three wards that will see a new face after election day.
Wards pihêsiwin and Nakota Isga have no incumbents as Cartmell and Andrew Knack both petition for the council’s top job.
Current Ward sipiwiyiniwak Coun. Sarah Hamilton is also not seeking re-election.
Edmonton’s election day is Oct. 20. A full list of candidates for city council, mayor and school board trustees can be found on the Edmonton Elections website.
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Galen McDougall
