What we've heard - Survey Results are In!

At this point in the campaign, just after Thanksgiving weekend, it's a good time to reflect on all the conversations we've had with Edmontonians at the doors.

Our campaign has knocked on, as of Monday October 11, just shy of 14,000 thousand doors in ward pihêsiwin. We've had almost 5000 conversations with residents at their homes, and those conversations have shaped our campaign priorities.

In addition to the conversations at the doors, we've also invited residents to complete a survey on our webpage, and with just a week until election day, it's time to report back on what we've heard.

Some things were as expected, and some things were a bit surprising.

Overall Survey Responses (n=128)

How satisfied are you with the current level of property taxes and the city's spending priorities?

No surprises here; the property tax burden (and especially the post-COVID level of increases) have been a stated concern for many Edmontonians.

Which issues should be the top priority for the next city council term?

With the growth of the ward, it was logical the ongoing development of infrastructure and services are the highest priority for residents in pihêsiwin.

How well do you think city council represents the views and priorities of Ward pihêsiwin residents?

An almost 50/50 split here!

Specific Resident Feedback (n=102)

In addition to the multiple choice questions above, residents were invited to answer the question:

What are your thoughts on the city's approach to infrastructure development in Southwest Edmonton (i.e. road expansions, transit improvements)?

Of the residents who provided feedback, we've sorted feedback by category, and highlighted a few specific quotes that have influenced our campaign priorities:

CIty Planning + Construction

The biggest area of concern - half of survey respondents (51/102=50% ) made some mention of construction and planning concerns. There are widespread concerns about newer greenfield developments, especially as planning for the new community of Kendal is taking place.

Separate from construction is the recognition that services are condensed as well - important resources such as the Riverbend Library and the Terwillegar Rec Centre are fairly inaccessible to community members living deeper in the south of the ward in the Glenridding and Keswick neighbourhoods, and while developer-built amenities such as playgrounds and greenspaces are available, it's striking that every form of activity south of the Henday is for-profit, and not public service (e.g. the Movati gym, all the shopping and dining in Windermere).

"I think the city builds transit infrastructure for the current needs, not thinking 10-20 years or even longer. The Terwillegar bridge over the Henday is a perfect example of that" - RM, Rhatigan Ridge

"I'm glad that such developments are taking place, but it feels "too little, too late" in a sense. Residents in the southwest are exhausted from endless construction zones, an issue which is going to get worse for years to come with the Terwillegar Drive bridge project. Once these developments are complete, I believe the southwest will be better, but by that time comes, will the infrastructure sustain the continued growth this area can expect to see?" - Anon., Terwillegar Towne

"It was bad for a long time, but happy to see some movement on Terweillgar drive as well as Ellerslie. That Rabbit Hill Road and Ellerslie intersection needs something done soon though, many accidents weekly and just a very bad intersection. Let's figure it out before it becomes too dangerous." - IW, Glenridding

Public Transit and Active Transportation

Almost one-third of survey respondents (32/102=31% made some mention of public transit and active transportation. It is encouraging to recognize that, while ward pihêsiwin remains quite car dependent (many large families, after-school obligations, and recreational activities), there is an understanding that reliable, safe public transportation is a solution to the traffic woes that plague the area.

Connected to this theme is that, while most people are happy with the Terwillegar Drive expansion project, there is also an understanding that an extra lane of traffic did not resolve traffic congestion as expected, and we need to continue to seek additional solutions.

"Knowing the Southwest region has seen rapid growth of residents, the infrastructure of roads is in dire shape. Traffic, especially during peak hours, is something I've never seen before as a resident living in Glenridding Heights for 14 years. Commuting to work has taken longer times due to traffic congestion. Additionally, more needs to be done to create accessible transportation/public transit, public spaces, and recreation....I also value living in a community that isn't so heavily car-centric so policies affecting my region must balance the need for people to drive cars everywhere" - TG, Glenridding

"Transit and alternative modes of transportation will provide the relief at rush hour that simply adding roads cannot provide." - Anon., Haddow

"The region could be better supported with more bus traffic along 23 Avenue feeding the Century Park station. This service should extend well into the late night to make travel into downtown and Old Strathcona more attractive." - Anon., Carter Crest

"Obviously the Terwillegar drive and whitemud construction are frustrating but probably necessary. I'm more excited by transit improvements, including the 31 BRT line. I hope that transit will continue to be expanded south past the Henday." - Anon., Ambleside

Other notable comments from our survey:

On density, but also green spaces. And bike paths:

"Stop building bike paths and taking away trees and natural areas. Stop expanding the city out. We should be going up not out. We need nature to survive, stop paving over it. Bike paths are useless in our city since we have snow and ice about 5 to 6 months of the year. Builds congestion in the roads and takes away much needed trees and green spaces." - NC, Haddow

Also on bike lanes (we'll assume this is tongue-in-cheek!):

"Everyone complains about the cost of bike lanes and how we're a winter city. But why stop there? We have outdoor swimming pools and splash parks too. Shut it all down!" - Anon. Henderson

On homelessness and safety:

"Don't just place Edmonton police at transit stations, place support workers and outreach there. Give unhoused people a worm place to go so they don't have to rely on transit stations to not freeze to death. Take care of citizens, even the ones who don't fund political campaigns." ML, MacGrath

On off-leash parks (noting that, while not mentioned explicitly in the survey, people DO tend to enjoy Terwillegar Dog Park, but this isn't the first comment that speak about the accessibility of parks if you're not a fan of puppies):

"I want fewer off leash areas as I do not feel safe with dogs running around i n al the nicest parts of Edmonton and harming wildlife" - SD, Brander

On the exclusivity of the SW - and noting that, there is a significant amount of essentially retirement housing (well built, single story, accessible duplexes) scattered around pihêsiwin, all built at a time when the ward was a much quieter place several decades ago)

"Please do not increase public transport anymore. People live southwest for a reason." - Anon., Leger