Edmonton voters will be electing at least three new city councillors this municipal election. Wards 4, 5 and 9 have no incumbent and the races are wide open.
“In these vacant contests, these new competitors have to sell themselves to the community,” says Chaldeans Mensah, a political scientist at MacEwan University.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Edmonton’s 2017 municipal election
Outgoing city councillors Bryan Anderson, Michael Oshry and Ed Gibbons are not running in the 2017 election.
Ward 9
According to the 2016 municipal census, Ward 9 is one of the most populated and fastest growing parts of Edmonton with a population of 104,000.
The southwest Edmonton area also has the highest percentage of children from kindergarten to Grade 6, and transportation is one of the top priorities.
There are five candidates vying for Anderson’s vacated seat.
Ward 5
In Ward 5, outgoing councillor Michael Oshry is bowing out after one term and nine candidates are running to replace him. The area includes a mix of mature neighbourhoods and newer developments. In the Rio Terrace neighbourhood, infill development is fuelling the debate.
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“It’s going to change the whole look of the neighbourhood,” says Rio Terrace resident Ryan Kirkland. “People buy in to these neighbourhoods for the bungalows, the large yards and the privacy.”
READ MORE: Outgoing Edmonton councillor weighs in on experience, future of city
Ward 4
Ward 4 includes neighbourhoods like Belvedere and Clareview and has several mixed-used communities and the pressure caused by growth is a key issue.
The area also has a high percentage of children from kindergarten to Grade 6. Resident Kathleen Boschman says the area is lacking in community recreation centres.
“There’s most definitely a need for community centres – stuff for young kids,” Boschman says. “My kids are all active and into sports.”
Ward 4 is probably the most competitive ward with 12 candidates on the ballot, more than any other ward.
Watch below: On Monday, Edmonton voters will be electing at least three new city councillors this municipal election. Wards 4, 5 and 9 have no incumbent and the races are wide open. Carole Anne Devaney moderates a panel discussion on the upcoming vote.
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