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Calgary Herald
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
'Absolute mess': Public put on hold as city council wades through marathon zoning session
Article content 'It's creating false hope in the community or misleading the public.' Article content Even though they were told they were free to go, the majority in the gallery elected to remain. Attendees included mayoral hopeful Tony Caterina and Reed Clarke, who is running for election in Ward Nakota Isga as part of Cartmell's Better Edmonton party. Another Better Edmonton member, Ward papastew's Joshua Doyle, was also there. Article content What council did get to Article content They sat and heard as council addressed another zoning issue, which also has been a hot-button topic in mature neighbourhoods. The zoning bylaw currently states that the city would 'support' small-scale densification developments in existing residential neighbourhoods, even if the projects were outside of the 'nodes and corridors' specified in the City Plan. This led to blowback from community groups concerned that this created a development free-for-all. Article content Article content An amendment on the table would see the city consider upzoning if the development meets two of these conditions: 'In a node or corridor area or within 100 metres of a node or corridor area; within 400 metres of a mass transit station; along an arterial roadway or a collector roadway; at a corner site or adjacent to a park or open space; adjacent to a site zoned for greater than small-scale development.' The proposed change would create some rules for developers to follow. Article content 'It's a good first step,' said John Soltice, a co-founder of Edmonton Neighbourhoods United, 'But it could go further.' Article content Another speaker, Sabina Qureshi, said that she's encouraged that council is 'finally listening' to residents. Article content 'These are the people who live in the neighbourhoods,' she said. 'These are the ones you should listen to. These are the people who elect you.' Article content Article content Like Soltice, Jennifer Faulkner of the Parkallen Community League said the proposal is a first move to prevent 'overbuild neighbourhood capacity.' She's concerned that the zoning bylaw opens the entire Parkallen neighbourhood to redevelopment, when the south side of the community has only one access to an arterial road and can't handle the added capacity. Article content But, there are other considerations at play. While there is no doubt a grassroots movement happening throughout the city's mature neighbourhoods to battle the zoning bylaw, there are investors who have already sunk money into in-progress developments and they worry that changing the rules after just one year pulls the rug out from under their feet. There are also concerns that blocking densification efforts would, eventually, push house prices higher and wreck the affordability advantage that Edmonton has over other major Canadian cities. Article content 'Shifting back to minimizing density after just a year stands to undercut these efforts,' said Kelvin Hamilton, a local architect. Article content Rick Dulat is a developer with more than 20 projects on the go, and seven are in the permitting process. He warned council that changing the rules could result in legal actions against the city. Article content 'This is not how a reliable permitting process works.' he said. Article content 'It's hard not to see the political motivations at play,' said Dulat, a swipe at Cartmell's planned motion to pause infill. Article content Dulat said he's been developing in mature neighbourhoods for a decade. And, he's met resistance. He said signage of a corner-lot development in Crestwood was vandalized with the words 'slum lord.' Article content 'I am really tired. I am exhausted. I face racism. I face vandalism.' Article content A balancing act Article content Coun, Andrew Knack, expected to be Cartmell's main rival for the mayor's chair, said council will strike a balance between the two opposing forces. Article content Article content 'We've been making changes to the zoning bylaw for the last decade and, each time we make changes, there are always going to be some applications that are impacted,' he said. 'We absolutely want to respect (the development industry's) time and attention. We also need to make sure we're listening to the residents that we serve, as well. Article content 'We'll probably debate what the the right time is for this to take effect, and if there are any legal requirements that we have as a city for applications under review.' Article content
Calgary Herald
11-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Former Edmonton Stingers CEO Reed Clarke launches bid for city council
A familiar name in Edmonton sports and business circles is entering the municipal politics arena for the first time. Article content Article content Reed Clarke, the former CEO and co-owner of the Edmonton Stingers and current CEO of Sport Edmonton, announced his candidacy for city council in Ward Nakota Isga this weekend, bringing what he describes as a 'fresh approach' rooted in collaboration, community and economic vitality. Article content Article content 'I love this city,' Clarke told Postmedia ahead of the launch. 'As somebody who grew up and was raised in the ward, bought my first house there, learned to play the sport I love the most — basketball — and still coaches these kids at the Grovenor Community League in basketball, it's really a full circle moment for me.' Article content Article content Nakota Isga is the west-end ward that has been represented by Coun. Andrew Knack, who is not seeking another term as councillor but is reportedly considering a run for mayor. Article content Clarke's platform is built around three pillars. The first is connected, which is all about building strong relationships among stakeholders, including the province, federal government, police, business leaders, and fellow council members. Clarke believes consensus-building and collaboration are essential to civic government's ability to 'get things done and to move forward with a better Edmonton.' Article content The second pillar is community, emphasizing Clarke's deep roots in the area and commitment to enhancing Edmonton's unique network of community leagues. Article content Article content 'Edmonton is one big community in my mind,' he said. 'I want to embrace and support them, and make everyone welcome in communities, especially in Nakota Isga, and make those safe, inviting places for everybody,' he said. Article content Article content The third pillar is commerce, reflecting Clarke's background and his desire to make Edmonton 'the best place in Canada to do business,' particularly among major cities. He said he will advocate for quicker permit and licence approvals and stronger partnerships with the private sector to drive 'equitable, responsible' development. Article content 'I think working with the business community and having a really good relationship with them is something that's needed in city council,' he added. Article content Clarke's campaign will also lean on his experience in sports leadership. Under his tenure, the Edmonton Stingers became a 'community powerhouse,' selling out 70 per cent of their home games and winning the Canadian Elite Basketball League's Community Service award with over 1,000 volunteer hours logged.
Edmonton Journal
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Former Edmonton Stingers CEO Reed Clarke launches bid for city council
'I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and be there. I think actually being on the ground will allow me to have those real conversations in a community league, in the playground' Reed Clarke, former president, CEO and co-owner of the Edmonton Stingers, is launching his campaign for city council in Ward Nakota Isga with a focus on community engagement and civic pride. Supplied photo A familiar name in Edmonton sports and business circles is entering the municipal politics arena for the first time. Reed Clarke, the former CEO and co-owner of the Edmonton Stingers and current CEO of Sport Edmonton, announced his candidacy for city council in Ward Nakota Isga this weekend, bringing what he describes as a 'fresh approach' rooted in collaboration, community and economic vitality. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors 'I love this city,' Clarke told Postmedia ahead of the launch. 'As somebody who grew up and was raised in the ward, bought my first house there, learned to play the sport I love the most — basketball — and still coaches these kids at the Grovenor Community League in basketball, it's really a full circle moment for me.' Nakota Isga is the west-end ward that has been represented by Coun. Andrew Knack, who is not seeking another term as councillor but is reportedly considering a run for mayor. Clarke's platform is built around three pillars. The first is connected, which is all about building strong relationships among stakeholders, including the province, federal government, police, business leaders, and fellow council members. Clarke believes consensus-building and collaboration are essential to civic government's ability to 'get things done and to move forward with a better Edmonton.' The second pillar is community, emphasizing Clarke's deep roots in the area and commitment to enhancing Edmonton's unique network of community leagues. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Edmonton is one big community in my mind,' he said. 'I want to embrace and support them, and make everyone welcome in communities, especially in Nakota Isga, and make those safe, inviting places for everybody,' he said. The third pillar is commerce, reflecting Clarke's background and his desire to make Edmonton 'the best place in Canada to do business,' particularly among major cities. He said he will advocate for quicker permit and licence approvals and stronger partnerships with the private sector to drive 'equitable, responsible' development. 'I think working with the business community and having a really good relationship with them is something that's needed in city council,' he added. Clarke's campaign will also lean on his experience in sports leadership. Under his tenure, the Edmonton Stingers became a 'community powerhouse,' selling out 70 per cent of their home games and winning the Canadian Elite Basketball League's Community Service award with over 1,000 volunteer hours logged. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He also founded the Fresh Nets foundation, which revitalizes basketball and ball hockey infrastructure in local parks — something he hopes to expand through the campaign. Former Edmonton Stingers CEO and co-owner Reed Clarke announces his candidacy for Edmonton city council in Ward Nakota Isga on Saturday, May 10. 2025. Photo by Steven Sandor 'Fresh approach' to engagement Former mayor Stephen Mandel was among the attendees at Clarke's launch party on Saturday, during which the host gave away door prizes from his sports apparel company City of Champs. He did not indicate whether he plans to join a political party, such as the one being put together by mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell. He did say that an early priority for the next council is to restore Edmonton's nickname as the City of Champions — a move that Cartmell also supports. Though new to politics, Clarke said that's part of what he brings to the table. 'I'm not a politician. I haven't been active in politics, and I want to take a fresh approach to how I can get my message out there to people,' he said. 'I would love to host and then be invited to a lot of these community gatherings. I want to make that a really great opportunity for all the residents in that community to be able to have a real easy conversation, face to face with me, about things that we can address.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. On pressing issues like housing, infrastructure and public safety, Clarke isn't offering fixed prescriptions just yet. Instead, he's prioritizing listening directly to residents and asking questions. As part of that, he also acknowledged the importance of engaging marginalized and under-represented groups. 'You've got to put a lot of miles on. I pride myself on (being) somebody who is involved in the community,' he said. 'I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and be there. I think actually being on the ground will allow me to have those real conversations in a community league, in the playground.' This will be Clarke's first run for elected office, and while he admits to being 'excited and nervous,' he said the timing feels right to 'jump on this ride.' — With files from Steven Sandor cnguyen@ Read More Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here . You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. 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