March 11, 2025
This week we had the pleasure of having Andrew Knack, City of Edmonton Councilor since 2013, representing the people of Ward Nakota Isga.
Andrew spoke of the challenges over the past years, including the COVID period, the property tax roller coaster, but in particular the impact of rapid population growth. In the past 3 years, Edmonton's population has grown 20% or 200,000 people (current population is about 1.2 million). Approximately 2/3 of this growth is from immigration and the balance from internal migration inside of Canada. Since the city's geographic growth is limited due to restrictions on annexing further real estate on the boundaries of Edmonton, growth must occur within the city, meaning that density has to increase. This is causing some friction especially in older neighbourhoods as older homes are replaced with higher density infill structures. There are tradeoffs with both pros and cons with increased density, a balance that city constantly works to manage.
Andrew, thanks for taking the time and meeting with Club members and taking some difficult questions. Your honesty is appreciated.