Fort Saskatchewan FAQs

Fort Saskatchewan Concerns

Are you in favour of the new pool and fire hall?

I have been asked this question many times including at the Candidates forum on October 2. I’m in favour of both projects. I support building a new fire hall — the City’s data shows that some areas in Fort Saskatchewan, especially parts of Southfort and the new developments near Heartland Ford, don’t have adequate coverage. The City’s standard is a 10-minute response time for 90% of calls, and right now, that’s not being met in those areas. Can we find some savings on the new fire hall? Absolutely. I haven’t seen a strong business case for spending millions on new administrative offices. Maybe there’s a public safety argument to be made, but so far, it hasn’t been clearly laid out. Same goes for the proposed $1 million enclosure for the old fire truck — that might be better suited to fundraising or another revenue source.

As for the pool, the last census showed that 61% of residents supported building a new $54 million facility, which has since grown to a $74 million version. I understand that not everyone was in favour, and I respect that. But as someone who may represent our community, I believe it’s important to honour the wishes of the majority. That said, I do think there’s room to explore cost-saving options. City Administration conducted survey results showed that residents didn’t support adding an obstacle course or a cold plunge pool. By listening to that feedback, we could save around $3 million — and still deliver a great facility that meets community needs.

What do you think about revisions to the Land Use Bylaws (LUB)?

I strongly support preserving the unique character of each neighbourhood and any changes should have broad support and be shaped by those who live there. Feedback from Pineview residents has been clear. In the February 2025 engagement report, 99% of those who raised concerns about dwelling height supported a maximum of 8 metres. This height better reflects the low-scale nature of most homes in Pineview and aligns with the LUB’s objectives. Keeping the default 10-metre height (roughly 2½ stories) would go against both resident input.

Personally, I support a two-tier height regulation for Pineview. One would set a maximum of 8 metres for areas near low-scale homes, which make up about 90% of the neighborhood. The other would allow up to 10 metres in areas adjacent to higher-scale homes, which represent roughly 10% of Pineview. This approach respects the existing character and avoids the pitfalls of a blanket regulation. We need to strike a thoughtful balance between the needs of Pineview residents and the small number of homes that currently stand at 10 metres tall. It’s a bit of a challenge, but it’s important to respect those property owners and ensure they’re not negatively impacted by new regulations. At the same time, we must be careful not to encourage more development at that scale—especially since the vast majority of Pineview residents have clearly expressed a preference for maintaining the low-scale character of their community.

During recent engagement as part of the Draft Estate District Review, residents expressed strong concerns about the introduction of backyard dwelling units, noting that such changes could disrupt the very character they cherished when they first moved in. Many emphasized the importance of preserving the unique identity of their neighbourhoods—communities they chose for their spacious lots and quiet streets. These perspectives are invaluable, and they underscore the importance of thoughtful planning that respects the history, aesthetics, and expectations of our established neighbourhoods.

What are your views on public transit?

Transit in Fort Saskatchewan definitely has its challenges. Right now, it only recovers about 15% of its costs through fares, compared to around 33% in Edmonton. That’s likely due to low ridership combined with high fixed costs.

I think it’s time to take a closer look at how our system is working. At the very least, the City should do some analysis on where riders are coming from and where they’re headed. As it stands, we’ve got a route that loops around the city without really considering who’s using it or what their needs are.

Looking at the bigger picture, Fort Sask doesn’t have a dense business or employment core, and our population is pretty spread out. That makes traditional transit tricky. One idea worth exploring is an on-demand bus service, like what they’ve done in Spruce Grove and parts of south Edmonton. With the right technology, we could build a more flexible system that actually meets people where they are.

How can we find savings in the budget?

Charting a Responsible Path Forward for Our City Budget

As we look ahead to the upcoming city budget, one thing is clear: finding meaningful savings is not just important—it’s essential. With two major capital projects on the horizon and a commitment to maintaining the current level of services, we face the challenge of doing more with less in an economic climate where real incomes remain stagnant.

This moment calls for thoughtful decision-making. Every program and expenditure must be backed by a clear rationale—a solid business case that demonstrates value to our community. That means taking a hard look at what we fund, why we fund it, and whether it still serves the needs of our residents today.

To succeed, we need collaboration. Councillors, Council, and City Administration must come together to identify programs that were once effective but may no longer be necessary—or that require reimagining to better serve our evolving city. By working in partnership, we can ensure that our budget reflects both fiscal responsibility and a forward-thinking vision for our community.

Why did you decide to run for City Councillor?

I recall a period in my life when I was balancing two jobs, launching a business, raising a young family, and caring for aging parents. Those demanding years gave me a deep appreciation for the contributions of others in public service. I made a personal commitment: once my career settled and my children were grown, I would give back in the most meaningful and impactful way possible. That promise led me to serve as Chair of Heartland Air Monitoring, Chair of the Fort Saskatchewan Police Committee, and Treasurer of the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank. Through these roles, I realized that my ability to build consensus and apply a practical, financially minded approach could be of real value at the municipal level. Serving as a Councillor is a natural extension of my dedication to community. I also recognized the importance of having visible and engaged elected officials, which aligns perfectly with my love for connecting with residents and listening to their concerns.

What makes you a good representative for Fort Saskatchewan?

Serving my community has always been close to my heart. Over the years, I have worked in leadership roles at MacEwan University, shaping curriculum and teaching future business leaders to make intelligent, evidence-based decisions. I have also been deeply involved in nonprofit work—leading the Heartland Air Monitoring Partnership, supporting the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank as Treasurer, and chairing the Policing Committee. These roles have given me hands-on experience with issues that matter: clean air, food security, and public safety.

I believe Councillors should be visible, approachable, and ready to listen. I enjoy connecting with residents and working together to find practical solutions. I strongly believe in teamwork and finding common ground, even when people see things differently. With an extensive background in finance, leadership, and community engagement, I bring a thoughtful, collaborative voice to City Council.

What is something that you would like your constituents to know about you?

I know what it feels like to count every penny, go without, and stretch limited resources. I understand the pressure families and businesses face—especially with low-interest mortgages renewing and the growing affordability crisis. I have lived with tight household and business budgets, made tough financial decisions, focused on essentials, and said no to spending that does not fit.

I care deeply about making government easier to understand. At MacEwan, I supported students whose families had no post-secondary experience by volunteering as a contact to help guide them through administrative challenges. I might not always have the answer, but I will find the person who does. I will bring that same dedication to Fort Saskatchewan’s civic government. As part of my financial reporting for the Food Bank, I often include a teaching component to help board members understand the financial and economic context behind their decisions. When people understand the “why,” they feel empowered to shape the “how.”