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It's Edmonton's
time to lead.

Join me in building a winning future for pihêsiwin - and all of Edmonton.

It’s Edmonton’s time to lead with stronger foundations.

Edmonton is growing fast — and we need solid foundations to keep pace. That means real value for your tax dollars, safer and more vibrant communities, and opportunities that give our youth a future here. These are my priorities to get it done.

My priorities

  • Get the basics right first.

    Edmonton is growing fast, but we aren’t always getting value for our tax dollars. We need to focus on core services that matches our growth — things like fixing our roads, clearing snow, keeping our streets safe, funding libraries, recreation centres, and emergency services (Fire Rescue Services and EPS), and maintaining/building critical infrastructure — so we’re building a strong foundation before adding new costs.

    Strong communities everywhere.

    Every part of Edmonton deserves access to great amenities. I’ll push for a new library and a mid-sized recreation centre in the growing neighbourhoods South of the Henday so families have the spaces they need.

    Expand the Riverbend Library.

    The Riverbend Library is bursting at the seams and I’ll champion its expansion.

  • Attract new investments.

    By prioritizing agencies like Edmonton Global and Explore Edmonton, we can bring in international and domestic investments into sectors such as AI, clean energy, biotech to create good local jobs.

    Make permits simpler.

    I’ll work to streamline commercial and industrial permitting by understanding what causes delays, fixing bottlenecks, and guiding business owners every step of the way. This will make it easier for Edmonton to grow responsibly while keeping community voices and accountability at the centre.

    Sustainable industry.

    Edmonton should welcome industries that grow our tax base and create opportunity — while protecting our environment and long-term future. By growing our industrial and commercial tax base we can help reduce the tax burden on all residential property owners.

    Showcase Edmonton.

    Work with Explore Edmonton to showcase Edmonton through conferences, trade shows, and international events, which could bring new opportunities to our city.

    Setting the stage for growth.

    By properly funding core services, building safe and vibrant communities, ensuring reliable transportation, partnering with universities, and making smart planning decisions, we set the stage for attracting global investment and making Edmonton investment-friendly.

    Support small businesses.

    I’ll champion workshops and networking events at city-run venues to connect local entrepreneurs with mentors and investors so they can succeed right here at home.

    Open doors for young people.

    I’ll champion local service and mentorship programs, expand student hiring within the City of Edmonton, and explore financial incentives for employers who give youth work opportunities. By working with grants from other levels of government — like the new Alberta Youth Employment Initiative — we can build stronger pathways for young people to gain skills, mentorship, and meaningful jobs.

  • Make LRT stations safer and more welcoming.

    I’ll push for targeted fare gates, better lighting and sightlines, regular cleaning and upkeep, and vibrant touches like art and music to bring life back to our LRT stations.

    Strengthen transit safety.

    I’ll work to ensure Transit Peace Officers have the resources and authority they need to respond effectively and quickly. Empowering them with the right tools will give riders greater confidence and make the system safer.

    Help people in need.

    Community Outreach Transit Teams do important work supporting those in distress — I’ll continue to strengthen and expand their role.

    More buses, more often.

    I'll champion a goal of having buses every 10 minutes, which will mean shorter waits, more riders, and a safer, more reliable system for everyone.

    Listen to riders.

    Dig into what would improve the rider experience — from better real-time information to first-and-last-mile solutions like on-demand busing.

  • Expand community policing.

    I’ll support the Edmonton Police Service to strengthen relationships with schools, community groups, and residents so we can improve community policing and prevent issues before they become bigger problems and address the root causes of social disorder.

    Build trust and accountability.

    I will work to foster a stronger relationship between City Council and the Edmonton Police Service, giving Edmontonians greater confidence that their voices matter and their safety is a priority.

    Tackle violent crime.

    Violent crime has risen in recent years, and we need a balanced approach. I’ll support the Edmonton Police Service in addressing both root causes and frontline resource needs. I’ll also work to ensure Transit Peace Officers have the tools and authority to keep our transit system safe from violent incidents.

    Address short-term rental concerns.

    Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO bring benefits but also challenges. I’ll explore mandatory business licensing with clear requirements to address safety and nuisance issues in our neighbourhoods.

  • Plan construction better.

    Edmonton deserves a four-year construction budget that’s coordinated and predictable — reducing delays, traffic headaches, and wasted time. I would look to explore how we can improve our construction contractor performance and accountability to timelines.

    Building new neighbourhoods right the first time.

    We see all the new construction south of the Henday causing gridlock. I’ll ensure proposed plans from developers for new neighbourhoods in South Edmonton are built with the right infrastructure from the start — roads, transit, and services that match projected growth — so we don’t pay more later to retrofit.

    Put density where it makes sense.

    I’ll support higher density along major corridors and near transit, while ensuring infill in our neighbourhoods comes with good design and adequate parking.

    Keep infill reasonable.

    Edmonton needs more housing, but it must fit the character of our neighbourhoods. I would support limiting most infill projects to four units as it strikes the right balance of adding homes while keeping communities livable and welcoming.

  • Neighbourhoods that meet daily needs.

    I’ll support planning and design that allows people to meet most of their daily needs — groceries, schools, parks, and transit — within 10–15 minutes of home, reducing the costs and impacts of urban sprawl.

    Prepare for a changing climate.

    Critical city infrastructure — from roads to drainage — must be designed to withstand the realities of climate change.

    Incentives for clean energy and energy efficiency.

    I’ll champion financial incentives that help families lower their emissions with solar panels, heat pumps, and energy-efficient retrofits — while also helping them prepare their homes for flooding, wildfires, and other climate risks.

    Future-proof new neighbourhoods.

    I’ll champion having every newly developed community and home be designed to be climate-ready from day one.

  • Plan for uncertainty.

    I’ll work to ensure our City’s budget is prepared to weather global and national challenges so our city stays stable and resilient during uncertain times.

    Grow the tax base.

    By growing our industrial and commercial investments we can grow our tax base and reduce the tax burden on homeowners, while strengthening Edmonton’s economy.

    Fund the basics first.

    We need to prioritize core services before taking on new costs. Edmonton can’t afford to chase every problem that we don’t have control over at the risk of putting the city in a financially strained position.

    Empower community investment.

    With City resources tight, I’ll work to reduce barriers so residents, community groups, and private partners can fund projects that improve their neighbourhoods — from something as small as a new crossing light to bigger initiatives like arena upgrades. When people are ready to invest, the City should make it easier, not harder.

  • Advocate and collaborate.

    I’ll stand up for Edmonton’s needs while working with the Alberta government to expand core provincial services like schools and health care. People expect their politicians from all orders of government to find solutions and that's what I expect to do.

  • Coordinate, don’t duplicate.

    Housing and homelessness are largely provincial responsibilities, but the City has an important role as a coordinator. I’ll make sure the City of Edmonton is well resourced to link people in need with the housing supports and partners already in place.

    Supportive housing with services.

    We need more supportive housing that comes with wraparound services so people can access housing and get the help they need to succeed.

    Put City land to work.

    I’ll support making more City-owned land available for non-market housing, helping increase affordable options and ensuring this public asset strengthens our communities.

    Reduce costs for builders.

    By easing cost burdens for developers in new neighbourhoods — while maintaining safety and sustainability standards — we can make housing more affordable without compromising community values.

  • Focus on potential.

    I believe in the potential of every person. That’s why I’m committed to supporting programs that help people get back on their feet — whether they’re facing housing insecurity, unemployment, or personal setbacks. Solutions should meet people where they are, with compassion and practical support. From job training and mental health services to transitional housing and peer mentorship, I want Edmonton to be a city where recovery is possible and dignity is never out of reach.

  • Focus on where it matters most.

    I’ll prioritize traffic safety and the goal of Vision Zero so kids, families, and all road users feel safer. This includes prioritizing safer playground zones, pedestrian crossings, and arterial roadways (where we are seeing the most serious crashes on the rise).

  • Fund the basics first.

    We need to fund our core services first that matches our growth before we consider expanding bike infrastructure, particularly within neighbourhoods.

    Strategic bike paths.

    I support bike paths along major roadways where they don’t interfere with parking or traffic, such as the shared-use path along Terwillegar Drive.

    Neighbourhood bike lanes with input.

    Local bike lanes should focus on areas with high cycling potential or crash risks, and only move forward after consultation with the community.

We are problem solvers - let's do this together.

This is our chance to come together, rise above division, and tackle the challenges that matter most.

Years of inside experience working for you.

I’ve worked inside both the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta, tackling tough issues and finding real solutions. On day one, I’ll be ready to get to work — building partnerships, delivering results, and managing change for pihêsiwin and all of Edmonton.

I lead by lifting people up — and I’ll do the same for Edmonton.

In every leadership role I’ve had, I’ve focused on bringing out the best in others. I believe pihêsiwin and Edmonton have the talent, vision, and heart to lead Canada through this time of change — and I’m ready to help make that happen.

The future’s uncertain. Let’s shape it together.

Canada is facing big changes in the years ahead. That can feel uncertain, but it’s also our chance to do things better. I see change as a time to lead with purpose. As your Councillor, I’ll bring you with me every step of the way, so we can shape a future that works for all of us - together.

Building a city our youth can be proud of.

Like every parent, I want my kids — and all our youth — to grow up in a city they’re proud of. They push me to lead with purpose, not partisanship — and to leave pihêsiwin and Edmonton stronger for the next generation. Our youth deserve a city where they can find meaningful work, afford a home, move safely, and grow up in a sustainable future — and that’s the Edmonton I’m working for.

Rupesh Patel with his family

Here to serve.
Ready to lead pihêsiwin.

I’m running for City Council because I believe Edmonton is at a turning point — and we need leaders who bring people together to solve real problems and seize this moment. I’ve served inside both the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta, where I tackled tough issues and built partnerships that got results. I know how government works — and I know how to make it work for you. As a parent, I’m driven by the future we’re building for our youth: one that’s affordable, safe, and full of opportunity. 

 

I lead by listening first, lifting others up, and finding common ground. I’m not here to play politics — I’m here to serve, and to help our ward of pihêsiwin and all of Edmonton thrive. Together, we can build a winning future — and it starts with leadership that puts community first.

Rupesh Patel in Coffee Shop

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Let's build a winning future - together.

This isn’t a campaign funded by big donors or special interests — it’s powered by people like you who believe it's Edmonton's Time to Lead.

Be part of something bigger.

Let’s build this together.

Whether you want to share an idea, lend a hand, or help fuel the campaign — I’d love to hear from you.

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