Responses to the LiveableYXE Survey Click on any question to see the responses from the candidates.
Edward Agbai
I will bring my experiences as an engineering professional in a Fortune 500 company to bear in my City Councillor role. I will advocate for improved infrastructure and plans that prioritize reliable and accessible public transit and safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. I will also advocate for improved snow removal mechanisms in older neighborhoods and communities, sidewalks, back alleys, and underground drainages.
Densification Strategies:
I will encourage developers to create mixed-use buildings that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, as experienced in the Stonebridge community. This approach will not only reduce the need for long commutes and promote walkability but also foster a sense of community, reduce urban sprawl, and enhance the overall livability of Ward 7 and the larger Saskatoon City, giving residents a brighter future to look forward to.
I will work with the city to ensure that densification efforts include affordable housing options, making it possible for residents to live close to where they work, shop, and access services.
Enhancing Public Transit:
I will work collaboratively with Saskatoon Transit to enhance bus routes, using bus 83 in Stonebridge areas as an example to increase service frequency. I will also advocate for accessible transit options that cater to people with disabilities and the elderly.
I will work with city officials to promote transit-oriented development that aligns with the city's long-term strategic plan by ensuring that new housing and commercial developments are planned around existing and future transit lines. This will make public transit a more convenient option for residents because if the transit system is efficient, residents might not need to drive their cars to work, and it will reduce parking congestion, especially in the Downtown Area during working hours.
Edward Agbai
As your candidate, I will take the lead in promoting transit-oriented development. By strategically planning new housing and commercial developments around existing and future transit lines, we can make public transit a more convenient option for residents.
Push for urban design incorporating sustainability principles, such as green roofs and energy-efficient buildings.
Collaboration with Stakeholders
As an Engineering Professional, I value subject matter experience. I will be in active collaboration with City Councillors, tapping from the valued expertise and resources of developers, builders, and financial institutions to integrate sustainability into housing development. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future, which could include green financing options that provide lower interest rates for eco-friendly projects.
As your advocate, I will push for more robust building codes and regulations. These will mandate energy efficiency and climate resilience in new and existing housing, aligning with broader provincial and federal climate goals. This collective effort is necessary to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future.
Climate-Sensitive Zoning: The City of Saskatoon will be undertaking robust strategic plans for the next five years; I will actively participate to lend my voice to efforts to implement laws that encourage the development of resilient and energy-efficient housing. A housing development that considers future climate projections to avoid placing homes in vulnerable locations when planning new residential areas.
As your candidate, I am committed to sustainable urban growth. I will advocate for compact urban growth as a strategy to conserve energy, reduce sprawl, preserve natural habitats, and efficiently use our natural resources. This approach reduces the infrastructure costs associated with providing services to dispersed communities, making it a win-win solution.
Edward Agbai
My commitment to the LEC Plan is rooted in my belief that sustainability & economic growth can go hand in hand.
To indicate my commitment, if elected. I will
Prioritize collaboration with community members, local businesses, & environmental experts to ensure everyone has a voice in implementing the Plan. Engaging with stakeholders will help identify practical, community-supported solutions.
Advocate for clear, consistent communication about the progress of the Plan, including the challenges we face and the successes we achieve. Transparency is critical to maintaining public trust and encouraging community participation.
Advocate for the effective allocation of resources—financial, technical, and human—to ensure the plan's initiatives are fully supported & implemented.
Reasons for Missing Emissions Targets
The coronavirus pandemic that ravaged the world in 2020-2021 effectively slowed down plans globally including the LEC plan as these years were crucial in attaining the 40% reduction mark by 2023 below the 2014 levels. Besides this global reason, other reasons might include
Inability to translate the plan's goals into actionable steps possibly due to a lack of clarity, coordination, or expertise.
Lack of upfront investment because emissions reductions often require significant upfront investments in infrastructure, technology, and public awareness campaigns.
Steps to Get the Plan on Track
I would work on tightening regulations around emissions & provide incentives for businesses & residents to adopt low-emission practices. This could include grants for energy-efficient housing upgrades as adopted in the city of New York, USA.
Establish a more robust system for tracking progress, including regular updates & public reports on emissions reductions.
Launch public education campaigns about how individuals & businesses can contribute. Explore & implement cutting-edge technologies & innovations that can help reduce emissions.
Edward Agbai
Below are my some of the reasons why I am against the proposed Saskatoon Freeway project.
The proposed freeway could significantly disrupt Northeast and Small Swales habitats that contains robust biodiversity, and construction could lead to species loss and ecosystem degradation.
The swales serve as a natural floodplain. Disturbing these areas could have long-term consequences for the environment and the community.
The swales are used for educational and recreational purposes, providing a connection to nature that is increasingly rare in our urbanized world. A freeway through these areas could reduce their accessibility and diminish their value to the community, robbing us of a precious resource.
While the proposed Saskatoon Freeway may offer economic and traffic management benefits, the significant environmental concerns surrounding the Northeast and Small Swales must be addressed. Protecting these areas' biodiversity and ecosystem services should be a priority.
Edward Agbai
My campaign slogan is "We Grow Together," and Saskatoon should be able to implement specific anti-discrimination laws, such as those related to housing and employment, and provide targeted support for minority groups, such as indigenous communities and new immigrants, in all aspects of city life. This includes equitable access to services and opportunities for representation in decision-making bodies.
Saskatoon can provide a range of affordable housing options, including incentives for developers to build affordable units to ensure that people from different economic backgrounds can live comfortably in the city. This fosters a diverse population and reduces socio-economic barriers.
Supporting and promoting cultural festivals like FolkFest helps to promote cultural integration and continuity, including events and spaces that celebrate the diversity of the population.
Ensuring that public services, including healthcare, education, and transportation, are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, should be a cornerstone of Saskatoon's commitment to equality and fairness.
Edward Agbai
Here are my thoughts.
I place a high value on extensive community consultation, recognizing that the input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders is not just important, but integral to the success of the DEED project.
The city should conduct a thorough economic impact assessment to understand the long-term benefits and potential risks.
Another important consideration is a phased approach to development, starting with key infrastructure and amenities that can provide immediate benefits and gradually expand as funds and resources become available.
Explore public-private partnerships (PPPs) to leverage private sector investment and expertise while minimizing the financial burden on taxpayers.
Focus on projects with a high investment return for the community. For example, improving public transit, enhancing public spaces, and supporting local businesses can stimulate economic growth and improve quality of life.
Establish clear performance metrics to evaluate the success of the DEED project and other municipal investments. Regularly assess progress and adjust as needed to ensure goals are met.
Edward Agbai
The homelessness crisis facing Saskatoon is also facing other cities in the Prairie, such as Winnipeg. However, Winnipeg has deplored some innovative approaches, like
Housing First Initiative: By successfully adopting the Housing First model, Winnipeg prioritized providing individuals with stable housing before addressing other issues, such as mental health or addiction
End Homelessness Winnipeg: The Government of Manitoba, in partnership with "End Homelessness Winnipeg," leveraged the community's collective efforts to end homelessness. They achieved this through coordinated programs, advocating for policy changes, and efficient resource allocation. Their work includes funding initiatives and creating community-based solutions, making it a true reflection of the community's commitment to this cause.
Supportive Housing Projects: The city invested in supportive housing projects that offered more than shelter, like the' Main Street Project,' which included emergency shelter, detoxification, transitional housing, and mental health support services.
Indigenous-Focused Initiatives: The city, as a deliberate policy of government, recognized the pivotal role of indigenous-based authorities and organizations in the homelessness crisis because the Indigenous people have been disproportionately affected by homelessness, and developing culturally relevant housing programs was imperative. These programs were a testament to the city of Winnipeg's respect and value for Indigenous culture.
Policy and Advocacy: The city also focused on policy advocacy, working to influence provincial and federal policies that impact homelessness. This includes advocating for more affordable housing and supportive services for those in need.