On Monday, Alberta’s 2025 municipal elections are being held to elect the people who will lead our cities, towns, counties, and school boards for the next four years. Here in Edmonton, many people are feeling uncertain about the direction our city is going. With potholes lining our streets and affordable housing in short supply, it’s clear that our new Council has a lot on their plate. But what exactly should they prioritize?
To fully understand what the new Council can achieve, we must acknowledge the ultimate constraint on all municipal action: the Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA). This provincial legislation dictates the powers of every city council in Alberta. The MGA is why the city has broad authority over things like land use, bylaws, and municipal services, but it also creates limits. I mention this because when it comes to social issues like housing and poverty—which are major priorities this election—the new Council’s ability to act is often restricted to what the MGA allows and where the province provides funding. We need a Council willing to aggressively use every power granted by the MGA, while simultaneously pushing back against its limitations.
It is vital to remember the kind of government we are electing. Edmonton operates under a weak mayor system, meaning the mayor is essentially just one vote among the thirteen members of Council. This highlights why it is so important to look at the whole Council picture and not just the mayoral race. Furthermore, this is the first election in decades where candidates are officially allowed to run as part of a political party. While most candidates are still running independently, the presence of parties like Better Edmonton and PACE introduces a completely new dynamic. This means for the first time, voters can potentially elect a voting bloc that is organized around a shared agenda—and that unified agenda is what could finally push through big changes on core services, taxes, or housing accountability.
One crucial priority for the new Mayor and Council will be to demand real accountability from those tasked with managing our affordable housing solutions. I’ve seen that Civida, Edmonton’s largest affordable housing provider, has a lot of public dissatisfaction—even its Google reviews are overwhelmingly negative. I believe our new municipal leadership must put immediate pressure on Civida to address this, ensuring their financial resources are being used wisely and efficiently. The new Council needs to be a strong, unified voice for Edmontonians, demanding transparency and proof that Civida is making real, measurable progress in getting and keeping vulnerable residents housed and addressing their legitimate concerns.
In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into the top five priorities the new Edmonton Council must address to ensure our city thrives in the years to come. Stay tuned to find out what these priorities are and how the new Council can make a real difference.
The polls are quite clear: the top two priorities for Edmontonians right now are public safety and addressing homelessness. With reports of increased disorder in the city core and on public transit, many residents are feeling unsafe. But how should the Council address these issues? Is the solution simply to deploy more police officers, or is a more balanced approach needed?
A balanced approach that includes social workers and community presence could be more effective. For example, programs that integrate mental health support and community outreach with law enforcement have shown promising results in other cities. By addressing the root causes of disorder, such as mental health issues and substance abuse, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
The Council should also consider innovative solutions. In a previous blog post, I suggested using landscaping to deter begging in high-traffic areas. By strategically placing planters and greenery, we can create barriers that make it more difficult for individuals to solicit money or goods from passersby. This approach not only improves the aesthetics of our city but also helps to reduce the perception of disorder and enhances public safety.
Earlier in this post, I mentioned the need for the Council to hold Civida accountable for the public funds it receives. This accountability can be extended to other areas as well. By working closely with provincial authorities, the Council can ensure that we have enough affordable housing and that the funds allocated for this purpose are used effectively. This collaborative effort can help address homelessness, which is closely linked to public safety issues.
What do you think? Should the Council focus on increasing police presence, or do you believe a more holistic approach is necessary? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The next priority for the new Council is managing our taxes. According to polls, seventy-five percent of voters want low residential taxes, but eighty percent want better road maintenance and public safety.
The new Council needs to conduct a thorough review of the budget to identify any inefficiencies that can be addressed. For example, they could explore opportunities for cost savings in administrative processes, procurement, or energy management. The goal should be to maintain core services without resorting to massive tax hikes each year. This is not just about cutting costs but about optimizing resources to ensure that every dollar spent delivers maximum value to residents.
Voters and all residents and visitors to Edmonton expect solid services in the capital city. They expect the road network to be well-maintained, the buses and LRTs to run on time, and emergency services to be reliable and responsive. The Council will need to demonstrate competence in delivering these basics. This means not only ensuring that services are provided but also that they are provided efficiently and effectively.
One area to consider is the use of technology to improve service delivery. For instance, implementing smart city technologies can help monitor and maintain infrastructure more efficiently, reducing long-term costs. Additionally, data-driven decision-making can help identify areas where resources are being underutilized or misallocated.
What do you think? Are there specific areas where you believe the Council can cut costs without compromising service quality? Have you noticed any inefficiencies in our current municipal services? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Before diving into the next priority, I want to be upfront: my viewpoint is shaped by how I move around Edmonton. As a regular transit user and someone who doesn’t drive at all, my focus is naturally on reliable bus and LRT services, safe sidewalks, and well-maintained pedestrian infrastructure. My personal priorities regarding road maintenance for vehicles, traffic, and parking might be quite different from someone who commutes by car daily. I believe this perspective is crucial because a strong city needs a reliable transportation system for everyone, not just those who drive.
The new Council will need to prioritize a reliable transit system that is safe and expanded from the current system. Finishing the west expansion of the Valley Line is key, and then expanding the Metro Line past NAIT and considering more expansions in the future is something they need to look at. Making sure that the Arc card system is reliable and works every day is another priority, as many people use it now that paper tickets have been abolished. I should probably mention that fifty-four percent of voters see this as a priority, so it’s not a minor issue.
To achieve these goals, the Council could explore partnerships with private sector companies to fund and implement these expansions. Additionally, they could look into innovative financing models, such as public-private partnerships or grants from higher levels of government.
I personally demand that the Council ensure that all sidewalks are cleared in the winter after every snowfall as per the current bylaws on the books. I also demand that they keep walking paths and sidewalks in good working order – without them, it is sometimes impossible to safely get from point A to point B without risking getting hit by a vehicle coming by at high speed!
What do you think? Are there specific transit improvements or pedestrian infrastructure enhancements you believe the Council should prioritize? Have you encountered any issues with our current transit system or pedestrian infrastructure? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
To recap: the new Council that will be elected on Monday has some major issues to deal with once they officially take office, ranging from public safety to transit. If you didn’t vote in advance, take the time to carefully consider the candidates for mayor and ward representative on the Council. Vote for the ones you feel will best handle these critical issues. As I said in my last post on municipal elections, if you don’t vote, you don’t get to complain about the decisions they will be making over the next four years!
The new Council and Mayor will also need to ensure that they get the basics right and rebuild public trust in our local government. This is our city, and our future depends on the choices we make today. So, let’s make our voices heard and elect a Council that will work tirelessly to address these priorities and create a better Edmonton for all of us.
Category Archives: Work and Life
Acclaimed to Silence? Why Skipping Local Elections Voids Your Right to Complain
We all love to complain about the government, but most of us forfeit the right to do so. I’m not talking about the big federal or state/provincial races. I’m talking about local elections: the ones for cities, towns, counties, districts, and school boards. These are the races that directly shape our daily lives—yet they are the ones we skip the most. If you choose to be silent in these local races, you forfeit the right to complain about the decisions made by those put into office. With turnout often in the twenty to thirty-three percent range, this level of apathy is unacceptable. That needs to change.
I went to vote in the municipal elections this week and, after receiving my ballots for mayor and councillor, I asked about the Catholic school board. I had marked down that I was eligible to vote for that race, but the worker told me the seat was won by acclamation—elected without a vote—because only one person filed to run. Needless to say, I was disappointed. More than that, I was genuinely angry. That is the worst kind of silence: when an entire community cannot even field a second candidate to offer a choice. That level of civic apathy is simply pathetic.
Let me ask you this: who sets the property tax rate that affects your rent and local housing costs? Local government. Who determines the curriculum your child is taught and what books are in the school libraries? That’s the school board. Who handles essential services like police, fire, water, and sewage? Once again, it is local government. We are talking about critical issues that are often decided by as little as ten percent of the eligible voters! Want to complain about potholes and new bike lane construction? Then consider participating in the municipal elections first.
Journalists who write about local government should put their ballot where their pen is, and vote. The traditional view is that not voting helps them maintain impartiality or objectivity. I believe, in the age of the secret ballot, that is simply a false excuse. A journalist who doesn’t vote is not “neutral”—they are merely disengaged from the civic process they are paid to cover. How can you write a critical story about failing infrastructure or acclamation on the school board without having participated in the basic act of citizenship that shapes those very issues? If you don’t vote, your opinions and news articles should be taken the same way as a non-voting citizen’s complaint—completely disregarded and forgotten.
You might say, “I don’t vote because I don’t like any of the candidates,” or “I don’t like the system, so not voting is my protest.” In my humble opinion, this is completely wrong. Didn’t like any of the candidates? Then you should have actively helped someone else to run, or volunteered to help ensure the voting process goes smoothly. Don’t like the system? Find a candidate who is committed to changing it—and then vote for them! Your vote matters, especially in municipal elections where a candidate can win by a margin of just a few votes. Your vote (or lack thereof) is far louder in these local races than in any national one.
The municipal vote is not a luxury, but the key tool you have to change your local conditions. Stop seeing it as optional and start viewing it as a mandatory part of your civic duty to your fellow citizens. Don’t like the crowds on election day? Go and vote early, just as I did, and ignore the election news until the results come in. Always remember that in a local election, every single vote is worth more because so few people choose to participate. Therefore, the choice to be silent is the choice to forfeit your voice. If you want the right to complain, you must first earn it through the ballot, or by actively working to improve the system.
Thanks for reading this article here on Swagnilla Ice.
If you enjoyed the discussion, please consider joining the Swagnilla Ice community via the “Become a Citizen of the Kingdom” link in the sidebar. Even a free Peasant membership gives you access to the comments section and the member-only discussions on my Discord server. Your participation encourages me to keep producing content like this!
Pope Leo I on Fighting Temptation
“Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation, for there is no conflict without an enemy, no victory without strife.” ~ Pope Leo I
Levelling Up My Hobbies (and My Content!)
Hi everyone,
I’m getting ready for the weekend and thinking about something that’s a big part of my life: my hobbies. From reading a good book to making art, these are the things that recharge me and spark a lot of the creativity you see in my content.
You might know that a lot of my time goes into Creative Engineering and A Few Moments with God. But what you might not see as often are the moments in between—the ones where I’m just enjoying a passion project. For me, these are things like getting lost in a good book, writing new ideas down, or getting my hands dirty with some pottery. I’ve also been getting back into playing some old favourites, like modded Minecraft and Factorio on my PC, and even dusting off some classic Wii or GameCube games using the Dolphin Emulator for the latter. These aren’t just ways to pass the time; they’re ways for me to learn and experiment. Reading, for example, has taught me a lot about storytelling, which has been super helpful for my own video series. Gaming has helped me see things from new perspectives and has trained my eye to notice small details that can make a big difference.
I often think about how cool it would be to share more of these things with you. Imagine a series of posts about the new pots I’m making or a deep dive into the latest mods I’m playing with. Right now, it’s a challenge to find the time and resources to do that justice. That’s where you come in.
Your support through Swagnilla Ice helps me turn these small passion projects into something more. It helps me invest in things like art supplies or new equipment. More importantly, it gives me the freedom to dedicate more of my time to these creative outlets. By becoming a member, you’re not just supporting a blog; you’re helping me grow as a creator and bring even better content to you.
So, if you enjoy what I do and you’re excited about the idea of seeing more, please consider joining one of our membership tiers. Even the Peasant membership is a great way to show your support, or if you want full access, the Squire tier is a fantastic option. The more paid members we have, the more time I can dedicate to hosting events on the Discord server. For example, once we hit five paid members, I’ll host a bi-weekly voice chat, with each session focusing on a different topic. At ten paid members, I’ll start a weekly live stream on Discord. And if we can hit fifty paid members, I’ll host a monthly community gaming night with games like Jackbox and Golf with Your Friends. I’m certain that I can also continue to find ways to provide even more content for higher numbers, so please consider becoming a Squire or higher today!
Thank you for being here and for helping me make all of this possible.
Talk soon,
Nathan Pinno (aka Swagnilla Ice)
My long-term goals are…
My long-term goals are simple and personal. First, I want Swagnilla Ice memberships to cover my monthly bills. This would give me the freedom to focus fully on creating content for you.
Second, I’m saving up C$5,000 to purchase a lifetime Paid Memberships Pro Plus membership. This upgrade will allow me to give you a better experience on the blog.
Finally, and most importantly, I hope to one day launch my charitable organization, Project Green Light. My goal is to help others break free from the chains of addiction, just as I have.
Why I Prefer Restriction and Education over Censorship
I’m a strong advocate for restriction and education over censorship when it comes to online content that younger people aren’t yet able to handle with their developing minds, spirits, and bodies. My personal preference will always be to enable free will and empower people with knowledge. I think this is a far better approach than permanently removing content from the web because it’s easy for censorship software, which is never perfect, to sweep up content that should not have been banned.
Let me tell you a story that shows the difference. Early in my spiritual journey, I was introduced to a church that operated on a system of absolute beliefs. I was told, “these are our beliefs which you must accept to be one of our members.” Questions were few and the answers were standard. This approach of rigid restriction eventually broke my trust, and I left to find a faith that would accept me as I was. When I found the Roman Catholic Church, my journey was a gradual education. I was first given a questionnaire to understand what I knew, and then I was taught the faith. I was always encouraged to ask questions, both during sessions and with my mentor. I was even given talks from speakers on topics like Mary and the final judgment. If I was not ready to learn about a certain topic, I was told so, but also given a time when I would be. This was a system of trust and education, not restriction and blind acceptance.
Now, let’s define the key terms I’ve been discussing in the context of adult-only online content.
First, censorship is the complete removal of content from the internet. When content is censored, it is no longer available for anyone to see.
Next, restriction is a way of preventing underage users from accessing said content. This can be done through an age gate, a paid membership, or software on a computer or router that requires permission to access the material.
Finally, education is the process of giving young people the tools to correctly deal with this type of content. It’s about teaching them how to understand and separate fiction from reality, and to make informed choices for themselves.
Why the Argument for Censorship is Flawed
The primary argument for censorship is simple: protection. People who advocate for censorship want to protect vulnerable people, especially children, from content that they see as dangerous, whether it’s psychologically damaging, illegal, or promoting harmful ideologies.
And while that goal is worthy, the method of censorship itself is deeply flawed.
First, censorship can never be a permanent solution. The internet is a global, decentralized network. As soon as one piece of content is taken down, another can be uploaded from anywhere in the world. An outright ban is like trying to stop a flood with a single sandbag. My preferred methods, on the other hand, are designed to last. Restriction, whether it’s through software or a paid membership, creates a gate that controls access. But most importantly, education equips people with the lifelong ability to navigate the online world, regardless of what’s out there.
Second, censorship often goes too far. No censorship software is perfect. They can’t tell the difference between a documentary on a sensitive topic and harmful content, leading to the accidental removal of valuable and educational material. This over-blocking is a common problem. My method of restriction and education is far more precise. It empowers a parent to choose what to restrict for their child, and more importantly, education builds a person’s critical thinking skills so they can make their own informed choices as adults.
Finally, and most critically, censorship removes free will. When content is completely removed, it robs people of the chance to learn how to deal with it. It creates the dangerous idea that someone else will always protect you from anything you find uncomfortable or offensive. My method, however, builds resilience. By providing the tools to separate reality from fiction, education teaches people to be self-reliant and responsible for their own navigation of the world.
This problem is already playing out in countries like the United Kingdom, where the Online Safety Act mandates platforms to remove legal content deemed “harmful to children.” While the intent is to protect young people, the law’s broad language has raised concerns that platforms will over-censor, removing valuable content out of fear of heavy fines. This is a real-world example of how censorship, even with good intentions, can stifle free expression and lead to unintended consequences.
Putting My Method into Practice: How Parents and Authorities Can Help
Now that we’ve defined the problem with censorship, let’s talk about how my preferred approach can be put into practice. The responsibility lies with two key groups: parents and authorities.
For Parents:
Parents are on the front lines, and they have the most direct impact on their child’s online experience.
Education
- Have open conversations: Don’t wait for your child to find something inappropriate. Proactively talk to them about what they see online. Ask them what content they enjoy, and discuss what makes something a trustworthy source of information.
- Teach digital literacy: Show them how to spot misinformation, sponsored content, and clickbait. Help them understand that what’s on the internet isn’t always real or true.
- Explain the “why”: When you restrict something, explain to your child why you are doing it. Tell them that you want to help them grow up with the tools they need to make good choices.
Restriction
- Use parental controls: Tools built into streaming services, gaming platforms, and devices can limit what a child can access.
- Set expectations: Establish clear rules about screen time, what sites are allowed, and when a child should come to you if they see something that makes them uncomfortable.
- Utilize network-level filtering: Many home internet routers allow parents to block entire categories of websites, providing a first line of defense against harmful content.
For Authorities:
Authorities—which includes governments, schools, and social media platforms—play a different but equally important role. They cannot educate every individual, but they can create systems that support and encourage education and restriction.
Education
- Promote digital literacy in schools: Curriculum should include classes on digital citizenship, media literacy, and online safety.
- Fund public awareness campaigns: Governments can fund programs that inform parents and children about the dangers and opportunities of the internet.
Restriction
- Mandate age-gating: Require websites with adult-only content to implement an effective age-verification system.
- Enforce laws against illegal content: While this sounds like censorship, it is a crucial distinction. Laws against things like child abuse material and extreme violence are not about moral judgment; they are about protecting people from illegal acts. This is a very different category than restricting a blog post or a political video. However, even these laws must be carefully crafted to avoid overreach. For example, Texas’s SB20, which criminalizes possession of AI-generated child abuse material, has been criticized for its vague language that could potentially be used to prosecute people for possessing or viewing animated content.
The internet is an ever-changing landscape, and we cannot protect young people by trying to build walls that will eventually fall down. The old methods of censorship are flawed, ineffective, and often do more harm than good. A better way forward is to empower the next generation. By combining smart, intentional restriction with a robust, lifelong education, we give them the tools to navigate the online world responsibly and to think for themselves. This approach builds resilience, promotes critical thinking, and ultimately prepares them for the world as it truly is.
Is This Edmonton Intersection a Hazard? The Case for CPTED
Panhandling is a significant issue in the City of Edmonton, and while the city has methods for dealing with it, they are not always effective. In this post, I’ll examine the city’s current approach, highlight a specific intersection where it’s not working, explain what Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is, and show how it could be a powerful new tool for the city to use in this area and others.
The City of Edmonton’s first method for addressing panhandling is to tackle the issues behind it, such as homelessness, addiction, and mental health concerns. To do this, the city partners with charitable organizations and has a “Spare Some Change” campaign with the police to encourage the public to donate to these organizations rather than directly to panhandlers.
The city’s other primary tool is the new Public Spaces Bylaw. This bylaw specifically bans panhandling on or around roads, medians, and similar areas, with violations resulting in fines that start at twenty-five dollars.
However, both of these tools are failing to address panhandling at an intersection I have passed by every day I walk to work at the Rossdale Water Treatment Plant doing flagging during construction there. The intersection in question is 105th Street and 100th Avenue, where 105th Street goes from a one-way road up the steep hill there to a two way street. There is also a concrete median in the one-way part of the 105th street junction that separates cars turning left from those going straight or turning right after coming up the hill, and this is where I’ve seen someone most days panhandling there – usually around 6:20 am, before the city’s 311 lines are open for the day.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a strategy that uses urban design to reduce opportunities for crime and increase a sense of public safety. This is a perfect example of where CPTED could be an effective tool for the city. The situation is dangerous for both panhandlers and drivers, so a physical change would be a significant improvement. Making it impossible to stand on the median would permanently solve the issue and allow drivers to keep their full attention on the intersection and other traffic.
Beyond this one intersection, CPTED could also be a valuable tool in other public spaces, such as parks. By using smart environmental design, the city could discourage people from camping or sleeping overnight—an action already prohibited by another bylaw—while also improving the aesthetics and feel of the space.
CPTED has a proven record of success in other places, so why shouldn’t the City of Edmonton bring it in to make a positive change here?
No video today…
Hey Swagnilla Ice community,
Just a quick update from your favorite content creator! I’m not feeling my best today – I’ve got a sinus cold or flu bug that’s keeping me down. Unfortunately, this means there won’t be a new episode of Swag Plays Factorio Season 2 today.
I’m taking the day to rest and recover, and I’m hoping to be back on my feet and ready to record a new episode for you all on Friday. In the meantime, why not catch up on some of the previous episodes or check out some of my other content?
I appreciate all your support and understanding. If you could keep me in your thoughts and prayers, I’d really appreciate it! Let’s get me back to 100% so I can continue bringing you the best content possible.
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, I’ll be back before you know it!
Your favorite content creator,
Swagnilla Ice
Happy Canada Day!
Hey everyone!
Happy Canada Day to all our Canadian members and visitors! Today, we celebrate our nation’s birthday, and I hope you all have a safe and joyful holiday. May Canada continue to thrive as a sovereign nation for many years to come.
I pray that blessings fall upon our land, and that our leaders are guided by wisdom and compassion as they govern us. Let’s also take a moment to appreciate the diversity and beauty that makes Canada unique.
Wishing you all a fantastic day filled with fun, family, and fireworks!
A Good Start to the Weekend (and Next Week!)
Hey everyone,
Just a quick check-in for this Saturday’s post. After doing a video blog on Thursday, I wanted to keep today’s update a bit shorter, but still keep my Saturday tradition going!
It’s been a quiet week on the work front, so I’m really happy to share some positive news. I recently got confirmation from my supervisor at the site that they’re returning to work there, and they specifically want me back! This job is usually 10-hour shifts, and I get paid as a flagger, not a regular labourer, which is great. It’s a huge relief to know I’ll be working this Monday, and it definitely takes a bit of financial pressure off. I’m looking forward to getting things caught up and even being able to do laundry!
It’s always nice when things start looking up.
Hope you all have a great weekend! As you’re reading this, I’m likely out grabbing those free groceries I get most Saturdays, which is another little win.
