ACCOUNTABLE TO YOU

Throughout the last term in office, Kevin has focused on collaboration with Council, Administration, regional partners and other levels of government to get the job done.

It is important to note the Mayor only has one vote and no veto powers.  Nothing gets done without the support of the majority of council.  Through working together, Kevin's platform commitments made during the 2021 election have been delivered on.

This is a report back to Edson voters on the progress that has been made.

1. New Land Use Bylaw significantly reducing red tape and making it user friendly to streamline development
2. Establishment of Edson's First Economic Development Department
3. Adoption of Edson's First Economic Development Strategy
4. Collaboration with Community Futures West Yellowhead for an Edson specific Small Business Loan Program
5. Founding member of the Community Rail Advocacy Alliance ensuring advocacy for sustainable and reliable rail service for our industry partners including our forestry sector.  
6. Securing Pivotal Gas Plant construction, providing high quality jobs, supporting our local natural gas industry and growing our tax base by approximately 10%.
7. Supported the creation of the ChooseEdson.ca website to support development as well as recruitment of professionals such as physicians and medical professionals.
8. Support for several grant applications to help promote Edson and its business community.
9. Advocate for forestry and oil & gas sectors.
10. Support for grant program for non-profits/sports teams to host events/tournaments in town helping support local businesses
11. Advocated strongly for a housing strategy that will allow the Town to apply for federal funding for affordable housing projects.

1. Development and construction of the YCE Multiplex working with our partners at Yellowhead County
2. Revitalization of the Glenwood Community Rink converting it into to a year round accessible facility
3. Renovation of Griffiths Park Centre to a hub for FCSS Programs and community events
4. Renovation and expansion of the Edson & District Public Library
5. Provided grant funding for the development and construction of the new Yellowhead Ag Society Riding arena which recently hosted 2000 people during the 2025 Renaissance Fair
6. Supported increased funding for Edson Seniors Transportation (Moving Edson) to allow for expansion of hours of service allowing seniors and those with special needs to attend church and weekend activities
7. Supporting making Edson Assist a permanent program so low income families can access Town of Edson programs and facilities at reduced rates
8. Vision Park revitalization 
9. Advocated for a the Skating Oval at Water Tower Park
10. Enhanced Parks staffing in the winter time to ensure trails are cleared and town outdoor rinks are flooded.  
11. Supported a grant application to revitalize Westhaven rink and an accessible swing at Kinsmen Park for those with physical challenges
12. Establishment of an FCSS board with public members to help guide and oversee FCSS programming in the community
13. Increased the number of Peace Officers to ensure RCMP can focus on crime rather than bylaw and traffic infractions.  We now have Peace Officers working evenings and weekend throughout the summer to ensure a higher level of service to deal with neighborhood complaints.
14. Despite increased contract costs, maintained the service level for the RCMP while neighboring communities reduced the number of police officers.  Edson has 1 RCMP officer for every 492 residents, compared to the provincial average of 1 Officer to 657 residents in communities under 10,000 people.
15. Established a security rebate program for downtown businesses to upgrade lighting and camera's
16. Strong advocacy for bail reform and increased supports to rehabilitate those suffering from mental health and addiction issues
17. Development of a Housing Strategy to access funding for affordable housing and to get a better understanding of the gaps in housing in the community
18. Support grant funding for organizations like STARS Air Ambulance
19. Development of the Edson Wildfire Mitigation Strategy
20. Support for new equipment for Edson Fire Department including an Aerial Fire Truck to replace a 20 year old engine that can no longer be used as a primary response unit according to National Fire Protection Association.  This investment also addresses a Fire Underwrites Survey done over a decade ago which said Edson required an Aerial Fire Truck at that time due to the size of some of the buildings in town.
21. Supported the creation of a full-time Deputy Fire Chief position to enhance fire safety and prevention in the community. 
22. Lobbied the provincial government for permanent speed indicator signs on Highway 16 which were previously not allowed.  Alberta Transportation has installed them with no cost to Edson taxpayers.
23. While Healthcare is a Provincial responsibility, heavily involved in the Healthcare Attraction and Retention Committee and advocated for the waiving of Medical Centre rent for the next 5 years in a effort to retain existing physicians and attract new ones.  This was supported unanimously by Council.  The Town of Edson's commitment has significantly eased the financial burden on existing physicians which will help retain and attract them in future years to the benefit of Town & County residents. Yellowhead County provides significant funds to the Town of Edson through revenue sharing that gives the Town some financial flexibility to make these important decisions to the benefit of the entire region.

1. Focus on improving our worst infrastructure in the community such as 18th avenue with a complete replacement of water, sewer, storm, catch basins, sidewalks and pavement from 48th to the cul-de-sac near Edson Drive.  
2. Advocated aggressively for rehabilitation of Provincial Highway 16 thru Edson with MLA Long and Minister of Transporation Dreeshan.  Result was engineering and design work in 2025 with construction slated to begin in 2026 pending budget approval.  (The advocacy on this MUST continue in order to see the work started next year!).  Edson went from not being on the provincial capital plan to being a top priority.
3. Addressed longtime flood concerns by developing a storm management strategy to guide needed infrastructure upgrades and added pumps and storm sewer sensors to be proactive in preventing flooding in known problem areas
4. Focus on reducing flood risk on 10th to 13th ave and Tiffin with upgrades of underground infrastructure on the main trunk line from 1st ave to 14th, significantly increasing capacity.  
5. Establishment of a back flow prevention and sump pump program to give residents money back to protect their properties from flooding.
6. New Spray Patcher, New Crack Sealer and New Pot Hole Repair Trailer including additional staff to be more proactive of road maintenance and repair. 
7. New pavement coming this fall on 54th street from 10th ave to 13th ave
8. Complete rehabilitation of 8th avenue from 51st to 52nd streets including all underground and above ground infrastructure
9. Planning work for rehabilitation of 7th ave from 48th to 50th street.
10. Engineering and design work for 1st avenue with construction planned within the next 4 years.
11. Increased water capacity in the community with the establishment of new wells and addressed excess water usage at the Spray Park leading to the first summer without any water restrictions in recent memory.
12. Wase Creek flood reduction with larger culverts and construction of the Wase Creek Flood Mitigation Project reducing flood risk around Edson drive and areas east and west of 48th street.
13. Established a sidewalk repair budget which had not been in the budget previously
14. Supported funding for a alley overlay pilot program
15. Supported a condition assessment of all Town facilities to develop a plan to improve maintenance and longevity of existing buildings.
16. Advocated for alley snow clearing when appropriate so residents can access their properties.  Also established a process to allow for people to clear alleyways legally so not to receive fines.
17. Supported changes to the municipalities organizational structure by reallocating and adding positions to focus on capital projects, road and parks maintenance and stronger financial management.
18. Supported policies to proactively maintain road, storm and sign infrastructure to ensure each corner of the community is inspected and reviewed on a regular rotation so work is more proactive than reactive to public complaints.  
19. Supported the purchase of a second grader and larger snowblower to improve timeliness of snow removal in the winter.
20. Listened to businesses along Highway 16 who were struggling to keep sidewalks cleared due to snowplow clearing on the highway.  Developed a Highway sidewalk clearing policy to take some of the burden off these business and property owners.