Edmontonian’s frustration with City Hall fuels the rise of a newly formed municipal party that champions lower taxes, streamlined government, and pro-business policies.

The party, known as PACE (Principled, Accountable Coalition for Edmonton), is gearing up to unveil its official agenda for the upcoming municipal election.

The recent amendments to Alberta’s Municipal Government legislation have opened the door for the formation of political parties at the municipal level in Edmonton and Calgary.

Once the province finalizes the regulations, PACE plans to seek official recognition. In the meantime, the party aims to concentrate on building its organizational framework, connecting with the community, and meeting all compliance requirements.

President and founder of PACE, Sheila Phimester, stated the party’s name presents a “clear indication” of its core values and objectives. 

The new municipal party is focused on promoting lower taxes and smaller government. Moreover, PACE is focusing on simplified regulations and a business-friendly approach to managing city affairs. 

Phimester stressed the importance of transparency in the upcoming Edmonton election, with PACE committed to making sure it happens.

“With a party platform and representation focused on local ward issues, the voter will be better able to understand what our candidates stand for,” she said.

“We have heard again and again from Edmontonians that this has been lacking in past elections,” Phimester told The Counter Signal. 

“Voters deserve to understand what each candidate’s approach will be once elected to Council,” added former MLA and VP of Communications for PACE Doug Main.

Only 2% of citizens express confidence in Edmonton’s direction

A month before PACE’s arrival, a survey revealed that only 2% of Edmonton residents feel confident about the city’s current trajectory.

Housing prices and affordability are the main concerns for Edmontonians. 67% of respondents believe Edmonton is on the wrong track, while 20% think it’s somewhat on the right track.

Only 2% of citizens “strongly” feel the city is headed in the right direction, with 11% saying they don’t know or prefer not to answer.

Leger added that citizens believe Edmonton’s mayor, Amarjeet Sohi, is performing the worst in terms of property taxes and housing prices/affordability.