A New Chapter for Edmonton: Mayor Andrew Knack Takes the Helm Amidst Growth and Change

Image source: Edmonton.ca

A new era has dawned at City Hall.

Andrew Knack, a veteran city councillor with 12 years of experience, has officially become the new Edmonton mayor, tasked with navigating one of the most dynamic periods in the city's history.

His victory signals a desire for steady, experienced leadership as Edmonton grapples with the pressures of becoming one of Canada's fastest-growing municipalities.

Knack's campaign was built on a foundation of core promises: making life more affordable, enhancing public safety, and managing the city's explosive growth responsibly.

These are not just political talking points; they are the daily realities for residents across Edmonton's diverse neighbourhoods, from the suburbs to the downtown core.

The challenges are immediate and significant.

The city's population has surged, putting a strain on everything from public transit to essential services like fire halls, a deficit Knack has pledged to address.

He takes charge at a time when Edmontonians are feeling the pinch of rising costs, a concern that was a dominant theme throughout the election.

The local real estate market reflects this tension, with Q4 2025 data showing a market favouring buyers due to increased inventory, yet prices continue to climb, making affordability a persistent worry.

On the economic front, the new mayor has outlined an ambitious vision to support local entrepreneurs and attract new investment.

Knack’s plan includes cutting red tape, implementing “Business Concierge Managers” to guide applicants, and offering targeted incentives for high-growth sectors like AI, advanced manufacturing, and clean technology.

This pro-business stance is welcomed by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, which anticipates “hard decisions” from the new council to ensure fiscal responsibility and efficient growth.

A major focus of the new administration will be the continued transformation of Downtown Edmonton.

Several key projects are reaching critical stages, including the massive Warehouse Park, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, promising a new green heart for the urban core.

These efforts are buoyed by the recent extension of the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy, a crucial financial tool for funding public infrastructure and sparking private investment.

It's a delicate balancing act between fostering new development and supporting existing businesses, some of whom have faced immense struggles, as highlighted by the recent eviction of the long-standing Continental Treat bistro just before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Infrastructure remains a top priority, with major construction continuing on the Valley Line West LRT.

October saw a significant milestone with the completion of the elevated guideway along 87 Avenue, a visible sign of progress on a project that promises to reshape transit in the city's west end, though its full completion is still years away.

As the colder months set in, the city is also preparing for a vibrant winter season designed to foster community connection.

Locals can look forward to cherished events like the All is Bright Festival on 124 Street and the Winter Whyte Light Up in Old Strathcona, turning the winter chill into a celebration of Edmonton's resilient spirit.

Mayor Knack has been clear that his approach is not about partisan politics but practical solutions.

“There's no right-wing way to clear snow off the streets,” he famously stated, emphasizing a collaborative, results-driven approach.

His immediate goal is to unite the new council around a shared vision for a safer, more affordable city that can keep pace with its own success.

The coming months will test this vision as the new council tackles its first budget and charts a course for the next four years, with the hopeful eyes of all Edmontonians watching.