Council Legacy
Linda has a variety of projects and initiatives she takes special interest in. Helping seniors age well, the environment and protecting our river valley are some of her areas of focus. This is a brief overview of some of the work she has done.
Seniors Declaration
"Age is a gift to the city." Under Linda's leadership, this concept is at the core of the first-in-Canada municipal declaration, pledging a commitment to respect and value older persons and striving to ensure Edmonton enables seniors to participate fully in city life.
Aging in Place
Drawing on her nursing and health background, Linda championed an Aging in Place pilot project intended to help seniors ongoing needs relating to their own health and the upkeep of their homes. Edmonton was one of only two municipalities to receive funding from the provincial government for this work, which includes a demonstration site in southeast Edmonton to address the needs of older seniors.
Creative Age Festival
Linda is founding chair of the steering committee for the Creative Age Festival, celebrating the importance of artistic and creative expression to seniors' health and well-being and the contributions of seniors in making Edmonton the strong and vibrant city it is today. This annual event brings seniors together to experience and enjoy creativity in a variety of forms.
Edmonton's Urban Forest
Edmonton's 298,000 city-maintained trees have a friend in Linda. She has advocated for operational funding to ensure trees are watered and pruned to ward off infestations or premature death due to drought conditions. Currently she is exploring how the City could offer more protection for mature/heritage trees.
North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System
Committed to preserving the river valley and ravine system, Linda has consistently advocated for increased public access and vista points, speaking against changes to the Top of Bank Policy that left only 30% of river valley frontage as public space. Over two terms, Linda has worked to achieve annual funding for the preservation of natural spaces and the formation of the Edmonton Area Land Trust.
Urban Agriculture
In considering Edmonton's Municipal Development Plan, Linda achieved amendments to enhance urban agriculture and initiate the formation of a sustainable food policy.
Provincial Plastic Bag Reduction Strategy
Through Linda's collaborative efforts last term, the Provincial Government, National Retail Council and National Association of Independent Grocers signed an agreement committing reducing plastic bags use at source in Alberta by 50 per cent.
Pesticide Reduction
A growing number of Canadian cities have eliminated the spraying of pesticides within their cities. Linda has advocated for Edmonton to do the same. She continues to work with members of Council, City administration and interest groups like the Canadian Cancer Society to further this goal.
Safety from Crime and Drugs
Linda recently introduced an inquiry seeking provisions that the City ban the sale of drug paraphernalia in close proximity to schools and playgrounds. She has consistently supported community policing and crime prevention strategies.
Women in Municipal Government
Linda assumed a leadership role in advocating for processes to encourage women to be more active in municipal government—working as chair of a provincial committee to establish annual educational opportunities and a provincial bursary through the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.
Capital Projects
As a Councillor for Ward 1, Linda worked collaboratively with Council and City Administration to support the development of several projects to improve quality of life and create vibrant, healthy communities in Wards 1 and 5.
- Lois Hole Centennial Library
- Bill Hunter Arena Restoration
- St. Francis Xavier Field House (built in collaboration with Edmonton Catholic Schools)
- Callingwood Skate Park and Water Park (2010)
- Fort Edmonton Footbridge
- Valley Zoo Renewal
- Edmonton Rowing Club Boathouse
- Edmonton Animal Control Building
- Edmonton Humane Society Campus
- Jasper Place Library renewal
- Purchase and Preservation of Centennial Lands for a new municipal park
- Fred Broadstock Pool Renovation and Enhancement