Who is running for city council in Charlottetown

Prince Edward Island's capital city will see some changes to the council makeup, as three incumbents have decided not to reoffer for the 2022 election.

Charlottetown has 10 wards and people will vote for the candidate of their choice in their home ward to represent their neighbourhood on city council.

There are about 23,450 voters in Charlottetown, although that figure is fluid with people moving in and out of communities, according to Elections P.E.I.

Here are the candidates registered with Elections P.E.I. running for city council in Charlottetown for the 2022 election on Nov. 7, listed first by ward and then alphabetically by first name.

• Ward 1 — Queens Square
• Ward 2 — Belvedere
• Ward 3 — Brighton
• Ward 4 — Spring Park
• Ward 5 — Ellen's Creek
• Ward 6 — Mount Edward
• Ward 7 — Beach Grove
• Ward 8 — Highfield
• Ward 9 — Stonepark
• Ward 10 — Falconwood

Ward 1 — Queens Square

Alanna Jankov

1. Why are you running for council?

I believe downtown Charlottetown has tremendous potential and if the proper planning is in place, we will have a positive future. I want to continue the progress we are making

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Downtown Charlottetown has become a desirable place to live, and we have seen many developments and with that has come many challenges. The area has become very unaffordable for many low-income families, seniors, students, those with disabilities and the unhoused/ homeless population. There has been some progress made but much more work remains to be done. This must be a priority with the new council.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Make Charlottetown more accessible and friendly to both pedestrians and bikers, continue to recruit new businesses, continue to improve our supports to the arts and culture sector, maintain and improve the historical nature of our downtown, work with the growing unhoused struggles, improve the governance of the city, improve our relations with the other levels of government, strive to decrease our carbon footprint and become more transparent on operations and move towards an open government.

Joanna Morrison

1. Why are you running for council?

Currently our city council does not advocate for the needs of Charlottetown citizens. Seeing the inaction from municipal government when many people are struggling, especially after hurricane Fiona, is incredibly frustrating and community members deserve better.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Housing insecurity is a huge issue. You don't have to look far to find someone who is dealing with being unhoused, sacrificing basic necessities so they can afford rent, or is living in a unit that needs repairs and maintenance. I myself am a renter and am familiar with these struggles.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

There has been a lack of transparency and honesty from city council for a long time. Citizens deserve to feel confidence that their tax dollars are being spent on what is best for the community, and that confidence has been lost for years. More public meetings, engagement with community members, and better communication is desperately needed.

Wade Munn

1. Why are you running for council?

To protect Islanders and the country of Canada from being invaded by Russia.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Accounting for ones own actions, as well as listening to citizens concerns. I am a natural born leader to become a voice in Ward 1 community.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Russian invasion.

Ward 2 — Belvedere

Eric McMurray

1. Why are you running for council?

Fresh faces are needed within city council. I feel as younger resident, I can greatly help guide this city towards better living for all. Small changes can have big impacts, and we need councillors whom are there to serve, not to profit. I have a chance to stand up and voice concerns for those who cannot. Such as people with invisible disabilities like myself (no hearing in left ear), or those in low-income areas. I feel I can listen to residents and would be humbled to be their councillor.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

There isn't just one issue of concern, there are many. From lack of night time transit, speeding within residential areas, to quality of life and the lack of accessibility for pedestrians. These issues all impact us all, and some younger residents have expressed a lack of accountability from past councilors. I would try my best to help improve and fix any issue a resident has, or find someone who could assist.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Cost of living and quality of life are the biggest issues residents face. Homeless shelters and supports need to be updated and revamped. Updating and creating better infrastructure, while updating our zoning to build more residential would also help alleviate some of these issues. Our city faces issues with transparency, accountability and "kicking the can down the road." It's time we take a good look within the city to prioritize the needs of the people.

Justin Muttart

1. Why are you running for council?

I'm passionate about my city and wish to represent the people of my ward. I believe in a safe and vibrant city and providing opportunities for our city and communities to grow and prosper. The residents of Ward 2 expect a professional, open and accessible candidate willing to be a strong voice at city hall. If elected, I plan to be that person. I will bring a progressive attitude to the city council, and I'm ready to tackle important issues facing our city.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

In speaking with the residents of Ward 2, many thoughts and concerns have been brought to my attention. Residents want more openness, transparency, strong fiscal management and a stronger focus on essential issues such as safety, housing, our vulnerable community and aging infrastructure.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Some of the larger issues we see within our municipality are the challenges some residents face in finding long-term affordable housing. Another critical issue is support and services for our vulnerable population. As a city, we need to come together with all levels of government, the community residents and those directly impacted to find viable solutions.

Terry MacLeod

1. Why are you running for council?

To help people and work hard for residents of Ward 2 and the City of Charlottetown.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Speeding, safety and affordable housing

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Affordable housing.

Wendi James Poirier

1. Why are you running for council?

I am community-minded person interested in effecting change and positive outcomes for residents. Building a resilient and progressive community takes fresh and diverse perspectives; I want to ensure our work with residents and my fellow council is respectful and where we understand and value opinions, abilities, backgrounds and cultures. I want to see real action on programs and services to address housing and infrastructure that meets the needs of residents today and into the future.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Effective governance, we need to rebuild trust and accountability. Affordable (income-based) housing and safety (speeding, sidewalks, bus shelters, police presence and safe and increased bike paths) were also concerns.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Increased collaboration with all levels of government, transparency and accountability, a positive culture shift for city staff to ensure we are an employer of choice, accessible and safe active transportation pathways, the development of mixed-use and integrated housing and the effective engagement of residents - to name a few!

Ward 3 — Brighton

Incumbent city councillor Mike Duffy is not reoffering in the 2022 election. 

Barb MacLeod

1. Why are you running for council?

As an entrepreneur and artist, I will bring a different perspective to city council. Charlottetown has enormous potential as an attractive, dynamic city and we need a forward-thinking approach to our decision making. As a small business owner, I've developed skills which help me to generate new ideas and new perspectives. Our city's growth and future depends on our ability to be pro-active and see all the possibilities before us.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

In meeting and talking with Ward 3 residents, I find I'm filled with joy to see how much love and pride is poured into each neighborhood. We know our neighbours, we look out for one another and we take pride in our surroundings. With four schools in Ward 3, safety is emerging as the number one issue. Improved sidewalks and real bike lanes will strengthen our neighbourhoods, improve safety for all ages and create a more walkable and sustainable city.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Housing is the number one issue in Charlottetown today. Our population is growing faster than we can provide housing. This high demand, low inventory equation has been particularly hard on low-income citizens. I believe Charlottetown needs to be more proactive in pursuing developers who have the expertise to provide housing which meets our needs.

Norman Beck

1. Why are you running for council?

I am a proud lifelong resident of Ward 3 who is committed to making my community and my city a place where residents can prosper. I want to give back to my community and use my experience as a school principal and community volunteer to be a strong voice for the residents of Ward 3.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

The message I have been hearing from residents is the requirement for strong governance from city council that incorporates sound and informed decision making, prudent and targeted spending of tax dollars, and effective short- and long-term planning.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

The new city council will need to focus on the following areas: increasing public confidence in its elected officials; long-term solutions that address the housing and homelessness issues; infrastructure and active transportation; climate change and emergency preparedness.

Ward 4 — Spring Park

Barbara Dylla

1. Why are you running for council?

To (re)build democracy from the ground up. To bring integrity, transparency, accountability to city hall and provide a more effective, efficient and responsive municipal government.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Excessively high rents for mediocre housing with the ever-present fear of a rent increase or, worse, an eviction notice, leading to deep anxiety among those who already face difficult challenges and to more people living on the fringes of society.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Inadequate housing, indifference towards those living in need or with health conditions (mental or physical), an undeveloped public transportation system, mismanagement at city hall.

Mitch Tweel

CBC News will update this section when the candidate questionnaire is submitted. 

Ward 5 — Ellen's Creek

Daniel Cousins

1. Why are you running for council?

To sum it up in one word: security. A lot of the people in Charlottetown are insecure, housing, financial, food, health and safety for most it is a mix of all these things and more. We are losing our future as the young leave in hopes of finding better opportunities off-Island. We have to move on these issues to ensure a safe sustainable future for the people of Charlottetown and generations to come.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

For Ward 5 it is definitely housing and all the things that encompass making it affordable. The majority of the ward are renters from students to seniors, young families and professionals. Often renters are struggling to afford the rising rents, high cost of food, transportation and their own health. We need to build for our needs today and for the future where no one has to make the tough choice of home, hunger or health.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

I have been hearing at the doors the loss of trust in our government, far too often people feel left out on the decision-making process. Scandals have been one right after another from the removal of our CAO to expensive meals and booze on the taxpayers dime. We need people who will be honest, open and accountable with what they are doing to represent our city, and their community. Who are responsible for the people of our city over the wants of those who only seek to profit.

Kevin Ramsay

1. Why are you running for council?

I have decided to re-offer for Charlottetown city council to be the voice of Ward 5 residents at city hall and help make Charlottetown a better place for all.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

The number one concern in Ward 5 is speeding and traffic congestion along North River Road.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

The largest issues in Charlottetown right now are the same issues affecting people across the country. These include the lack of affordable housing, physician retention, cost of living, and the lack of short term rental regulations which require all levels of government to work together to find solutions.

Pauline MacIntyre

1. Why are you running for council?

Our city needs strong-minded, hard-working citizens to step up and offer our citizens a council that makes informed, responsible and fair decisions. If elected I will aspire to bring good governance to my fellow members of Ward 5 and the city as a whole.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

My neighbours are concerned with traffic control and improving neighbourhood safety. Improvements to parks and sport facilities are important to families in the area.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

With rents rising and affordable housing dwindling, the city needs to focus on finding solutions to ease this ongoing crisis. Municipal and provincial governments need to aggressively work on a permanent solution to help our most vulnerable citizens with their life challenges. Everyone needs and deserves a proper place to call home.

Tony Carroll

1. Why are you running for council?

Citizens from the ward approached me and asked me to run given concerns about how they are represented at city hall. I believe I can best represent Ward 5 at city hall.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

The number one concern in Ward 5 is integrity and transparency at city hall with a focus on financial accountability.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Affordable housing, speeding in the streets, accountability in the governance of the city.

Ward 6 — Mount Edward

Bob Doiron

1. Why are you running for council?

I am running for city council to represent the residents in my ward and to be a voice for their concerns. I also want to ensure the running of the city corporation is being run in a manner acceptable to all residents.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

I believe safety is one of the top priorities, residents want to see a police presence in our area and want to feel safe in their homes. We do have a great community action team that has been formed since our new chief has taken over and those officers have made a difference.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

There are so many things to discuss: affordable housing and the city's role in this, new building developments, fire station, hiring of a new CAO, storm preparation, community centre, public transit.

Ryan Ramsay

1. Why are you running for council?

I believe that Charlottetown and specifically Ward 6 is a wonderful place to live. Born and raised in Charlottetown, I have been a consistent and active volunteer in our community for 20+ years. I feel now is the time for me to represent the residents of Ward 6 and help improve our community and city.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Speeding in and around Ward 6 is the number one concern. The perimeter of our ward has two main entrances and exits to our city. Motorists are travelling at excessive speeds, on Mount Edward Road and Brackley Point Road putting the residents in danger. Motorists also use the neighbourhoods as a pass-through to get to and from Mount Edward Road and Brackley Point Road. We have residents of all ages and we need Ward 6 to be a safe place to walk, run and play.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Affordable housing and the cost of living are major issues for Charlottetown. We need to work hard to find solutions as this has been ongoing for a number of years now. There has been lots of talk and very little action to date. We need to work with our counterparts in provincial government to find solutions as this is more than a municipal issue.

Ward 7 — Beach Grove

Incumbent city councillor Greg Rivard is not reoffering in the 2022 election. 

John McAleer

1. Why are you running for council?

I love Charlottetown and believe we have a very bright future. My work and volunteer experiences allow me to bring a balanced perspective to the planning and administration of city hall. Charlottetown's growth is exciting and I want to help be a part of it. I believe I am known for my integrity, being a team player and being responsive to the needs of others. Our civic growth needs to be sustainable, business friendly and looks out for the less fortunate.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

The most common concern I hear on the doorsteps is about cars, roads, sidewalks and safety. Residents talk about road maintenance, a lack of crosswalks, a need to control speeding and ensuring we can enjoy our neighbourhoods by walking, biking and other elements of an active lifestyle. We can find innovative ways to do more with less money, and ensuring our money is spread throughout the wards in the city. One solution is better relationships with the provincial and federal governments.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

City hall needs to be an institution that residents see as proactive, well-run and transparent. We have to find balance in the way we develop. I strongly believe in a healthy mix of varied residential neighbourhoods, commercial activity and recreational infrastructure that blend together. Charlottetown has so many talented residents and we need to engage people to find new ways to run our city. We also need to be prudent with our finances and spend and invest carefully.

Linda Clark

1. Why are you running for council?

There is a need for a strong voice for Ward 7 at council and I believe I can provide that voice. Transparency at city hall is a key issue among the electorate, and I want to effect a much-needed change in how information is relayed to the residents of West Royalty and Charlottetown as a whole. It is important to me that all voices are heard and that concerns are addressed in a timely and communicative manner.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

The new fire station in West Royalty has been on hold for too long and residents want to know the reasons why this much-needed project is not moving ahead. Given the issues with the tendering process for this project, I believe the process needs to be overhauled with a mechanism to provide preference for local service providers.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Communication and transparency between city council, city administration and the residents has been a major issue. Residents lack information as to why the promised fire hall in West Royalty has not come to fruition. Additions to safe pathways for pedestrians and cyclists must continue to meet our safety and recreation needs. Enhanced policing in outlying areas is required, as well as dedicated traffic enforcement. Affordable housing and homelessness is an ongoing issue that must be resolved.

Paul Gaudet

1. Why are you running for council?

I believe we need an open and transparent council looking after the needs of not only my ward but the needs of all residents. Take the time to thoroughly review proposals and make decisions based on the facts and consideration of the actual impact on both business and residents. Buying local must also include being responsible financially while understanding the impact on our local business. We must stop making decisions today only to review all the facts and reverse the decision later.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

The Park Street modular housing units and the inability of both the municipal and provincial governments to get together and look out for the homeless residents of Charlottetown. While this is a delicate subject all levels of government must understand the problem is multi layered and realize not all are homeless for the same reason. We have at least three types of problem: we have the mentally challenged, those with addiction issues and those that cannot afford housing.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Homeless and affordable housing are top of mind, police and fire protection services, financial responsibility

Ward 8 — Highfield

Incumbent city councillor Jason Coady is not reoffering in the 2022 election. 

Charlene Wight

1. Why are you running for council?

I am running to be the change I want to see. I want my community to flourish and for all members to feel supported, recognized, and heard. I think city council could benefit from some new faces with some different ideas and views to bring to the table.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

I believe for most wards, affordable and safe living is one of the biggest concerns right now, my own ward included.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Affordable housing, planning and development, road safety for all users including cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.

Corey Driscoll

1. Why are you running for council?

I have always had a keen interest in municipal affairs. As a resident of Ward 8, I look forward to the opportunity to be a strong representative and voice for all residents.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

As Ward 8 grows with increased development, traffic and pedestrian safety has become an increased concern.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Planning for growth, affordable housing and traffic safety.

Trevor MacKinnon

1. Why are you running for council?

I feel there is a need for a strong voice for Ward 8, and I feel that I can be that voice. I feel that our ward and the city as a whole needs transparency, I would effect a much-needed change in how information is relayed to the city of Charlottetown's residents. I would ensure that all voices of residents are heard and their issues addressed.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

The new subdivision being built near Highfield subdivision and traffic flow that will be increased as a result of this build. Speeding is a public safety concern and with the increased number of homes coming to the area, traffic is a major concern for the safety of the residents.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Transparency between city council and residents is lacking. There is no communication with residents other than CBC News letting people be aware of issues. Traffic flow and speeds is a major issue in the outlying areas of the city, along with accessability to safe cycling and walking trails in the outer areas of the city.

Ward 9 — Stonepark

Gordon Gay

1. Why are you running for council?

I enjoy working on issues concerning the ward I live in.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Traffic and safety is a big concern based on the amount of development that is taking place.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

There are several, but the main ones for me are water sustainability, taxes, services available for an area that is growing so quickly and to find out what are the issues with the people of Ward 9.

Julie McCabe

1. Why are you running for council?

After sitting on council for this past term, I feel I still have lots to offer the residents of Ward 9 and Charlottetown as a whole. I have learned a great deal about municipal politics and believe I work hard to influence progressive and positive change.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Speed and connection pathways.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Positive governance, openness and transparency, affordable living, sustainability in planning and transit.

Ward 10 — Falconwood

Terry Bernard

CBC News will update this section when the candidate questionnaire is submitted.