Why Edmonton?

"How do you like the place you're living now? Is it somewhere you really want to be? Does it give you energy? When you walk out onto the street---or the country lane---in the morning, does it fill you with inspiration or stress? Does it allow you to be the person you really want to be?" -Richard Florida

From Jasper Ave to the River Valley

These are questions that I read many years ago in Richard Florida's book, "Who's Your City?". These questions are never far from my mind when I think of my hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. Does Edmonton allow me to be the person I really want to be? The answer is yes.

I want to be someone that's connected to both city life and the land itself. Edmonton is a unique city where you can keep one foot planted in urban life and one in nature. You can enjoy a delicious plate of Yakisoba on Jasper Avenue and then take a quick walk south and hike along the North Saskatchewan River, a river connected to the land's Indigenous people.

The mural at iHuman Youth Society

I want to be someone who lives out the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. We're living at a critical point in our history as a community. Many of our leaders in the city embrace this challenge, and I'm very proud of this. You see this reflected in policies being put in our workplaces, but you also see it reflected in the city's plans for the future. When it comes to the land itself, the ongoing consultation with Indigenous people for a variety of projects is moving forward. I see leaders shifting from "How can we talk about First Nations?" to "How can we hand over the mic to Indigenous People and amplifying their voices?" That change is significant, and I want to raise my family in a community where the Calls to Action are lived out.

At the Royal Alberta Museum

I also want to be someone who celebrates diversity. I'm a direct descendent of Amber Valley Pioneers, and I have Metis roots as well. In recent years, I've become more engaged in learning about both of those histories. Edmonton as a community has a growing appetite for learning about the many different stories that are a part of it, and you can learn more in our museums, schools, libraries, and festivals. When you celebrate diversity, you make it easier for anyone to feel at home here. Edmonton is moving forward in ensuring that our city is a safe place for minorities, new Canadians, and the LGBTQ2S+ community. As a dad, I know my role is to teach these values to my kids, and it helps a great deal when your community is seizing opportunities to celebrate as well.

If you're an underdog, I'm likely going to cheer for you. If you're starting a business or trying to create something new, I've got your back - so does most of Edmonton. When people ask me why I stay in Edmonton, my elevator speech is this: "Edmonton is a city that is going to give you your chance to do whatever you'd like to do. Our town will open doors of opportunity that may be closed in other cities in Canada." We will make space for you; our community leaders are accessible and are often willing to dream with you. The one thing that we collectively ask in return is that you be someone willing to look out for your neighbor.

So why Edmonton? The answer is Edmonton is the city that says yes to you and me, the underdog, the unique, and the underrepresented. I'll place my bet on a city like that any day of the week!