Ward Dene: New name, same boundaries for northeast Edmonton district

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Dene stands alone as the only ward in Edmonton that did not change its boundaries ahead of this year’s election. Stretching the furthest north in the city, the former Ward 4 covers Edmonton north of the Yellowhead Highway and east of 66 Street.

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Pronounced DEH-NEH, the word refers to the various tribes and people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, that settled along the North Saskatchewan River and who live there now.

Dene features a mix of older communities as well as newer neighbourhoods and a large rural component. It includes neighbourhoods like Clareview, Kirkness and McConachie. This election will include a rematch between incumbent councillor Aaron Paquette and challenger Tricia Velthuizen who were both on the ballot in the 2017 election. They will be joined by three others. The candidates are running on promises including to improve transit, increase community policing and help businesses, development and the economy.

Who is running?

Andy Andrezej Gudanowski

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Gudanowski is no stranger to elections. He ran for city councillor in Ward 6 in 2013 and Ward 7 in 2017. In 2019, he ran as an independent candidate in both the provincial and federal elections. Gudanowski said he considers it his duty to run for office. Despite extensive medical evidence that vaccines are the best way to protect against death or serious illness from COVID-19, he believes the vaccinations should be a last resort and said he has a plan that includes helping Edmontonians build strong immune systems. He wants the city to establish centres where citizens can get free medical, psychological and legal help.

You can find more information about his campaign on his website here.

Gerald Mutabazi Amani 

Mutabazi Amani was born in Democratic Republic of Congo. His family left during the Second Congo War and came as refugees to Tanzania. He arrived in Edmonton 12 years ago as a government-sponsored refugee. Mutabazi Amani currently works as an advocate for refugees. As a councillor, he said he would advocate for better transit and more affordable housing funding from the province and federal government. He said voters have a desire to see themselves reflected in the leadership of the place they call home.

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You can find more information about his campaign here.

Lana Palmer

Palmer is originally from Brazil and came to Canada in 2002. Trained as an oral surgeon in Brazil, she is currently an entrepreneur and small business owner. Palmer said if elected she would bring a voice of moderation to council. She would be pro-business, working to remove barriers for businesses and protect jobs. She believes that with the growth of crypto currency, Edmonton has the opportunity “to become the crypto capital of Canada.” She said voters she’s spoken with are worried about the economy and their jobs.

You can find more information about her campaign here.

Aaron Paquette

Paquette is seeking his second term in office. The incumbent Ward 4 councillor and
Indigenous artist and author said he’s worked hard since being elected and in his second term he wants to see projects, including major infrastructure investment, through. This go-around his election platform includes promises to advocate for improved transit and more transparent timelines for securing permits and licences including by moving applications online and having digital options for inspections. Paquette said the northeast has become a key hub for the city’s development. He pointed to a $1.3-billion hydrogen plant being built nearby as one project he’s proud of.

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You can find more information about his campaign here.

Tricia Velthuizen

Velthuizen is currently press secretary for Service Alberta Minister Nate Glubish. She said that along with economic concerns related to the pandemic, she’s also been hearing worries about safety. She said voters are concerned about police not having as strong of a community presence. Velthuizen said if elected she would not support efforts to defund the police and she would like to see a move to more community policing. Velthuizen said she supports initiatives like the Edmonton Police Services’ Human-centred Engagement and Liaison Partnership Unit.

You can find more information about her campaign on her website here.

Current councillor: Aaron Paquette

Population of the ward: 84,971

Eligible voters: 53,256