Knack defends drug injection sites as Edmonton candidates clash in Q&A

With Edmonton’s municipal election just over a week away, frontrunner Andrew Knack found himself in the hot seat, challenged by rivals on his progressive positions on illegal drugs and city density.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

With Edmonton’s municipal election just over a week away, frontrunner Andrew Knack found himself in the hot seat, challenged by rivals on his progressive positions on illegal drugs, city density and other topics during a fiery Q&A.

The online event, hosted by YEGWAVE, saw Knack defend drug consumption sites and other controversial progressive policies.

Knack, who led with 41 per cent support among decided voters in a recent poll, defended density, 15-minute city design, and drug consumption sites. These positions drew criticism from opponents pitching a return to core services and traditional infrastructure.

The Q&A among five of Edmonton’s mayoral candidates featured 28 questions on topics including safety, taxes, City Hall spending, drug-injection sites and bike lanes.

While some questions drew similar answers, the first major split came over the city’s new zoning bylaw, which allows eight units per lot.

Knack said he would reduce mid-block infill to six units and focus higher density along main streets and transit hubs, calling it “thoughtful density.” Mohammad supported the same cap but would reinstate parking requirements. Cartmell proposed a four-unit limit, Walters backed four mid-block and six on corners, and Jaffer vowed to repeal and replace the bylaw entirely.

Nearly every candidate said they would scrap Edmonton’s single-use plastics bylaw, calling it costly and ineffective. Mohammad, Cartmell, and Jaffer each vowed to repeal it outright, while Walters said he would cancel the bag fee but keep broader waste-reduction efforts. Knack was the lone candidate to defend the bylaw in principle, reminding Edmontonians that he supported it in 2023 but saying it should be reviewed for results rather than repealed.

Candidates were deeply divided over Edmonton’s 15-minute city plan. Knack and Walters supported the concept as a way to create compact, walkable neighbourhoods and improve affordability, while Mohammad dismissed it as “failing in reality” and dividing communities. Cartmell opposed 15-minute cities, while Jaffer argued that such neighbourhoods develop organically without government intervention.

When asked about drug use and violence, specifically what programs or interventions the candidate would implement to prevent harm, Cartmell took a shot right at Knack.

“This isn’t the city’s job. I’ll be a strong advocate here for provincial support, but we cannot put more taxpayer money towards this; Edmontonians are stretched too thin. A Knack government will increase your taxes for this issue,” he said.

Knack called for increased funding to prevention programs, bail reform, and Family and Community Support Services.

He also vocalized his support for drug injection and supervised consumption sites. Walters was less explicit, but said he had written to the premier asking the province to expand “harm reduction programs.”

Mohammad, Cartmell and Jaffer opposed the sites, backing a recovery-first approach. Mohammad said, “the goal must be recovery, not enabling,” while Jaffer vowed to close existing facilities and replace them with recovery communities. All three called for stronger enforcement to address repeat offenders and rising disorder.

Candidates agreed that City Hall has drifted from core services, but differed on how to refocus spending.

Mohammad and Jaffer said funds should shift from “vanity projects” and bike lanes to essentials like roads, policing, and waste management. Cartmell called for reallocation toward “safety, roads, snow, and cleanliness.” Walters and Knack both said spending should better reflect residents’ needs, with Walters pledging to refocus budgets on affordability and Knack proposing broader public engagement before future budget cycles.

Knack again stood alone when discussing his support for bike lanes. He supported continued expansion, arguing they would reduce congestion and improve safety. Mohammad, Cartmell and Jaffer all called for a pause or rollback, citing cost and disruption to drivers. Walters took a middle ground, saying lanes should exist “only where they make sense.”

In their final statements, Mohammad said he envisions “a city that is safe, affordable, and full of pride.” Cartmell promised Edmontonians “will feel the difference in your street and your wallet.” Knack pledged to build “a safer city” while helping the unhoused “get housing and stay housed.” Walters said his focus would be “a city we can all truly be proud of,” and Jaffer called for a return to “a fun and respectable Edmonton, like we were 20 years ago.”

Advance voting is underway, with election day occurring on October 20.