Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1678 - Building Canada City by City: Edmonton’s Growth, Alberta’s Future, and the Leaders Shaping Tomorrow

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian explores the future of Canadian cities through a conversation with Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack about growth, leadership, infrastructure, and the challenges shaping communities across the country.As one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, Edmonton is facing both tremendous opportunity and significant challenges. With more than 250,000 new residents arriving in recent years, how does a city keep pace with growth while maintaining affordability, quality of life, and a sense of community?Mayor Knack discusses Edmonton’s future, including housing affordability, downtown revitalization, homelessness, mental health, public safety, transit expansion, economic development, and attracting new investment.The conversation also turns to one of Alberta’s biggest political debates: the upcoming referendum on Alberta’s future. Mayor Knack shares why he believes Alberta is stronger as part of Canada and why stability, collaboration, and certainty are essential for jobs, investment, and long-term economic growth.Brian and Mayor Knack also discuss the importance of building cities that are inclusive, innovative, and prepared for the future.In his closing commentary, Brian reflects on a broader question:Will the future of Canada be built city by city?Drawing on recent conversations with urban leaders including Mary Throop, Professor Murtaza Haider, Mayor Andrew Knack, and Mayor Carolyn Parrish, Brian examines why cities across Canada are facing many of the same challenges—housing, transit, homelessness, infrastructure, public safety, taxation, and economic competitiveness.The discussion explores why practical solutions and effective leadership matter more than political slogans, and why the strength of Canada’s future may depend on the strength of its communities.A thoughtful conversation about cities, leadership, and the choices that will shape Canada’s next chapter.