Safe, Fair, Sustainable

Social and Environmental Responsibility

Dr. Aberle will work with council, administration, and residents to investigate opportunities that:

A. Work together to reduce crime and prevent issues

I believe in working together—residents, council, RCMP, and community partners—to prevent crime before it starts. By investing in safe public spaces, youth programs, and early support for those at risk, we can build a stronger, safer community for all.”

Examples may include:

1. Community Policing Programs

• RCMP and Protective Services continuing to partner with residents, schools, and local businesses to build trust and share information. For example: Neighbourhood Resource Officers assigned to specific areas to know residents and address issues before they escalate.

2. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

• Designing safer public spaces with better lighting, clear sightlines, and maintained parks. For example: adding lights, trimming overgrown trees, and supporting community events, which all help to reduce vandalism and loitering.

3. Youth Engagement and Recreation

• Offering and supporting after-school programs, sports, and cultural activities to give youth positive outlets and help reduce youth involvement in crime.

4. Partnerships with Social Services and Community Groups

• Continue working with Hope Mission, addiction services, and mental health organizations to address root causes of crime. For example: the RCMP, protective services, social workers, and community agencies meet regularly.
• Residents collaborate with local government and police to report concerns and promote awareness. The City already supports Citizens on Patrol, and this could be expanded to other community groups with small grants to host safety walks and block parties that build trust among neighbours.

B. Support vulnerable groups: women, girls, children, youth seniors, persons with disabilities, low-income, and homeless residents

I will continue to advocate for our most vulnerable—women, children & youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, low-income, and homeless residents—through supporting safe spaces, affordable housing, accessible services, and strong community partnerships that ensure no one is left behind.

Examples may include:

1. Women & Girls

• Domestic Violence Prevention Programs: help support partnerships with Hope Mission and women’s shelters in the region to provide emergency housing and support.
• Safe Walk Services: work with community groups to implement a safe walk program

2. Children & Youth

• Affordable Recreation Programs: continue to advocate for free or low-cost access to swimming, sports, and arts.
• Youth Program Partnerships: help support after-school programs and mentorship opportunities to keep kids engaged and supported.

3. Seniors & Persons with Disabilities

• Accessible Transportation: Continue to financially support Wetaskiwin Transit for low-cost shuttle services / paratransit for medical appointments and other activities.
• Accessible Communities: continuing to fund projects that ensure parks, sidewalks, and public facilities have adequate benches, ramps, and safe crossings.

4. Low-Income Residents

• Affordable Housing Initiatives: working with non-profits and developers to create more low-cost housing options.
• Subsidized Services: Looking at the potential for reduced fees for recreation and utilities for those in neee.

5. Homeless Residents

• Shelter & Warming/Cooling Centres: continue to work with Hope Mission and provide safe spaces during extreme weather.
• Housing First Programs: continue to advocate for initiatives that provide permanent housing with wrap-around services.
• Outreach Teams: continue to work with and support social services that connect homeless individuals with health care, mental health, and employment supports.

C. Diversify Energy Production and Consumption

I will continue to support diversifying our energy—through solar, efficient buildings, and renewable partnerships—so that we can lower costs and build a more sustainable future for our community.

Examples may include:

1. Renewable Energy Projects

• Continue to install solar panels on our municipal buildings.
• Investigate the ability to create community solar farms where residents can buy in.

2. Energy Efficiency in Buildings

• Continue to support incentives and grants for residents that help with retrofitting homes and businesses with better insulation, efficient lighting, and smart systems.
• Advocating for net-zero standards for any new municipal buildings.

3. Partnerships with Indigenous and Rural Communities

• Collaborating on wind and solar projects that create local jobs and energy security.

D. Promote cost-efficient recycling and waste reduction

I will promote cost-efficient recycling and waste reduction through better curbside programs, increased composting, smart incentives, and partnerships that save money while protecting our environment.

Examples may include:

1. Curbside Recycling & Organics

• Continue to support the expansion of our curbside program at a reduced cost to residents

2. Waste Diversion Programs

• Setting up additional drop-off depots for electronics, paint, batteries, and / or hazardous waste for easier access to those without vehicles.
• Encouraging reuse through an increase in swap/kick it to the curb events, and supporting repair cafés, or free-cycle days.

3. Education & Incentives

• Public campaigns on proper recycling.
• Reward programs (e.g., discounts on utility bills) for households that reduce waste.