Edmonton election ward profile: Anirniq
Anirniq, formerly Ward 2, includes incumbent Bev Esslinger and four more candidates.
The ward is in the city’s northwest, roughly between 170 Street and 97 Street.
Anirniq (A-NIRK-NIK) means “breath of life” in Inuktitut and honours the Inuit people, many of whom were flown from the north to Edmonton in the 1950s and 60s for tuberculosis treatment.
- Complete coverage of the municipal election
- Edmonton's new Indigenous ward names, explained
- New places for familiar councillors? More than new names to city's overhauled electoral wards
Here is a look at the candidates in Anirniq.
BEV ESSLINGER
Bev Esslinger (Supplied)
Bev Esslinger has lived in Anirniq for more than two decades and has served as a city councillor since 2013.
During Esslinger’s tenure, she has used her position to help raise awareness about domestic assault and sexual violence.
On her website, Esslinger lists economy and jobs, safety and community as her top priorities heading into the election. If elected again, Esslinger says she’ll continue to push for the LRT extension through northwest Edmonton to St. Albert and the completion of Albany Park.
The vision for Esslinger moving forward is "building a strong future for Edmonton" following the turmoil of the pandemic and the impact it has had on the local economy.
MARK DAVIES
Mark Davies (Supplied)
Candidate Mark Davies has lived in Edmonton for nearly 40 years including 13 in Anirniq.
Davies has dabbled in a number of professions, in both the public and private sectors.
According to his website, Davies served as a paramedic, “witnessing firsthand the struggle of the city’s homeless.” He also has a decade of experience working in City of Edmonton facilities.
Davies’ platform highlights the need for diversity and inclusion, community connectivity, environmental resilience and sustainable growth, particularly in the business sector.
On his website, Davies says the city should look to acknowledge the “stewardship of existing infrastructure instead of noncritical projects.”
ALI HAYMOUR
Ali Haymour (Supplied)
Ali Haymour has lived in Anirniq his entire life.
Haymour, who currently works as an Alberta Sheriff, told CTV News Edmonton he's chosen to run because he’s “fed up with how the city is being led.”
“I was raised to believe that if you see a problem you should become part of the solution.”
If elected, Haymour said he would like to see “accountability” at city hall with a requirement to adhere to capital budgets instead of going “hundreds of millions of dollars overboard.”
ERIN RUTHERFORD
Erin Rutherford (supplied)
Erin Rutherford was born and raised in Alberta, and has lived in Edmonton for more than 20 years.
Rutherford has focused her career on building community, having advocated for the rights of young people and LGBTQ2S+.
“I'm running to bring my experiences as a public service and community leader to support bridging differences, champion change with compassion, empathy, and collaboration,” she said.
Rutherford told CTV News Edmonton she has a deep understanding of city administration and a proven track record of working with and understanding of people from “all walks of life.”
If elected, Rutherford would implement a zoning bylaw that works now and for the future, fixing the bus network for accessibility, prioritizing needed infrastructure projects within Anirniq, protection of public services and measurable change on climate action and emission reduction.
TYLER ZUTZ
Tyler Zutz (Supplied)
Tyler Zutz is a lifelong Edmontonian who has worked as an independent consultant in business analysis, project management and digital transformation.
He volunteers within his community, most recently as a youth basketball coach.
After 40 years in north Edmonton, Zutz believes there’s room for change in the upcoming election.
“I see other wards in our city where the councillors are very engaged and active in their communities.”
If elected, Zutz would like to forge strong relationships within his community and bring their views to council to ensure they have a say in “how the city will be run for the next four years.”
The municipal election is on Oct. 18.
Read profiles for mayoral candidates and wards on our municipal election page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.