Edmonton, AB – October 20, 2025

Voters across Edmonton are heading to the polls today to elect a new mayor, 12 city councillors, and school board trustees. Among the most closely watched council races is Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi, one of the city’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities.

About the Ward

Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi (pronounced EE-PEE-KOH-CONE-IP-YOW-TSI), which means “the place of the sheltering high cliffs” in Blackfoot, covers the southwest corner of Edmonton, including neighbourhoods such as Rutherford, Allard, Desrochers, Heritage Valley, Paisley, and surrounding communities. This rapidly expanding area is home to young families, professionals, and newcomers, making it a pivotal part of Edmonton’s urban growth story.

With thousands of new homes and a population that’s doubled in recent years, the ward is at the centre of many of the city’s biggest conversations—transit, infrastructure, and community safety.

 Key Issues for Voters

Residents in this ward have consistently highlighted several priority issues:

• Transit & Infrastructure: Calls for better bus service, expanded LRT access, and improved road networks to keep up with growth.
• Traffic & Safety: Traffic congestion, school zone safety, and active transportation (bike and walking paths) are hot-button concerns.
• Schools & Services: As families move in, pressure is mounting for more schools, recreation centres, and libraries.
• Community Safety: Ensuring strong emergency response, policing, and bylaw enforcement remains a key issue.
• Sustainable Growth: Residents are paying close attention to how development affects green spaces, trails, and ravines.

 Candidates for City Councillor

Seven candidates are on the ballot for Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi in this year’s election:

• Ramey Demian
• Beth Mathison
• Jon Morgan
• Fahad Mughal
• Funke Olokude
• Nicholas Rheubottom
• Jennifer Rice (incumbent)

The race is expected to be competitive. Incumbent Jennifer Rice, first elected in 2021, is seeking re-election on a platform focused on transportation, safety, and managing growth. Several challengers have emphasized transit accessibility, housing affordability, and community engagement.

This year also marks a significant shift: for the first time, municipal political slates are allowed in Edmonton. Observers are watching closely to see how this new dynamic will influence the outcome.

 How to Vote

• Election Day: Monday, October 20, 2025
• Voting Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• What to Bring: One piece of government-issued ID showing your name and address
• Where to Vote: Find your polling station at edmonton.ca/election

Advance voting took place October 10–17, and special ballots were available for those unable to vote in person.

What’s at Stake

Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi has become a symbol of Edmonton’s growing suburban communities. With its booming population, the councillor elected today will help shape the city’s approach to transit expansion, infrastructure spending, and neighbourhood development for years to come.

Voter turnout in this ward could play a decisive role in shaping council priorities — making today a critical moment for southwest Edmonton.