The Ward Dene candidate forum was scheduled with invitations extended to all candidates listed on the City of Edmonton website. In the end, only Councillor Aaron Paquette participated. Without a panel discussion, the session focused on Paquette’s presentation, where he outlined his past work and shared updates on initiatives and projects he has been involved with during his time on council.
Although the absence of other candidates meant there was no comparison of ideas, the forum still offered an opportunity for residents to hear directly from the sitting councillor. The conversation centered on his accomplishments to date and provided insight into the direction he envisions for Ward Dene moving forward.
Councillor Aaron Paquette spoke about the importance of hydrogen investment as a key driver of growth and sustainability in the ward. With Edmonton already positioning itself as a global hydrogen hub, Paquette highlighted how local projects are shaping not just the economy of Ward Dene, but also Canada’s transition to cleaner energy.
One of the most significant developments is Air Products’ $1.6-billion net-zero hydrogen complex, currently under construction in northeast Edmonton. Located near the Edmonton Energy & Technology Park in Ward Dene, this facility will use advanced auto-thermal reforming (ATR) technology to capture about 95% of carbon emissions. It will also provide clean power back to Alberta’s grid, reinforcing Edmonton’s reputation as a leader in hydrogen production. The project received nearly $475 million in support from federal and provincial programs, including the Strategic Innovation Fund and Alberta’s Petrochemicals Incentive Program, underlining government confidence in the region’s clean-energy future.
Paquette emphasized that this kind of investment directly benefits Ward Dene, attracting new industry, supporting jobs, and creating downstream opportunities in logistics, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. The City of Edmonton’s Industrial Investment Action Plan further identifies hydrogen as a strategic priority for the northeast, with Ward Dene’s available industrial land and proximity to transportation corridors making it a natural base for clean-energy expansion.
Other initiatives, like the AZEFF Project, which is introducing mobile hydrogen fuelling for municipal fleets, add momentum to this growing ecosystem. Paquette noted that these investments not only reduce emissions but also position Ward Dene as a place where innovation meets opportunity. His remarks underscored the ward’s role in shaping Edmonton’s clean-energy future through bold hydrogen leadership.
Watch the Forum here:
