Get to Know Who's Running: Scott Hayes (Ward sipiwiyiniwak)

By Emil Tiedemann

There happens to be a Municipal Election coming up in Edmonton on October 18, 2021, and I think it's important for locals to get to know the City Council candidates running for their particular ward (as well as their Mayoral candidates, of course). I chose to get more involved in the election this year and so wanted to give each candidate a chance to tell us a little about themselves, their vision, and why you should vote for them. I have sent a 10-question questionnaire to each of the 2021 Edmonton Municipal Election candidates and will post their responses (100% as written) here as they come in. With that said, let's get to know...


Ward sipiwiyiniwak

Scott Hayes


"It’s been a privilege being able to serve our community and city. I’ve served for a number of years by overseeing some of the development in our communities as a building superintendent (supervisor). I understand what it takes to build something from the ground up. Presently I enjoy working with clients, helping them with their real estate needs. Edmonton is a generous city that offers many opportunities and values hard work. I am blest to have been born and raised an Edmontonian and embrace these values. I also believe that the world becomes a better place with small acts of kindness. With some of my free time, I was fortunate enough to volunteer in Mexico, helping a community build a feeding kitchen and a school for underprivileged children. In Haiti I had a part in building an addition on an orphanage. I’m so grateful for the service I’ve been part of thus far and now I feel it would be a privilege to be elected to serve you on Edmonton City Council. I would be honoured if you would vote Scott Hayes For City Council Ward 5, Sipiwiyiniwak, on October 18, 2021. I’m so excited to now have the prospect of serving you on City Council. I consider you as my friends and neighbours and welcome hearing from you with any of your concerns. Thank you to all the constituents of Sipiwiyiniwak." 


The Questions:

IE/ Why do you want to run for City Council?

Scott Hayes/ We are at a critical moment where the city needs new innovation and companies that will help build a greener more prosperous Edmonton. We need to prepare for the population changes that are coming our way. The city needs to be re engineered in a way that supports our expected population changes.



IE/ Can you tell us about your past or current experiences that you think could possibly benefit/ translate to your position as a member of City Council?

SHOver seeing the creation of multiple communities in Edmonton will play a pivotal role in my ability to help Edmonton continue to grow. In a way that will be ahead of its curve and be ready for the future, also as a Real Estate agent I understand the importance of the individuals most valuable asset. One of Canada’s most valued economic resource. The creation of cities along with the understanding of one of Canada’s most valued economic resources I believe would be a massive benefit to the city of Edmonton's future.


IE/ What do you think are the 4 or 5 biggest issues facing Edmonton right now that you want to focus on most? 

SH/ Economic recovery, sustainable growth, transportation, creating new revenue, and equality.


IE/ What do you think are some of the issues/struggles affecting your particular ward that you would like to focus on most?

SH/ I believe that the City of Edmonton has a lack of transportation and relational facilities. Which is why those are both topics that I will be looking into for our Edmonton communities.


IE/ What are some of the city/community initiatives that you loved and would like to expand upon?

SH/ I think that the current city of Edmonton has done a good job on the smart transportation action plan and I look forward to expanding upon this action plan.


IE/ What are some of the city/community initiatives that you are/were against, and what would you do differently?

SH/ I believe that the freezing of property tax which cost over 300 Edmonton residents their jobs along with countless other cuts was not an initiative that I support. Then to increase user fees to try and balance the cost which still ended in a loss. Only to save each Edmonton resident approximately 5 to 7 dollars a month on average.

The implementation of the garbage program. There should have been a one year grace period helping the citizens to learn while still picking up the garbage weekly.


IE/ Do you think elected officials, such as City Councillors, should be able to block people on social media sites like Twitter?

SH/ Yes, I believe that due to cyber bullying and mental health risks that are associated with it. It is important to have the ability to block someone. I do think that there needs to be restrictions that prevent unnecessary blocking. As public figures we need to be transparent with the residents of all wards.


IE/ When it comes to COVID-19 restrictions, what do you think we got wrong (if anything) as a city or province, and is there anything you would want to do differently (municipally OR provincially)?

SH/ I believe that a lack of understanding what Covid-19 was/is and not taking the advice of medical professionals earlier, has put us in the current situation we are in.


IE/ What is your favourite thing about living in Edmonton?

SHMy favourite thing in Edmonton is the fall season in our river valley, it is truly breath taking.


IE/ Can you describe yourself in 5 words or less?

SH/ Passionate, dedicated, caring, intelligent, and loving. 


Thank you, Scott!


Follow along with the candidates on Twitter

Find Scott on Facebook and Instagram.
See Scott's Platform/Priorities HERE.
Visit Scott's website HERE
Contact Scott HERE.

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