Troy Pavlek
@troypavlek.ca
I'm the TMZ of Edmonton City Council
If complaints around infill are sounding mighty familiar, that's because they are.
We heard all the same talking points a decade ago, that splitting lots for skinny homes would be the end of our mature neighbourhoods.
Thing is, it wasn't. It was fine. We grew, and changed.
We heard all the same talking points a decade ago, that splitting lots for skinny homes would be the end of our mature neighbourhoods.
Thing is, it wasn't. It was fine. We grew, and changed.
February 11, 2026 at 12:18 AM
If complaints around infill are sounding mighty familiar, that's because they are.
We heard all the same talking points a decade ago, that splitting lots for skinny homes would be the end of our mature neighbourhoods.
Thing is, it wasn't. It was fine. We grew, and changed.
We heard all the same talking points a decade ago, that splitting lots for skinny homes would be the end of our mature neighbourhoods.
Thing is, it wasn't. It was fine. We grew, and changed.
Opponents of infill said the quiet part loud today.
They don't believe renters should be allowed to live within their neighbourhoods, only on the fringes, by major roads.
Their primary, unifying, rallying concern is "homeowner value" and getting what's their's.
They don't believe renters should be allowed to live within their neighbourhoods, only on the fringes, by major roads.
Their primary, unifying, rallying concern is "homeowner value" and getting what's their's.
February 9, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Opponents of infill said the quiet part loud today.
They don't believe renters should be allowed to live within their neighbourhoods, only on the fringes, by major roads.
Their primary, unifying, rallying concern is "homeowner value" and getting what's their's.
They don't believe renters should be allowed to live within their neighbourhoods, only on the fringes, by major roads.
Their primary, unifying, rallying concern is "homeowner value" and getting what's their's.
#yeg now has $62M/yr of new revenue from mature neighbourhood infill compared to 2016. That's over $330M added to city coffers
All using the same roads, pipes, preserving farmland and enabling neighbourhood-level shops.
All of this is thanks to Edmonton's pioneering approach to urban redevelopment
All using the same roads, pipes, preserving farmland and enabling neighbourhood-level shops.
All of this is thanks to Edmonton's pioneering approach to urban redevelopment
February 6, 2026 at 11:55 PM
#yeg now has $62M/yr of new revenue from mature neighbourhood infill compared to 2016. That's over $330M added to city coffers
All using the same roads, pipes, preserving farmland and enabling neighbourhood-level shops.
All of this is thanks to Edmonton's pioneering approach to urban redevelopment
All using the same roads, pipes, preserving farmland and enabling neighbourhood-level shops.
All of this is thanks to Edmonton's pioneering approach to urban redevelopment
Edmonton City Council votes to not learn whether building a neighbourhood will lose the city money.
After @edmontonanne.bsky.social moved to have analysis done to see if Kettle Lakes would be profitable, 7 councillors led by a "fiscal conservative" decided they'd simply rather not know.
After @edmontonanne.bsky.social moved to have analysis done to see if Kettle Lakes would be profitable, 7 councillors led by a "fiscal conservative" decided they'd simply rather not know.
February 3, 2026 at 11:05 PM
Edmonton City Council votes to not learn whether building a neighbourhood will lose the city money.
After @edmontonanne.bsky.social moved to have analysis done to see if Kettle Lakes would be profitable, 7 councillors led by a "fiscal conservative" decided they'd simply rather not know.
After @edmontonanne.bsky.social moved to have analysis done to see if Kettle Lakes would be profitable, 7 councillors led by a "fiscal conservative" decided they'd simply rather not know.
Local creep Jesse Watson, after losing in the election this fall has doubled down on his pattern of behaviour of stalking, harassment and bullying.
Yesterday, he attempted to dox a city councillor in a post about parking bans that WAS FALSE
He really, REALLY wants to be a right wing influencer
Yesterday, he attempted to dox a city councillor in a post about parking bans that WAS FALSE
He really, REALLY wants to be a right wing influencer
January 21, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Local creep Jesse Watson, after losing in the election this fall has doubled down on his pattern of behaviour of stalking, harassment and bullying.
Yesterday, he attempted to dox a city councillor in a post about parking bans that WAS FALSE
He really, REALLY wants to be a right wing influencer
Yesterday, he attempted to dox a city councillor in a post about parking bans that WAS FALSE
He really, REALLY wants to be a right wing influencer
the first step in any home renovation is: run for public office
January 3, 2026 at 8:42 PM
the first step in any home renovation is: run for public office
@yegwxnerdery.bsky.social is there an answer to the question "how much snowfall/snowpack is required to undo the drought effect of the last couple years?"
I don't know enough about weather science to begin quantifying it.
I don't know enough about weather science to begin quantifying it.
December 19, 2025 at 7:28 PM
@yegwxnerdery.bsky.social is there an answer to the question "how much snowfall/snowpack is required to undo the drought effect of the last couple years?"
I don't know enough about weather science to begin quantifying it.
I don't know enough about weather science to begin quantifying it.
"Should I chain myself to a tree over this?"
A resident in Dovercourt is threatening to because an infill development is being built in her cul-de-sac.
But when we look at the numbers, the area's population has halved in the last 50 years, plenty of parking.
So, probably not
A resident in Dovercourt is threatening to because an infill development is being built in her cul-de-sac.
But when we look at the numbers, the area's population has halved in the last 50 years, plenty of parking.
So, probably not
December 17, 2025 at 9:50 PM
"Should I chain myself to a tree over this?"
A resident in Dovercourt is threatening to because an infill development is being built in her cul-de-sac.
But when we look at the numbers, the area's population has halved in the last 50 years, plenty of parking.
So, probably not
A resident in Dovercourt is threatening to because an infill development is being built in her cul-de-sac.
But when we look at the numbers, the area's population has halved in the last 50 years, plenty of parking.
So, probably not
While Calgary contemplates flushing their progress on zoning down their unfluoridated toilets, Edmonton is reaping our rewards.
#yeg has the most housing under construction since the 90s, and we've got the second-lowest consumer inflation in the country because of it
#yeg has the most housing under construction since the 90s, and we've got the second-lowest consumer inflation in the country because of it
December 11, 2025 at 11:50 PM
While Calgary contemplates flushing their progress on zoning down their unfluoridated toilets, Edmonton is reaping our rewards.
#yeg has the most housing under construction since the 90s, and we've got the second-lowest consumer inflation in the country because of it
#yeg has the most housing under construction since the 90s, and we've got the second-lowest consumer inflation in the country because of it
Property taxes are confusing, because the UCP prefers it.
Last year, Edmonton increased municipal taxes by 5.7%. But then the UCP hiked the Education Tax by 9% and forced cities to collect it for them.
The UCP loves systems where others shoulder the blame for their actions.
Last year, Edmonton increased municipal taxes by 5.7%. But then the UCP hiked the Education Tax by 9% and forced cities to collect it for them.
The UCP loves systems where others shoulder the blame for their actions.
December 6, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Property taxes are confusing, because the UCP prefers it.
Last year, Edmonton increased municipal taxes by 5.7%. But then the UCP hiked the Education Tax by 9% and forced cities to collect it for them.
The UCP loves systems where others shoulder the blame for their actions.
Last year, Edmonton increased municipal taxes by 5.7%. But then the UCP hiked the Education Tax by 9% and forced cities to collect it for them.
The UCP loves systems where others shoulder the blame for their actions.
As City Council debates budget and a potential 6.4% property tax increase, comments sections are FULL of misinformation from people who have absolutely no idea how property taxes work
So, I guess I'm spending my saturday making videos about tax policy
youtube.com/watch?v=NjYc...
So, I guess I'm spending my saturday making videos about tax policy
youtube.com/watch?v=NjYc...
How property taxes ACTUALLY work
YouTube video by Troy Pavlek
youtube.com
November 29, 2025 at 6:55 PM
As City Council debates budget and a potential 6.4% property tax increase, comments sections are FULL of misinformation from people who have absolutely no idea how property taxes work
So, I guess I'm spending my saturday making videos about tax policy
youtube.com/watch?v=NjYc...
So, I guess I'm spending my saturday making videos about tax policy
youtube.com/watch?v=NjYc...
Many people complaining that growth should bring in new revenue, not cause a tax increase.
And it does, a bit, but mostly what we're paying for is:
- the sprawl pyramid scheme that we lose money on every neighbourhood we build and
- being the province's punching bag
And it does, a bit, but mostly what we're paying for is:
- the sprawl pyramid scheme that we lose money on every neighbourhood we build and
- being the province's punching bag
November 27, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Many people complaining that growth should bring in new revenue, not cause a tax increase.
And it does, a bit, but mostly what we're paying for is:
- the sprawl pyramid scheme that we lose money on every neighbourhood we build and
- being the province's punching bag
And it does, a bit, but mostly what we're paying for is:
- the sprawl pyramid scheme that we lose money on every neighbourhood we build and
- being the province's punching bag
The UCP is starting to panic.
Demetrios Nicolaides sent an email begging volunteers to fight his recall petition. He warns complacency could "topple our government".
Don't threaten me with a good time.
Demetrios Nicolaides sent an email begging volunteers to fight his recall petition. He warns complacency could "topple our government".
Don't threaten me with a good time.
November 14, 2025 at 2:35 AM
The UCP is starting to panic.
Demetrios Nicolaides sent an email begging volunteers to fight his recall petition. He warns complacency could "topple our government".
Don't threaten me with a good time.
Demetrios Nicolaides sent an email begging volunteers to fight his recall petition. He warns complacency could "topple our government".
Don't threaten me with a good time.
Reed Clarke has left Better Edmonton.
The municipal party has made it clear that they plan to engage in american-style constant campaigning for the next four years.
For the candidates that won, they just CANNOT bring that to work every day.
Nobody asked for or wanted this.
The municipal party has made it clear that they plan to engage in american-style constant campaigning for the next four years.
For the candidates that won, they just CANNOT bring that to work every day.
Nobody asked for or wanted this.
November 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Reed Clarke has left Better Edmonton.
The municipal party has made it clear that they plan to engage in american-style constant campaigning for the next four years.
For the candidates that won, they just CANNOT bring that to work every day.
Nobody asked for or wanted this.
The municipal party has made it clear that they plan to engage in american-style constant campaigning for the next four years.
For the candidates that won, they just CANNOT bring that to work every day.
Nobody asked for or wanted this.
While mayor @andrewknack.bsky.social takes action on houselessness, the UCP calls it a "fake NDP crisis".
Council will spend $1M this winter funding day-use shelter spaces. The UCP has declined to partner with them and says they "are not seeing any challenges" with shelter spaces.
Council will spend $1M this winter funding day-use shelter spaces. The UCP has declined to partner with them and says they "are not seeing any challenges" with shelter spaces.
November 6, 2025 at 11:13 PM
While mayor @andrewknack.bsky.social takes action on houselessness, the UCP calls it a "fake NDP crisis".
Council will spend $1M this winter funding day-use shelter spaces. The UCP has declined to partner with them and says they "are not seeing any challenges" with shelter spaces.
Council will spend $1M this winter funding day-use shelter spaces. The UCP has declined to partner with them and says they "are not seeing any challenges" with shelter spaces.
On election night, Thu Parmar lost by six votes.
But on recount, she was 627 up.
No Better Edmonton candidate is ever gonna bring her down (aaa-AAA-AAAHH 🎶)
But on recount, she was 627 up.
No Better Edmonton candidate is ever gonna bring her down (aaa-AAA-AAAHH 🎶)
November 6, 2025 at 12:52 AM
On election night, Thu Parmar lost by six votes.
But on recount, she was 627 up.
No Better Edmonton candidate is ever gonna bring her down (aaa-AAA-AAAHH 🎶)
But on recount, she was 627 up.
No Better Edmonton candidate is ever gonna bring her down (aaa-AAA-AAAHH 🎶)
Lorne Gunter at the Edmonton Journal is framing a rash of infill arsons as the obvious outcome of people "pushed to the brink".
He's essentially saying "terrorism is bad, BUT..." in the paper of record
The fervent zealotry of people who oppose density is unreal
He's essentially saying "terrorism is bad, BUT..." in the paper of record
The fervent zealotry of people who oppose density is unreal
November 5, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Lorne Gunter at the Edmonton Journal is framing a rash of infill arsons as the obvious outcome of people "pushed to the brink".
He's essentially saying "terrorism is bad, BUT..." in the paper of record
The fervent zealotry of people who oppose density is unreal
He's essentially saying "terrorism is bad, BUT..." in the paper of record
The fervent zealotry of people who oppose density is unreal
Nothing scarier than a bike lane!
November 1, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Nothing scarier than a bike lane!
Sometimes questions are more revealing than answers.
The interview yesterday by Vassy Kapelos with Demetrios Nicolaides is one of those times.
Please enjoy these highlights.
The interview yesterday by Vassy Kapelos with Demetrios Nicolaides is one of those times.
Please enjoy these highlights.
October 29, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Sometimes questions are more revealing than answers.
The interview yesterday by Vassy Kapelos with Demetrios Nicolaides is one of those times.
Please enjoy these highlights.
The interview yesterday by Vassy Kapelos with Demetrios Nicolaides is one of those times.
Please enjoy these highlights.
The canary in the coal mine has died.
Around the world, authoritarianism is taking hold of once strong democracies. If we ignore the seeds being planted in our own legislature, it will be at our peril.
Using Notwithstanding in this way is a BIG step over a "do not cross" line
Around the world, authoritarianism is taking hold of once strong democracies. If we ignore the seeds being planted in our own legislature, it will be at our peril.
Using Notwithstanding in this way is a BIG step over a "do not cross" line
October 28, 2025 at 10:52 PM
The canary in the coal mine has died.
Around the world, authoritarianism is taking hold of once strong democracies. If we ignore the seeds being planted in our own legislature, it will be at our peril.
Using Notwithstanding in this way is a BIG step over a "do not cross" line
Around the world, authoritarianism is taking hold of once strong democracies. If we ignore the seeds being planted in our own legislature, it will be at our peril.
Using Notwithstanding in this way is a BIG step over a "do not cross" line
Update: Thu Parmar has won the election!
On the recount her vote total increased by about the amount that Kotch's decreased. They're alphabetically adjacent, so a human proabably put the total in the wrong spot.
This is a MASSIVE bungle. I don't think it's possible to avoid a citywide recount...
On the recount her vote total increased by about the amount that Kotch's decreased. They're alphabetically adjacent, so a human proabably put the total in the wrong spot.
This is a MASSIVE bungle. I don't think it's possible to avoid a citywide recount...
October 23, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Update: Thu Parmar has won the election!
On the recount her vote total increased by about the amount that Kotch's decreased. They're alphabetically adjacent, so a human proabably put the total in the wrong spot.
This is a MASSIVE bungle. I don't think it's possible to avoid a citywide recount...
On the recount her vote total increased by about the amount that Kotch's decreased. They're alphabetically adjacent, so a human proabably put the total in the wrong spot.
This is a MASSIVE bungle. I don't think it's possible to avoid a citywide recount...
My takeaways from the #yegvote results:
- Voters resoundingly rejected UCP interference and party politics
- Voters chose optimism over cynicism
- The angry calls for change and reset were coming from a vocal minority, disproportionately amplified.
- Voters resoundingly rejected UCP interference and party politics
- Voters chose optimism over cynicism
- The angry calls for change and reset were coming from a vocal minority, disproportionately amplified.
October 22, 2025 at 9:41 PM
My takeaways from the #yegvote results:
- Voters resoundingly rejected UCP interference and party politics
- Voters chose optimism over cynicism
- The angry calls for change and reset were coming from a vocal minority, disproportionately amplified.
- Voters resoundingly rejected UCP interference and party politics
- Voters chose optimism over cynicism
- The angry calls for change and reset were coming from a vocal minority, disproportionately amplified.
Godot will be here any minute with the Edmonton election results.
October 21, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Godot will be here any minute with the Edmonton election results.
POLLS ARE OPEN. 3 things:
1. I'll be on CBC's e-night panel tonight, starting at 9pm, radio and video.
2. Thank you. These shortform videos have gotten over 1.5M views in the past 90 days. That's you.
3. VOTE. Take nothing for granted. It's all on the line. Show up (early!)
1. I'll be on CBC's e-night panel tonight, starting at 9pm, radio and video.
2. Thank you. These shortform videos have gotten over 1.5M views in the past 90 days. That's you.
3. VOTE. Take nothing for granted. It's all on the line. Show up (early!)
October 20, 2025 at 5:42 PM
POLLS ARE OPEN. 3 things:
1. I'll be on CBC's e-night panel tonight, starting at 9pm, radio and video.
2. Thank you. These shortform videos have gotten over 1.5M views in the past 90 days. That's you.
3. VOTE. Take nothing for granted. It's all on the line. Show up (early!)
1. I'll be on CBC's e-night panel tonight, starting at 9pm, radio and video.
2. Thank you. These shortform videos have gotten over 1.5M views in the past 90 days. That's you.
3. VOTE. Take nothing for granted. It's all on the line. Show up (early!)
Tim Cartmell is using copyright to censor my content.
Taking a page out of Mike Nickel's book, Tim Cartmell has gotten litigious.
He's been unable to stop himself from torpedoing his campaign in every interview, so now he wants to stop the sharing of what he says.
Taking a page out of Mike Nickel's book, Tim Cartmell has gotten litigious.
He's been unable to stop himself from torpedoing his campaign in every interview, so now he wants to stop the sharing of what he says.
October 19, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Tim Cartmell is using copyright to censor my content.
Taking a page out of Mike Nickel's book, Tim Cartmell has gotten litigious.
He's been unable to stop himself from torpedoing his campaign in every interview, so now he wants to stop the sharing of what he says.
Taking a page out of Mike Nickel's book, Tim Cartmell has gotten litigious.
He's been unable to stop himself from torpedoing his campaign in every interview, so now he wants to stop the sharing of what he says.