Edmonton’s best stories always start the same way – people showing up for their neighbourhoods, businesses and each other. This fall, we all have a chance to show up again in one of the simplest yet most powerful ways: by voting.
On October 20, 2025, Edmontonians will elect a mayor, 12 councillors, and school trustees. That choice will shape the daily realities of our lives; whether the bus shows up on time, whether the ice is cleared from our sidewalks, how safe our streets feel, whether our downtown is thriving and how our kids experience their classrooms. Strong cities don’t just happen. They are built by people who participate. Casting a ballot is more than civic pride; it is an economic act.
I’ve spent much of my career focused on how collaboration and free enterprise can strengthen Edmonton. Municipal decisions influence whether a new storefront opens or sits vacant; how people move about our city; whether skilled talent chooses to call Edmonton home and whether downtown remains a magnet for creativity, business and investment or begins to lose momentum.
Of course, October is busy. Work deadlines pile up, school routines take hold and family calendars fill quickly. However, voting doesn’t have to be complicated. The most important step is committing to show up. Mark the date now. Decide what matters most to you. Take the time to compare candidates through reliable, non-partisan sources. If you know it will be a hectic day, take advantage of advance voting.
We often talk about developing the next generation of leaders but leadership doesn’t begin at the age of eighteen; it begins much earlier. It is modelled at home, in the car/bus or walk to school and on election day. Talk to your kids about why you are voting. Connect the issues to their world. If transit is important to you, explain how reliable service helps them get to school or soccer practice. If taxes matter, show them how it impacts the family budget. Let them see you weigh options, think critically and choose what aligns with your values. If possible, bring them along when you cast your ballot. The process, the volunteers, the neighbours in line—these civic rituals leave an impression.
In my work, I’ve often said that mentorship and real-world experiences build confidence. That is as true for young professionals entering the business community as it is for children learning how their voices matter. Involving them now plants the seed for thoughtful, community-minded adults later.
So, let’s show up. Let’s bring our friends, talk to our kids and cast ballots that say with clarity and conviction, this is our city and we’re building it together.
Cheryll Watson is the president & CEO of Junior Achievement Northern Alberta and a recognized thought leader in economic development. She previously served as vice president of Innovate Edmonton and ran for mayor of Edmonton with a platform focused on economic growth, downtown revitalization, and stronger partnerships between business and government. Cheryll also serves as chair of the Downtown Revitalization Coalition and board chair of STEM Collegiate. She believes in empowering the next generation of leaders and is known for championing free enterprise. Cheryll is passionate about building a city that supports both business and community.
