Chima Akuchie

Interview Response

Uncertain

If elected, Chima plans to independently review the current plans and look at whether it works with the communities. He would like a plan in place that is permanent, one that won't have to be replaced in a number of years. He recognizes that it will take time to look into the current plan. He said that he is willing to work with the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good if he feels that the City’s Climate Strategy is something that he agrees will work for communities.

Survey Response

I support making Calgary’s housing and infrastructure more resilient, but we need to do it in a way that respects taxpayers and avoids costly overreach.

• • • Practical Upgrades: Focus on modernizing aging infrastructure like water mains including asbestos cement pipes so our communities are safe and resilient before we spend on new projects. 
    • Energy Efficiency: Encourage builders to adopt cost-effective, proven efficiency measures in new housing without driving up prices for families. 
    • Balanced Approach: Use incentives and partnerships with private industry rather than heavy-handed mandates that raise construction costs or taxes. 
    • Targeted Investments: Prioritize upgrades in areas most at risk from flooding, extreme weather, or aging infrastructure, so dollars go where they’re needed most. 

I believe climate resilience should be achieved through practical, cost-conscious steps that protect Calgarians today and tomorrow, not through blanket policies that burden families.

Erin Averbukh

Interview Response

Yes

Erin does not think that the money allocated to addressing climate change is well budgeted. She thinks that it would be better spent extending rapid transit to Seton.

With respect to building in a manner that is energy efficient and climate resilient, she thinks that we can build better than we are now. For example, she suggested insurance companies work with builders or people could be incentivized to choose better materials. There needs to be a benefit for the buyer such as, for example, saving money in the long run even if the materials cost more upfront. Developers need to promote products and the City needs to support this.

Devin Elkin

Interview Response

Uncertain

Devin said that he was uncertain whether he would work with us on this because he is unsure about the Calgary Climate Strategy document. However, he indicated that he was willing to work with us on environmental issues. He believes that this document needs to be revised. Consistent with the need outlined in the Climate Strategy document, he does believe that houses need to be climate resilient. He thinks that we need to put responsibility on developers to build things that are longer lasting. However, he thinks that the Climate document needs to be more specific. We need to look at weather patterns within each community and plan accordingly. Additionally, he noted that the document refers to the climate emergency. He believes that a climate emergency was declared so that Calgary could obtain necessary funds, but he does not believe that the phrase accurately captures our current state.

Devin added that we have to be aware of our footprint and that we have a responsibility to ensure that we are good stewards of the land. For example, he wants to ensure that the City continues to look for additional markets so we can recycle whatever we are able to.

Landon Johnston

Interview Response

Uncertain

Landon said his willingness to work on this issue depends on what reality we are living in. For instance, gas from shipping solar is worse than the energy saved by using solar.

As it pertains to climate resilience, he would ban vinyl siding–it costs us in insurance. We should build according to our climate and build responsibly. For example, he loves living roofs and would like to look into how we can do that in Calgary–they help regulate heat and, if we planted indigenous plants and flowers, could benefit pollinators. He would like to see more front yard gardens and back alley gardens. He has started back alley gardening in his neighbourhood (spruce up your back alley).

Landon feels that a lot of the environmental decisions that the City has made have not been sustainable. He would like to implement programs that are going to have real actions (e.g., making sure small businesses recycle, replacing old furnaces with higher efficiency ones, working to improve transit). He says that we need to be stewards of the land and does not think that the City has gone the right way with this.

Sunjiv Raval

Survey Response

Yes

This will be based with Council, Builders and residents how we can do better with minimum cost or no cost to reduce carbon foot.

Ryan Stutt

Interview Response

Yes

Ryan said that we absolutely have to work to address climate change. “It needs to be a priority.” He wants the City to work with the provincial and federal government to implement a plan. He said that we are in a climate emergency and we need to act on it to keep people safe. He wants to ask Council why more has not been done already.