Longtime city councillor Andrew Knack won’t run in 2025 Edmonton municipal election

September 9, 2024 Canuck

Andrew Knack, who has served on Edmonton city council for 11 years and represents the west-end Ward Nakota Isga, announced Monday he will not run in the next municipal election.

“This is really the dream for me, I can’t imagine wanting to do anything else in my life,” Knack said Monday at a news conference near city hall.

Knack, 40, in his third term on council, said several elements drove the decision to step away from municipal politics.

He said it’s time to make room for fresh perspectives from others.

“At what point do you look at yourself and look at the world and say, ‘Do I want to be around at that point where people are saying: ‘Gosh, this guy has been around for a really long time, maybe it’s time for someone new.’ ”

Knack is the longest-serving member on Edmonton city council, first elected in 2013 for then-Ward 1 in the west end.

“This city — my home — is full of incredible people who are always ready and willing to help one another, and I know some of those people are what is needed to help make our city an even better place than it is today.”

Knack is known for advocating for more accessible and affordable public transportation, and has pushed to expand the city’s bike lanes and multi-use paths.

He sat on the Accessibility Advisory Committee, City of Edmonton Youth Council and Edmonton Transit System Advisory Board.

Knack was non-committal about what he’ll do next, but said he hasn’t ruled out running for provincial or federal politics.

Knack told CBC News he doesn’t intend to run for mayor.

Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi described Knack as thoughtful and compassionate.

“Our city is better because of his commitment and the work he has done over the last three terms sitting on council,” Sohi told news media.

Through contentious subjects and debates, Knack is tolerant, listens and engages the public, Sohi said.

“I think his legacy would be bringing decency to politics,” Sohi said.

Knack, with a background in retail management and a bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, started out as a voice for fiscal prudence and efficiency. Over the years, he became a strong advocate for helping disenfranchised people, the homeless population and more addictions support.

Ward sipiwiyiniwak Coun. Sarah Hamilton has worked with Knack for seven years.

“Andrew leaves big shoes to fill. His legacy is big and small — he helped set the course for the West Valley Line LRT and fought to get a rec centre built at Lewis Farms,” Hamilton said in a statement. “From the beginning, he’s been a supportive colleague.”

Brendan Boyd, an associate professor in political science at MacEwan University, said he was somewhat surprised by Knack’s decision to step aside.

“He’s usually been able to work with other council members and able to be collaborative and find partnerships,” Boyd said.

Boyd said he is interested in seeing if more councillors follow suit, especially with upcoming changes to municipal elections.

“One councillor out of the whole bunch maybe doesn’t make a huge difference,” Boyd said. “But I think we’ll be watching to see whether this is part of a larger exodus over the next year.”

Election changes under Bill 20

The Edmonton and Calgary municipal elections in October 2025 will be the first to feature political parties.

The Alberta government introduced the changes this spring under Bill 20. Parties can form and fundraise and do not have to align with provincial and federal parties.

Knack said he opposes the party system in municipal government.

Boyd said some councillors may be on a similar page to Knack, having been attracted to municipal politics because it’s party-free.

Eleven others sit on city council: eight are first-term councillors and three others — Tim Cartmell, Sarah Hamilton and Aaron Paquette — are in their second terms.

Ward O-day’min Coun. Anne Stevenson, Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz, Ward Karhiio Coun. Keren Tang, said they plan to run for council in the 2025 election.

Others are undecided or didn’t respond to CBC’s request.

In elected roles, Knack said, “there never really is truly a day off,” so he plans to take one following the 2025 vote.

“After everyone new gets sworn in a year from now, I’m going to take a day off,” Knack said.

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