Cole Pederson
@pedercol.bsky.social
Retired settler in Treaty 6 area; love city life; walker and cyclist in a 1-car, 2-person house; it’s complicated. I don’t chat here.
Reposted by Cole Pederson
Reposted by Cole Pederson
Frankly, I love this entire thread.
Do we really need to explain to people that it is really, REALLY important to read to young children? Like, you, personally, need to read to your child - your voice, your face, your hand gestures, your lap, your arms, your closeness. What kind of parent doesn't know this in their bones?
October 11, 2026 at 4:40 AM
Frankly, I love this entire thread.
Reposted by Cole Pederson
One of the two most perceptive articles I’ve read on the topic today. Kudos, Jared Wesley. Read it and take it seriously.
(The other is by @doniveson.bsky.social)
(The other is by @doniveson.bsky.social)
The UCP wants you to get bogged down on the policy debates around infill. Don't be fooled. Their intrusion into local democracy reveals something far more troubling to folks across the political spectrum.
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/this-isnt-...
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/this-isnt-...
This isn’t about infill
The UCP government’s intrusion into municipal authority raises much deeper concerns
drjaredwesley.substack.com
October 9, 2026 at 6:45 PM
One of the two most perceptive articles I’ve read on the topic today. Kudos, Jared Wesley. Read it and take it seriously.
(The other is by @doniveson.bsky.social)
(The other is by @doniveson.bsky.social)
So, my NIMBY neighbours, Big Mama has stepped in on your side so you win. Remember this joy when the City can’t spread its costs among more households so has to do it by raising the mill rate on your precious, old, single-family house. Remember it when I link you to her every dark action.
October 9, 2026 at 6:34 PM
So, my NIMBY neighbours, Big Mama has stepped in on your side so you win. Remember this joy when the City can’t spread its costs among more households so has to do it by raising the mill rate on your precious, old, single-family house. Remember it when I link you to her every dark action.
Damn! What a place to live.
You know they’re just playing up to the angriest haters in hopes of breaking through with seats in Edmonton and holding in Calgary, right?
You know they’re just playing up to the angriest haters in hopes of breaking through with seats in Edmonton and holding in Calgary, right?
in Danielle Smith's Alberta, cities MUST sprawl outwards (today's zoning announcement) and you MUST drive a car (bike lane repeal).
Oh and most expensive car insurance in the country. What a doom loop.
Oh and most expensive car insurance in the country. What a doom loop.
October 8, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Damn! What a place to live.
You know they’re just playing up to the angriest haters in hopes of breaking through with seats in Edmonton and holding in Calgary, right?
You know they’re just playing up to the angriest haters in hopes of breaking through with seats in Edmonton and holding in Calgary, right?
Reposted by Cole Pederson
A message? I want to send Canada 10 messages.
The first five are variations on the theme “I don’t want you or Danielle Smith to pretend that immigrants (or internal migrants) are the source of my problems.
The next four are variations on the theme “I don’t trust Danielle Smith to take over …
The first five are variations on the theme “I don’t want you or Danielle Smith to pretend that immigrants (or internal migrants) are the source of my problems.
The next four are variations on the theme “I don’t trust Danielle Smith to take over …
October 4, 2026 at 8:01 PM
A message? I want to send Canada 10 messages.
The first five are variations on the theme “I don’t want you or Danielle Smith to pretend that immigrants (or internal migrants) are the source of my problems.
The next four are variations on the theme “I don’t trust Danielle Smith to take over …
The first five are variations on the theme “I don’t want you or Danielle Smith to pretend that immigrants (or internal migrants) are the source of my problems.
The next four are variations on the theme “I don’t trust Danielle Smith to take over …
Just in case anyone I follow doesn’t follow Senator Simons.
Today, I had the privilege of attending two very different events, honouring two very remarkable Alberta women, two Edmontonians who helped to build and define our community: Jane Flett MacKay and Chief Justice Ritu Khullar. #yeg #Alberta #yegheritage #cdnpoli
October 4, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Just in case anyone I follow doesn’t follow Senator Simons.
Reposted by Cole Pederson
At the conference I attended this weekend there were a lot of panels on Alberta, the referendum, separatism, etc. To be clear, there were very sober, thoughtful experts, and my takeaway was this:
1/n
1/n
September 21, 2026 at 5:58 PM
At the conference I attended this weekend there were a lot of panels on Alberta, the referendum, separatism, etc. To be clear, there were very sober, thoughtful experts, and my takeaway was this:
1/n
1/n
Reposted by Cole Pederson
Monday, September 21st. A month till Albertans vote on a multiple choice separation ballot AND nine other racist/useless questions. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at fighting the noxious nine, with @carterab.bsky.social, @jaredwesley.ca & Avnish Nanda of @ouralbertadvantage.bsky.social. #cdnpoli
Saying No to the Nine
Podcast Episode · Alberta Unbound · September 18 · 39m
podcasts.apple.com
September 21, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Monday, September 21st. A month till Albertans vote on a multiple choice separation ballot AND nine other racist/useless questions. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at fighting the noxious nine, with @carterab.bsky.social, @jaredwesley.ca & Avnish Nanda of @ouralbertadvantage.bsky.social. #cdnpoli
Reposted by Cole Pederson
I keep meeting smart informed Albertans who tell me they do not intend to vote, because they don’t want to legitimize the process, or because they know the premier is not bound by the results. But what if making us give up on voting is the whole point? My argument to vote - no matter the absurdity.
In this week’s opinion column, Senator Paula Simons writes about anti-separation Albertans who genuinely believe the best form of protest is to boycott the referendum. While she understands their motives, she warns that staying home will backfire. #ableg #canpoli forwardweekly.ca/simons-cant-...
We Can’t Boycott Our Way Out of a Meaningless Referendum | By Paula Simons | Forward Weekly
Forward Weekly feature for September 20, 2026.
forwardweekly.ca
September 21, 2026 at 12:36 PM
I keep meeting smart informed Albertans who tell me they do not intend to vote, because they don’t want to legitimize the process, or because they know the premier is not bound by the results. But what if making us give up on voting is the whole point? My argument to vote - no matter the absurdity.
Conrad has included an excellent article here. I urge you to read it and use it in discussions on infill and related topics.
Good piece by Jacob. IMO it does gloss over the fact that Edmontonians are different somehow.
15 years ago, while Edmontonians were shrugging over legalized basement suites, Calgarians were threatening to burn the city down over a similar policy.
15 years ago, while Edmontonians were shrugging over legalized basement suites, Calgarians were threatening to burn the city down over a similar policy.
I wrote an essay on how Edmonton seems to be an exception when it comes to good housing policy.
In 2025, when housing progress stalled or reversed across Canada, Edmonton largely stayed the course.
It took time, good leadership, data and a bit of luck.
Read now 👇
2067journal.ca/the-edmonton...
In 2025, when housing progress stalled or reversed across Canada, Edmonton largely stayed the course.
It took time, good leadership, data and a bit of luck.
Read now 👇
2067journal.ca/the-edmonton...
September 17, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Conrad has included an excellent article here. I urge you to read it and use it in discussions on infill and related topics.
Ba-boom! The votes are in the mail.
September 13, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Ba-boom! The votes are in the mail.
I have generally supported sticking with first past the post voting. This is the most convincing argument for moving to proportional representation that I have ever seen. What if I’ve been wrong?
Great piece by @petermacleod.bsky.social in today’s @thestar.com about how Alberta separatism is a sign of a bigger problem in Canadian politics. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
September 12, 2026 at 3:56 PM
I have generally supported sticking with first past the post voting. This is the most convincing argument for moving to proportional representation that I have ever seen. What if I’ve been wrong?
Reposted by Cole Pederson
Cardle
Guess the car in 5 tries. A new car is available each day.
www.playcardle.com
August 31, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Reposted by Cole Pederson
IT WAS NEVER THE IMMGRANTS IN SMALL BOATS
The world is 700% richer than in 1970 but the average person is only 8% richer
Because the richest 0.01% are 4000% richer
We are all being robbed every second of every day, and it doesn't matter how much profit or growth there is
It will never reach you
The world is 700% richer than in 1970 but the average person is only 8% richer
Because the richest 0.01% are 4000% richer
We are all being robbed every second of every day, and it doesn't matter how much profit or growth there is
It will never reach you
August 29, 2026 at 6:20 PM
IT WAS NEVER THE IMMGRANTS IN SMALL BOATS
The world is 700% richer than in 1970 but the average person is only 8% richer
Because the richest 0.01% are 4000% richer
We are all being robbed every second of every day, and it doesn't matter how much profit or growth there is
It will never reach you
The world is 700% richer than in 1970 but the average person is only 8% richer
Because the richest 0.01% are 4000% richer
We are all being robbed every second of every day, and it doesn't matter how much profit or growth there is
It will never reach you
Councillor Paquette’s study is excellent and needs to be more widely known. Thank you Conrad Norbert for bringing it to my feed.
Best argument for bike lanes in Edmonton that I’ve ever seen. Bravo @apaquette.bsky.social
aaronpaquette.ca/mng
aaronpaquette.ca/mng
Movin and Groovin — Aaron Paquette
aaronpaquette.ca
August 30, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Councillor Paquette’s study is excellent and needs to be more widely known. Thank you Conrad Norbert for bringing it to my feed.
My moving errand running to the e-bike from the car seems to be working faster than my growth in fitness. I HAD TO take a rest day today, but driving to Tiny’s Cheese this afternoon felt grossly self-indulgent.
August 21, 2026 at 10:45 PM
My moving errand running to the e-bike from the car seems to be working faster than my growth in fitness. I HAD TO take a rest day today, but driving to Tiny’s Cheese this afternoon felt grossly self-indulgent.
Reposted by Cole Pederson
Don't worry about Data Centers.
Don't worry about Climate Change.
Don't worry about Mass Surveillance.
Don't worry about Billionaires becoming Trillionaires.
Worry about immigration, imaginary invasions and pensioners and people on benefits being too rich.
That's the lie they expect you to swallow
Don't worry about Climate Change.
Don't worry about Mass Surveillance.
Don't worry about Billionaires becoming Trillionaires.
Worry about immigration, imaginary invasions and pensioners and people on benefits being too rich.
That's the lie they expect you to swallow
August 14, 2026 at 11:06 AM
Don't worry about Data Centers.
Don't worry about Climate Change.
Don't worry about Mass Surveillance.
Don't worry about Billionaires becoming Trillionaires.
Worry about immigration, imaginary invasions and pensioners and people on benefits being too rich.
That's the lie they expect you to swallow
Don't worry about Climate Change.
Don't worry about Mass Surveillance.
Don't worry about Billionaires becoming Trillionaires.
Worry about immigration, imaginary invasions and pensioners and people on benefits being too rich.
That's the lie they expect you to swallow
This is a great idea, but we will need a change in government for it to get approved in Alberta.
Time for Canada/provinces to make this possible here too. We should be allowed to have nice things that lower bills and emissions!
"new state laws and safety codes are reclassifying these plug-in kits as standard appliances — meaning renters can finally treat home solar like a simple toaster oven, plugging a personal power plant into any wall socket and cutting electricity bills by up to 25% with zero landlord approval."
August 5, 2026 at 12:15 AM
This is a great idea, but we will need a change in government for it to get approved in Alberta.
Reposted by Cole Pederson
It’s certifiable at this point that dense housing growth is
- Good for the environment
- Good for diversity
- Good for business
- Good for affordability
If you continue giving environmental appeals to housing and refuse upzones you are going against the environment, diversity and equity
- Good for the environment
- Good for diversity
- Good for business
- Good for affordability
If you continue giving environmental appeals to housing and refuse upzones you are going against the environment, diversity and equity
July 28, 2026 at 6:52 PM
It’s certifiable at this point that dense housing growth is
- Good for the environment
- Good for diversity
- Good for business
- Good for affordability
If you continue giving environmental appeals to housing and refuse upzones you are going against the environment, diversity and equity
- Good for the environment
- Good for diversity
- Good for business
- Good for affordability
If you continue giving environmental appeals to housing and refuse upzones you are going against the environment, diversity and equity
This is an important understanding. Even if you ignore mis- and disinformation, 45 years of uninterrupted use has made Thatcher/Reaganism conventional wisdom, particularly among heritage media. Any government activity requires constant and long-term selling both before and after being taken.
This is equally true for city planners and our plans and city-building ideas.
You have to persuasively SELL those ideas to the public — a public that’s inundated with disinformation.
And even once you get an idea or plan passed, you have to KEEP selling it, to “election proof” it.
You have to persuasively SELL those ideas to the public — a public that’s inundated with disinformation.
And even once you get an idea or plan passed, you have to KEEP selling it, to “election proof” it.
Once more:
Mamdani understands that you can't just do things in politics and expect voters will notice on their own and thank you for it.
You've got to work just as hard selling yourself to voters once you're in office as you did selling yourself to them to get into office.
This is the way.
Mamdani understands that you can't just do things in politics and expect voters will notice on their own and thank you for it.
You've got to work just as hard selling yourself to voters once you're in office as you did selling yourself to them to get into office.
This is the way.
July 28, 2026 at 5:34 PM
This is an important understanding. Even if you ignore mis- and disinformation, 45 years of uninterrupted use has made Thatcher/Reaganism conventional wisdom, particularly among heritage media. Any government activity requires constant and long-term selling both before and after being taken.
This is an interesting analysis. It helps me see why conversations with my fellow-boomer neighbours about higher density in-fill development, bike lanes and similar topics go the way they do.
I remember chatting about this with @alanthefisher.bsky.social maybe two years ago: anti-urban beliefs made a lot more sense in the past, when cities were legitimately places of crowding and pollution.
I appreciate that others also have multi-year timelines on thinking through and finishing videos!
I appreciate that others also have multi-year timelines on thinking through and finishing videos!
Why Boomers hate cities
YouTube video by Alan Fisher
www.youtube.com
July 27, 2026 at 4:39 PM
This is an interesting analysis. It helps me see why conversations with my fellow-boomer neighbours about higher density in-fill development, bike lanes and similar topics go the way they do.