Progressives in Ward 7: It’s Time to Come Together
Advance Voting starts this Monday, October 6th. The choice we make in the next two weeks will shape the future of Ward 7 for years to come.
In 2021, candidates appealing to progressive voters in our ward split the vote. The result was four years of Terry Wong as councillor, years that left our communities with missed opportunities, stalled progress, ineffective representation and diverted investment. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself.
In this election, we are faced with the risk of a repeat of 2021. I’ve heard numerous concerns from residents about vote splitting and questions as to whether like-minded candidates are talking to each other. I want to be straight up with you that I have had many conversations with other candidates in good faith. I’ve even proposed third-party arbitration as a way to prevent progressive vote splitting. Unfortunately, those conversations have not resulted in a resolution.
That means that the outcome of this election now rests entirely in the hands of progressive-minded voters.
Progressives must come together behind one candidate with the values, the momentum, and the campaign infrastructure to win.
Why This Campaign Is Best Positioned to Win
Our movement isn’t just about good ideas. It is about building the people-powered campaign that can deliver a victory. Here’s where we stand today:
✅ Unprecedented visibility: More than 300 lawn signs on private property across Ward 7, an unheard-of number at this stage in a civic election.
✅ Community power: Over 80 active volunteers who have already knocked on nearly every door in Ward 7 and are now returning for round two.
✅ Reach across the ward: 10,000 door hangers delivered to apartments, post cards in every Ward 7 mailbox, and our 12-page Working for Ward 7 newspaper landing across the entire ward this weekend.
✅ Third-party Ward 7 polling shows this campaign is best positioned to beat Terry Wong after more than 9 months of campaigning.
✅ Trusted leadership: Endorsements from respected Ward 7 leaders like 2021 candidate Erin Waite, local entrepreneur and community builder Lourdes Juan, and former City of Calgary Chief Urban Designer David Down, who see this campaign as the one that can and must beat Terry Wong.
This is what momentum looks like. And momentum matters.
Progressive vision, experienceD and community-focused leadership
I’m offering an unparalleled record of collaborative, community-focused leadership built over years of civic advocacy, non-profit work, and public service. I have consistently worked to bring people together, listened first, and turned shared goals into measurable results. My approach is pragmatic and grounded in the belief that real change happens when communities are engaged and empowered.
As councillor, I will keep pushing forward with the bold, people-first priorities Ward 7 deserves:
✅ Extending fare-free transit to all youth under 18 and improving transit
✅ Reinvesting in inner city amenities instead of sprawl
✅ Tackling the housing crisis with smart growth and strong neighbourhood protections
✅ Revitalizing our downtown as a safe, vibrant hub for everyone
✅ Strengthening environmental protections and expanding Calgary’s tree canopy
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
If progressives divide again, Terry Wong will be re-elected. It is that simple. But if we unite, Ward 7 can elect a councillor who will put people first, fight for affordability, build safer streets, and protect our local democracy from partisan capture.
Advance Voting begins this Monday, October 6. This is our chance to show that Ward 7 is ready for strong, independent, progressive and local leadership.
Let’s make sure we don’t just talk about change. Let’s make it happen. Together, we can win this.
Vote Myke Atkinson for Ward 7!