Ashley Salvador
Ashley is a doer and has never sat on the sidelines. She has been active at the municipal level long before she decided to run for office.
She has worked with Alberta Municipal Affairs, the University of Alberta’s Office of Sustainability, the City of Waterloo & World Health Organization's Age Friendly Cities Initiative, and Abundant Community Edmonton. She was self-employed as the Founder and President of YEGarden Suites, which has driven over $15 million of investment into our mature neighbourhoods.
Ashley has served on the Board of Directors at the Edmonton Social Planning Council, Old Strathcona Business Association, Infill Development in Edmonton Association, and on the Street Speeds Committee with the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues.
Early Life
Growing up, Ashley split her time between Edmonton, where she attended school, and her family farm near Elk Island National Park. She developed a profound appreciation for nature, while learning that the City is a place where connections are made & friendships are formed.
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Her upbringing sparked a passion for community building & environmental conservation. This shaped her commitment to creating human habitats (cities) where everyone has an opportunity to thrive & experience a sense of belonging,
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Hard Work & Dedication
From a young age, whether it was on the soccer pitch or in the classroom, Ashley worked hard to achieve success.
This work ethic and drive eventually earned her a scholarship to Dalhousie University where she graduated an Academic All-Canadian and top of her class achieving a BA Honours in Environment, Sustainability & Society, & Sociology.
Her interdisciplinary degree instilled a sense of urgency and obligation to serve our communities in this period of social, economic, and environmental disruption.
Meet Ashley Salvador
Ashley has been working for Edmontonians, with Edmontonians for years.
Solutions Oriented
Upon completion of her degree, Ashley founded YEGarden Suites as a direct response to community need. YEGarden Suites is Canada's only independent non-profit devoted to helping homeowners build garden suites (backyard homes).
YEGarden Suites was started off of a $15 booking at the Highland's Library and has since driven over $15 million dollars of investment into our mature neighbourhoods, opened the door to more affordable, family-friendly housing, and eliminated regulatory red tape to help create healthy, walkable, complete communities.
It helps seniors age in place, young families afford homeownership and our city grow in more efficient, sustainable, and cost effective ways.
Committed to Community
Ashley has served on a number of boards & committees, including:
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Edmonton Social Planning Council
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Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues Street Speeds Committee
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Infill Development in Edmonton Association
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Old Strathcona Business Association as an Honorary Board Member
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Canadian Home Builders Association
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Age-Friendly Cities Waterloo
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She has worked for Alberta Municipal Affairs, the University of Alberta's Office of Sustainability, and as a Neighbourhood Connector with Abundant Community Edmonton.
A Strong Voice For Our Ward
Ashley's community organizing & advocacy has empowered thousands of Edmontonians to play a part in rebuilding their communities.
While building YEGarden Suites, Ashley concurrently completed a Masters Degree in Urban Planning.
She has worked in the public, private & non-profit sectors on age-friendly cities, seniors issues, multiculturalism & inclusion, affordable housing, and economic development.
Ashley is a vocal advocate for better planning, smarter spending, and responsible government, and is a respected local commentator on City planning issues.
Inclusive, Healthy Cities
Ashley lives in Newton in Ward Métis with her fiancé, Travis and dog, Shelby. She values living near her family and her closeness to both nature and the city centre.
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In her mid-20's Ashley was diagnosed with a rare condition which affects her mobility, but she still enjoys biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing in Edmonton's River Valley.
Living with this condition informs the way Ashley views City building & community development. She's committed to building an inclusive and accessible Edmonton where everyone has an opportunity to thrive & contribute.
City Councillor for Ward Métis
Ashley, with the support of thousands of residents in Ward Métis, was elected to Edmonton City Council on October 18, 2021. She is honoured to serve the residents of Ward Métis, and the rest of Edmonton.
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Ashley ran on a bold, forward-thinking platform, centred around taking action on climate change, revitalizing mature neighbourhoods to foster walkable, 15-minute communities, and building an inclusive and compassionate city where all Edmontonians feel welcome and like they belong.
Learn More About Ashley's Commitment to Our Community
The Ryan Jespersen Show
CBC Radio One with Mark Connolly
CBC Radio Active with Adrienne Pan
Global News
CTV News
The National Post
The Globe & Mail
Strong Towns
The Sprawl
Disability Housing Solutions Lab
AB. Professional Planners Institute
Reasons to Be Cheerful
Parkland Institute
Speaking Municipally
Urban Affairs Association
Edmonton Journal
Streetsblog USA
AB. Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies
Future of Good, Build Back Better
Celebrating Alumni Impact, Dalhousie University