Supplied/Brenda Walsh
Town councillor and local business owner Brenda Walsh has officially entered the race to become High River’s next mayor.
First elected to council in 2021, Walsh is now looking to bring what she calls a more people-focused approach to municipal leadership.
"I believe that it's time for a change in leadership that's inclusive, transparent, and collaborative," said Walsh. "In a lot of cases, it isn't just about politics, it's about progress. It's about working side by side and building a stronger, more connected High River."
Walsh said that fostering a sense of connection starts with listening.
"My focus is making sure that each and every person is heard and feels valued and respected in what they have to say, whether or not I share that same opinion. To me, that's a really, really important thing. We ask for people to approach and share their opinions, and they must feel comfortable presenting them without judgment."
Before joining council, Walsh served as president of the High River & District Chamber of Commerce. She also volunteered for four years with the Okotoks Chamber.
"I bring a lot of experience in business, community service, and municipal leadership," said Walsh. "My focus has always been people first, meeting people where they are, because we're not always in the same place we wish to be."
Walsh stressed the importance of recognizing the boundaries within municipal governance and the need to balance council oversight and administrative decision-making.
"Council's role is, we need to stay within our own boundaries and guidelines. There are decisions that are to be made by the people that have the training and education in administration, and as employees," said Walsh. "However, it's very important to admit or own when something is not working, to accept our own responsibility in it, and make the appropriate changes, but not at the cost of people or projects."
Walsh emphasized that her decision to run isn’t meant to discredit or oppose current Mayor Craig Snodgrass, who has held the role since 2013, though he has not yet said whether he plans to seek re-election.
"Our current mayor was tasked with a huge, huge job in recovering from the 2013 flood, and I believe that he did a great job, and we have a beautiful High River. I also think that after three terms, perhaps a change is in order. Change can be a good thing."
The idea of change is central to her campaign, which is built around the slogan “B the Change.”
Walsh is the second person to enter the race, joining former town councillor Carol MacMillan, who announced her candidacy in early July.
Alberta's 2025 municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 20.