Cochrane councillor Alex Reed has announced he will seek a third term in office, centring his campaign on sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and diversifying the tax base.
Reed said the community’s rapid growth requires stronger planning and infrastructure investment.
“We need to get ahead of this growth in terms of infrastructure, and I think stability in terms of growth is critical,” he said.
A major part of his platform is safeguarding the town’s natural environment. Earlier this term, Reed initiated the creation of an environmental task force, supported by council, to address the long-term care of Cochrane’s river valleys, green spaces and natural corridors. The task force is intended to develop policies and recommendations that balance growth with environmental stewardship.
“I think it’s critical we find ways to protect the natural assets that make Cochrane such a desirable place to live,” he said.
He combined his commitment to the environment and determination to be re-elected by handing out about 1,000 packs of wildflower seeds during the parade, in place of the typical campaign literature.
Reed also pointed to the financial strain on municipalities caused by the province transferring responsibilities down to local governments without adequate funding. He cited ambulance services as one example, where the province has shifted service delivery onto local fire departments.
“That’s something the town has to pay for,” Reed said. “We’re being given more responsibility with fewer dollars coming from the province.”
He argued the same issue applies to health care, stressing that Cochrane’s health centre still lacks 24/7 service despite growing demand.
The third pillar of his platform is economic diversification. Reed said relying heavily on residential taxes isn’t sustainable, particularly for seniors.
“Citizens like me can’t sustain a four or five per cent tax increase every year, year after year,” he said. “We need to find ways of rectifying that.”
Reed has previously championed ideas such as a business incubator and the annexation of land for commercial development to broaden the tax base.
RELATED STORIES
"Some people were upset that I had suggested we annex some land. Well, the land is not for residents to develop for commercial development. We need to diversify our tax base so that the taxpayer isn't carrying the heavy load that they are right now."
His economic diversification strategy aims to reduce the town’s reliance on residential property taxes by attracting new industries and encouraging local entrepreneurship. He believes supporting small businesses, while creating opportunities for emerging sectors, will help strengthen Cochrane’s long-term financial stability. As part of that plan, he supports more strategic land-use planning to ensure commercial and light industrial spaces are available to accommodate growth.
Reed also expressed concern about the rising costs of infrastructure projects. While some costs can be covered through off-site levies, Reed said much of the financial burden ultimately falls to residents unless the town builds stronger revenue streams.