Municipal Election

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."

Cochrane residents will need to be on a new permanent voters list to cast a ballot in this fall’s municipal election, as part of province-wide changes to Alberta’s Local Authorities Election Act.

The act now makes it mandatory for all municipalities to create and maintain an official Electors Registry—a shift from previous years when keeping such a list was optional.

Mayoral candidate Morgan Nagel says it’s time for change at Cochrane town hall, believing town council lost its way during the last term.

Ahead of his formal campaign launch on Labour Day weekend, Nagel has begun connecting with residents to discuss his top three priorities.

In addition to improving governance, he says the next four to eight years will be critical to preserving Cochrane’s identity and preventing it from being absorbed by Calgary.

Prospective candidates in Cochrane’s upcoming municipal election will need to allow more time to meet new nomination requirements, including a mandatory criminal record check.

The nomination deadline for town council is still two months away, but new rules introduced by the Alberta government mean the process will take longer to complete.

An Okotoks town councillor has announced she won't be seeking re-election this fall.

On Monday, July 21, Councillor Rachel Swendseid shared a post on social media announcing she will not be running in the upcoming municipal election for personal reasons.

"This was a difficult decision as I love this town dearly and serving this community has been an immense honor. However, I know that this decision is the next right thing for my young family and I," the post reads.

Former High River Town Councillor Carol MacMillan is running to be the town's next mayor.

MacMillan is a one-time former Town Councillor and has stayed very involved with the ongoings at Town Hall and within the town itself.

She said she's been listening to what a lot of locals would like to see happen in town, and she wants them to know that they've been heard.

Strathmore town councillor Debbie Mitzner will be seeking re-election.

Back in May, Mitzner put in her bid to run, being the third candidate to do so.

Raised in Strathmore, Mitzner has volunteered with the outdoor rink, the Chamber of Commerce, and also served as a former member of the Assessment Review Board.

"In her free time, she pursues an interest in real estate and enjoys antiques and travelling," wrote the Town of Strathmore on its website.

Another candidate has put in their bid to become the new mayor of Strathmore.

Late last month, local business owner Jason Hollingsworth announced that he would be running in the municipal election, which takes place in October.

Hollingsworth came to Strathmore around 25 years ago to open up a chiropractic clinic with his life.

"Even though we've grown, our favourite part is that Strathmore still feels like a small town," said Hollingsworth. "People will greet you with a smile and ask you how you're doing, whether you know them or not."

It's almost election season across Alberta. The 2025 Strathmore municipal election is scheduled to take place on October 20.

Mayor of Strathmore Pat Fule is set to run again for a third term in the mayor's seat.

Fule was elected to the council in 2010 and took over the mayoralty in 2017.

Making the decision to run for a third term was not an easy one for Fule, but he explained that he has a newfound energy for the job.

Paul Singh has become the second candidate to enter the race for town council.

Last night, Singh announced his candidacy in front of a large group of supporters.

“Today, I’m taking a big step by announcing my candidacy for town council in 2025,” he told the cheering crowd. “This decision is about serving the place I have called home since 2014 and the people I believe in.”