Holy moly, where has the summer gone? It seems like just yesterday that I was storing my children’s backpacks for the summer, getting the shorts out and praying for a wonderful, hot summer.
Now it’s August 23, and I’m pulling it all back out again.
This year, we have an election coming up. I am excited, to say the least. I’m actually contemplating running for Council this term, not because I think this present Council has done a poor job, but because there are a few things I would like changed and some things I would like to remain the same.
I love all the new groups that have come into our community and worked hard to make Crowsnest Pass a better place to raise our children. They have done a great job adding amenities to the community.
However, I’m not on board with all the changes.
Some, I like, and some, I don’t. I’m not a believer that recreation is going to save this community. Let’s be honest - we are not a “hub area”, in strategic placement in the province. We are not a Canmore. We need industry. Our community’s tax base is 25% industrial and 75% residential. That means that we run this community on the back of its residents. We are also the oldest community in Alberta per capita, so it’s on the backs of those who live on a fixed income. Statistically, we are a dying community based on our residential to industries tax ratio.

I am a believer in Riversdale Resources and what the mine can bring into this community. I do believe that the mining industry can work co-operatively with the recreational industry. One just has to look at the golf course to see how mining can give back to a community and make it even better than it was.
My mom spent four terms as a councillor. The everyday “Joes” in the community, always elected her, not special interest groups or high society factions. She spoke the truth and although you may not have agreed with her, you always knew where she stood and she never backed down from a promise. She took calls, held administration accountable and I believe I learned a lot from the way she conducted herself as a politician. She called a spade and spade and lived with an inner moral compass regarding her decisions for the betterment of this community.
I’m also a businessperson and I see how this community is suffering because of a lack of industry. We need to change this!
I love the quote, “If you build it, they will come.” I think this Council’s vision for the pool is a testament to this. It is filled every day with locals and outsiders across Alberta. This one major infrastructure improvement has given this community life and hope for a better place to live.

So if you are interested in moving forward with new initiatives, while maintaining our historical uniqueness, think about running. I don’t want to be another Canmore; I want to be the Crowsnest Pass, a “Garden of Eden”, in my mom’s words. Let’s be honest - Canmore is okay, but it doesn’t hold a candle to what makes this place so special and that’s the people who live here and love it. Nomination day is September 18, so search your soul and if you are ready make the commitment, go for it. It’s hard to put yourself out there and possibly see failure, but you are a winner for even trying. I’m searching pretty hard right now to see if I can commit and do the best to keep this community moving forward. We are really just one step away from greatness, in my opinion!

At least that’s the way I see it.