Rural water infrastructure, lake management, tourism and community safety were among the topics as County of Stettler council candidates faced voters at a public forum on Oct. 8 at The HUB.
The event gave residents a chance to hear directly from contenders in five contested wards ahead of election day on Oct. 20.
Water Infrastructure Tops Rural Concerns
Candidates agreed that access to reliable water remains one of the county’s most pressing issues. Ward 6 incumbent Justin Stevens said large-scale waterline projects are vital but difficult to fund.
“Everyone here will agree that water is vital,” said Stevens. “But when you get into these projects, all of them are north of a million dollars. There’s a severe disconnect we need to address, it should be about value and the number of people served.”
He added that current grant structures favour lines ending in urban areas, & that they’ve been lobbying the province on the definitions of funding for rural water lines.
Lake Sewage & Lagoon Capacity
Sewage disposal around area lakes also drew questions. Ward 6 challenger Rosalind LaRose said residents have voiced strong concerns about full lagoons.
“We need more locations of where it could go to & further study on what all could be done with the situation the way it is right now,” she said.
Ward 7 candidate Janet Adam added firsthand experience noting she lives near the Red Willow site. “Yes, I see those lagoons full. Yes, it needs to go somewhere,” Adam said. “We need to figure out the environmental impact & the monitoring.”
Tourism & The County’s Hidden Gems
Tourism potential & how to better promote it, was another recurring theme. Ward 2 incumbent Dave Grover highlighted the area’s recreational draw.
“We’ve got a lake to the north with many recreational activities,” said Grover. “Between ball tournaments & a very active Ag. society, we have something going on every weekend that draws people to our communities.”
Ward 7 incumbent Paul McKay said local entrepreneurs are key to growing tourism. “A gem in this area are the small businesses that have started up like Ford’s Family Farmstead,” McKay said. “It’s a wonderful thing for all ages, a learning experience & good for the community.”
Health Care Gains Praised, but Vigilance Urged
With the area’s physician shortage easing over the past year, Ward 3 councillor Larry Clarke credited collaboration between local leaders & health professionals.
“We came up with what we were going to do along with the health care professionals,” Clarke said. “But it’s one thing we’ve talked about, we can’t relax & let our foot off the gas, because we were at that point once before.”
Council Efficiency & Governance
A question was raised about cutting back to one monthly council meeting to save ratepayers money. “If I’m elected, I’d like to bring that discussion forward,” Ward 5 candidate Allan Gano said. “Maybe we could lengthen meeting times & achieve just that.”
Fellow candidate Darryl Keibel emphasized the need for open debate in local decision making. “Everybody has an opinion. It should be debated as to the reasoning behind it,” Keibel said. “If it’s not a viable reason, majority rules.”
Community Involvement & Safety
Ward 1 hopeful Clint Walker & Ward 2 candidate Wade Hunter both pointed to volunteerism as the foundation of community strength.
“Everybody gets along a whole lot better when everybody’s working together,” Walker said. “Our community is built on volunteering,” added Hunter. “I think that’s a great idea.”
On public safety, Stevens said council needs to prepare for the province’s evolving policing model. “The RCMP has issued a mandate that in not that many years they’re going to be out of community policing,” he said. “We need to start planning for this now before it’s too late.”
Election Details
Five of the county’s seven wards feature contested races this year.
In Ward 1 (Byemoor-Endiang), Tyler Ainsworth & Clint Walker are seeking to replace outgoing councillor Les Stulberg, who is retiring.
Ward 2 (Big Valley) sees incumbent Dave Grover challenged by Wade Hunter.
In Ward 5 (Stettler), voters will choose between Allan Gano, Darryl Keibel & David Uden to succeed retiring councillor Ernie Gendre.
Ward 6 (Erskine-Buffalo Lake) features a race between incumbent Justin Stevens & Rosalind LaRose
Ward 7 (Donalda-Red Willow) has incumbent Paul McKay facing Janet Adam.
Two councillors were acclaimed: Larry Clarke in Ward 3 (Botha-Gadsby) & James Nibourg in Ward 4 (Erskine-South Warden).
Voting Locations
Advance polls run Oct. 16–17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the County of Stettler administration office.
Election day is on Monday, Oct. 20, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ward 1 (Byemoor-Endiang): Byemoor Community Hall & County of Stettler administration office
Ward 2 (Big Valley): Big Valley Drop-In Centre & County of Stettler administration office
Ward 5 (Stettler): County of Stettler administration office
Ward 6 (Erskine-Buffalo Lake): Erskine IOOF Hall & County of Stettler administration office
Ward 7 (Red Willow-Donalda): Donalda Drop-In Centre & County of Stettler administration office
Coverage of the candidates forum can be found over on our YouTube channel.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
