Mayor's Message - September 22, 2025

It has been my privilege and honour to serve as the Mayor of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass for the past 12 years. I am incredibly proud to have represented and supported our community during this time.

Throughout my tenure, I have been fortunate to work alongside three remarkable councils and an outstanding administrative team. Why do I say "remarkable"? Because we engaged in respectful, open, and often passionate debate on every issue that came before us. Even when discussions were intense and decisions passed by narrow margins, we left the Council Chambers still talking, still a team. That’s how democracy should work.

As part of our municipal training, we’re told to be visionaries, thinking 75 to 100 years ahead. That’s no small task, especially as our community continues to grow. With growth comes responsibility to invest in our infrastructure and support sustainable development. I believe we’ve made great strides toward this goal. Together, we've improved the quality of life for both residents and visitors, many of whom now choose to make Crowsnest Pass their home.

Yes, we’ve had many successes and yes, we've made mistakes along the way. But we’ve owned those errors, corrected our course, and kept moving forward. That, too, is the hallmark of a strong community.

After much thought, and after consulting with my family and close friends, I have decided not to seek re-election in the upcoming municipal election. This has not been an easy decision, but after 12 years of service and with the realization that I’m not getting any younger, I feel it is time to focus on my family and our family business.

Our Accomplishments

Over the past 12 years, we’ve achieved a great deal. Here are just some of the highlights:

• Built and maintained a strong, unified council that respected majority decisions, even in disagreement.
• Encouraged robust discussions among council and welcomed community input through delegations and committees.
• Engaged the community in budget deliberations and decision-making processes.
• Created new business and industry development incentives, including tax credits for investments over $500,000.
• Beautified our community with flower basket programs and revitalization efforts.
• Revitalized key infrastructure and public spaces, including:
• Swimming pool modernization
• Downtown Coleman and Bellevue revitalizations
• Pass Powderkeg Lodge renovation, deck expansion, and lift line extension
• Supported trail expansion and maintenance in partnership with UROC.
• Replaced critical failing infrastructure in Bellevue.
• Modernized the Frank Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Participated in the development of a new Seniors Lodge and acquired land for expansion.
• Completed Phases I and III of the Municipal Heritage Survey and designated key heritage properties.
• Upgraded the refrigeration plant at the Sports Complex.
• Installed new bathrooms on walking trails.
• Facilitated regional collaboration with neighboring municipalities and improved intermunicipal relationships.
• Reclaimed the River Run property through tax sale.
• Supported local events and created new funding programs (e.g., Category III funding).
• Developed a $1,000 annual scholarship for CCHS graduates.
• Publicly supported Riversdale Resources and Northback.
• Negotiated the sale of the electrical system to Fortis, achieving tax savings and infrastructure upgrades.
• Supported regional parades and promoted community visibility.
• Served on the Regional Highway 3 Committee to advocate for safety improvements.
• Installed pedestrian crossing lights and traffic signals at high-risk intersections.
• Worked with CP Rail to improve rail crossings.
• Strengthened collaboration with RCMP and the Solicitor General’s office for community safety.
• Participated in Castle Park and Livingstone/Porcupine planning sessions.
• Advocated with Alberta Parks and Tourism regarding Castle Park access and alignment.
• Supported backcountry trail restoration.
• Relocated Community Services to the MDM building for better use of the facility.
• Tackled feral cat issues and unsightly premises complaints.
• Initiated email utility billing and streamlined development processes.
• Beautified local cemeteries and installed fencing.
• Partnered with Community Futures to support small business loans.
• Celebrated the grand opening of the APP Barracks Building.
• Reduced late penalties on property taxes to encourage payment.
• Lowered the municipal mill rate by 2.9% over 12 years.
• Maintained a 0% increase in franchise fees for four years.
• Implemented a 10-year capital plan and strategic borrowing to replace aging equipment.
• Launched a community calendar and upgraded municipal software and hardware for better water and sewer services.
• Built strong relationships with provincial and federal leaders to advocate for tourism, parks, highways, and economic development.
• Actively supported Alberta Southwest Regional Alliance for economic planning.
• Collaborated monthly with mayors and reeves across Southern Alberta to share ideas and solutions.
• Worked alongside a team of dedicated municipal employees with exceptional work ethics.
• Completed the cleanup of the old hospital site, making way for the Crowsnest Commons development.
• Initiated numerous community events such as BBQs, senior lunches, pop-up kids’ events, and more.

...and so much more.

As I step away from my role as Mayor, I do so with deep gratitude, for your trust, your support, and your friendship over the past 12 years. Together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated milestones, and built a more vibrant, resilient Crowsnest Pass.

I sincerely hope that the next mayor and council will continue to lead with vision, positivity, and a commitment to progress.

Thank you for allowing me the honour of serving you. I look forward to finding new ways to support our community in the years to come.

Sincerely,

His Worship, Blair Painter

Mayor, Municipality of Crowsnest Pass