Okotoks volunteer enters mayoral race

A third candidate is vying for the top seat at the Okotoks council table.

Jeff Reinhart, a born-and-raised Okotokian, has entered the mayoral race in the upcoming municipal election.

“Living here through the years and watching this town grow, and starting to raise a family of my own, I’ve become more and more involved in the community and wanting to help out,” said Reinhart. “I thought with a municipal election coming up, now is the time to step up a bit and put my name in for something bigger.”

Reinhart has been an avid volunteer in the community, particularly with sports organizations as his children participated in leagues. He served on the Okotoks Minor Hockey Association board of directors in its last season.

He has also been involved with the Okotoks Kinsmen, which has helped him connect with and support the community.

“I feel I’m pretty well-versed in what’s happening around town,” said Reinhart. “And I think I can bring some fresh ideas and perspective.”

The top focuses moving forward should be water, small business, smart growth, and youth sport and arts and culture, he said.

A main objective would be to resolve the water issue at long last, because the clock is ticking as far as future development, he said.

“I think there’s a great start, there’s a great plan in place that the previous council has gone through, and now it’s basically getting it taken care of and finished off,” said Reinhart.

On the economic front, he said Okotoks needs to get on top of business attraction and bring more diversity and opportunity to town.

After the past 18 months, he said it’s particularly important to help prop up the existing businesses as well, he said.

“I think that’s a focus, being able to support business, new and old, in the community,” said Reinhart.

As a long-time member of the trades and construction industry, Reinhart said he has a unique perspective when it comes to planning for future growth.

It needs to be done in a more sustainable way, and not in several directions at the same time, he said.

“I think one main path forward is the key for the future of Okotoks, to be able to maybe not spread so far in different directions and have one specific direction at a time,” said Reinhart.

As the town continues to grow, he said youth sports, recreation and arts and culture need to be fostered and developed in conjunction with developing new neighbourhoods.

Promoting youth sports and cultural events can drive tourism and more business in Okotoks, he said, as people visit the town for tournaments, competitions, recitals and concerts.

“I envision Okotoks being a hub for that kind of thing, where people do come to our town through youth sports and arts and culture,” said Reinhart, adding the 2023 Alberta Summer Games is a good start.

“I think these types of events are huge to bring awareness to Okotoks, and a great opportunity to showcase our town, showcase our businesses, showcase what we have to offer.”