An Okotoks physical therapist wants to bring her passion for health, sustainability and youth to the council table.
Leona Ham is running for a seat on Okotoks council, and said one of her main focuses is on community health and sustainability. She said the pandemic has shone more light on the subject as an area in need of change.
“It’s identifying something I’ve seen for many years in my practice and have recognized, in terms of the lack of health in our healthcare system,” said Ham. “I want to find a way I can help Okotoks be as healthy a community as it possibly can, which I believe will cover off a lot of other aspects in terms of integrating community and elderly individuals, creating opportunities for sustainable projects in town that will contribute to individual health needs.”
One idea is to promote healthier activity and eating habits through community events, she said.
Events like ChiliFest and Taste of Okotoks are popular and bring out crowds, and more events to encourage things like eating well and exercising would benefit the community and stimulate what Ham refers to as the five pillars of health.
“Sleep, nutritious foods, exercise, social-emotional interaction and connection, and sharing of ideas to create learning,” said Ham. “These areas of health create mental stability and well-being.
“Events like ChiliFest and Light Up Okotoks get people outdoors, moving, and into the fresh air – this directly feeds two of the pillars of health, exercise and connection.”
She said studies have shown that sleep and nutrition improve when people exercise regularly, so encouraging residents to attend active, outdoor events would reap rewards in the overall health of the community.
Sustainability is also a big part of Ham’s platform, particularly around water usage and conservation, as well as wastewater.
“Looking at wastewater, how we can better utilize that, basically recycle it in a way that’s sustainable for our community,” said Ham. “I know there’s some technology out there where they actually use wastewater to heat buildings, and I think something like that would be very useful.”
The Town has undertaken a number of sustainability projects, which she said form a good base.
She would like to bring more ideas to the table that could complement the current initiatives.
Programs and opportunities for young people to engage are a strong part of Ham’s campaign.
As the parent of two teenage children, Ham said she has been involved in several community sports and dance groups, and she has seen a need to help Okotoks youth remain engaged and creative.
“Today’s youth have amazing minds,” she said. “But I feel the constant technology has created a lack of creativity and self-direction. We need to provide unique ways to keep these youth engaged actively in the community.”
Overall, Ham said her professional background, working with clients and assessing their physical health needs, has given her a unique way to tackle big problems and consider all options.
She takes time to evaluate the pros and cons and make solid decisions based on evidence and precedent, which she said would be an asset at the council table.
“I’m a real critical thinker,” said Ham. “It’s kind of looking at all aspects of when a decision needs to be made, what is the real driving force for making the decision.”
Careful and thoughtful decision-making is important for a councillor, she said, especially in a divided community.
She said between Okotoks growing and increasing animosity between people over COVID protocols, the sense of community has been broken and she would like to work at repairing the damage.
“I feel there is division amongst us and I would really like to see that division to be removed and us to come back together as a community and just focus on projects that help build our community, help build a sustainable Okotoks, and just help people who have concerns feel like those concerns are being addressed appropriately and with logical thinking,” said Ham.
