Okotoks realtor Glenn Stieben is running for a spot on town council and has his eyes fixed on one main issue.

He's hoping to address traffic that makes its way through Cimarron Boulevard.

The stretch of residential road is right between two large shopping areas, with drivers often taking a shortcut through the boulevard to get to and from the destinations.

Stieben says residents along Cimarron Boulevard were done a disservice when the shopping area around Costco was developed.

"They had Home Depot and a little piece of property that was commercial and the rest was light industrial. Then Costco came knocking and they rezoned the whole thing to commercial and swamped Cimarron, and the town hasn't actually done anything to help these people. They just did nothing for those people over ten years, it's terrible."

He says he's spoken to residents who are afraid to turn out of their driveways because of the amount of traffic, and others in the area who say their houses have significantly depreciated in value.

Stieben intends to address the issue by lobbying to add lanes to Highway 7 adjacent to the Boulevard, along with double turn lanes, in order to accommodate more traffic between the shopping districts.

"You'll never solve the problem, at least you'll get half of that traffic onto the highway, and at least put some signs up. It'd probably be a couple thousand bucks, they could've put signs directing the people to Costco. They did absolutely nothing for these people, it's like they don't have any say. People don't care about their neighbours anymore, and that really bothers me."

He acknowledges that alterations to the highway are a provincial matter, but he'd like council to put in some effort to advocate for the change.

Stieben is aware of other local matters that other residents are concerned about, including business owners who are frustrated with red tape.

"Other people have had a heck of a time getting permits and what have you. If it is like that, well we have to smooth it out. Personally, I haven't had a problem with the town. The people I contacted, they've always treated me pretty good."

The town's water problem is another issue he's been hearing about.

"That water situation, get it done. We felt it this year, where there was areas that didn't have any water when they needed water the most. All I think of is Walkerton (Ontario), where those people died because the water wasn't tested properly. I don't know if I want a small town testing my water. I'd feel more comfortable actually tying in with Calgary. I know a lot of people don't like that, they feel they'd lose control. I don't think so."

Stieben's primary focus would remain in Cimarron Boulevard, however.

"I hope I get in because, I'll tell you, I'll solve that Cimarron, I'll get that highway through. If I have to stand and picket it, if I have to do whatever the law allows me, I'm going to get that thing double-laned."

For more information on local candidates, head to our Municipal Election 2021 page.

 

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