With election day in Okotoks seemingly right around the corner, another one of the many campaigning council candidates is Ashley Dreger.

Having lived in Okotoks for nine years, she says she thought about running for council early on.

"It’s something I've thought about for a long time since probably, I guess, the past eight years or so. I kind of was waiting for my kids to get a little older. Now they're all in school, so that makes it easier."

She says that now is such a pivotal point in Okotoks with all the change that is happening in the community.

"It's a really good time to get involved to make sure we keep going in the right direction."

Creating inclusive communities is one of her focuses, and she has a vision for different types of affordable housing in town.

"Knowing your neighbors is a huge part of being successful. Our on-the-ground grassroots networking makes a huge difference in people's lives. So by creating those communities that accommodate affordable rentals, rental properties, affordable housing, larger houses, we are creating an inclusive area where people can get to know each other and network that way."

She's also already involved in the community through her work with the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) committee, the FCSS provincial board, the Wild Rose Community Connections board, and the Alberta Party board of directors.

Another asset is her education and industry experience in psychology, having opened her own psychology practice in town.

As a mother of four, she also hopes to bring more to the town in terms of arts and culture for children.

Making sure that every person in town feels valued and enabled to engage and be part of the community is of utmost priority to her.

"The big thing to know about me is I'm dedicated to the community. I’m dedicated to listening. I'm a huge believer in valuing everybody and creating a community that includes all of our citizens, no matter their age, ability, gender, culture."

She feels that town council needs to be cautious in monitoring growth.

"A lot of what they started I think has been started in a great direction. There needs to be some monitoring of it and a few tweaks.

"If we keep just growing our footprint, we will turn into a commuter town which will decrease our community inclusiveness and spirit. That’s a big thing for me. I don't want to just be a commuter town. I really think that we have the potential to be a place that industry wants to be part of."

For more information on Ashley Dreger and the other candidates, you can visit the town's website.

 

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