Athabasca News

A Boyle village council candidate who’s running his election campaign on a platform of greater government transparency is himself being accused of having a hidden agenda.

The local economy and the environment are just two of the hot-button issues faced by Colleen Powell and her rival Roger Morrill in the mayoral race that could see Athabascans choosing a new leader next month.

Candidates in Athabasca County Ward 9 (Richard Park) are gearing up for next month’s elections and getting their campaign platforms rolling.

Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Hector Goudreau on Sept. 10 signed off on legislation to annex a portion of land to the Village of Boyle, which will present the village with future developmental opportunities.

Sharon Harding (back) tries to get a better look while Ralph Gilmore stokes the flames in order to get a medal red hot during the blacksmith demonstration that was held Saturday morning on the riverfront as part of the Athabasca Heritage Art Days Sept. 18-19.

Almost all the current Athabasca County councillors will have to turn back challengers if they hope to retain their seats. Following Monday’s close of nominations for the Oct.

In the town of Athabasca, voters will choose their mayor Oct. 18, as current councillor Roger Morrill challenges incumbent Colleen Powell. Powell has completed one term as mayor after serving as a councillor for nine years.

Two new faces will attempt to earn seats on Boyle Village council in the Oct. 18 municipal election. The two new candidates, David Peter Bencharsky and Roger Hall, make it seven hopefuls running for the five open councillor spots.

Cathy Heron became the first woman to enter the race for city council when she announced her candidacy last week. Heron, 42, chairs council's community services advisory board and is a member of others like the RCMP advisory board.

Although he confirmed a few months ago that a bid for re-election to St. Albert city council was in the cards, Coun. Gareth Jones made it official this week. Jones, 70, has been a pleasant surprise during his first term on council.