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At the forum, we had extra questions that had not had the chance to be answered. Please find those questions below:
Q. Towns people do not always agree completely. Council does not always see the same perspectives. Can you give an example of a complex problem you have solved in the past and walk us through your thinking process?
Blaise O’Rourke Answer: As a fire safety technician, I was tasked with putting mobile fire testing units together and making them operational in Cardston and all southern Alberta. To accomplish this task, I had to contact many Federal and Provincial fire safety specialists across the country. We ended up establishing a fleet of first-class units all having a number one rating by the provincial fire Marshall.
Q. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing our town right now, and what is your concrete plan to address it in your first year in office?
Blaise O’Rourke Answer: I find that the biggest challenge that Pincher Creek is facing is affordable housing and to start the process on addressing this issue would be to approach the provincial and federal funding programs for grants, loans and permits.
Brian McGillivray Answer: Low-cost rental housing. Key to delivery is accessing the housing allocation in the November 4th Federal Budget. We need to be ready so we can get a grant application ready to go as the Federal Government tables the budget.
Q. Are you in support of the curling club and their new facility - why or why not?
Blaise O’Rourke Answer: Yes, I agree we need a new building; however, I feel that it should be a multiplex as opposed to just a new stand-alone curling rink.
Valerie Wynder: The curling rink project is underway with committed support from town council. I do not believe it is a matter of my opinion or not if the project is moving forward. I will work with council and the curling club to try and achieve results that are improving rec in our community by improving access, safety and connection for our constituents, while considering efficiency of council and tax dollars and encouraging strong fiscal planning from the club to maintain the new facility.
Brian McGillivray Answer: The current council has committed $1,200,000 from town financial reserves and donated three lots where the rink can be constructed. My understanding is the balance of requirements for the new facility is now in the hands of the Curling Club. I don’t foresee future support being required by our council.
Q. If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during your term?
Blaise O’Rourke Answer: The improvement of Pincher Creeks infrastructure and housing affordability issue and anything else that arises.
Valerie Wynder: I hope to be a councillor who listens deeply to the concerns of constituents. Who learns quickly how to navigate the legislation that defines the jurisdiction of the municipal council and the process by which we make measured and effective decisions for our community. I want to be part of a council who works together to bring forward a balanced and sustainable plan for the future of our community. I want to be a councillor who advocates for our town to higher levels of government to improve access to funding where available. I want to be someone who plays a long game - considering the long term needs of our community even though I may only be in council for four years.
Q. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing our town right now, and what is your concrete plan to address it in your first year in office?
Brian McGillivray Answer: Low-cost rental housing. Key to delivery is accessing the housing allocation in the November 4th Federal Budget. We need to be ready so we can get a grant application ready to go as the Federal Government tables the budget.
Q. The last number of years we have seen property tax increase at a significant rate, in 2025 tax year, residential property tax increased about 9.6%, this was across the board and commercial was about 18.66% and also across the board. What if anything will you incumbents or experienced councillors do to try to minimize future tax increases to a sustainable level?
Brian McGillivray Answer: The Government of Alberta has been downloading cost from the province to the municipalities while concurrently reducing the financial support they used to provide. That cumulation creates very little wiggle room for our town to operate. The way to reduce tax is to reduce cost. I think every nickel the town spends needs to be examined to see if there is a way to save cost. The alternate way to reduce tax is to reduce service; not an easy topic but may become relevant. Financial oversight will be key.
Q. Does this community require six councillors, or is there an opportunity for cost savings and a more competitive election process to reduce this number to 4? Is this something you are willing to explore and push forward during your term?
Brian McGillivray Answer: Having served a term on council, I don’t think a four-member council could look after the council committee work required to provide oversight to the many areas of town activities. A four-member council complicates the voting process. I am not aware of any town of our size in Alberta operating with a four member council.
Q. Why do you think you deserve to be given a spot at the council table again?
Brian McGillivray Answer: I believe I deserve the same opportunity to serve our town as any other candidate
Q. What makes you the candidate I should choose over the candidates?
Brian McGillivray Answer: Experience, communication skills and common sense. But ultimately, it’s your choice. The most important message here is to be sure to vote.