An avid volunteer on Okotoks committees is hitting the campaign trail for the fall election.
Ashley Dreger is running for a seat on Okotoks council, something she said she has been considering for quite a while.
“I’ve been on the governance board for a few different organizations for a while now and I quite enjoy the processes and being part of it,” said Dreger.
She has served on the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) committee as well as on the board for Wild Rose Community Connections and the FCSS provincial board.
Dreger said those experiences have allowed her to gain a unique perspective on Okotoks.
“I have a good touch on the community, I have a good touch on the population,” she said.
She said the town is embarking on a new era with the recently adopted Municipal Development Plan and land-use bylaw, and there is a lot of important work to be done.
“I think Okotoks is at a pivotal point where we can create a community that is a place people can live, work, play – not be such a commuter community,” said Dreger. “I think that would help industry, it would help neighbourhood development.”
The current direction of the Town is on the right path, she said, encouraging more dense development and affordable housing opportunities.
It’s time to start moving away from estate-type development and create a community in which more people can afford to live comfortably, she said.
Part of that is increasing the mixed-use neighbourhoods in town, she said.
“It’s crucial we start working towards neighbourhoods that are inclusive for aging populations, for young populations,” said Dreger. “There’s lots of research that shows mixed neighbourhoods and proper community development create a larger capacity and they encourage that neighbour-to-neighbour connection.
“That’s how people get employment, that’s how people create connections.”
She also wants to see more work on youth development.
Some initiatives have been done in the past, such as the mural at the community garden and the Paint-a-Potty program, but she said more support for those programs is needed.
“Our youth are really struggling to find connection with our community and feel like they’re part of it,” said Dreger. “They need to feel part of our community so they either stay or they come back, and bring their skills to a place they feel is home.”
Dreger said she would like to see more opportunities for youth voices to be heard, and with a growing population now is the right time.
Having worked with FCSS and other groups in town, she said she’s seen the value of inclusion and would like help spur more work in that arena.
“It’s such an amazing town,” said Dreger. “I truly enjoy being here, and I want to see it continue to grow in the direction it’s growing, continue to be a positive place for families to be.”
