2026 and Beyond

Decisions made today determine the outcomes of tomorrow. Diamond Valley is already a great community. So how can we improve, strengthen, and continue to be the place to live life in southern Alberta?

Let's Make Diamond Valley Even Better

Diamond Valley's first Council laid an exceptional foundation! The work done sets us up for continued success, but there is so much more to do!

So what do I hope to focus on next?

  1. Guiding our Growth with Purpose
    I will provide leadership to shape Diamond Valley’s growth through thoughtful land use, diverse housing options, and architectural guidelines that respect our natural environment and heritage.

  2. Investing in Resilient Infrastructure and Fiscal Responsibility
    I will continue to focus on long-term sustainability by encouraging modernizing infrastructure, managing assets strategically, and maintaining responsible financial stewardship.

  3. Strengthening through Recreation, Culture, and Engagement
    I will advocate for a vibrant, connected town by enhancing recreational spaces, tourism and cultural amenities, and opportunities for public involvement.

Key Projects and Initiatives

I will work to make the preceding goals a reality by ensuring the following projects are completed.

  1. Land Use Bylaw Initiative
    Launch the development of Diamond Valley’s first Land Use Bylaw to establish clear, consistent planning guidelines. 

  2. Off-site Levy Bylaw Project
    Create and implement an Off-site Levy Bylaw that formalizes developer contributions to essential infrastructure. 

  3. Infrastructure Management Planning Project
    Develop a comprehensive infrastructure management plan to guide the maintenance, renewal, and expansion of town assets. 

  4. Recreation Master Plan Development
    Initiate the creation of Diamond Valley’s first Recreation Master Plan.
  5. Diamond Valley Business Growth Plan
    Re-establish and fund the Diamond Valley Economic Development Advisory Committee to develop a targeted Business Growth Strategy that will attract investment, support small businesses, and streamline development approvals.

Improving Lives in Diamond Valley

Residents often ask me one simple question: What's in it for me? Residents want to know what benefits they will see as a result of decisions we make.

What are the benefits of accomplishing these goals and projects?

1. Land Use Bylaw Initiative

  • Improved Planning Certainty: Developers and residents will have a clear understanding of zoning, land use, and development expectations.
  • Strategic Growth Management: Helps guide development in a way that aligns with community values and long-term goals.
  • Reduced Conflicts: Clear rules reduce ambiguity and potential disputes between stakeholders.

2. Off-site Levy Bylaw Project

  • Fair Infrastructure Funding: Ensures that developers contribute their share to the cost of new infrastructure, reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.
  • Sustainable Growth: Supports the expansion of roads, water, and wastewater systems to meet future demand.
  • Transparency & Accountability: Establishes a formal process for infrastructure contributions, improving trust and predictability.

3. Infrastructure Management Planning Project

  • Cost-Effective Asset Management: Enables proactive maintenance and renewal of infrastructure, reducing emergency repairs and long-term costs.
  • Informed Decision-Making: Provides data-driven insights for budgeting and capital planning.
  • Service Reliability: Ensures that essential services such as water, roads, and waste systems remain dependable and resilient.

4. Recreational Master Plan Project

  • Improved Quality of Life: Expands access to recreational spaces and programs that promote physical and mental well-being.
  • Inclusive & Accessible Facilities: Ensures recreational infrastructure meets the needs of all residents, including youth, seniors, and families.
  • Economic & Tourism Boost: Enhances the town’s appeal to visitors and potential new residents through well-planned amenities.
  • Community Engagement: Strengthens social connections and civic pride through shared spaces and activities.
  • Strategic Investment: Guides future budgeting and development decisions with a clear, community-informed roadmap.

5. Diamond Valley Business Growth Plan

  • More Local Jobs: New businesses mean more employment opportunities for residents.
  • Vibrant Downtown Areas: An energized commercial core boosts tourism, walkability, and community pride.
  • Stronger Tax Base: Business growth helps fund public services without raising residential taxes.
  • Support for Entrepreneurs: Local talent gets the tools and space to succeed right here at home.

Challenges and Opportunities

The increasing cost of providing the services we currently enjoy, with a limited tax base and insufficient commercial businesses, presents great opportunities. Opportunities that demand strategic stewardship and sound judgment.

Strategic Growth & Land Use

Challenges:

  • Limited housing diversity and affordability for young families and seniors
  • Balancing development with environmental and heritage preservation
  • Community resistance to change or densification

Opportunities:

  • Engage the public early through town halls and surveys to build trust and shape inclusive policies
  • Promote eco-friendly and heritage-sensitive design guidelines to preserve character while allowing growth
  • Use the Land Use Bylaw to encourage mixed-use and diverse housing options that meet real community needs

Infrastructure & Fiscal Responsibility

Challenges:

  • Aging infrastructure requiring costly upgrades
  • Limited municipal budget and rising service demands
  • Coordination across departments and contractors

Opportunities:

  • Leverage the Infrastructure Management Plan to prioritize repairs and avoid emergency costs
  • Pursue provincial and federal grants to supplement local funding
  • Use transparent budgeting tools to show taxpayers how funds are being used wisely

Recreation, Culture, Engagement & Tourism

Challenges:

  • Aging or underused facilities that need upgrades or better programming
  • Limited cultural and recreational offerings for youth, seniors, and newcomers
  • Low public engagement in planning and community events
  • Untapped tourism potential despite natural beauty and small-town charm

Opportunities:

  • Recreation Master Plan: Use this as a roadmap to upgrade facilities, expand programs, and ensure accessibility for all ages
  • Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local groups, schools, and artists to create inclusive events and cultural experiences
  • Digital Engagement Tools: Use social media, surveys, and pop-up events to gather input and boost participation
  • Tourism Strategy: Promote Diamond Valley’s unique assets—like trails, disc golf, local shops, and heritage sites—to attract visitors and support local businesses

Economic Development & Commercial Growth

Challenges:

  • Slow business investment due to limited commercial space or visibility
  • Competition from nearby towns
  • Red tape in permitting and approvals

Opportunities:

  • Launch the Business Growth Program to attract and support entrepreneurs
  • Revitalize downtown with incentives for storefront improvements and pop-up shops
  • Streamline permitting to make Diamond Valley business-friendly and responsive

I aim to capitalize on opportunities to overcome any challenges and drive growth. It should be noted that the preceding goals, initiatives, and projects have areas that overlap, ensuring strategic stewardship.

Please vote for me on October 20, 2025.