Utility Newsletter Insert - November 2025

Meet Your Mayor and Council

These community members have been elected to represent you and guide the Town over the next four years. Together, they set the direction for Olds, make strategic decisions on behalf of residents, and work with administration to build a thriving, welcoming community for everyone.

Mayor: Dan Daley
Councillors: Wanda Blatz, Ben Chrusch, Curtis Cook, Mary Anne Overwater, Chad Taylor, Darren Wilson.

Thank you to everyone who put their name forward to be a candidate and for your commitment to making Olds better. See the full 2025 election results at www.olds.ca/2025electionresults.

Participation

In the 2025 Election, there was a 28% voter turnout. Here’s how that compares to previous elections:

Year  Eligible Voters  People Who Voted  Voter Turnout 
2025 7,384 2,032 28%
2021 7,270 2,362 32%
2017 7,270 1, 704 23%
2013 6, 525 1, 858 28%

Democracy works best when everyone participates. The Town is always evaluating ways to support voter turnout in the elections to come.

Working Together for Olds

Council, administration, and residents each play an important role in shaping our community.

Council’s Role

Town Council is made up of elected community members who represent the interests of Olds residents. Council sets the direction for the Town by:

  • Listening to residents and identifying community priorities.
  • Setting policies and passing bylaws.
  • Approving budgets and guiding long-term planning.
  • Representing Olds in the region and beyond.

Council sets the “what” and “why”—the goals, priorities, and rules. But they do not manage day-to-day operations; that task is given to Administration by Alberta’s Municipal Government Act (MGA)

How Council and Administration Work Together

Alberta's Municipal Government Act mandates that the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is Council’s only employee. The CAO is tasked with carrying out Council direction, advising Council on key decisions, and updating Council on the operations of the Municipality.

How Council Connects with the Community

Council communicates with residents through:

  • Council Highlights: After every Regular Council Meeting the highlights provide a summary of what was discussed. You can find it posted on social media or by subscribing to the news email alert: www.olds.ca/subscribe.
  • Public Engagement: Outside of public participation events on specific topics, there are three key ways for the public to get involved on a regular basis:
    • Surveys – Complete the annual budget survey, put out every spring. View the latest survey results at www.olds.ca/2026budgetsurveyresults
    • In Person – Join one of many Coffee with Council events, held at the farmer’s market between May and September. www.olds.ca/councilcoffee.
    • Events – Council is available to connect with the community at annual events around town. 
  • Phone or Email: You can reach out to your Council directly to discuss issues and voice your opinions. Find their contact information at www.olds.ca/contactus.

Connecting with Council at Meetings

Operational Concern? REPORT A PROBLEM!

Report a Problem (www.olds.ca/RAP) gives residents a simple way to flag local issues such as potholes, water leaks, or other community concerns.

Each report goes to the appropriate Town department, where staff review, track, and follow up to ensure problems are addressed efficiently. These reports also help identify recurring issues and emerging trends, helping Council guide budget and infrastructure decisions. Your feedback helps us improve!

Olds is shaped by the people who live here. Your participation, big or small, helps build a strong and vibrant community.

Sign up to receive News & Notices

Stay up to date on the city's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our eNewsletters.