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Smarter Growth.

Smarter Choices.

Stronger Voices.

Who Am I
Rooted in Family.  Proven in Leadership.  Dedicated to Cochrane.

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  • Someone who is deeply committed to our residents and our community

  • A proud sister, wife, mother, and grandmother with 8 children and 10 grandchildren in our extended family

  • A semi-retired business leader with 30+ years of executive experience in both public and private sectors

  • A Board member and President of the Gleneagles Community Association

  • A gardener who enjoys occasional bike rides, hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends

Why I Made Cochrane My Home
A Quality of Life Worth Protecting

  • From childhood dreams to reality: I was born in Olds; however, it wasn’t until I moved to Calgary that I remember looking out of my bedroom window every day at the mountains - so when I could choose my home, Cochrane was the natural choice.

  • Unmatched natural beauty: Our mountain views are spectacular, our trails are second to none, and we are privileged to live beside two Provincial Parks.

  • A true small-town charm: I love walking down Main Street to find that uniquely Cochrane gift or simply stop for an ice cream.

  • Local strength, local care: No need to leave Cochrane for your shopping needs thanks to a vibrant business community. We are also fortunate to have attracted outstanding doctors, dentists, teachers and other professionals to live and work right here in our town.

  • A hub for community life: The Spray Lakes Centre is a gem — with activities for every age, bringing our community together.

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Strengths and Skills
Leadership You Can Trust. Experience You Can Count On.

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  • An understanding of how municipal government works – 4 years in Administration at the City of Edmonton

  • A fresh perspective on how Council and Administration can work together to deliver better results

  • A track record of transforming businesses using facts and expert advice to drive efficiency and accountability

  • A thoughtful approach – willing to ask questions, test assumptions, and challenge the status quo when needed

  • An inclusive and collaborative decision-making style

  • An active listener who grasps not just what is said, but the motivations and concerns behind it

  • An ability to turn ideas into practical, actionable solutions

  • A calm, steady leader in complex situations

Why I am Running for Council


Cochrane needs a new way of doing business

My Platform

I love living in Cochrane. I love its small-town character and the strong sense of community. But like many of you, I’m concerned about the pace of growth. Growth is inevitable, but it must be managed wisely. We need to protect our small-town character while making decisions based on facts, financials, and long-term planning. Most importantly, residents deserve to be engaged earlier and more often, with a real voice in shaping our future.

Smarter Growth. Smarter Choices. Stronger Voices.

A New Way of Doing Business

Issues will change. A strong process doesn’t. My core commitment is to transform how Town Council does business—so residents get the transparent, accountable, and evidence-based leadership they deserve.

  • Engage residents early and often – understanding your issues and making public input a foundation, not an afterthought.

  • Insist on evidence-based analysis before making key decisions.

  • Ensure financial transparency by understanding the assumptions behind recommendations.

  • Hold Administration accountable for independent, fact-based information.

  • Build collaborative solutions with residents, developers, businesses, and community partners

  • Offer balanced, solutions-driven leadership that delivers results for Cochrane.

Smarter Growth. Smarter Choices. Stronger Voices.

A Voice for All Generations - Bridging the Gap

Listening to residents is not a one-time exercise — it’s an ongoing conversation. As I meet with community groups, businesses, and residents across Cochrane, my platform will continue to evolve. Here’s what I’ve heard so far…”

Seniors: Honouring the Past, Protecting the Future

Seniors are the fastest-growing group in Cochrane, now making up more than 16% of our population. With Councillor Susan Flowers stepping down, our community is losing a dedicated voice for issues that impact the quality of life for older residents. Susan’s work through local committees and initiatives, as well as her advocacy to other levels of government, will be hard to replicate.

 

I have the time, the interest, and the passion to step into that space and will do my best to build on her legacy.

 

At the local level, Council can directly influence:

  • Affordable housing options: ensuring seniors’ housing is part of local planning and development decisions.

  • Reducing social isolation: supporting community programs, recreation, and volunteer opportunities.

  • Reliable transportation: improving local transit and ensuring seniors can access services and amenities.

 

At the provincial level, where Council has less direct control, I will advocate strongly for Cochrane’s seniors in areas such as access to better healthcare and income security supports.

 

If elected, I will:

  • Serve as a strong, consistent voice for seniors on Council, ensuring your needs are considered in every decision.

  • Actively participate in committees and initiatives focused on seniors.

  • Advocate to the provincial government and regional agencies on healthcare and other issues beyond municipal jurisdiction.

Families & Youth: Bridging Generations, Building Cochrane’s Future

Families and young people share many common concerns, including:

  • Affordable housing

  • Mental health supports

  • Safe neighbourhoods and recreation

  • Protecting the environment

But you also face unique challenges that deserve special attention. Families need affordable childcare and parenting supports, while youth need meaningful ways to be engaged in civic life and Town planning.

 

Cochrane’s Businesses: Growing Local, Protecting Character

Cochrane’s businesses are the lifeblood of our economy - creating jobs, providing services, and giving back to the community. At the same time, many residents worry that rapid growth could erode the small-town character we value. I believe  that Cochrane can grow its economy while preserving the small-town character we cherish — it’s about listening to each other and working together.

 

Key Business Needs:

  • Affordable, predictable costs for operations

  • A strong local workforce and access to talent

  • Infrastructure that keeps pace with growth

  • Local support that keeps dollars in Cochrane

 

If elected, I will:

  • Balance economic development with community character, ensuring growth respects our town’s scale, values, and long-term vision.

  • Champion “made-in-Cochrane” solutions, promoting homegrown businesses while protecting our small-town charm.

  • Support sustainable, diversified growth rooted in Cochrane’s strengths.

Cochrane is at a Crossroads –

Our Quality of Life is at Stake

Together we can build a Cochrane that grows responsibly, decides wisely,

and listens to its residents

You can send an e-transfer to: margaretblairforcouncil@gmail.com

When sending your contribution, please include your home address.

Under Alberta law, only residents of Alberta are eligible to donate.

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