Where to Vote

For more information, please click here to visit the City of Wetaskiwin 2025 Municipal Election website.

Meet Karen

Dr. Karen Aberle has called Wetaskiwin home since 2013. She is passionate, honest, and dedicated to helping our city thrive.

Her approach is simple: listen to residents, understand their needs, and work together for lasting positive change.

Karen and her family purchased their home in 2018 and are proud to be part of the community. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening; watching hockey, documentaries & British television; reading historical fiction, and spending time with her pets.

---

What She Stands For

Karen’s vision for Wetaskiwin is built around four key pillars:

1. Community First

Building Community

• Bring people, organizations, and businesses together
• Strengthen and promote accessibility, belonging, inclusion, diversity, and equity (ABIDE)
• Support local groups, non-/not-for profits, charities, and grassroots initiatives with the great work they are already doing
  

To learn more, click here

2. Stronger Economy, Lower Costs

Economic Growth & Affordability

• Invest in local projects through grants, bursaries, and other available funding sources
• Strengthen downtown revitalization & attract diverse industry
• Find ways to ensure that residents can access housing, services, and utilities at a cost that doesn’t overwhelm their income

To learn more, click here

3. Working Together, Governing Better

Good Governance & Collaboration

• Ask clarifying questions of administration and other members of council to seek full understanding before voting and decision-making
• Encourage respectful dialogue and open sharing of information and concerns
• Make council decisions easily accessible, respond promptly to residents’ concerns, and improve understanding of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) for everyone.
  

To learn more, click here

4. Safe, Fair, Sustainable

Social & Environmental Responsibility

• Work together to reduce crime and prevent issues
• Support vulnerable groups: women, girls, children, seniors, persons with disabilities, low-income, and homeless residents
• Diversify energy production and consumption
• Promote cost-efficient recycling and waste reduction solutions

To learn more, click here

---

Karen’s Strengths as a Councillor

• Listens carefully to residents and community members
• Understands governance and how decisions shape our future
• Turns complex issues into clear, workable solutions
• Respects diverse perspectives — asking “Help me understand…” instead of dismissing opposing views
• Believes all residents, whether they own or rent, contribute to our community and deserve representation
• Works as part of a team — one of seven council members — establishing long-term plans and supporting city administration

---

Experience & Community Involvement

Karen brings over 20 years of experience in museums, non and not for profits / charities, and community projects, along with strong leadership in Wetaskiwin.

On Council:

• Wetaskiwin Public Library Board
• Peace Hills Utilities Board
• Wetaskiwin Transit Society
• Subdivision & Development and Assessment Appeal Boards
• Emergency Advisory Committee

Current Volunteer Roles:

• Wetaskiwin Arts and Music Foundation
• Connect Wetaskiwin
• Additional ad-hoc campaigns and community events

Formal Education:

• PhD in Classics (Archaeology)
• MA in Classical Archaeology
• BA in Greek and Roman Studies
• BSc in Anthropology and Archaeology
• Variety of courses and workshops on leadership and municipal governance

Dr. Aberle leads the Wetaskiwin District Heritage Museum and City of Wetaskiwin Archives. She is chair of community events like Canada Day, Orange Shirt Day, and Taste of Wetaskiwin. Karen is also a member of the organizing committees for local events such as Welcoming Week and Indigenous Peoples Day, champions local festivals, and volunteers her time with other organization’s events.

---

Connect with Karen

Karen values open, honest conversations and wants to hear your questions, concerns, and ideas.

Send me a message

Social media links:

https://www.facebook.com/KarenAberleWetaskiwin

https://www.instagram.com/karenaberlewetaskiwin

Support the campaign by:

Volunteering – send me an email to: karen@voteaberlewetaskiwin.ca

Having a lawn sign or wearing a Vote Aberle Button (click here)

Donate to my campaign (click here)