Community First

Building Community

Dr. Aberle will work with council, administration, and residents to investigate opportunities that:

A. Bring people, organizations and businesses together

I will continue to bring residents, organizations, and businesses together to strengthen partnerships, solve challenges, and build a vibrant, united community.

Examples may include:

1. Community Engagement

• Providing and supporting opportunities for residents, businesses, and nonprofits to share ideas on local priorities.
• Continuing to work with local groups on initiatives that connect residents with municipal staff and council.

2. Public-Private Partnerships

• Investigating ways the city could partner with local businesses to sponsor parks, trails, and events.
• Examining the potential of revitalization projects where the municipality provides infrastructure and businesses bring investment.

3. Community Events & Festivals

• Continuing to support and advocate for cultural celebrations, markets, local festivals, and other events that bring residents and businesses together.
• Finding ways the city could partner with local groups on volunteer appreciation days in order to unite service organizations, schools, and businesses.

4. Economic Development & Innovation

• Examining the potential of forming business improvement districts (BIDs) where businesses collectively invest in area improvements.
• Establishing or supporting innovation hubs or incubators that connect entrepreneurs, investors, and educational institutions.

5. Collaborative Problem-Solving

• Continued support for the bringing together of RCMP, Enforcement Services, schools, social services, and nonprofits to address community safety, housing, or youth engagement.
• Continuing to form and join task forces or working groups on issues like homelessness, climate resilience, or economic diversification – and seeing that their recommendations are instituted.

B. Strengthen and Promote Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (ABIDE)

I will work to strengthen accessibility, belonging, inclusion, diversity, and equity by ensuring every voice is heard, every culture is valued, and every resident feels at home in our community.

Examples may include:

Representation & Engagement

• Creating advisory committees (e.g., Youth, Indigenous Relations, Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) to help guide council decisions.

• Actively encouraging underrepresented groups (youth, women, newcomers, people with disabilities) to participate in civic processes.

Policies & Practices

• Adopting an Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (ABIDE) framework to guide municipal services and decision-making.

• Looking into ways to provide cost effective translation, childcare, and accessibility supports during public meetings.

Community Programs

• Continuing to support and champion cultural events and festivals that celebrate local diversity.

• Finding ways to collaborate with schools, non-profits, and cultural associations on anti-racism and inclusivity initiatives.

Training & Education

• Providing council and staff training on reconciliation, cultural awareness, accessibility, and inclusive governance.

• Offering public workshops that build community understanding of inclusion and belonging.

Visible Action

• Recognizing and celebrating Indigenous lands and cultures in council meetings and public spaces.

• Showcasing accessibility, belonging, inclusion, diversity, and equity achievements through awards, recognition programs, or community spotlights.

C. Support local groups, non/not-for-profit organizations, charities, and grassroots initiatives on the great work they are already doing

I will continue to support local groups non-profits, charities, and grassroots initiatives with the great work they are already doing through funding, partnerships, and recognition to strengthen these services that build our community

Examples may include:

Funding & Resources

• Providing grants, bursaries, or in-kind support (such as free or reduced rate meeting space, equipment, or advertising).
• Continue to offer matching funds for community-led projects.
• Support reduced facility rental fees for local groups.

Partnerships & Collaboration

• Partnering with non-profits, charities, and other groups on program delivery (e.g., youth programs, food security, housing supports).
• Creating joint events or initiatives that highlight local causes and organizations.
• Encouraging public-private partnerships where businesses and charities collaborate with municipal support.

Capacity Building

• Providing training, workshops, and networking opportunities for volunteers and organizations.
• Continuing to help groups and community organizations access provincial and federal funding opportunities.

Recognition & Promotion

• Celebrating local groups through awards, proclamations, and media promotion.
• Continuing to showcase community organizations on the municipal website, in newspapers, and on social media.