To borrow, or perhaps semi quote, Jim Prentice during Alberta's 2015 provincial election, "Mayors, it's time to look in the mirror." I know this probably will not make me popular in every council chamber across Alberta, but it is time someone said what a lot of municipal leaders are quietly admitting behind closed doors. Yes, municipal funding is a real challenge. Yes, infrastructure is expensive. Yes, provincial governments deserve their share of criticism. But more and more

The Calgary Stampede is known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Alberta, Canada, and around the world to celebrate Alberta's western heritage and culture. But beyond the rodeo and midway, the Stampede has also become one of the province's most important opportunities for municipal advocacy. At this year's Alberta Premier's Calgary Stampede Breakfast at McDougall House in downtown Calgary, municipal leaders met with pr

Every year, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention brings together local leaders from communities large and small, creating an opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to Canadians at the local level. But municipal leaders aren't the only ones paying attention. Among the attendees at this year's FCM Convention was Alberta Senator Paula Simons, who spent time listening to municipal officials from across Alberta and throughout Canada as they shared the c

Imagine spending decades not only focused on the issues facing your own community, but also championing the needs of municipalities from coast to coast to coast. For one delegate at this year's Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in Edmonton, that wasn't just a commitment—it was a way of life. For years, Silverton, British Columbia Councillor Leah Main has been a respected voice in municipal politics. Beyond serving the residents of her own village, she has helpe

Welcome to Cross Border Interviews. Our goal is to create meaningful municipal conversations that inform, connect, educate and strengthen communities from coast to coast to coast in Canada. For this edition of Cross Border Interviews, we spoke with Townhip of Beckwith, and Lanark County, Ontario Deputy Reeve Brian Dowdall at the 2026 FCM Convention. Lanark County, is where the charm of rural living and the breathtaking beauty of nature unite to create an unforgettable exper

The Calgary Stampede is often called the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Alberta, Canada, and around the world to celebrate Alberta's unique culture and western heritage. But it's also a time when municipal leaders from every corner of the province come together to connect, collaborate, and celebrate Alberta. At this year's Alberta Premier's Calgary Stampede Breakfast at McDougall House in downtown Calgary, municipal elect