Message from the mayor of the Town of Nanton

By Jennifer Handley, mayor of Nanton

Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me and in your newly elected town council. It is an honour to continue serving as mayor and to welcome our new councillors to the table. Each brings valuable experience, perspectives, and a shared commitment to the future of our community.
I also want to extend heartfelt thanks to the outgoing members of council for their service and dedication. The hours spent reviewing budgets, studying policies, and guiding projects have helped position Nanton for continued progress. Municipal work is often quiet, but it shapes our daily lives in meaningful ways.
The next term will be a busy one. We’ll continue advancing major projects such as the regional waterline study, the next phases of Westview, completion of the D2S Farms Area Structure Plan, ongoing infrastructure renewal, and, of course, the medical clinic. These long-term initiatives require collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and steady leadership.
One big question we had during the election was about the proposed regional waterline. We are still in the design and viability stage. And as part of the regional waterline design phase, there are several “on” and “off” ramps built into the process as feasibility and technical information is gathered. This includes confirming land requirements, assessing High River’s water resources, and estimating annual operational costs for Nanton once complete. Equally important, the town’s ability to trace and reduce potable water loss within our own distribution system remains a key factor in determining when and how to move forward with any major capital investment in our water utility whether regional or local.
The campaign reminded all of us how much people care about this community and how important it is that information shared publicly is accurate and grounded in fact. Misinformation spreads easily and can erode trust, so council remains committed to open, transparent communication. Our decisions, reports, and financial information are always public, and we will continue to make sure residents can access them easily.
We also want to strengthen two-way communication. Council can only do its best work when residents are engaged and involved. I encourage everyone to attend meetings, share input on town plans, join local committees, and reach out directly when you have questions or ideas. Constructive participation helps us make better, more informed decisions that reflect the community’s values and priorities.
As we begin this new term, our focus remains clear: to serve Nanton with honesty, integrity, and care. We are, as always, neighbours representing neighbours, committed to protecting what makes this town special while preparing it for a sustainable and resilient future.