Earlier this week, I stood before Okotoks Town Council during what will be their last public meeting before the 2026 budget is finalized. It wasn’t an easy thing to do, but I felt it was important. I went there to appeal directly to council to keep spending in check and to remind them that behind every tax increase are real people who are already struggling to keep up.
Carrying the Voices of the Community
Over the past several weeks, I’ve had countless conversations with residents about how the rising cost of living is affecting them. When I spoke at council, I carried those stories with me.
I talked about the senior who told me her husband can’t retire and who is going further into debt every month.
I mentioned the electrician who was struggling to carry the burden of her household bill for the sake of her two daughters.
And I shared the story of a man who lost his wife to cancer not long after moving to Okotoks. A move made to provide their son with a better life. But now, instead of focusing on healing, he has to think about being able to pay all of his bills.
These stories aren’t statistics. They’re snapshots of our neighbours’ lives.
Why I Spoke Up
I didn’t go to criticize or grandstand. I went because I believe someone needed to say it plainly: people need a break. When everything else is going up — groceries, gas, insurance, interest rates — the least our local government can do is keep one bill steady.
A property tax freeze won’t solve every problem, but it would send a message that the Town of Okotoks understands the pressure people are under. It would show that council is listening.
Responsible Leadership in Tough Times
I know how difficult budget decisions can be. There are always competing needs, and there’s always more that could be done. But leadership sometimes means making the harder choice. In this case, the hard choice is to not spend more, but to spend smarter.
Holding the line on taxes isn’t about cutting services or halting progress. It’s about setting priorities and recognizing that fiscal responsibility is part of good governance.
What Comes Next
As council prepares to make its final budget decisions, I hope they’ll remember the people behind the numbers. These are our friends, neighbours, and local business owners which are the backbone of Okotoks.
I’ll continue to speak up for those who feel unheard, because our community deserves leadership that listens and acts with empathy.
At a time when so many are just trying to stay afloat, keeping spending in check isn’t just good policy. It’s the right thing to do.
You Can Still Count on Colin
Even though the election is behind us, my commitment to the people of Okotoks hasn’t changed. I’ll keep showing up, asking questions, and advocating for common-sense decisions that reflect the realities residents are facing.
Because whether it’s during campaign season or in the council chamber, you can still Count on Colin to stand up for fiscal responsibility and for the people who make this town home.
Colin Langenberger
Leave a Reply