One of the things I’ve always appreciated about our community is that people care. They care about their neighbourhoods, their families, their local businesses, and the direction our city is heading. That care shows up in conversations at the rink, at community events, in emails, and yes — sometimes with tough questions.
That’s why I’m starting this monthly column, and I hope you’ll read along.
My goal is simple: to keep you informed about what’s happening at the Civic Centre and to share context about the decisions Council is making on your behalf. Municipal government touches daily life in more ways than we sometimes realize. From roads and recreation facilities to emergency services, development planning and community programs, I believe residents deserve to understand not only what decisions are being made, but why.
You placed your trust in Council to lead the community, and with that trust comes a responsibility to communicate clearly and consistently.
In addition to this column, I will be sharing information about upcoming Council meetings on social media. My hope is to make it easier for residents to follow along and stay engaged with the topics that matter most to them. I also look forward to continuing our in-person “Council Chat” sessions throughout the year. These informal gatherings provide an opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and connect face-to-face. I encourage you to attend one if you can. There is no substitute for meaningful conversation.
As we begin this new Council term, I am genuinely excited about who residents have elected. We have a strong group around the Council table — individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, lived experiences and perspectives.
My commitment as Mayor is to foster collaboration and to work toward consensus wherever possible. While we won’t always agree on every issue — healthy debate is part of good governance — I believe we are united in our shared desire to see the City of Leduc succeed. Building trust and synergy among Council members will be a priority for me. When Council works well together, our entire community benefits.
It’s no secret that Leduc continues to grow at a rapid pace. Growth brings opportunity: new amenities, expanded services, a stronger local economy, and vibrant neighbourhoods. We must plan carefully, invest wisely, and ensure that infrastructure and services keep pace with demand.
Looking ahead, my vision for this term of Council is focused on thoughtful growth and long-term sustainability. We will work diligently to invest in the community while managing our finances responsibly. That means balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s realities. It means making decisions that support families, attract business, and maintain the quality of life that makes our city such a special place to call home.
This month, Council will come together for strategic planning sessions that will help set the tone and direction for the next four years. These conversations allow us to step back from day-to-day decisions and focus on the bigger picture, identifying priorities, clarifying our goals, and ensuring we are aligned in how we serve residents.
Whether you’ve lived here for decades or are new to our community, your voice matters. I encourage you to stay engaged; attend a Council meeting, follow along online, join us at a Council Chat event or simply reach out with your thoughts.
Together, we can continue building a community we are proud of — today and for generations to come.
Mayor Lars Hansen
