Jack Van Rijn is hoping to be re-elected as the mayor of Coaldale.
This would be his second term as mayor, having been elected in 2021. The 2025 municipal elections across Alberta are set for October 20.
My Lethbridge Now asked the incumbent the following questions, to give voters a better understanding of what Van Rijn’s priorities are heading into voting day.
Why are you running?
“I am running for re-election because I believe in Coaldale’s future and in the importance of strong, transparent, and accountable local leadership. Over the past term, I have worked alongside Council, administration, and our community partners to achieve meaningful progress on key infrastructure projects, economic development initiatives, and community-building efforts. I want to continue building on that momentum, ensuring Coaldale remains a place where families, businesses, and residents can thrive.”
How do you plan to manage the time commitment?
“Serving as mayor is not just a role for me but a responsibility I fully embrace. I have the time, experience, and energy to dedicate to this position. My schedule is already structured around the demands of municipal leadership, community events, regional collaboration, and resident engagement. I am fully committed to dedicating the hours and attention required to serve Coaldale effectively. If re-elected, our residents can count on seeing me at community events as a guest and one of the organizers.”
How do you plan to take your prior experience and move forward with that?
“My experience as Mayor and one term as a Councillor has given me a strong foundation in governance, collaboration, and decision-making. I have built strong working relationships with residents, local organizations, regional partners, and all levels of government. Moving forward, I intend to apply those experiences to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, whether it’s guiding Coaldale’s growth responsibly, securing investments for infrastructure, or supporting initiatives that strengthen community well-being. Experience matters, and I am ready to put mine to work for another term.”
For any major projects that are proposed, how do you plan to address those?
“Major projects require clear communication, thorough planning, and strong collaboration. I believe in balancing fiscal responsibility with long-term vision. My approach will be to carefully evaluate each proposal, ensure residents are informed and engaged, and work closely with Council and administration to secure sustainable funding and partnerships. By doing so, we can move forward with projects that benefit residents today while also building a solid foundation for Coaldale’s future.”
VOTING
Advance voting days in the 2025 municipal elections in Coaldale are set for the following dates, with advance polls available at the Coaldale Community Centre from 2 to 8 p.m.:
Thursday, October 9
Saturday, October 11
Tuesday, October 14
Saturday, October 18
On Monday, October 20, which is general election day, Coaldale residents can vote from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Coaldale Community Centre.
Further details about voting in the 2025 municipal elections are available at the Town of Coaldale website.
