(Town of Stettler/Supplied)

By Ian Gustafson

Looking ahead

Year-in-Review: Stettler Mayor Gord Lawlor says improved transparency is a priority in 2026

Dec 30, 2025 | 8:00 AM

Stettler Mayor Gord Lawlor said his goal for the new year is improved communication to the community.

He said residents should know that they can reach out to council, the mayor, and town administration with concerns or questions.

“I just want to carry on the good work but make sure that communication for us with our county partners, and the whole community at large, that communication is key,” he said.

He explained he’s proud of how town council works together and the work done by town staff, adding multiple staff members celebrated 25 and 30 years of service this year.

“That’s what I’m most proud of, is that they come here to work and it becomes their career,” he said.

Thursday and Friday

RDP to host Central Alberta Teachers' Convention this week

2h ago

Monday afternoon

Firefighters respond to blaze at Lacombe Bar and Steakhouse

3h ago

Feb. 17, 6-8 p.m.

Public conversation on Disinformation and Alberta Separation set for Tuesday

5h ago

One of the biggest challenges this year, he said, was how much or little funding the town had to work with. He explained their desire to complete needed projects is limited to the dollars, but added they also need to balance being fiscally responsible.

This past year, they were able to replace underground infrastructure that hadn’t been replaced since it was built in 1930. Lawlor gave credit to the administrative staff for finding the funds to do so.

Lawlor said he and the rest of the councillors are responsible for every resident and have to keep that in mind when making decisions.

“Consequently, the decision is often challenging because every $71,500 we spend on new money is one percent on property tax,” he said. “So, to keep property taxes under control, we really had to pay attention to the budget and take on new projects very carefully.”

In the new year, the council will hold their strategic planning meeting where they will decide which projects to pursue in the new year.

However, Lawlor said the town’s biggest challenge heading into the new year has to do with infrastructure. He said the town has two lift stations at the end of their lifespan, which he said lifts wastewater from one level to the next to the lagoons for rehabilitation.

He said that replacing both will cost the town $7.7 million, which they don’t have unless they acquire grant funding.

Lawlor wants to thank the community for their trust in him and the council they elected in October, adding that they recently had citizens attending their council meeting, which he has not seen in the last eight years.

“Local government do work best when people stay informed and even when opinions differ. Our council is committed to listening, making decisions that serve today’s needs and Stettler’s future,” he said.