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McIntyre seeking second term as mayor of Sylvan Lake

Aug 8, 2017 | 11:15 AM

Sean McIntyre wants to be mayor of Sylvan Lake for another four years.

Elected as councillor in 2010 and then to the mayor’s chair in 2013, McIntyre says it’s been an honour serving his hometown for the last four years – calling it a dream come true.

While he says much has been accomplished in Sylvan Lake during his time in office, McIntyre refuses to take much of the credit.

“I understand that can sometimes sound like false humility, but everything Sylvan Lake has accomplished in the time I’ve been in this office has truly been a community-wide effort,” he says listing off the NexSource Centre, the new fire hall, Lakeshore Drive land purchases and the transportation, culture and social master plans as examples of recent success.

“Over the next four years, the major focus will be on core infrastructure, so things like wastewater, water and roads and ensuring our core infrastructure is there to meet the needs of our community for years to come.”

McIntyre adds there are other exciting things on the way such as consultations on Lakefront Park, planning for recreation development at Pogadl Park and a number of new residential subdivisions, as well as action happening in the town’s industrial areas.

“I really do think we’re in a good spot and that’s highlighted by a new and higher level of cooperation between the Town of Sylvan Lake, the Chamber of Commerce and the business community and we have been working together to weather the storm,” he says referring to the province’s economic downturn. “We will be working together to capitalize on every positive movement in the economy moving forward. Although we do have an economy that’s mainly based around oil and gas, we’ve also had tourism to help diversify our economy and to help us survive.”

McIntyre also has a message for residents regarding their right to vote.

“It’s vital that people play a role in their democracy. I understand everyone has their own life to live, but really, community is a representation of everyone and everyone ought to have a voice,” he says. “As October 16 nears, it’s important that everyone take time to learn about their candidate, what they stand for and make an informed decision about who they’d like to represent them over the next four years.”

McIntyre believes the municipality is happy with its current town status, as opposed to becoming a city, but says it shouldn’t stop Sylvan Lake from continuing to evolve.

“I continue to really believe in working together to build a complete community that’s resident-focused and visitor-friendly — and a Sylvan Lake that’s a great place to do business and raise a family,” he says. “That means constantly looking at what’s working well and what needs work and strategizing to fill those gaps.”

McIntyre has lived in Sylvan Lake for more than 25 years and is married with two children.