Genny Mehlhaff, a longtime West Country resident, EMS worker, and Ward 1 incumbent has announced she’s running for re-election this fall.
Please provide a little background on yourself, including how long you’ve lived in the area.
I have lived here since 2005. I proudly cattle ranch with my husband and four children west of Strachan. I first started serving the community in 2000 in Wetaskiwin County as a firefighter. I then began volunteering locally for EMS in 2004, which is one of the things that brought me into the community. I was also brought in to start working out by Nordegg, and I continue to work in EMS today. I later joined several different municipal boards and other community groups, and I really loved it. When I ran for council, I felt that I was a good candidate, and I’m currently serving as the Ward 1 councillor.
Why do you want to run for council in Clearwater County?
I want to build a community that my children can be proud to call home and want to stay in. I want a community that people want to be in and be from—and proud to say they’re from here. I’ve always felt that being part of the community is important—whether it’s doing a highway cleanup or advocating to various levels of government for the healthcare our community deserves. Being part of the solutions is vital for vibrant communities, and I am proud and honoured to continue doing that.
What personal or professional experience do you feel would make you a good councillor?
I’d like to think the last four years have been a job interview. As the current Ward 1 councillor, I’ve advocated strongly for agriculture and healthcare, and for closing the rural-urban divide between them. But honestly, at the end of the day, I think it comes down to hoping the community believes I’ve done a good job over the last four years. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement—there always is—but I hope the community sees my passion, work ethic, and dedication, and sees fit to put me back to work.
If elected, what would be a few top priorities?
I honestly think that’s what makes the election cycle so important—because it shouldn’t be “What are Genny’s top priorities?” This is another opportunity for the community to tell me what their top priorities are. So I think that going door-to-door or talking to people in the community is really what will shape the next vision, the next strategic plan—putting what they want into that.
But if I were to mention a few things we’re currently working on: I’d like to continue integrating the new hamlet of Caroline into what is now the new Clearwater County, making sure all their needs are being met and that it aligns with other hamlets throughout the county. I want to continue working on a Land Use Bylaw that the community can be proud of and get behind. And I want to work hard to build bridges for healthcare—that’s always a big question I get from people. Even though healthcare isn’t directly a municipal issue, I believe in taking every opportunity possible to champion what this community wants for its healthcare system. I hope to continue doing that work.
Where can people learn more about you and your priorities?
I’d like to think I make myself pretty available. I try to attend a lot of different community functions. I live in this community, and I’m proud to be part of it. So if you see me out and about, please come up and talk to me—I like to think I’m approachable. Don’t hesitate to reach out via email; my address is gc.mehlhaff@outlook.com. I’m also fairly active on social media, so if you see me online, come connect—I’m happy to have those conversations.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I truly hope the community has seen what I’ve accomplished over the last four years and sees fit to put me back to work. I truly love this job. I love representing this community, and I’d be happy to continue doing that.
As of June 18, 2025, Mehlhaff was the only candidate running in Ward 1.
The next municipal election is set for October 20, 2025.
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