This is a candidate profile for James Cuthill, who is running to represent constituents in Ward 5.

Please provide a little background on yourself, including how long you’ve lived in the area.

A resident of Horburg for 20 years.
I am a multi generational old stock Albertan, of pioneering families.
My life journey has taken me to more than a few places throughout this nation, including some major cities.
I love where I live, a unique home, in the forest, in rural Alberta, amongst fantastic people.
I have a college diploma from a Polytechnic University, but hard knocks is the lesson I carry with me every day.
Retired from a 38 year drilling career in the oil and gas industry, I am responsible, accountable, effective communicator, organize well and can budget.

Why do you want to run for council?

Councillor for Ward 5 is an excellent opportunity for me to give back and serve the community that has welcomed me all these years.
I am intrigued with our broadband initiative and seek the opportunity to facilitate and promote it’s development.
I see it as an essential utility, a catalyst for economic development and a growth industry. It’s the future and scalable, the opportunity and possibilities are endless, especially for those pursuing a career in the digital universe.
I have no conflict of interest.
I will strive to add value to County Council and represent constituents to the best of my ability.

What personal or professional experience do you feel would make you a good councillor?

I would like to champion sustainable trails development to compliment the Rail trail. ATV use is big business, Ward 5 is a major player in this regard.
Spillover tourism from our National Parks, along the David Thompson Highway is a potential goldmine of opportunity, let’s facilitate that with Alberta Parks.

Highway 11 twinning will change our world forever. Are we ready?
I will talk about amalgamation with the town of Rocky Mountain House.
This may be a non starter for many, however I see tremendous value in “The Regional Municipality of Rocky Mountain House”.
Our demographics are ideal to create a single entity for branding purposes, eliminate costly duplication of services, maximize value for tax resources and larger clout with upper levels of government.
Clearwater County and Rocky Mountain House are not mutually exclusive, they need each other. Regional Municipalities is not a new concept, Wood Buffalo in Alberta’s North is but one example.

The drilling industry has required me to think and plan ahead, sometimes far ahead, have a plan B.
Ideas turn into concepts, concepts into plans, plans into reality.
Fiscal responsibility, accountability and prudence go hand in hand.
I detest corruption, malfeasance and all forms of bigotry.

Where can people learn more about you and your priorities?

I plan to attend the 3 forums that have been scheduled so far.
I would enjoy constructive conversations with anyone, who had given thought to our regions future.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you for your consideration, I appreciate it very much.
I ask for your support in the upcoming 2025 municipally election.

Ward 5 boundaries surround the town of Rocky Mountain House on the north, east and west sides and covers the northwest corner of the county. It contains the hamlet of Nordegg.

Visit our Municipal Election page for more information on the upcoming municipal election October 20, 2025.