This is a candidate profile for candidate Neil Ratcliffe, who’s running for reelection in Clearwater County’s Ward 5.

Tell us a little about yourself, including how long you’ve lived in the area.

This has been my home for 25 years. I’ve also lived and worked in other regions and countries, chasing the next challenge—mostly in pipeline telecom, control systems, and later broadband. After moving here, I became involved locally; and every volunteer knows the work is endless.

Why do you want to run for council?

There’s much more work to do. It takes time to learn how municipal government works, and I feel obligated to use that experience for my neighbours and our region. As Elsie told me, “Some things are worth fighting for”. For me, our community is worth fighting for. I’m seeking a second term to do that.

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

I’m a listener, and I value integrity, fairness, equality, and accountability. Landowner and personal rights must be protected. I’ve designed, built, and operated complex systems; the logical process mirrors municipal work.

I don’t claim to have all the answers—I rely on the expertise in our community. I’m objective with few personal biases.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Our lifestyle is under pressure on several fronts: additional responsibilities are downloaded from higher levels of government.

They slowly withdraw the funding to manage those responsibilities.

Another is that over 90% of County revenue comes from industry and is set to decline. We must diversify.

My priorities:

• Economic development / regional prosperity – think regionally, work closely with the Town and local visionaries; development of Caroline is a good place to start.

• Good government for taxpayers – rebuild trust between the County and residents.

• Innovative support for non-profits – ongoing, practical help.

• Through these, make informed, sound decisions.

Where can people learn more about you and your priorities?

Find me on LinkedIn. Call me or email neilr4ward5@gmail.com. Stop me anytime to talk about your concerns.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

In a period of chaos and doubt, this is a key election. The task isn’t to retreat or mere resistance—it’s to build and inspire: to create functional, forward-looking systems rooted in civic responsibility and accountability.

For anyone considering municipal service: it isn’t part-time. Municipalities now touch almost every part of daily life—not just roads, water, and sewer—and you must track provincial and federal actions. Expect a lot of reading, research, and networking; it can take every waking minute.

We also have a habit of chasing away prosperity with NIMBY (not in my back yard) fears-traffic, water use, crime, wildlife impacts. We can’t stop time’s changes; when we try, opportunities shrink close to home.

To voters in both the Town and the County: we need dedicated, visionary councillors on both councils who will collaborate for the region’s benefit.

 

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 Oct. 20, 2025.