Information for Candidates

Candidate Information

The material that follows is provided for information only. This summary is not intended to replace the candidate’s responsibility to read and understand the relevant legislation, or to seek appropriate advice from professionals as required. The candidate is responsible for ensuring that their campaign complies with all official statutes and regulations. 

The Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) governs elections for all of Alberta’s local jurisdictions, including the Town of Drumheller. Prospective candidates should refer to the LAEA for complete details on the nomination process and obtain legal advice regarding the full extent of their obligations. 

Additionally, prospective candidates should consult the following resources provided by the Government of Alberta:  

• Election Signs Webpage  
• Municipal Elections Webpage 

And the following municipal bylaws, prior to running for municipal office:  

• Election Bylaw #12.21 
• Election Signage Bylaw #13.21 

Understanding the Position

The Town of Drumheller’s elected officials consist of one (1) Mayor and six (6) Councillors. The role of Council is to work cooperatively to set the strategic priorities and objectives of the Town. This formal direction is given in an open session of Council in the form of either a Bylaw or a Resolution.  

As an individual member of Council, you will not have the power to commit your municipality to any expenditure or to direct the activities of municipal employees. Any promise you make as part of your election campaign that involves municipal expenditures, or the activities of employees, can only be carried out if a majority of Council votes in favour of the matter at a meeting.   

The Municipal Government Act, which provides authority to Council, describes the duties of Councillors in Section 153 of the Act as the following:  

1. To consider the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole and to bring to Council’s attention anything that would promote the welfare or interests of the municipality;  
2. To promote an integrated and strategic approach to intermunicipal land use planning and service delivery with neighbouring municipalities;  
3. To participate generally in developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality; 
4. To participate in Council meetings and Council Committee meetings and meetings of other bodies to which they are appointed by the council;  
5. To obtain information about the operation or administration of the municipality from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or a person designated by the CAO;  
6. To keep in confidence matters discussed in private at a Council or Council Committee meeting until discussed at a meeting held in public;  
7. To adhere to the code of conduct established by the council under section 146.1(1); 
8. To perform any other duty or function imposed on councillors by this or any other enactment or by the council. 

The best way to learn about what Council does is to attend Council meetings, read agenda packages and minutes, review the municipal budget, and access other information that is available on the Town of Drumheller website. As a councillor it is important you understand the following documents: 

• What every Councillor Needs to Know: A Council Member’s Handbook 
• Council Code of Conduct Bylaw #08.18 
• Council Procedure Bylaw #04.21 

Time Commitment

As an Elected Official, you will be required to dedicate a significant amount of time and energy towards performing your duties. These regular duties generally include the following:  

• Preparing for and attending Regular Council Meetings, Committee of the Whole Meetings, and any meetings of boards and committees to which you are appointed by Council (generally at the Town Organizational Meeting);  
• Attending and representing the Town at public events, such as grand openings, parades, open houses, and public meetings;  
• Preparing for and attending conventions, seminars, workshops and other training opportunities for training; and  
• Meeting with or answering emails, letters, and phone calls from the general public or stakeholder groups.  

Additional information regarding Council meetings can be found below:

• Council Boards and Committees 
• 2025 Council Meeting Schedule

Training and Education

Mayor and Council will be required to attend mandatory orientation sessions following their election. Additionally, Mayor and Council may attend additional training throughout their term of office as provided for in the Town of Drumheller Council Remuneration Policy. Alberta Municipalities (ABMunis) and Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) will be hosting a series of webinars for potential candidates throughout 2025. These webinars will offer insight into municipal service, day-to-day responsibilities, and the impact of joining local government. More information can be found on the ABMunis website below: 

• Running for Municipal Office

Role of the Mayor

In addition to performing all the duties of Council, the Mayor is required to:  

• preside when in attendance at a Council meeting, unless a bylaw provides that another councillor or other person is to preside;  
• sign all bylaws, Council policies, and Council minutes that Council passes at a meeting in which they are presiding; as well as many contracts and agreements the Town enters into; and
• perform any other duty imposed on the Mayor by this or any other enactment or bylaw. 

The Mayor also acts as the main spokesperson and liaison for the Town of Drumheller, which means this position generally requires additional time to spend meeting with constituents, neighbouring councils, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs). 

Council Remuneration  

On February 03, 2025, The Town of Drumheller approved Council Remuneration Policy LS-C-03. All information pertaining to the compensation and benefits can be found within this policy below: 

• Remuneration and Expense Allowance for Mayor and Council Policy #LS-C-03

Policy #LS-C-03 is informed by the final report from the Council Remuneration Task Force (CRTF), which convenes every third year of the Council's term. The CRTF conducts a comprehensive review of all aspects of Council compensation, including honoraria, travel expenses, per diem allowances, training costs, and other financial items. In addition, the CRTF examines policies from comparable municipalities to ensure best practices are considered. Following their analysis, they provide recommendations to the current Council regarding compensation for the upcoming Council term.

For additional information regarding the composition and responsibilities of the CRTF, please refer to the Remuneration Task Force Bylaw.