Mayor & Council
Mayor's Message
There is a sense of optimism in the air as we look towards High River’s future. Although our town’s population has doubled in size to more than 12,000, we have maintained the friendly hospitality that has always been a trademark of our community. It was one of the greatest appeals when my family moved here and continues to be a drawing card for new residents.
Having completed many of the necessary upgrades to our infrastructure and transportation network, High River is on the cusp of an economic boom in our commercial and light industrial areas. We are in an ideal situation to become Southern Alberta’s next commercial hot spot. In this process of expansion and diversification, we must remain faithful to the small town ideals that make High River such a desirable place to call home. With a shared vision for our future, careful planning and a structured approach to growth High River will maintain our rural community spirit while providing upscale services and amenities for all residents
Mayor Emile Blokland
Phone: 403.652.2110
email:
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Mayor's Profile
* Moved to High River in 1994
* Married to Gail and have 6 children, 5 grandchildren.
Occupation: Retired
* Previously, owned the River Roadhouse Rest.& Bar in High River
* Owned & operated Bloke's Bakery in Stettler (1981-92)
* Calgary Co-op Grocery Stores (1973-81)
Political History:
* Served 2 terms as Councillor for the Town of Stettler (1986-92)
* Elected to High River Council in 2007
Service:
* Rotary Club of High River
Council Profiles
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Occupation: Retired Owned & Operated: High River Sobeys from 1995 to 2010 Family: I am married to Kathy, we have three children and three grandchildren. Service: I have served on the Economic Development Board, Promotions Committee, and the High River & District Chamber of Commerce as a director, and have served the last eight years as a director on the Independant Retail Grocers Association. Hobbies: I enjoy fishing and our grandchildren |
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Occupation: Retired Career: I was employeed with Canadian Pacific Railway for 36 years. Began as a machinist apprentice and was promoted through the organization to Manager of Technical Training for Mechanical Services, in the US and Canada. After retiring, I earned the professional designation of Certified Human Resource Professional. Family: Iam married to Trynette my high school sweetheart, we have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Service: I have served on the High River Policing Committee, the Assessment Review Board and volunteered at Sheppard Family Park. On a larger scale, I have also served on the Board of Directors of Rehoboth Christian Ministries (serves those with developmental disabilities in Alberta), Home Association, the Board of Directors of a non-profit senior’s residential facility in Calgary and have volunteered on 10 occasions to rebuild homes in disaster related areas, four times at Hurricane Katrina sites. |
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Occupation: Foot Maintenance (Owner & Operator) Career: As a single parent I have worked several jobs at a time, over the years. Locally I have worked at Photo Encounters, Turbo, Pizza Berg, Triple K, nursed on the 2nd floor, as well as a teacher's aid at both Joe Clark and Spitzee schools. I also worked for the Salvation Army as community services coordinator (food bank, thrift store, family services, Christmas campaign, and many other areas). As well as having worked for High River physio therapy and magnetic pain relief, also in the Museum for the best part of a year. There was always a job if I needed it. Family: I was born in Innisfail, and moved to High River 24 years ago and raised 4 children. I am now married to Dan Hiebert and have 18 grandchildren. Service: In Bowden, I was a volunteer fire fighter for 6 years, helped run James River Bible Camps for 3 seasons, was part of Toast Masters, was a Rebecca, had an active part in the Missionary Church, volunteered in both the school and on community boards. In High River, I have volunteered at the Memorial Centre and Sheppard Park when needed. Hobbies: I enjoy sewing, gardening, reading, swimming, knitting and many other things that I try to find time for. |
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Occupation: Green Line Hose and Fittings, Outside Sales Representative Career: I worked 18 years for the family owned business in Calgary, first as customer service manager and then as the outside sales supervisor. The business was then sold to Green Line Hose and Fittings in 2003. At that time I agreed to stay on as an outside sales representative. Family: I was born in northern Ontario and moved to Alberta in 1968. My family and I have lived in High River since 1997. Hobbiess: In 1989 I took up the sport of hot air ballooning and have flown balloons around the world in many countries such as Japan, Belgium and the U.S. I also enjoy classic muscle car restoration. |
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Occupation: Highwood Art & Framing (Owner) Career: I graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. I then worked for large companies (Bank of Montreal, Procter and Gamble, and Gulf Oil Canada), before starting my own business as an Art Dealer. I have taught picture framing classes throughout Alberta with Alberta Culture. Family: I was born in Medicine Hat and moved to High River in 1997. Service: I have served on the Museum Board, the Economic Development Committee, and was Chairman of High River "Communities in Bloom" for three years. Hobbies: I enjoy reading, pencil sketching, traveling, gardening and many outdoor activities. |
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Occupation: Retired Career: I was a First Class Power Engineer with 30 years experience in Power Generation, Oil & Gas Processing, and Pulp and Paper Manufacturing. I have 10 years experience as an energy and environment policy consultant. Family: I was born in Nordegg Alberta, raised in Edmonton, and retired to High River in 2007 with my wife Elaine. Our son and his family live in the Devon area, our daughter lives in Swan River, Manitoba. Service: I am active with the High River/Foothills Flood Management Committee and the Highwood River Advisory Committee. I am a long term member of the Royal Canadian Legion Hobbies: I enjoy camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking and travel |







