Ward 6 Candidate for Councillor Tim Ostertag says better communication + relationships is key to a healthy MD

Tim Ostertag grew up in Cold Lake and has since moved to the River Ridge Estates subdivision of the Municipal District (MD) of Bonnyville. He is asking for your vote on October 16th to represent Ward 6 of the MD.

As co-owner of Communications Cold Lake & CCL Networks, Tim Ostertag has had the opportunity to work on a number of major infrastructure projects that have put him in the midst of municipal decision processes. This experience grew a passion to serve as a Councillor for the MD of Bonnyville.

“I’ve worked with councils all over Alberta & Saskatchewan, which has given me a unique advantage to see what we can do for the MD in the future.” Some of the projects Ostertag has been involved with include building a fibre optix network, with infrastructure across rural landscapes. “I would sight new communications towers, fibre optix projects and new infrastructure for residents that were under served,” this put Ostertag in the middle of municipal planning commissions and grant processes.

It was during the Connect Innovate Initiative, a $500 million project from the federal government to bring fibre optix to rural residents, that Ostertag noticed a major setback in moving forward for the region. “I worked closely with the MD and the City of Cold Lake on that project and one of the major issues that we had, was corporation between the two municipalities. If we could get everyone around the table, working together, we could really make a difference to this area.”

Communication

Naturally, working in the communications field, Ostertag sees improvements in communication internally in the MD and externally with the residents and neighboring communities. “Seeing the big opportunity for us to improve, as a region, and having communication between us, stop us,” coupled with his joyful experiences working on municipal projects, Ostertag decided to run for Councillor. “I can bring a lot to the table and ensure that the MD of Bonnyville is a great place to live. Growing up in the area it really was and I want to continue that.”

“We need to look forward, into the future. Historically, Council has looked at roads, that’s been a big thing. I think we need to look at [other areas],” Ostertag highlights subdivisions, “think of Country Lane Estates. It might as well be a city-style subdivision. We need to make sure we have plans in place for that style of subdivision. We have plans in place for our residents to have connectivity and our schools to have connectivity.”

Crime

Ostertag knows first hand that crime in the area is out of hand. He has had his business broken into and just this week had one of the company work truck’s stolen. “It’s been unbelievably crazy! Crime is personal to me, seeing it in my office, my neighbours’ houses being broken into,” Ostertag says it’s imperative for the MD to work with the City of Cold Lake to explore all possibilities, “bring extra officers in, working with neighbourhood groups (Rural Crime Watch, COPS) and making sure our peace officers are safe. I have a lot of ideas of that nature and I really look forward to working with everyone.”

Business knowledge

“Where I’ve spent my last 12 years, is working for CCL Networks, which is our rural high-speed internet division. I’ve spent the first six to eight years of my career, driving down every rural road in the MD,” installing internet to rural homes and businesses, has given Ostertag the opportunity to get a personal look at the MD, “I have a good understanding of Ward 6, of the residents and what’s needed.”

“Having a business in the city of Cold Lake, I have the ability to know what’s going on in the city and what we can do [to grow that relationship].” Ostertag says his strong business background, with knowledge of the rural areas will be an asset to the MD. “Putting the two together, I feel I am the right man for the job.”

Vote

“Getting people out to vote is really important, so we can see what the people actually want,” historically, Ward 6 has seen around 600 votes of the 1200 eligible voters. Ostertag says all eligible voters need to get out and make sure they are being heard.

The election is October 16th from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. For more information visit md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

Voting Stations

Residents must vote in a Voting Station corresponding to the Ward that they reside in. For example, if you live in Ward 5, you must vote in one of the Ward 5 Voting Stations.

Not sure which Ward you live in? Click here for the Ward map (updated 2013).

Tentatively, Voting Stations will be open at the following locations:

• Ward 1 – Beaverdam Hall, Fort Kent Seniors Hall, Bonnyville Seniors’ Drop-In Centre
• Ward 2 – Eastbourne Community Hall, Shaw House, Bonnyville Seniors’ Drop-In Centre
• Ward 3 – Flat Lake Hall, Goodridge Jubilee Hall, Glendon RCMP Hall 
• Ward 4 – Lessard Community Hall, Willow Prairie Community Hall, Bonnyville Senior Drop-In Centre 
• Ward 5 – Ardmore Senior Citizens Club, Alexander Hall, Riverhurst Hall
• Ward 6 – Cold Lake Energy Centre, Cherry Grove Hall

Lakeland Connect supports all candidates in the upcoming election. To book an interview, at no charge, contact Jena 780-207-5898 or connect@lakelandconnect.net.