COALDALE, ALBERTA – Town of Coaldale Mayor, Jack Van Rijn, has officially announced his candidacy for re-election in the October 20, 2025, General Municipal Election.

Since taking office, Van Rijn has had the honour of working with a dedicated and forward-thinking Council that shares a common vision for sustainable growth, economic prosperity, and enhancing the quality of life for Coaldale’s residents.

Together, Coaldale Town Council and Town Administration have fostered a culture of collaboration, efficiency, and innovation to ensure that projects are completed on time, on budget, and with an eye toward sustainability.

“We have an incredible team at the Town of Coaldale,” said Van Rijn. “From our dedicated members of Council to our hard-working town staff, together we work seamlessly to ensure not only that red tape is reduced, investment is coming in, and jobs are being created, but also that services are being maintained while critical infrastructure gets built. Our pro-business approach, combined with our commitment to making smart, strategic investments, has helped to make Coaldale one of the most competitive and attractive communities in Alberta.”

Key Achievements Include:

• Annual Funding Policing Equalization Grant – On April 12, 2024, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, announced that Coaldale would receive a $550,000 annual grant, relieving the town of 100% RCMP cost responsibility and correcting a longstanding federal injustice.
•  NewCold’s Investment – On April 29, 2024, NewCold announced a $222 million investment in a state-of-the-art cold storage facility in Coaldale’s industrial park, creating over 50 permanent and 200 construction jobs.
• Shift Community Recreation Centre – Opened on July 3, 2024, this 55,000 sq. ft. facility features sports courts, an indoor play structure, an indoor soccer/lacrosse field, a walking track, a fitness centre, and daycare.
• Southern Alberta Summer Games – From July 3–6, 2024, Coaldale hosted nearly 1,800 athletes and coaches across 19 events, showcasing community spirit and organizational excellence.
• Malloy Landing Subdivision – Construction began in summer 2024 on this new subdivision in Coaldale’s northwest, expected to house 1,200 to 1,500 new residents.
• Canal Crossing Subdivision – In March 2025, work began on this mixed-use development south of the canal near the Quads Complex, including road widening and diverse housing options.
• 845 Developments Industrial Park – A 90-acre industrial park developed by local investors to meet demand. It includes direct access to Highway 845 via 12th Avenue, offering a bypass to Highway 3.
• Potable Water Reservoir and Pump Station – Broke ground August 6, 2024. Once complete, it will more than double Coaldale’s water storage capacity. Project cost: $13 million, with $4.5 million in provincial grants.
• MPE Link Pathway – Opened August 8, 2024, this 4.7 km rural bike path connects Coaldale to Highway 512, eventually extending to Lethbridge to promote active transportation.
• Prairie Winds Secondary School – Opened October 4, 2024, the school serves Grades 7–12 with a capacity for 855 students and connects directly to the Shift Community Recreation Centre.
• Civic Plaza – Unveiled in November 2024, this public gathering space next to the Town Hall features green spaces, pathways, seating, and an outdoor skating rink.
• Golf Cart Pilot Program – Starting spring 2025, Coaldale will be among the first Alberta towns to allow golf carts on select roads as part of a 5-year provincial pilot.
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• Coaldale Skatepark, officially opened in September 2025, this state-of-the-art facility was made possible through strong community partnerships, including the Coaldale Kinsmen, Coaldale Kinettes, Coaldale Community Wellness Association, local donors, and the support of the Province of Alberta. The skatepark stands as a symbol of collaboration, youth engagement, and our Council’s commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities.

Fiscal Responsibility
Despite facing challenges from inflation and provincial photo radar policy changes, Council balanced the 2025–2027 Operating Budget through cost-saving measures, efficiency improvements, and new revenue streams. This kept the residential tax increase to just 2.85%.

Moving Forward:
Van Rijn’s top priorities for the next term fall into three categories:

• Infrastructure and utility upgrades
• Community development and economic growth
• Public safety and healthcare

To continue building a resilient Coaldale:

Van Rijn will complete the Potable Water Reservoir and Malloy Drain Phase 2B stormwater infrastructure project.

He will promote lot sales in the new industrial park and support residential growth through essential infrastructure.

He will pursue sustainable policing and emergency service funding, enhanced municipal enforcement, and improved emergency response.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together as a Council and a community, and deeply grateful for the trust the residents of Coaldale have placed in me,” said Van Rijn. “I look forward to continuing this journey with you all to ensure Coaldale remains a thriving, welcoming, and progressive community for generations to come.”