Brazeau County Councillor Kara Westerlund says she has a vested interest in the well-being of her community and is seeking a fifth term on council.
“I’m proud to call this community home. I was raised here and have spent over 30 years in the area,” says Westerlund in an email interview.
While she was in school, Westerlund was also a member of the local horse 4H club and participated in school sports. After high school, she attended Mount Royal University, where she earned a diploma in broadcasting.
Westerlund worked in both Lethbridge and Rocky Mountain House before returning to Drayton Valley, where she worked at Big West Country before running for council in 2010.
“Today, I’m raising my three children in the same community that shaped me. They attend local schools and are active in sports, and you’ll often find us at the arena or participating in community events,” says Westerlund.
She says she is proud of her community and what it has to offer.
“I live, work, and raise my family here, and I take pride in the incredible amenities we have—from our trail systems and rivers to the dam and camping areas. My goal is to ensure this remains a vibrant place to live, work, and play for generations to come,” says Westerlund.
She says she’s committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for all the residents. To ensure she’s doing her best in her position, Westerlund has also completed the Municipal Elected Leaders Certificate through the University of Alberta and is working on her Institute of Corporate Directors designation.
During her time on council, Westerlund has served on all major county committees and boards. Westerlund also served as the vice president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta before being elected as the president in 2023. She is the first woman to hold the position in the association’s 118 years of existence. If she is re-elected, she will be able to continue in that role.
“We are at a pivotal moment in municipal governance. Increasingly, local governments are facing external pressures, including the downloading of responsibilities from the provincial level—such as policing costs—and a growing disconnect with federal decision-makers. These shifts have resulted in reduced access to critical infrastructure funding and legislation that negatively impacts our key industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, and forestry,” says Westerlund. “I want to be at the decision-making table to ensure our community’s voice is heard and our interests are protected.”
During her time on council, Westerlund has seen local successes in her division. The recent installation of a new park in Rocky Rapids, upgrades to the Rocky Rapids wastewater system, and road improvements in the Rocky Rapids Whitby Hall areas are examples of what she has accomplished, but she wants to do more.
“Ultimately, my goal is to foster a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to governance that balances long-term strategic planning with responsiveness to everyday community needs. I want to ensure that our county continues to grow in a way that reflects our values, supports our industries, and enhances the well-being of all residents.”
