ROB MURRAY: I’m speaking today with Hugh Pettigrew who is running for Banff council in the upcoming municipal election. Tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and your related experience for the job.

HUGH PETTIGREW: I have 35 years of experience working with the private and public sector. I came to Banff in 1982 to work on the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway as a project inspector. That took me into a career of engineering and public works. The last 28 years were directly with municipal governments, including the Town of Banff and MD of Bighorn. I spent a five years as Deputy Director of Public Works and Engineering for the MD of Foothills, which is now called Foothills County. Then I did some work in Northern Alberta. I’ve been privileged to reside in Banff for 40 years, and I’m married to Alanna who is  committed to her community – she’s the founder of Banff Food Rescue. All three of our children were born here in the hospital in Banff while we could still do that. I love the idea of Team Banff. For me, every Banffite is part of that team. I love skiing, and I want to give back to my community with the experience I have. I think I have the motivation, the passion, and the experience to bring that.

RM: I know you ran the 2017 election. You ran for mayor that time. What made you decide to run again in this election, and why council?

HP: I’ve been following council. I’ve participated by watching Zoom, lately. I’ve watched all of them. I’m usually at the council meetings when there are important issues to decide, and I’ve put my two cents in written format or sometimes verbally during council public input sections. To your question about me not running for mayor at this time – I’ve talked with my family and the situation is different than it was in 2017. I’m very happy to hear that there’s competition for the top job. To me, it’s important that I bring my skillsets to the council table. I’d have made me more latitude, or maybe some more things that I can say, as opposed to managing the CEO position.

RM: What would be your top or one of the top issues you’re really passionate about and some ideas you have around it?

HP: There are certainly some cost-of-living issues. To me, this election is about the economic recovery and whether or not we can afford what’s on our horizon, whether it’s a capital program that’s already looking at a deficit in terms of reserves and how we contribute to those reserves from taxes. The other one is that we need to understand how a 5:1 taxation split mill rate will affect us. I’ve done some calculations and to me it’s looking like a significant increase to residents in the next five years if we don’t make some changes to our budgetary process. I’m concerned. I don’t how we’re going to do this, but we need to have a team of leaders that will address and take that action. I intend to lead that discussion. We also have inclusive housing issues and aging in place is becoming a big topic. I’m certainly supportive of the Banff inclusive housing report that is being worked on by community members as we speak. I want to keep our seniors care safe and local. There are food security issues in this community, as we all know. I think a lot of these things were magnified during COVID. We need to resolve the remaining commercial development. I’m certainly equipped to read the documentation, and I come prepared.

RM: Looking back on the last four years, what’s something you feel this past council did a good job on? Conversely, what’s something you feel they could have done a better job on?

HP: The recording of the meetings and how the community can now have the chance to look at the issues, listen to what’s been debated and decisions that were made – I think that needs to continue. I would support that happening at other committees.

I think the level of spending that we’re in and the continuing 5% or 6% increase in taxation every year is starting to take a toll, especially right now, we may not be able to afford these things. We need to look at how we’re going to do this to keep our population from being stressed over cost-of-living issues.

RM: If elected, how would you stay engaged with the people of the community?

HP: I’m already engaged in community. I’m a community guy. You’ll see me at the Legion. You’ll see me at Rotary. You’ll see me going into Banff Mineral Springs Hospital community board meetings once in a while, I’m easily reached by phone, by text, or when you see me at the ski hill. I’m a pretty open guy. I think people know that already.

RM: What’s another issue or part of your platform you’d like to discuss or elaborate on that we haven’t really touched on yet?

HP: There are a number of issues that we need to keep in mind. Truth and Reconciliation – I want to respect and support those efforts. I think the good work being done to foster relationships with Aboriginal governments and its people need to continue.

The next term is going to be a very tough term for any council because we need to steer ourselves out of the pandemic. I do my homework, I’ve done my homework, and I’m ready. As I roll up my sleeves, I promise to do my best, listen to the constituents, and bring your concerns to the table. I also pledge to retain my impartiality and will self-finance this election. I’m ready to hear all the concerns and work towards sensible resolutions. I just want to be strong and at the table, and I think I deserve the right. I’ve spent a lot of time getting myself organized for this and I do believe I have the strength to do this. You can reach me on my Facebook page or by email. I’m looking forward to hearing more as we go through this campaign so I can make sure that I’m equipped to represent you at the table.

Filed under: Banff, Municipal Election