Ken Braat
for Mayor of High River
Bringing Experience to Lead High River Forward
Back to the Basics of Civic Leadership
Meet Ken Braat
I’m Ken Braat, and I am running to serve as your next Mayor of High River. My commitment is simple: to lead with integrity, transparency, and a deep respect for our community’s history while ensuring a strong, sustainable future.
My wife, Liz, and I have proudly called High River home since 2000. Together, we have raised our daughter Erin here—from her first days in pre-K to her graduation—experiencing firsthand the opportunities, programs, and sense of belonging that make our town special. Whether it was skating, golf, or enjoying the many community amenities, Erin benefited from the strong foundation that High River provides its families.
High River has given so much to my family, and I have always felt called to give back. That’s why I have dedicated decades to volunteering and community leadership, working to strengthen the very fabric of our town.
A Proven Record of Community Service
Community Organizations
Past President of the High River Kinsmen Club; recipient of the Governor’s Award of Excellence, the first ever presented in District 4
Education & Families
Chair of the Parent Council at Holy Spirit Academy, where alongside dedicated volunteers, I helped fundraise and build a playground now enjoyed by students and families across our community.
Faith & Compassion
Chaired the St. Francis de Sales Parish Syrian Refugee Resettlement Committee, helping four families successfully relocate and begin new lives in High River.
Civic Leadership
Served as Chairman of the High River Policing Committee and the Subdivision & Appeals Board, as well as on several Town committees.
Professional Experience
Member of the Calgary Real Estate Board’s Town & Country Advisory Committee and long-time contributor to community development initiatives
Through these experiences, I have learned that leadership is not about titles or recognition, it’s about working together to make meaningful, lasting improvements for the people we serve.
A Vision for High River’s Future
Land Use Bylaw Reform
High River’s current Land Use Bylaw reduced more than 20 districts to only six. While the intention to simplify was sound, this “one-size-fits-all” approach does not reflect the diversity of our neighborhoods. The push for “walkability,” paired with the deregulation of parking, has created serious challenges—allowing large multi-unit developments without requiring adequate parking.
It’s time to strike a balance: modernize our bylaws to encourage growth while protecting High River’s character, history, and livability.
Policing & Protective Services
Our Peace Officer and Bylaw services must return to a proactive model, not simply a complaint-driven one. Residents should not fear retaliation for filing a complaint. A hybrid model—combining proactive enforcement with responsive service—will help keep our neighborhoods safe, respectful, and thriving.
Recreation & Financial Accountability
The expansion of the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex and Cargill Field House will soon be complete. While the referendum results showed a majority opposed, council chose to proceed. The project cannot be undone, but it can be managed responsibly.
As Mayor, I will ensure:
-
No further capital expansion at this site beyond maintenance and lifecycle investments.
-
Creation of a Community Endowment Fund to safeguard our financial future and demonstrate fiscal responsibility to higher levels of government.
-
A full forensic audit of the facility’s costs, including all post-2012 repairs and expansions, to ensure accountability and guide long-term planning.
How I Will Lead as Mayor
The role of Mayor is not to dominate council—it is to facilitate, respect, and empower. Unlike recent leadership approaches, I believe decisions should come from council as a whole, not from the top down.
On election night, voters will choose six councillors alongside the Mayor. Their voices matter, and as Mayor, my role will be to:
-
Chair meetings with fairness and respect.
-
Encourage councillors to bring forward motions and ideas.
-
Build consensus where possible, and where not, allow the democratic process to unfold.
A Mayor should rarely need to cast the deciding vote. Strong leadership is not about control, it’s about collaboration.
Join Me in Building High River’s Future
High River is at a crossroads. We must decide together what kind of community we want for the future: one that respects its past while making smart, sustainable choices moving forward.
I am ready to lead with experience, compassion, and a clear vision. With your support, we can bring back the basics of civic leadership and build a stronger High River for generations to come.
Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please give me a call. I look forward to hearing from you, meeting you at community events, and working together for High River’s future.