1. Why have you chosen to run for council, and what are your top priorities for the county?
I’m running because four years ago you spoke, and I listened. After the last election, I took your feedback seriously and spent the past four years deepening my understanding of municipal governance. I joined multiple Cypress County boards and committees, including the Municipal Planning Commission, Assessment Review Board, Subdivision & Development Appeal Board, and VERGE Economic Development. These roles have helped me better understand the challenges residents face and how decisions are made.
My top priorities reflect what I’ve heard from the people of Ward 5 and across the County: fair and consistent bylaws, accessible council meetings, and stronger support for agriculture, small business, and youth retention. Residents deserve clear processes, not selective variances or red tape. Everyone should feel confident working with the County, not around it.
I also believe in practical leadership. With over 30 years in Cypress County and decades of experience running small businesses, I understand the importance of budgeting, time management, and listening to the people you serve. I’ll work with staff and council to turn community ideas into action.
This campaign isn’t about me, it’s about you. I’m here to represent your voice with honesty, humility, and a commitment to getting things done. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and move forward together.
2. What are your top priorities for your ward, and how would you work with council to meet those unique needs?
Ward 5 is diverse, and every part of it matters. I’ve heard from residents who feel disconnected and say they only hear from their representative during election time. That’s not good enough. Representation should be consistent, transparent, and inclusive.
Residents have raised concerns about road maintenance, snow removal, recreation, and fairness in development. From the South Saskatchewan River to Range Road 120, people want to see their ideas taken seriously, whether it’s ideas about a fully fenced dog park, a second ball diamond, more trails, or better infrastructure planning. I’ll work with County staff to explore these ideas and ensure decisions reflect the full ward, not just the most visible areas.
I bring my experience working within government and across jurisdictional boundaries as an asset when it comes to navigating intermunicipal relationships, service agreements, and regional planning. Understanding how different departments and boundaries interact helps ensure that decisions are informed, coordinated and within the boundaries of the Municipal Government Act. I’ll use that knowledge to advocate for residents and help the council make choices that reflect the full picture.
I also believe in balanced leadership. If someone on the council has expertise in a certain area, I’ll support them and let that knowledge lead. Good governance means working together, respecting each other’s strengths, and keeping the focus on what’s best for residents.
If elected, I’ll be your voice in the room. I’ll listen, follow through, and make sure your concerns are brought forward with honesty and care.
3. What is your vision for development in Cypress County, and how can council work to attract more residents and more business?
Development in Cypress County should be proactive, fair, and rooted in community values. Before we focus on attracting new businesses, we need to support the ones already here. Sustaining existing businesses means listening to their needs, reducing red tape, and exploring meaningful incentives such as a referral-based tax break system that rewards local business owners for helping others invest in our region.
As a former Regional Director for the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, I had the opportunity to work across rural municipalities, including Special Areas 2 & 3, MD of Acadia, Forty Mile, and Cypress County, while supporting long-term economic sustainability through rural endowment growth. Listening to the needs of both communities and businesses was eye-opening and gave me a deeper appreciation for how each region operates differently. That experience, combined with over 25 years of running small businesses, has given me a strong understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a resilient local economy and one that reflects the people it serves.
When businesses feel supported, they become ambassadors for the region. They create jobs, mentor others, and help build a resilient local economy. I believe we can strengthen that foundation by working with staff to identify practical tools that encourage retention and expansion, not just recruitment.
We also need to make Cypress County more welcoming for new residents. Whether someone is moving here for work, family, or a fresh start, they should feel supported from day one. That means clear information about services, schools, straightforward development processes, and a culture of inclusion. New residents often face barriers, confusing bylaws, limited access to recreation, or uncertainty about who to contact. We can change that by improving communication, streamlining approvals, and ensuring every community feels connected to the County. When people feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to stay, invest, and contribute. A resident-friendly County isn’t just a good catch phrase; it’s the foundation of long-term growth.
We also need to recognize the role nonprofits play in economic development. These organizations contribute to long-term sustainability, emergency services, and quality of life that helps influence whether people choose to live and invest here. Supporting these partners isn’t charity, it’s smart, community-driven development that strengthens our ability to grow, retain, and include new families, workers, and entrepreneurs.
Development should be proactive, not reactive. Together, we can create a County that’s known for fairness, collaboration, and follow-through.
Let’s build a county that works for everyone, together. I would be honoured if you would choose me, Della Burkitt, on October 20, 2025, to be your Cypress County – Ward 5 Councillor. Let’s do this!
