McFadyen, Ana – Ward 7

By Scott Schmidt on September 29, 2025.

1. Why have you chosen to run for council, and what are your top priorities for the county?

I am proud of how our county is run and I do not come with a political agenda. My neighbours encouraged me to step forward because of my six years of service on the Desert Blume board and my strong commitment to our community. With my professional background and life experiences, I believe I can bring diversity of thought and a fresh perspective to Council. I have a strong team behind me and I am confident I will do a great job as a councillor. 

My priorities include promoting economic and cultural diversity, supporting environmental sustainability, strengthening social well-being through community connections, and encouraging inclusive governance and leadership.

2. What are your top priorities for your ward, and how would you work with council to meet those unique needs?
My goal is to be a fair and accessible representative for all residents of Desert Blume and the surrounding rural areas. I will listen to concerns, bring them forward to the CAO for review, and ensure they are considered in Council discussions. By working collaboratively with my fellow councillors, I will focus on teamwork and constructive decision-making that reflects the needs of our ward.

3. What is your vision for development in Cypress County, and how can council work to attract more residents and more business?

When I worked on vision planning in Okotoks, we began with an idea, engaged residents through surveys, and partnered with experts such as Roger Brooks International to create a brand and long-term vision for the community.

Now, more than a decade later, Okotoks’ downtown is vibrant and thriving. The strategies I pioneered with a group of people from Okotoks Network have also been shared with neighbouring communities, such as Diamond Valley, which are now seeing similar success as vibrant, attractive destinations for residents and tourists alike.

I see potential for Cypress County to do the same. While our population has declined 2% since 2021, I believe we can reverse that trend by embracing diversity, multiculturalism, and open-minded approaches that make our county more welcoming to both residents and businesses. With many people relocating from Eastern Canada and the Vancouver area, Cypress County has a real opportunity to attract newcomers by showcasing our strengths, affordable lifestyle, and investment potential with our low taxes. 

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