Coaldale Town Council adopts new strategic plan

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Sunny South News

Town of Coaldale 

Coaldale Town Council has officially adopted its 2026–2029 Council Strategic Plan.

The plan builds on the momentum of council’s 2021–2025 Strategic Plan while establishing clear priorities for transportation, infrastructure, safety, advocacy, and sustainable growth.

Serving as a road map for council and administration over the remainder of the term, the plan is organized around six strategic pillars: Transportation and Mobility; Asset Management; Community Care and Safety; Community Experience; Governance and Advocacy; and Growth and Investment.

Under each pillar, the plan sets out clear focus areas and strategic actions aimed at improving traffic flow, transportation, and accessibility throughout the community; maintaining and investing in critical infrastructure; supporting community safety and strengthening enforcement partnerships; enhancing parks, programs, events, and public spaces; advancing key advocacy priorities with other orders of government; and encouraging sustainable growth, investment, and economic development.

Several of the strategic actions outlined in the plan include:

• completing key intersection upgrades along Coaldale’s highway corridors;

• implementing a 10-year Capital Plan;

• expanding community policing visibility and outreach;

• completing and implementing the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan;

• continuing to advocate for a sustainable cost model for policing in Coaldale; and

• securing water rights for future growth.

“The adoption of this Strategic Plan marks an important step forward for our council and community,” said Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn. “Building on this Council’s previous Strategic Plan, it reflects our continued commitment to responsible growth, strong governance, and tackling issues that matter most to Coaldale residents. This plan gives us a clear framework for how we intend to move Coaldale forward over the next four years.”

“This plan is the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process that began shortly after the election and continued over several months through discussion, feedback, and refinement,” said Kalen Hastings, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Coaldale. “It reflects the time and care council and administration put into identifying clear priorities and establishing a strong framework to help guide decision-making over the remainder of the term.”

Now that the plan has been adopted, administration will begin implementing it, including the development of tools and reporting mechanisms that will allow council and the community to monitor progress over time. Next steps are expected to include publishing the plan on the Town’s website, sharing it across the town’s communication channels, and establishing regular progress updates so residents can follow along as strategic actions move forward.

“As implementation moves forward, regular reporting will be key to ensuring both Council and the community can see how the plan is taking shape,” said Spencer Croil, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Town of Coaldale. “By developing clear tracking tools and providing consistent updates, the town will be able to demonstrate progress, maintain accountability, and show how council’s strategic priorities are being advanced over time.”

To view the Town of Coaldale’s 2026–2029 Council Strategic Plan, visit:

https://www.coaldale.ca/government/town-council/strategic-plan