Councillor Jacen Abrey announces bid for re-election to Coaldale Town Council

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Sunny South News

Submitted

“I am honoured to once again put my name forward to serve the residents of Coaldale,” said Councillor Jacen Abrey. “For more than a decade on council, I have worked hard to listen to our community, strengthen public safety, and advocate for the health services and amenities families depend on. With important projects underway and exciting opportunities ahead, I am committed to continuing that work for the people of Coaldale.”

Abrey has served on Coaldale town council since 2013, earning a reputation for honesty, transparency, and steady leadership. He has been a strong advocate for physician recruitment, the return of urgent care services, responsible spending, and investments in recreation and infrastructure to prepare Coaldale for sustainable growth.

Abrey’s service to the community began long before his time on council. A proud Coaldale resident since 1982, he and his wife Kim raised four daughters in the town, and three generations of the Abrey family now call Coaldale home. A dedicated coach and volunteer, he has also devoted more than 38 years to fire and emergency services, beginning with Coaldale and District Emergency Services at the age of 18.

As a former paramedic, fire chief, and Emergency Services Coordinator, Abrey has led responses to some of Alberta’s most significant emergencies, including the Slave Lake and Fort McMurray fires and the Southern Alberta floods. These experiences have strengthened his skills in crisis management, collaboration, and long-term planning — qualities he now applies to decisions on council that impact community safety and preparedness.

His career also included senior work with Alberta’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs, where he gained first-hand insight into provincial legislation, funding models, and municipal operations.

During his years in emergency services and later with Municipal Affairs, Abrey managed staff, equipment, and operational budgets, often making difficult choices to ensure essential services were delivered without overspending. That experience informs his work on Council today, where he has been a consistent advocate for responsible budgeting, transparent decision-making, and keeping taxes low while still investing in the services and infrastructure that matter most to Coaldale residents.

In addition, Abrey has worked extensively with the Blackfoot Confederacy and Indigenous communities in southern Alberta, contributing to recovery and health initiatives such as the Bringing the Spirit Home recovery facility on the Blood Reserve. These partnerships have deepened his understanding of cultural collaboration and community wellness, guiding his efforts on council to make Coaldale a safe, inclusive, and supportive place for all residents.

Most recently, in 2025, Abrey was appointed by Ministerial Order as Chair of the South Zone Regional Advisory Council, where he represents communities across Southwest Alberta in shaping local health care policy. This role gives him direct access to provincial health leaders — expertise that strengthens his ongoing work on physician recruitment and health services for Coaldale families.

“Coaldale is where Kim and I raised our family, and it’s where I want to see future generations thrive,” Abrey added. “I will continue working to ensure our community is safe, fiscally responsible, and forward-looking, while protecting the values that make Coaldale a place we are proud to call home.”

Election Day is October 20.