By Bill Schnarr
I’m running for High Level Town Council because I believe residents deserve a municipal government that is open, accountable, and willing to have difficult conversations.
I’ve lived in High Level since 2018. I’ve worked here as a journalist, an editor, and most recently as the Town’s Communications Coordinator. Those experiences have given me a unique perspective on how municipal government operates, how decisions affect residents, and where we can do better.
My priorities are straightforward.
Transparency and Accountability
I’ve always believed Town Hall should be a glass house.
Residents deserve to know how decisions are made, where their tax dollars go, and why things happen the way they do. It’s not enough that this information is streamed online during council meetings. It needs to be delivered in a way that can quickly and easily be understood.bWhen projects are delayed, explain why. When costs increase, explain what happened. When something goes wrong, acknowledge it.
Public trust isn’t built by avoiding difficult conversations. It’s built by having them.
Responsible Spending
Every tax dollar matters.
I want clearer reporting on municipal spending – particularly when it comes to consultants, major projects, and the costs associated with changes in senior administration. This information needs to be delivered in a way that is not only easy for the public to digest, but for council as well.
For its part, Council needs to ask difficult questions, understand the answers, and ensure residents know how their money is being spent.
Serious question: when is the last time anyone asked you for your opinion on capital projects or budget spending?
Including the public in this process should be the priority, not an inconvenience.
Infrastructure and Recreation
Our roads, pool, arena, and long-discussed multiplex matter to this community.
Residents deserve realistic timelines, clear explanations of delays, and honest discussions about what we can afford.
We need to maintain what we already have while planning responsibly for the future.
Economic Development
High Level is an important gateway between Alberta and the Northwest Territories. We’re the halfway point between the two capital cities.
Every day, commercial trucks and travelers pass through our community. Many stop here, supporting local businesses and services.
We should be looking at ways to encourage more of that activity, from better facilities for commercial drivers to opportunities in transportation, logistics, and tourism.
We also need to support existing businesses, reduce unnecessary barriers to investment, and make High Level a place where people want to live and work.
Our priority should be High Level’s potential as a transportation, logistics, and service centre for northern travelers.
Listening and Asking Questions
I don’t have all the answers. And I won’t pretend one councillor can solve every problem.
But I can promise to do my homework, listen to residents, ask difficult questions, and explain my decisions.
You deserve transparency. You deserve accountability. You deserve answers.
On November 16, Vote for Bill!
