Now that nominations are set for the 2017 municipal election, there's one name that's not on the ballot for the first time since 2007 in High River.

Former Mayor Emile Blokland says after ten years it's time for some fresh blood.

"I think you need to be very committed to be a part of a council team and I know that after ten years that begins to wane a bit," he says. "I feel myself a bit in that category right now, I do wish to spend more time with my wife and time away in the winters, which would conflict with being a good councillor."

Blokland says a couple of the highlights for himself during his time on council was the construction of the 498 Avenue overpass and the construction of the field house at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex.

He's proud of the way the town has come back after the 2013 flood.

"I know we can think of the flood as a low point, but the human spirit has conquered that and has shown great resiliency in all parts of the community and I think that, to me, is probably the biggest high point, is to see this town bounce back from 2013 and be as energized as it is now," Blokland says.

He says he's very proud of the council he's been a part of and is happy the majority of them have decided to run for re-election and wishes them the best of luck.

 

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