Another long-time resident is planning to run in this year’s municipal election.

Jennifer Vardy is the third person to officially announce their intention to run for one of six Ward One council seats, following Joseph Mugodo and Sandy Bowman.

A former Father Mercredi and Keyano grad, Vardy is currently the Manager of Government Relations for the Fort McKay Métis Nation.

She tells Mix News she wants to be part of a council that is focused on adding to our current identity and is no longer holding on to the past.

“I think a part of that is getting new leadership in, we need to get people around the table who have new and exciting ideas.”

Her main priorities focus on responsible spending, especially around flood and wildfire protection, and improving human services.

The latter being extremely important due to personal reasons.

“I had a daughter very young at 19, I was a single mom, I relied on Wood Buffalo Housing, I utilized social services, and I know how important it is for people who are struggling to have advocacy.”

The COVID-19 pandemic also looks like it will remain a big focal point early in the next council’s four-year term.

Vardy believes the current council has done a good job, though she wants to see more local supports for small businesses.

“To make sure they are able to survive COVID, especially how we see it’s going to be a lot more long-term unfortunately than we thought it was going to be.”

The election is scheduled for October 18, 2021.