A local resident known for being a big advocate for Waterways is looking to get elected to Wood Buffalo council.

Alex McKenzie is the fifth person to announce their intention to run for one of six Ward One council seats.

He joins joins Joseph Mugodo, Sandy Bowman, Jennifer Vardy, and Funke Banjoko.

Officially moving to the region in 2007, McKenzie initially had a plan to leave after five years, however, that quickly changed and he’s now coming up on 14 years.

He tells Mix News he’s come to learn a lot about council and the municipality taking part in engagement sessions after the wildfire and flood.

“I feel I’m coming in with better tools in my toolbox to be, very much, a successful Councillor for our municipality going forward.”

McKenzie does currently serve as Chairman of both the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board and the Assessment Review Board. He’s also a member of the Community Standards Appeal Committee.

He’s focusing on four key priorities: Harmony, Opportunity, Municipal Governance and Environment (HOME).

Despite living in Waterways and previously focusing much of his attention to the neighbourhood, McKenzie says he plans on ensuring each community gets the same attention from the municipality.

“The other communities like Beacon Hill, Thickwood there all beautiful neighbourhoods and they all have great characteristics to them… essentially how I advocate for Waterways I intend to expand that to the entire community.”

Moving forward, McKenzie believes there’s a big opportunity for the municipality to add to its identity.

This includes focusing on other sectors that can benefit working alongside industry.

“I think very strongly that we can build a very strong tourism base if we really worked and made it seem it was worth the while to take a trip up to Fort McMurray versus maybe going to Jasper.”

The election is scheduled for October 18, 2021.