As ballots were counted following the October 2025 municipal elections, voter participation told two very different stories across the neighbouring communities of Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass.

While the Town of Pincher Creek saw a steep decline in voter turnout compared to the 2021 municipal election, Crowsnest Pass residents showed renewed enthusiasm at the polls. The number of eligible voters also decreased. In Pincher Creek, eligible voters dropped from 3,050 to 2,884, while Crowsnest Pass saw a reduction from 5,500 to 4,932.

Pincher Creek: Turnout nearly halved

According to official figures, only 626 of Pincher Creek’s 2,884 eligible voters cast ballots this year — a turnout of 21.7 per cent, down sharply from 40.4 per cent in 2021 when 1,233 out of 3,050 eligible voters voted.

No vote was held for mayor this year as Wayne Oliver was acclaimed. The contrast with 2021 was notable, as three candidates — Don Anderberg, Scott Korbett and Jim Litkowski — competed for the seat that year, drawing a stronger voter response. Anderberg retained his position with 729 votes, ahead of Korbett’s 319 and Litkowski’s 185.

By comparison, in 2025, 487 votes was the highest number cast for a councillor — received by Valerie Wynder. Incumbents Sahra Nodge and Mark Barber followed with 474 and 465 votes, respectively. Brian McGillivray (414), Gordon McMullen (347) and Bernice Cyr (250) filled the remaining seats.

The lowest vote count went to Blaise O’Rourke, who received 248 votes and fell short of a council seat.

Crowsnest Pass: Turnout on the rise

Crowsnest Pass, meanwhile, saw participation climb. Of 4,932 eligible voters, 2,028 cast ballots, representing a 41.1 per cent turnout, up from 31.8 per cent in 2021 when 1,749 of 5,500 eligible voters participated. That’s an increase of 279 ballots despite a smaller voter base.

The mayor’s seat, uncontested in 2021, drew strong interest this time with three candidates. Patricia Anne (Pat) Rypien won decisively with 1,515 votes, defeating Glen Girhiny (393) and Douglas Raines (78).

Eleven candidates vied for six seats, and the top votes surged even higher — 1,428 for Tony Vastenhout, followed by Doreen Glavin (1,141), Darren Nastasi (1,087), Doreen Johnson (1,079), Dean Ward (937) and Colleen MacDonald (714).

The closest race was for the final seat, as Sam Stewart (697) was narrowly elected ahead of Robert Schefter (695). Steve Sawchuk received 644 votes, Stephen Burnell 632 and Douglas Krahn 305.

The next municipal election will be in October 2029.

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This article was reported and written by Shootin’ the Breeze’s Local Journalism Initiative reporter.

The Local Journalism Initiative is a federally funded program that supports original public-interest journalism in smaller or underserved communities across Canada. Content produced through the initiative is editorially independent and may be shared by other Canadian media outlets.

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