If I am interested in running for elected office, what are the requirements?
To run in the Kananaskis Municipal Election on October 20, 2025, you must:
- be at least 18 years old;
- be a Canadian citizen; and
- have resided in Alberta for 6 consecutive months immediately preceding election day;
- meet the rules for ward membership; and
- have proof of ward membership.
Ward membership consists of the following:
1. Lower Kananaskis Lake Subdivision Ratepayer – Be a listed lessee, or legal spouse, for a current lease under the Public Lands Act on lands at Lower Kananaskis Lake subdivision.
2. Non-Commercial Resident or Ratepayer – You must be listed on a Not-for-Profit Business License or be an employee of a not-for-profit organization in good standing; OR
- Possess proof of employment within Kananakis Improvement District, but do not have a commercial business interested within KID;
- Reside within the KID solely for the purpose of employment; and
- Are not eligible for membership in any other ward.
3. Small Business Representative – Listed as the applicant name, or authorized employee designate on a KID resident small business or regular business license for an organization in good standing; and
4. Large Business – Listed as the applicant name, or authorized employee designate, on a KID resident major or large business license for an organization in good standing.
A candidate must swear or affirm an affidavit (Form 4 – Nomination Paper and Candidate’s Acceptance and complete Form 5 – Candidate Information) before the Returning Officer or a Commissioner for Oaths confirming that they have reviewed the legislation and are eligible to be elected. All necessary forms can be found on the Municipal Affairs website.
Municipal elections in Alberta are conducted according to the Local Authorities Election Act, which is provincial legislation. Copies can be found here, and can also be obtained through the Alberta King’s Printer, www.alberta.ca/alberta-kings-printer or 780-427-4952 (toll-free by first dialing 310-0000).
Kananaskis Improvement District is also subject to Ministerial Order 26/2017 and Ministerial Order 26/2021. MO 26/2017 appoints the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) as the Returning Officer.
How often are elections held?
The normal term of office is 4 (four) years for local government officials. By-elections are held when required to fill vacancies on a Council in between general municipal elections. KID Council has a unique governance structure in that two of its Councillors are provincially appointed on two-year terms, so the other four positions are elected.
If I am interested in running, what pieces of legislation should I review?
You should become familiar with the Municipal Government Act, which is the primary piece of legislation that governs municipalities in Alberta.
It is also recommended that you review some of our past Council meeting minutes on our website to become familiar with the types of topics that are discussed at Council meetings.
For more information on the electoral process, please visit the Municipal Affairs website.
Any questions not answered by the KID website or Municipal Affairs website can be directed to: kid-cao@gov.ab.ca or by calling 403-591-7774.
What types of training do I receive if I am elected?
KID will help facilitate information sessions on the Municipal Government Act (MGA), per section 201.1(1) of the MGA. Alberta Municipalities provides a series of Munis101 training sessions in October, and KID Administration will register you for one of those sessions.
Additionally, KID will help deliver KID-specific training, including information sessions on KID finances and budgeting for the municipality.
What are the municipal associations which represent elected and administrative leaders of Alberta’s municipalities?
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
The FCM represents the interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction and is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government. For more information please visit: www.fcm.ca.
Alberta Municipalities
Alberta Municipalities represents urban municipalities and advocates the interest of all members to the provincial and federal governments to develop a strong partnership between all three levels of government. For more information, please visit: www.abmunis.ca. The convention that is held during election years is strongly geared toward newly elected Council members.
Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA)
The RMA is a progressive association of elected rural Councils, representing the interests of rural Albertans, and committed to excellence in meeting the diverse and changing needs of its memberships. For more information, please visit: www.rmalberta.com. The RMA holds an annual spring convention as well as an annual fall convention in Edmonton.
What are the time commitments to be a Councillor?
Becoming a Councillor means taking on the responsibility of representing one’s constituents, and to be available for all Council and Governance and Priorities Committee meetings, as well as additional Committee work as assigned. KID Council typically has two Council and Governance and Priorities Committee meetings a month. These meetings can be up to four hours. Therefore, at a bare minimum, you must be available to attend eight hours of meetings per month, as well as 1-2 additional hours of meetings for the Committees you are assigned to.
On top of the actual attendance at meetings, you will need to dedicate a few hours per month to review all Council and Committee meeting agenda packages prior to each meeting.
If you are appointed to be Chair of Council, there will be additional work and commitments on top of this.
One can budget approximately 25-30 hours of work per month (including meetings) for the Chair position, and 20 hours of work per month (including meetings) for a regular Councillor position. The hours may vary depending on how much extra work you choose to put into your role, which may vary depending on the Committees you are assigned to and how often they meet, as well as what projects may be happening in KID at the time. From time-to-time, there may be additional Special Council meetings that are scheduled, which would also mean additional time required as part of your commitment to serving on Council.
In addition to the above, you may be required to attend Council training and orientation, Strategic Planning, and conferences. These would all be additional hours on top of the base hours outlined above.
Want more information about having a seat on Council and serving your community?
AB Munis and RMA are hosting a series of webinars throughout 2025 for potential candidates interested in municipal service on council. These sessions will provide valuable insights into the responsibilities, daily operations, and community impact of serving in local government as a Councillor, Mayor or Reeve (or Chair in KID’s case). Register for webinars here: https://www.abmunis.ca/advocacy-resources/running-municipal-office
Additional resources can be found here:
A Practice Guide for Running for Local Office
What We Heard Report: Municipal Survey Results
What Every Councillor Needs to Know
Municipal Affairs Candidate Information Videos
Will I be compensated if I am on KID Council?
If you are on KID Council, you will be compensated for your hours spent working by way of honorarium, as well as for your expenses.
The honorarium rates are as follows:
A member of a committee, other than the chairman, shall be paid
(a) $98 for up to and including four hours in any day, or
(b) $169 for over four hours and up to and including eight hours in any day, or
(c) $257 for over eight hours in any day,
spent on the business of the committee.
The Chair shall be paid:
- $131 for up to and including four hours in any day; or
- $224 for over four hours and up to and including eight hours in any day; or
- $356 for over eight hours in any day,
spent on the business of the committee.
Expenses are paid out in accordance with the Government of Alberta’s Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Policy, as amended or replaced from time-to-time.