COCHRANE— Campaigning on a platform centred on creating an inclusive community, Paul Singh is the fifth candidate to join the 2021 Cochrane municipal election race.
Singh kicked off his campaign during a live stream at the Cochrane Ranche on Sunday (May 16). His speech will be translated in Punjabi, Tagalog, Chinese, Spanish and French.
Singh joins Bruce Townley, Brandon Cruze, Dan Cunin and Todd Muir in the race for a town councillor seat.
Singh moved to Cochrane in 2014. He was drawn to the beauty of Cochrane, the mountains and the people.
“I always wanted to be a part of building community and I think this is another way to do that,” Singh said.
He has been inspired by the community over the past seven years and the small-town feeling that exists in Cochrane. Singh said he is committed to keeping that legacy alive and encouraging Cochranites to look after their neighbours.
His ultimate goal if elected to Town Council is to foster an inclusive community that unites Cochranites, Indigenous neighbours, Rocky View County, the City of Calgary and other communities.
“I’m running with a passion, vision and certain plan to serve and improve amenities and public service in Cochrane,” Singh said. “If elected to Town Council I’ll use the opportunity to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.”
He is planning to work actively with newcomers and others whose voices can be left out at the council level.
“My role in council will bring a whole new outlook, a broader perspective and a new dimension for building an inclusive future for all Cochranites,” Singh said.
He added his focus is to improve emergency medical services in the community, economic development through business growth and creating affordable housing at the rate of 25 to 30 per cent of gross household income. He is proposing to create an action plan to create a facility for women, youth and seniors in need of transitional housing.
“People, if they pay over 40 per cent of their income toward rent what are they going to eat, or if there is an emergency what are they going to do?” Singh said.
It has been concerning to see the impending closures of Evolve Medical Clinic and Cochrane Primary Care Centre and council needs to find ways to ensure doctors and health care are available in the growing community, Singh said, family doctors offer continuity of care and it can be challenging going to a new doctor every time a health issue emerges. He added it is also imperative to ensure Cochrane has proper ambulance coverage.
As a member of the Cochrane Society for Housing Options promoting affordable housing lies close to Singh’s heart, he said. During his time with the organization, Singh has seen the growing need for affordable and accessible housing for Cochranites. He wants to create a plan to ensure housing is accessible because this in turn will help the economy by keeping workers in Cochrane.
Singh said a major factor in his decision to run for Town Council has been ensuring new voices are heard in the community.
“Everybody and anybody are part of our community and we wanted to bring everybody together and make this community a better and more inclusive place to live in,” Singh said.
He wants to see Cochrane's economy diversified to help local businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Singh added he also wants to see the capacity for mental health support in Cochrane grow through partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area, Cochrane Family and Community Support Services, The Family Resource Network and others.
He said this collaboration can help with infrastructure in town, medical care and other areas of concern.
He first began volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of Canada in 2014 and over the years he has volunteered with several committees and non-profit organizations.
“The more you give, the more you want to give,” Singh said. “There are so many wonderful people that inspire you every day. Being involved in the community gives you a feeling of being together in a collaborative form and shows we can do much better.”
