Mayor Boersma acclaimed for second term: a steady vision for Morinville’s future

By Shelley Winger

With no challenger stepping forward in this year’s municipal election, Morinville Mayor
Simon Boersma has been acclaimed for another term — a result that he describes as both an
honour and a responsibility to continue serving the community with integrity.
“Being acclaimed is humbling,” Boersma said. “It’s an acknowledgment of trust from
residents, but it’s also a reminder that leadership is about service, not politics. That’s been
my guiding principle since day one.”
Boersma first put his name forward for mayor four years ago, motivated by a deep belief
that Morinville’s best years are still ahead. At the time, the community was navigating
challenges related to growth, finances, and trust in local government. Boersma, a longtime
resident and business owner, saw an opportunity to bring people together and restore a
sense of collaboration.
“My original inspiration to run for mayor came from a belief that Morinville’s best years are
still ahead — and that leadership rooted in service can help get us there,” he said. “I wanted
to bring council, administration, and residents together around shared goals. Strong
communities are built when people feel heard, respected, and valued.”
Over his first term, Boersma focused on stabilizing governance, strengthening partnerships,
and ensuring Morinville continued to grow responsibly. His approach has been to blend
practical leadership with open communication — principles that he believes will be just as
important in the years ahead.
As Morinville moves into its next chapter, Boersma says the town is at a pivotal stage — one
that requires careful planning and thoughtful leadership.
“Morinville is maturing,” he said. “We’re not just expanding in size — we’re evolving as a
community. We’re managing the realities of growth, aging infrastructure, and fiscal
pressures, while continuing to make this a great place to live and raise a family.”
Among the key projects on the horizon are revitalizing Morinville’s downtown core,
advancing infrastructure renewal, and improving transportation links such as Cardiff Road
and Boundary Road. Boersma also emphasized the importance of ensuring that residential
growth is balanced with opportunities for business and light industrial development — a
strategy aimed at creating both jobs and a more diverse tax base.
Morinville, like many growing communities, faces the challenge of aging infrastructure and

limited financial resources. Boersma says the goal is not simply to spend more, but to invest
wisely.
“We need to continue addressing our roads, water lines, and facilities, but do so with a
balanced and transparent financial approach,” he said. “It’s about smart investment, not just
more spending.”
Boersma is a strong believer in regional collaboration. Through partnerships with
organizations like Edmonton Global and the Sturgeon Regional Partnership, Morinville is
working to attract new industries, strengthen local businesses, and create a more
sustainable economy.
“Collaboration is key,” he said. “No community succeeds in isolation. By working together
with our regional partners, we can bring new opportunities that benefit everyone.”
Perhaps most importantly, Boersma wants to continue building a stronger sense of
connection between council, administration, and residents.
“Local government should be the most personal, accessible, and transparent level of
leadership there is,” he said. “When people feel involved and informed, we all move forward
together.”
Boersma acknowledges that the path ahead is not without challenges. Balancing growth
with affordability remains a pressing issue, as does ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace
with the needs of a growing population.
“Provincial downloading continues to put pressure on municipalities,” he explained. “We’re
being asked to do more with less, which makes efficiency and collaboration more important
than ever.”
At the same time, Boersma remains focused on protecting what makes Morinville special —
its strong sense of community, safety, and identity.
“The challenge isn’t just to manage growth, but to guide it responsibly,” he said. “We want
Morinville to remain a place where families, businesses, and future generations can thrive.”
For Boersma, Morinville’s story has never been about one individual or one council — it’s
about the collective spirit of a community that shows up for one another.
“Every decision we make should strengthen that fabric,” he said. “That’s why I ran, and
that’s why I continue to serve. Together, we’ll keep building on the progress we’ve made
and shaping a future that reflects the best of who we are.”

As he prepares for another term in office, Boersma’s message to residents is simple but
clear: Morinville’s future starts with listening — and with working together.