With October just a few months away, election season is ramping up in Cochrane as new candidates throw their hats into the ring for council and the mayor's chair.
Current Mayor Jeff Genung has officially filed his candidacy, seeking another term to lead the town. Also registered is Dean Hopkins, a former Calgary mayoral candidate.
For several weeks, Genung and Hopkins were the only names listed on the Town of Cochrane’s official election registry. But that changed suddenly when sitting councillor Morgan Nagel announced his intention to join the race via a 20-minute video posted to Facebook.
“This is a very impromptu video I did,” Nagel said in the clip. “I’ve been on council for 12 years, and with the way things have happened recently, I’ve decided there’s just no way I can stay on as a part-time councillor under the status quo.”
Nagel’s announcement came only hours after a well-attended public hearing regarding a proposal for YMCA to manage the SLS Centre.
See related article: Cochrane residents oppose YMCA takeover of SLSC at hearing
“Either I need to be a part of making a major change, or I’m done,” he said. “This is something I’ve been thinking about for a few months now. This [public hearing] was just the straw that broke the camel’s back for me.”
Though not yet officially listed on the ballot, Nagel said he plans to complete the registration process shortly, and residents should expect to see his name added soon.
With three mayoral candidates now expected—and more council hopefuls anticipated to declare—the race is shaping up to be one of Cochrane’s most dynamic in recent memory. The winners will play a key role in leading the town through its ongoing and rapid growth.
To stay up to date on the latest information about the 2025 municipal elections, visit https://www.cochrane.ca/government/elections
