About Me, a little bit more...

Raised in Calgary, I choose to stay here and raise my family here as well. Part of that has been driven by continued opportunities to work and volunteer in the city, part of it is driven by proximity to family and friends, and much of it is that Calgary affords me a lifestyle I appreciate. From the proximity to the mountains to our beautiful parks and friendly spirit, Calgary fits.

I've called a few communities home over the years, with my elementary school days in Deer Ridge, and later my mom, brother, and myself found ourselves settled in Haysboro. I did the inner city-living along with some condo dwelling throughout university and early full-time gigs in neighbourhoods like Sunalta, Kensington, and Glamorgan. Eventually I found myself back in Ward 11 in the neighbourhood of Haysboro with my young family. Through life changes, I’ve found myself in Garrison Green (also in Ward 11), exploring a new community and meeting new neighbours.

Between my partner and myself, we have three kids, two dogs, a gecko, and a full fish tank. He works from home with a flexible schedule so has been instrumental in the campaign helping shuttle kids to and from camp, school, activities, and playdates.

When we find free time together, or should I say, when we make time to spend together, my partner and I find ourselves in the mountains. Back in the city we tend to our vegetable garden  find a night to eat out at one of our favourite restaurants, or enjoy an evening in with a craft beer.

​One of the things I appreciate most about Calgary is our park and pathway system. This allows us to walk our dogs in a good number of off-leash areas, bike throughout the city, and explore our river system. 

My mom and step-dad, some cousins, and my grandma live here in the city as well. I have family across Alberta around the Red Deer and Edmonton areas. My mom’s side is very close and we gather for all the big holidays, plus sometimes birthday, and then whenever else we feel like it (though it's been much less in the past 18 months). I have a deep love for my extended family and their exuberance for bringing way too much food to every gathering. We’re the kind of family that sounds overwhelming when I talk about it but you can’t help but be sucked into the magic.

​Growing up we were raised by my mom, with my dad living in Edmonton. He was around but it was her example we saw day in and day out. She was always volunteering at school, for our team sports, and was the ringleader for spirit days at her work. As a nurse she has shaped my vision of commitment to care, she still works casually to support the system during covid although she is technically retired. This is her reminder - get vaccinated!

I read more than watch tv. I like my two cups of coffee every morning. I really like shoes (but the comfy cool casual sneaker kind). I’m a horrible singer. My favourite food is potatoes (in pretty much any form), and I would eat vanilla ice cream for dessert every day.
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Next week I will tell you more about my experience through volunteering and work, and how that has given me the foundation to be an excellent councillor for ward 11.

Kourtney