Former Mayor of Okotoks, Bill Robertson has posthumously received the prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Leadership for Active Communities Award through the Alberta Recreation & Parks Association. This province-wide award program recognizes the achievements of individuals who have demonstrated the very best of active community leadership, using recreation as a catalyst. Mayor Robertson’s recent passing devastated the community; receiving this honour for his lifetime dedication to public service, education, and sport is a true testament to his legacy.
“Throughout his life and career, Mayor Bill Robertson demonstrated an excellence in leadership by inspiring citizens of all ages and stages in life to participate in an active lifestyle,” said Susan Laurin, community health and safety director. “His contributions to the community cannot be overstated as he worked tirelessly on behalf of Okotoks’ residents, businesses and the sports community, and I have seen first-hand his passion and dedication for the community.”
Mayor Robertson was an educator for 33 years and devoted 26 years to public service and community leadership as a member of Town Council from 1995-2021 and Mayor of Okotoks from 2010-2021. His influence and legacy is evident in every corner of Okotoks, from the extensive pathway system, numerous sports fields, and state-of-the-art sports facilities.
During his tenure on Council, the Cavalry FC Regional Field House, the Seaman Stadium, and the Pason Centennial Arenas have been built and have attracted many provincial, national and international sports organizations, tournaments and events to the community. Additionally, as Town Councillor and Mayor, Mayor Robertson was a key contributor and supporter of many initiatives, which helped to establish several major sports organizations in the Town of Okotoks including the Okotoks Dawgs Baseball Association, the Okotoks Oilers Athletic Association, and much more.
Mayor Robertson was also a role model, engaging in many forms of recreation including cycling and slow pitch in the summer, and floor and ice hockey in the winter. The current vibrant, active culture that is integral to Okotoks exists in large part to Mayor Robertson’s promotion and support for recreation. He truly exemplified the ideals and represented the vision of the Lieutenant Governor’s Leadership for Active Communities Elected Official Award.