Mayor Ken Johnson, sometimes confused with Santa Claus by youngsters in the Bahamas, has been a Rotarian since 1997 and entered city politics in 2013.  He served as a councillor for two terms and became mayor in 2021.  

Ken spoke of the impact of Rotary, sharing that Rotary encourages all to live with intention and purpose.  Service is not just something that we do but the lens in which we can fully experience and then become builders of our own community. He often reflected on the key values of Rotary when making key council decision.  Key messages for him included viewing leadership as not a personal success but as a vehicle to improve the lives of the city in which he cares deeply about. He endeavored to put the needs of the community in the forefront and to remain accountable to those in which he served.  

During his years on council, Ken is pleased with the positive relationships that were developed with major stakeholders.  The past year has seen a record growth in business development.  Despite a 10% tax increase, Red Deer continues to be the most affordable city of its size in the country, maintaining a good quality of life for its residents. 

When looking ahead to the futures, Ken sees that Red Deer has great potential.  The upcoming years to see the positive partnerships with groups such as the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, Red Deer Airport, Westerner Park, AHS, and RDP continuing to work together for common goals.  He is sees great positive changes coming as projects such as the hospital upgrades will result in more opportunities for Red Deer to develop as a medical centre of excellence, resulting in significant job opportunities made available.   

Ken closed with thanking Rotarians for their support over the years and asking tough  questions when they needed to be asked.   We thank him for his years of service to the city of Red Deer and wish him well in the future.