Heather McRae on building a more connected Calgary
By Abdajdjalil Mahar, October 16 2025—
Heather McRae is the Calgary Party’s Ward 7 candidate. A graduate from the University of Calgary with a Bachelors of Arts in English, she has worked in consulting, public relations, communications and previously served as a business manager of Decide Campaigns Inc., a firm specializing in political marketing.
McRae previously ran as an independent in Ward 7 during the 2021 election. After Alberta passed Bill 20 in 2024, the legislation that brought party politics into Calgary’s municipal system, she joined the Calgary Party. Her alignment with the centrist group, led by mayoral contender Brian Thiessen, places her among three formal parties contesting this election.
McRae has centered her campaign on three core priorities.
The first is housing. According to the Calgary Party’s platform, she wants to make housing Calgary’s top priority by ensuring all city decisions are evaluated through a housing policy and budget lens. Her plan emphasizes building more homes, restoring vibrancy in established communities and creating a process of respectful encouragement that aims to breathe life into aging neighborhoods.
The second priority is transportation and safety. McRae supports expanding the Green Line from south to north of Calgary and reopening the downtown tunnel to the airport. She proposes improving transit frequency and connectivity through better signage, pathways and bike parking, while enhancing safety with greater peace officer presence and expanded surveillance technology.
Her third priority is revitalizing Calgary’s downtown core. McRae frames this around three pillars: prioritizing housing to reduce homelessness, integrating constant mental health supports into law enforcement and enhancing safety, accessibility and vibrancy in the city’s centre.
For students, McRae’s housing plan could potentially ease rental pressures, while her transit and safety focus addresses everyday concerns of young Calgarians.
McRae’s campaign combines pragmatic city-building goals with an emphasis on collaboration and revitalization. Her background in communications and political strategy lends her a professional edge, while her party affiliation situates her within Calgary’s evolving, more structured municipal landscape.
McRae presents herself as a candidate focused on renewal and practical progress — one aiming to make Ward 7 a more connected and livable community for all Calgarians
To vote in Calgary’s municipal election, you must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen and a resident of Calgary on election day.
On Oct. 20, voters can cast their ballots for the city’s next mayor, as well as the councillor and school board trustee representing their ward.
For information on where to vote and how to get involved, visit www.electionscalgary.ca.