Richard Froese
South Peace News
Falher Mayor Donna Buchinski will be specially honoured by the Alberta Municipalities for serving on municipal council for more than 25 years.
The Town of Falher announced the achievement in a news release dated Aug. 14.
She will receive the esteemed Alberta Municipalities Award of Excellence at the AM Convention and Trade Show from Sept. 25-27 in Red Deer.
Serving as mayor since 2013, Buchinski was first elected as a councillor in a byelection in 1997.
She says the time has been a good experience.
“It’s very rewarding,” Buchinski says.
“You never go into it thinking you’re going to be a lifer.”
Buchinski’s award is a testament to her dedicated service and outstanding civic leadership in Falher.
Throughout her time on council, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the community through her involvement on numerous committees and in several initiatives.Her leadership extends across various sectors including economic development, housing, health care and regional collaboration.
Notably, she was involved in initiatives such as the Smoky River Regional Water and Waste Commission created in 2003, the Falher Regional Recreation Complex that opened in 2008, the regionalization of the Smoky River Fire Department in 2015.
Buchinski also played a key role in Falher’s centenary in 2019 and was honoured in March 2024 when the Smoky River Transportation Program won the Minister’s Award for Transportation Innovation.
“The Town of Falher is incredibly proud of Mayor Buchinski’s accomplishments and this well-deserved recognition,” the news release states.
“Her unwavering commitment to the community has made Falher a better place to live, work and thrive.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mayor Buchinski.”
The Award of Excellence is given to elected officials who have held office for at least four years and have demonstrated exceptional leadership in municipal government.
She is one of three distinguished recipients.
AM president Tyler Gandam also congratulates Buchinski.
“It is my honour and pleasure to recognize these individuals,” Gandam says.
“Communities can succeed only when they are supported by dedicated professionals who are committed to the residents they serve.
“It is by recognizing these people that we express our gratitude and show our appreciation for what they do every day to make our communities thrive.”