About Pat
Pat Fule moved to Strathmore in the Fall of 1983, when he began his 34 year teaching career at Strathmore High. In those years, he taught English and Physical Education. He also coached many seasons of Varsity Boys and Girls Sports at Strathmore High. He and his wife, a longtime Brentwood School teacher, ran the STARS/JETS Sports Program for 25 years, coaching hundreds of kids over that time.
While still teaching, Mayor Fule was first elected as a Councillor in 2010, having run on a platform of improving parks and pathways. In his four terms as a Councillor and Mayor, he has been a part of suggesting and approving 15 paved pathways. In addition, Strathmore also has added four bridges over the WID Canal (thank you to the WID for this access!)
In his second term as a Councillor, he was a part of the Building Committee for the SMP Sportscentre, and that project is the one he’s most proud of over his council terms.
In 2017, Pat first ran for Mayor and was successful, and he retired from teaching. He was a part of committee work with Siksika Tribal Council, working to improve things for Siksika residents in Strathmore. Highlights include a MOU with Siksika and Magnum Cement, a Tripartite Agreement between Siksika Nation, Strathmore and the RCMP and a 24/7 Indigenous Liaison position at the Strathmore Hospital. Fule was also mayor during the Covid 19 Pandemic, and he and Council worked to make decisions to try and help Strathmore residents stay healthy and safe.
Mayor Fule was re-elected in 2021 and he and Council worked to improve Economic Development with the addition of Phytokana to Strathmore and a Data Management company about to locate here. Attainable Housing is a much needed initiative, and Mayor Fule and Council have worked with Administration on this. Strathmore currently has 5 new subdivisions and 4 multiunit buildings in various stages of development.
Lastly, Mayor Fule has worked for two years to move Strathmore to becoming a “Medical Hub”. He’s spoken with the Premier about this concept, and he toured the hospital twice with MLAs regarding adding diagnostics such as a CT Scanner there. There are also other location options. Mayor Fule has toured potential new doctors through Strathmore and to see potential clinic locations. There are now also another four possible new doctors coming to visit Strathmore!
Mayor Fule is passionate about giving back to his community, and dedicates his personal time supporting various organizations, teams, and initiatives around Strathmore. He has volunteered Tuesday mornings at the Food Bank for the past 2 1/2 years, coached Town sport camps on Sunday mornings for the past 2 years, and helped sell poppies for Legion last 2 years as well. He's also enthusiastically participated in all of the Hike for Hospice walks, as well as many Terry Fox events.
In his personal life, Mayor Fule and his wife Debbie are celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year! They have 2 grown children and 4 young grandchildren, who all live in the area.
WHY PAT FULE?
I’ve lived in Strathmore for 41 years and I taught at Strathmore High for 34 years. For seven of those years I was also a Town Councillor, and for the last eight years, I have proudly served as the Mayor. I have developed solid relationships with different levels of government and municipalities, as well as other service groups. Here’s what I “bring to the table”:
Knowledge
Having been on Council for 15 years, I understand the major issues facing our town, as well as how to achieve success in initiatives. I was on the Building Committee for the SMP Sportscentre, a part of improving things for Siksika Nation residents here, was a part of the decision making for the Wildflower Water Reservoir, new Municipal Building, Farmers Market Pavilion, and I helped suggest and approve 15 paved pathways since 2010 and our 4 canal bridges.
Experience
I have been the Mayor of Strathmore for 8 years and I understand Council’s role in relation to Governance and working with a CAO. I have chaired over 200 Council meetings. I have worked with many service club leaders as well and developed strong relationships with groups like the Legion, the Western Irrigation District, the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society, WHMB and the Hospice Society, the City of Chestermere, our MLA and the Province, and the villages of Rockyford, Standard and Hussar and the LIONS Club among many more.
Integrity
I believe in being a different kind of Mayor for Strathmore. I am honest and communicate to residents as much possible. I’m also responsive to residents’ questions, suggestions and concerns. In my 15 years, I have never voted for a Council pay raise. I also strongly adhere to the Council Code of Conduct. I do not approach any decision or vote with an ego, and I believe that I bring humility to the position. Many residents refer to me as “Mayor Pat” and I love that! I’d love to continue to work for Strathmore residents.