About Stefan Dykema
I have proudly called Okotoks home since 2018. As a husband and father of three, I know firsthand what makes our town such a special place to raise a family—the strong sense of community, our vibrant programs for youth and families, and the small-town spirit that sets us apart. It’s these values that inspired me to run for Town Council.
For the past seven years, I have served as a Principal, where I lead a team of educators where we work every day to ensure safe, caring, and high-quality learning environments. My role has required me to be both a strategic planner and a hands-on leader: building partnerships, consulting with families and community members, and ensuring that every decision balances today’s needs with tomorrow’s opportunities.
As a candidate for Town Council, I am committed to:
Smart & Manageable Growth – ensuring development is balanced with preserving Okotoks’ small-town character and that infrastructure keeps pace with population growth.
Fiscal Responsibility While Investing in Okotoks’ Future– Managing taxes responsibly while making value-driven investments that deliver long-term benefits and ensure Okotoks remains strong, stable, and financially sustainable.
Strengthen Families & Grow Community – Committed to investing in youth programs and expanding the recreation facilities and amenities families need, while ensuring smart, fiscally responsible management that preserves and enhances Okotoks’ small-town spirit.
Responsible Decisions for a Stronger Okotoks – making practical, resident-focused choices on growth, services, and investments that put people before politics, while ensuring we manage traffic and infrastructure needs, and plan wisely for the facilities and amenities families need now and into the future.
Supporting Local Business & Building a Strong Economy – championing policies that help small businesses thrive, attracting new investment to Okotoks, and diversifying our tax base to reduce the burden on residents while creating more opportunities for jobs, growth, and innovation in our community.
I believe that the decisions we make now will shape the Okotoks of tomorrow. My experience in leadership, finance, policy development and community engagement has prepared me to serve our town with integrity, accountability, and a clear vision for the future. Together, we can ensure Okotoks remains not just a place we live, but a place we continue to be proud to call home—for our families, for our community, and those who decide to call Okotoks home in the future.
My Priorities
My Experience and Qualifications
Education
Master’s in Public Administration from Dalhousie University
Chartered Professional in Human Resources (candidate)
Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Experience
School Principal
Raised over $400 000 for capital projects through private/corporate donors and grants
Educational leader and the Chief Administrative Officer of the school, responsible for the school’s organization, instructional programs and climate, and ensure the school is compliant with all relevant board and Alberta Education policies.
Oversee and manage the day-to-day financial administration of the school’s multi-million dollar annual operating and specialized learning budgets.
Management Consultant
Created the change management strategy/ toolkit for Alberta’s Municipal Affairs Department for the Municipal Governance Act (MGA) legislation.
Developed the HR training framework and process map for the Safeway/Sobeys integration following the 2013 merger
Developed a program evaluation framework to increase the effectiveness of the Nanoworks and Nanobridge programs, which were aimed at increasing the commercialization of nanotechnology in Alberta.
Supported the strategic vision plan and stakeholder engagement model for the College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) surrounding the role of Nurses in Alberta.
Treasurer/ Board Member of a Large Not-for-Profit Organization
Oversaw the financial administration of a $27 million annual operating budget and advised the Board on financial strategies.
Achieved Level 2 Accreditation with Alberta Council of Disability Services.
Coordinated the preparation of the annual budget and audited financial statements.
