Why We Endorse Heather
Heather is an effective community advocate and consensus builder. With her impressive track record amplifying citizens’ voices to advance municipal priorities, Heather’s experience will get results at City Hall.
About Heather
Heather has worked for the last 3 years with the Calgary Downtown Association and is intimately familiar with the challenges facing Ward 7, namely affordability and safety. Heather acknowledges that these two challenges are related and believes that the solution lies in putting housing first.
I ran for Council in 2021. I am running again because Terry Wong has been ineffective in representing the majority of citizens living in Ward 7, shown no leadership in addressing the extensive issues impacting our communities, especially downtown, and has not been an advocate for moving our city forward.
– Heather McRae
Heather’s qualifications include:
- Longtime resident of Ward 7
- Strong track record of advocacy and community work
- Track record amplifying citizens voices
- Housing affordability is her top priority
A longtime resident of Ward 7 and a parent of two young adults, Heather believes in Calgary’s potential. By restoring community confidence and delivering on the fundamentals, Heather is committed to advancing real change for Ward 7 residents.
Check out Ward 7
Ward 7 is home to many central neighbourhoods including the East Village and Chinatown, as well as the University of Calgary and SAIT. The ward crosses the Bow River at Prince’s Island Park and includes a large portion of the river valley pathways that are frequented by many active commuters.
Learn More
If you want to learn more about Heather and see where she stands on critical issues facing Calgarians today, check out Heather’s responses to our candidate survey:
Having worked three years as the Director Strategic Communications at the Calgary Downtown Association, I am well briefed on the issues that are impacting Calgarians’ lives: the affordable housing crisis; the urgency for infrastructure investments from water mains to recreation facilities; and the desperate need to continue supporting Calgarians with programs like FCSS and low-income transit passes.
After watching four years of in-fighting and political grandstanding among current Council members, we need to change the dynamic on Council.
On housing affordability:
Calgary needs more housing stock across the housing continuum. I will advocate to other councillors for the need to align zoning with actual housing needs, leverage city-owned land for affordable builds, and push for consistent investment from the provincial and federal governments. I also support reducing hidden costs — like site levies — by exploring models like utility-based infrastructure financing that spread costs fairly across generations.
On public transportation:
We can’t afford to let North Calgary fall further behind. In the short term, I will fight for immediate improvements in bus service: more frequent service on high-demand routes, expanded MAX and on-demand transit options, and small upgrades that make a big difference — like signal priority and real-time arrival info. Transit equity is non-negotiable. Every Calgarian deserves a system that’s safe, reliable, and gets them where they need to go.
The Green Line is a huge priority for our city and must get back on track with a solution that works for everyone – Calgarians, downtown businesses and stakeholders. I am committed to working as part of a team to push back against provincial interference, secure funding from all levels of government and put a stop to the political delays that have cost us time, money and public confidence.
On climate planning:
Climate change isn’t a future problem — it’s here now. We need to act like it. I support building climate resilience into every major city decision — from transit to housing to procurement. That means investing in electrified transit, enabling energy-efficient buildings, preserving natural assets, and supporting green infrastructure. I am passionate about reducing traffic, one of the largest sources of carbon emissions. I want to see the city do a better job connecting the costs of roads, parking and traffic to climate impacts. Let’s get more people out of their cars and onto transit and other sustainable modes of transportation.
Our city also needs to prepare for climate impacts — including flooding, drought, and extreme heat — with strong adaptation and emergency response strategies. Climate action is city-building.
On public services:
Public services are the backbone of a successful, inclusive city. From transit and fire response to recreation and libraries, these services connect us, support our most vulnerable, and ensure that every Calgarian — regardless of background or income — can thrive. Investing in strong public services is not just good policy; it’s smart economics. It keeps people working, keeps neighbourhoods strong, and builds long-term value for our city.
Many city employees reside in Ward 7. I am meeting them at the doors and can say with confidence that they are committed to excellence in serving our city. I am here to support them in return.
Where to Find Heather
Pledge to vote for Heather
