Monks-Jensen can make meaningful contributions as councillor

Posted on October 16, 2025 by Taber Times

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

 Candidate Phyllis Monks-Jensen moved to Taber in 2018, and was immediately struck by the sense of community and the wonderful amenities in her new hometown.

 “I came in May and things were starting to bloom, beautiful parks, lots of activities, a dynamic group to work with at the Town, and so many groups working so hard to make Taber better every day,” she said. “I fell in love with Taber that summer and I felt more at home here than I had anywhere in a very long time.”

 Seven years later, Monks-Jensen is a fully integrated Taberite. She has been on committees and with organizations like Taber and District Housing (TDHF), Taber and District Community Adult Learning Association (vice chair), Taber Community Action and Prevention Society, the MD of Taber/Town of Taber Joint Economic Development Committee and Inter-Municipal Development Committee.

 She is currently the vice chair of Community Futures Chinook in Taber, “an organization I love being a part of,” she said. “I’ve considered running for council in the past, but it never seemed to be the right time; now I feel like I can contribute something meaningful to my community.”

 One of the key issues in this election is developing affordable housing, and Monks-Jensen believes it’s critical to the success of the community.

 “Without it, we will see our kids going off to school and not coming back. The poverty level in our community will continue to climb as our neighbors struggle to stretch their dollars to include their necessities,” she said.

 “I would love to see support for the TDHF Cherry & Main project, for one. I think it will be a great addition to that entrance to town and will provide market value apartments as well as subsidized ones,” she continued. “The commercial space below will also be a nice addition to that area.”

 She believes that Town can assist directly by campaigning to other levels of government, assistance with grant applications, and continued support for tax exemptions for these types of developments can allow the project to get underway. The affordable housing problem shouldn’t be limited to just one project, though. “I think developments that can help to address affordable housing should be encouraged and supported,” she said.

 The previous council went all-in on a dry sports recreation facility and Monks-Jensen supports the plan completely. She cited community health benefits, a safe environment for kids while teaching them healthy habits, and its usefulness in providing another level of entertainment to the community.

 The Taber Titans have already invested in it, and she thinks that industry can contribute as well. And while grant writing is important, it’s not entirely dependable with so many competing communities in play. “We have a great promoter in town now that can maybe help with some ideas of events dedicated specifically to fundraising for this facility,” she said.

 On the topic of enforcement of excessively loud vehicles, stunting and other traffic issues, she gave an interesting response. “For me this is a tough question because these issues are about respect and community.”

 “Have we lost the ability to understand how our actions impact others? Do we just not care if others are comfortable or able to enjoy their day without it being ruined by the rude gestures of others?” she asked.

 “There are so many things that we need our police force to be able to focus on to make our community safer for all of us, but they are constantly distracted by these kinds of issues. I’m not sure about significantly more – but I support their continued enforcement.”

 As the Town considers its major infrastructure priorities, Monks-Jensen said that as a councillor she would rely heavily on input from the public works, parks, and planning departments. She listed the South East Area Structure Plan as a starting point along with addressing the intersection by No Frills. If a dry sports facility was going to be located by the Meadows, she could foresee a requirement for a traffic circle at the intersection of 64 Avenue and 50 Street to address the added traffic.

 Additionally, “Our roads, sidewalks, and parks can’t be allowed to deteriorate. Monitoring our assets and ensuring our replacement programs are continuously updated is essential in my mind.”

 Monks-Jensen skillfully handled a question about attracting major industries and jobs to town by addressing site selectors like land, amenities, work force, and housing. She said new business and industry must “be able to hire the people that they need, with the skills and knowledge to help them be successful.”

 Additionally, “If there is no housing available for their employees, or the skill level they want in their employees – they will locate elsewhere.”

 As a solution, she favours partnerships with Lethbridge Polytechnic, Olds College, U of L, Farming Smarter, Alberta Trades, and local schools. She points to Canada’s Premier Food Corridor as a great example of how working together regionally can start small and build into something much larger.