There are a few feathers in the mayor's cap as he steps away from the council table after 26 years.
Bill Robertson announced on May 7 he will not be running for mayor in the 2021 municipal election, ending his three-term tenure as mayor, before which he served as a councillor for 15 years.
Over the course of his time on council he's seen a population cap go into effect, and the subsequent removal of the same cap in favour of a continuous growth model 14 years later.
The mayor has made himself available for community events, whether donning a beard for Skate with Santa, walking or riding in the annual parade or camping out on a rooftop to support the United Way and more.
Mayor Robertson has held a strong voice for Okotoks, advocating for waterline solutions for years, taking in summits and conventions with fellow municipal leaders both provincially and nationally and never failing to boast about his town such as the Town being recognized recently as one of the most fiscally-responsible towns in Canada or one of the safest communities in which to live.
His dedication to the town and its people has been unwavering.
Many remember Mr. Robertson as the Percy Pegler phys ed teacher - in fact, the gymnasium at the school has been named after him in honour of his service to the school and community. His involvement with education has continued on council, as he read to many Okotoks classrooms during Literacy Week each January, worked with school groups such as the leadership team at St. Mary's School to take a resolution to the province to have Feb. 1 declared RCMP Appreciation Day.
Not everyone has always agreed with decisions made by the mayor and council, but few can argue Mayor Robertson has been a passionate and steadfast leader.