A popular hairstylist, volunteer and councillor – Oliver Hallmark wears many hats in the community.
He can add 2023 Western Wheel Readers’ Choice double gold medallist to the list as the first-term Town of Okotoks councillor earned the most votes in the Favourite Foothills Citizen and Favourite Local Politician/Councillor categories in the annual competition.
“I wanted to run for council because I love volunteering in the community,” said Hallmark. “I used volunteering as a way to get to know people when I first moved here, I did that and it’s made me very front-facing.
“And even as a stylist in Okotoks, I’m probably one of the most front-facing politicians. I’m always in the salon, always seeing people and I think that might be why I got elected.”
Hallmark said he campaigned during the 2021 municipal election on the issue of inclusivity.
He said he’s proud council has moved that file forward, when it comes to more inclusive and affordable housing, as well as the steps council and Mayor Tanya Thorn have made on Truth and Reconciliation.
Growing up in the Kootenays, Hallmark moved to Okotoks 14 years ago because it reminded him of home.
“I’m one of the newer Okotokians that sit on council, I think almost all of them have spent the majority of their life here,” he said. “I moved here because it had that small town feel that reminded me of where I grew up and it was close to the city with access to all the amenities there.
“And since I’ve moved here, with the way Okotoks is, I don’t have to go to Calgary as often.”
Hallmark said his volunteerism looks different since being elected, but he enjoys the opportunity to help out at events such as the Alberta Summer Games or dressing up as an elf for the Sheep River Health Trust.
“And once or twice a month my partner and I will go out and volunteer,” Hallmark said. “Because we really enjoy that and I think it’s really important that everybody steps up in the community.”
