COLD LAKE – Ty Mikolas, a local massage therapist with bold ideas for reform, has officially launched his campaign for mayor of Cold Lake in the upcoming 2025 municipal election.
He says he aims to shake up City Hall with a platform centered on transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement.
Mikolas, who has lived in Cold Lake for six years, said he was initially drawn to the community by its natural beauty.
“I came here for the first time, for a family reunion, at the age of 12. I was awestruck at the size and beauty of the lake and its surroundings,” he said. “When I did [move], it felt like home.”
While Mikolas has no formal political background, he said his motivation to run comes from a desire to challenge the status quo and push for real reform.
“My interest in politics is abnormal when compared to other politicians,” he said. “Where many . . . have implemented policy or procedures that benefit themselves . . . my only interest is setting the example that the current system is not in the best interest of the people.”
His campaign platform is built around a bold promise - radical transparency and accountability at all levels of municipal governance.
“My platform is based on a level of transparency and accountability never seen before in government,” said Mikolas.
One of his key proposals is the introduction of a bylaw requiring all publicly funded professionals in Cold Lake to take a commissioned oath of honesty and accountability. “In any instance of misuse of taxpayer money, conduct unbecoming, etc., they will immediately resign,” he stated.
To support this level of oversight, Mikolas is proposing a two-sided mobile app. The city-facing side would require authorized staff to log all expenses, including photo documentation of receipts, which would automatically generate public spreadsheets for residents to review. “This would allow community members to . . . make informed decisions about where our tax dollars will go as they are being spent,” he said.
On the community side, the app would serve as a digital polling station where residents could vote on city expenditures referendum-style and access detailed project presentations. “All the functions of this app currently exist,” Mikolas added. “Putting them together . . . would give citizens a sense of community [and] allow their voices to be heard.”
Public safety and social issues are also front-of-mind. Mikolas said the city must do more to address rising crime and homelessness, calling for advocacy toward the provincial and federal governments.
“If [these issues are] never addressed publicly . . . we will never see positive change.”
He is also pitching the idea of a hybrid detention and rehabilitation facility to replace the current ‘catch and release’ system, offering mental health support for offenders.
“It’s not the best idea, but it’s the best idea I have, and I’m open to suggestions.”
Drawing on lessons from his grandfather, a long-time reeve in Saskatchewan, Mikolas emphasized leadership grounded in sacrifice and integrity.
“When entrusted with a position of power, the community members are putting their faith in you caring more for the people of the community than the people you’ve developed personal relationships with.”
Mikolas acknowledged his imperfections but remains committed to doing what is right.
“I have not always been the kindest . . . But I would never use power to benefit myself . . . I want nothing more than to make the world a better place for my daughters to grow up in.”
