What I Stand For
FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
A strong public education system serves every student, school and staff member — not just the few. I believe in informed decision-making that reflects the complex realities of the classroom, school infrastructure, resources at hand and the diversity of our communities.
EVERYONE BELONGS
As a teacher I've dedicated my life to building spaces where all religions, abilities, heritages and identities are valued. I'll bring that same commitment as your trustee when making decisions that impact our schools.
Arts & Community ADVOCACY
Arts foster self-expression and mindfulness, crucial in a time of rising isolation and mental health concerns. I will champion programs that enrich our students' lives and strengthen public school connections with their local communities.
Who I Am
Teacher
I've been there. With nearly a decade of front-line experience in K-12 education, I have experienced firsthand the daily struggles faced by staff, education assistants, students and teachers in our schools. The ever increasing class size, lack of building space, insufficient provincial funding, 1hr+ bus rides and nearly $1 billion in deferred maintenance challenges.
I've dedicated my career to building inclusive classrooms where every student can thrive, and I believe in informed decision-making that reflects both front-line classroom experiences and our community's diverse needs. I'll bring that same commitment to being your trustee — despite the challenges we face, because every student and staff member deserves a quality education experience, not just the privileged few.
Social Entrepreneur
Outside the classroom, I'm deeply engaged in my community and creative practice. I'm bilingual and serve as Vice President for the La société touristique Centralta, which promotes tourism and produces books celebrating Albertan heritage.
My governance experience includes volunteer director roles on two condominium non-profit boards, managing $1.1 million in annual infrastructure budgets (and problems!), developing bylaws and administrating staff across 4 buildings, ensuring essentials are provided for 400+ residents.
I have founded my own company, colettebachand.art, offering affordable summer art instruction to students of all ages, built partnerships with 3+ local businesses and in the spare time that exists: I love making affordable, joyful cat-themed art that is wonderful to share and sure to spark a smile.
Community & Arts Advocate
I am a Ward D resident, living in the neighbourhood of Strathcona; who understands the vital role arts play in enhancing student/staff well-being, mental health and the importance of connecting communities with our schools.
Through my own contributions to mural mosaics and supporting community art projects, I've witnessed how public art transforms shared spaces and unites people. As a Teacher I've integrated local theatre & arts into my classroom or extracurricular school activities and seen the positive impact on student learning and well-being.
From my advocacy, I've successfully written and secured Edmonton Arts Council and Heritage Council grants supporting muralists in Old Strathcona and co-authored multiple Alberta Heritage books highlighting the history and creativity that shape our landscape.
I believe the arts nurture self-expression, mindfulness, and a sense of belonging, essential components for enriching students' educational experiences and strengthen the bonds our schools have with our communities; helping to ensure that parents value and support public education.
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Your Contribution Makes a Difference
Every dollar you contribute helps us build a stronger campaign to serve Ward D. Your support directly funds our grassroots efforts to connect with voters and share our vision for public education and community engagement.
How Your Donation Helps
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How You Can Help:
Introduce Colette to Your Friends
Help expand our reach by introducing Colette to your network. Share her vision on social media, host small gatherings, or simply spread the word.
Flyer Delivery
Help us distribute campaign materials throughout Ward D neighborhoods. We'll provide maps, materials, and flexible scheduling to fit your availability.
Door Knocking
Join our canvassing team to have meaningful conversations with voters. We provide training, talking points, and pair you with experienced volunteers.
Your time and energy can make a real difference in our campaign to serve Ward D. Whether you have a few hours or can commit to regular volunteering, there are meaningful ways for you to get involved and help us connect with voters.
Sign Up to VolunteerWard D Boundaries
Spanning both sides of the North Saskatchewan River, Ward D encompasses 35 diverse communities from Abbottsfield and Gold Bar in the east to Windsor Park and Delton in the west. Our ward's educational landscape includes everything from planned replacement facilities and modern schools to cherished century-old historic buildings and available surplus sites.
Ward D proudly serves 22 schools that offer rich and varied programming tailored to meet every student's unique needs. Our schools provide language immersion programs, arts-centered education, specialized science curricula, flexible online learning options, targeted strategies and connections programs, and prestigious International Baccalaureate pathways — ensuring all students from diverse backgrounds can thrive.
Ward D contains the cultural heart of Edmonton, nearly all art galleries, theatres and common festival sites in Edmonton: Whyte Ave, 124 St, French Quarter, Downtown, Expo Grounds, Alberta Ave, and nearby schools all reside within Ward D!