Meet your Mayor & Council

I truly believe that Bentley is at the top of the list of Best Communities in Alberta! Located between Sylvan Lake and Gull Lake, less than a minute off the Highway 12 bypass road, you will find the greatest unique destination town in Central Alberta.

Bentley first became my home in June 1987. I have served the past as a Council member for six years, and, after taking seven years off, I have been honoured to be elected as Mayor for this four-year term.

My desire is for people to come to Bentley for a visit, and as many have, maybe even decide to move and be part of this developing model town with a bright future

People first moved here in 1899 and we became a village just after 1915. I invite you to take a virtual tour and see a little of our changing pictures here.

Thank you for looking into Bentley. With a great Council, staff, and businesses and recreation opportunities, we know you will be coming back!

As Mayor, please feel free to call or contact me at any time at (403) 357-0188 or by email at grathjen@bentleycouncil.ca.

I love Bentley and will take an active role in its future.

I was born and raised in Red Deer, the 4th child of a busy family of 6 children. Our family members were active volunteers in many areas of interest. I have worked for AHS, family support, and even tried being a farmer.

My husband and I have spent countless hours serving the communities where we lived. Last October found us living in Bentley, which I adored and had visited often. We came from the Peace Country and have no regrets! Bentley, in my experience, has always been a welcoming and friendly town for residents and visitors.

As Councillor, I will enjoy working with staff and residents to promote ideas and activities with opportunities to enhance the quality of life for our citizens, while bringing visitors from far and wide. I understand that the day-to-day operations of our community are vast and require Council participation.

Thank you for allowing me to be one of your Town Councillors!

Contact: leastman@bentleycouncil.ca

I have lived in Bentley for 13 years with my wife and 2 children. Bentley quickly became home to me as I fell in love with the view, the amazing people, and Bentley’s small-town charm.

Currently, I am also a Senior Account Executive for a major waste company, and previously I served in the Oil and Gas sector for over 15 years in Central Alberta.

I enjoy all types of music, live events, and entertaining friends and family here in town. I look forward to serving the people of Bentley for the next four years and am honoured to be their representative.

Contact: dgrimsdale@bentleycouncil.ca

I was born and raised in Bentley, and am proud to have called this community home for 45+ years while raising a family of my own here. I am continuously and actively involved in many community events and organizations.

I believe we are very fortunate to live where we do in Alberta. My goal as Deputy Mayor is to continue to make Bentley a great place to live, raise families and do business. I look forward to contributing to the betterment of Bentley for its residents and visitors, and to representing the people of Bentley at the Council table.

Contact: phansen@bentleycouncil.ca

I have lived in Bentley for 22 years. I have been married to Joe for 56 years and we have 3 children – Mark is 53, Lisa is 52, and Tracey is 50. We also have 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

I have worked as a cook for several years and waitressed for a lot of those years as well. Most of my life I have raised children; 3 of my own and 2 of my grandchildren, as well as several of my brothers and sisters…

So maybe I was put on this earth to look after children, but I want to try something else now. As a Town Councillor I will do my best for the people that call Bentley home, and for those who just come to visit. I will always be open to listening to your concerns and ideas.

Contact: bvaliquette@bentleycouncil.ca