Balanced leadership in Radium Hot Springs

Clara Reinhardt’s spirit of adventure led her to Radium Hot Springs, and the village wants to keep her

by Marie Milner — December 15, 2015

Clara Reinhardt is in the second year of her first term as mayor of Radium Hot Springs, B.C. — Photo courtesy Clara Reinhardt

After six years on council in Radium Hot Springs, B.C., Clara Reinhardt decided to step up her leadership role and was acclaimed to the position of mayor. She has now completed a year of her four-year term as mayor, and we asked her several question about her experience in the past 12 months. Her answers gave us some insight into her leadership style.

If all conditions were favourable right now, what’s the first thing you’d like to focus on for the community?

If all conditions were favourable, the trail from Elk Park Ranch in Radium to Westside Legacy trail in Fairmont would be completed and paved. We’re working on a lot of (Columbia River) Valley-wide initiatives, and having that physical connection will connect us in a more tangible way.

What do you see as your council’s main strength?

Balance. A couple of the councillors have lived in the valley for many years, and some of us are quite new here. We bring some of our experiences from away and we’re also grounded in some local history. As a group we represent young families, working people, retired people, long-time residents, new residents and a variety of skill sets.

What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given, and who gave it to you?

The advice is: Always have a plan. A trainer in a leadership course I took in my 30s taught and modelled this advice.

What’s something you’ve learned in the past year about your community?

The community garden brought out an amazing, diverse group of volunteers who shared a vision and a love of gardening. It showed what can be done with an idea that originates with just a few people. It became a partnership with the golf course and Parks Canada and the school board and the village. It was something that everyone worked on together, and it’s become a meeting place.

We’ve been hearing that we have lost our community spirit, and this demonstrated that our community spirit is alive and well—it just looks different than it used to. In the summer, there’s always someone in the garden, working or looking or showing their kids. The gazebo has been used for a wedding, so it’s a real community feature.

What’s something you’ve learned this year about yourself?

I learned that there is a limit to what I can push myself to accomplish. Highways close, ferries are delayed, you miss planes, and you just can’t do it all. The geography is our greatest asset, but sometimes it’s a problem.

What five things, for you, convey the elements of a successful character?

Honesty, integrity, reliability, ability to laugh at yourself, compassion.

What’s the most meaningful compliment you’ve ever received?

Being told that people believe in me.

What’s been a stretch or challenge for you this year?

Managing the travel involved with my job, being mayor and RDEK director, and spending time with my aging parents in Alberta.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

Moving to Yellowknife at 17 and then getting married two years later at 19. I wanted some adventure, and my aunt invited me to come north. I got a job, sight unseen, so I moved up there and I had a blast. And that’s where I met my husband.

What’s your favourite quote?

“People will forget what you said and what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou