07/30/2026
He didn't know it until today: Mayor Jack Van Rijn has been one of my mentors for several years.
I first became aware of Jack after my daughter and her family moved to Coaldale, Alberta. As I began following the community on social media, I noticed something unusual. Jack was continually celebrating the achievements of others—city councillors, community leaders, city staff, local businesses, volunteers, and even schoolchildren.
Over time, I realized this wasn't simply his communication style; it was his leadership style.
Jack enthusiastically promotes new businesses, welcomes residents to every municipal improvement, and celebrates community events. He has a deep love for Coaldale, reflected in his popular weekly "Throwback Thursday" posts, where he shares stories and photographs from the community's history. He is also a steadfast supporter of the Birds of Prey Foundation, Alberta's first privately licensed raptor rescue and conservation organization.
When I arrived at Coaldale City Hall this morning, staff simply smiled and said, "Go straight to Jack's office. If the door is open, just walk in."
That told me something before we had even met.
Although I felt I already knew Jack through years of following his work, I was struck by how soft-spoken and humble he was. I had expected a much more forceful personality. Instead, our conversation quickly turned to the accomplishments of other people. He spoke with genuine enthusiasm about city staff, council colleagues, volunteers, businesses, and community organizations. Only after asking several questions did it become apparent how often Jack himself had been the driving force behind many of those successes.
As our conversation came to an end, Jack simply said, "We do this to help make the community better."
Those words stayed with me.
Jack Van Rijn isn't simply building a stronger Coaldale. By encouraging and celebrating the people around him, he is helping others become better leaders as well. I know he has done that for me.
I’m Tim Palmer,
Still pursuing excellence.