Recreation, Culture & Social Support Services
Phil Meagher
Phil Meagher is more than just a runner, which is how he is known by many people in this community. He is also a father and husband, a grade two Sunday school teacher for over 26 years, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Fort McMurray Public Schools, hockey official at the junior A level, and hockey coach. He enjoys, canoeing, camping, hiking, motor biking, emceeing, fund raising, hockey, drawing, running and golf.
Meagher began his political career at a young age, getting involved in school council and sports committees. He moved to Fort McMurray in 1983, after graduating from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Education degree. Originally from Nackawic, N.B., Meagher immediately got involved in McMurray life to make it feel like home for himself and his growing family.
During the summers of 1996 to 1998, he attended the University of Victoria to work on a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. He moved his way up from teacher to Vice Principal to Principal, and now Chief Deputy Superintendent. While still an instructor, he helped to create the Challenge Cup, a year-long series of athletic events between the city's three senior high schools. As principal he created a celebration of academics by establishing a valedictorian evening, in which all city high schools come together with staff and family members of the chosen valedictorians.
An athlete since high school himself, Meagher's other title of distinction includes that of Alberta's top long-distance runner. He has pounded the pavement many times for more than 26 miles (42 km) and in 1991 won a silver medal in the Canadian national marathon championships. He has won 46 marathons, which include seven in Red Deer and two in Edmonton. In 2009, Meagher was inducted into the Wood Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame as an athlete.
Meagher also volunteers on many boards and committees, namely, the United Way Board, the Oilsands Discovery Centre Board, and the Communities in Bloom Committee. Meagher, who is in his sixth term on council, said his main goals this term will be to lobby the Provincial Government to get Highway 63 completed; "no more delays". He also plans to continually improve the infrastructure as the overpasses and bridges are completed. He also wants to work really hard on improving teamwork within Council. His motto is: Every Citizen, Every Day, and No Exceptions.
Meagher and wife Sherri have five children – Kimba, Willow, Belle, Abram, and Zakkai.
Contact Councillor Meagher
T (780) 799-7900
H (780) 791-4669
E phil.meagher@woodbuffalo.ab.ca
