Town & Country News extended an invitation to all municipal election candidates in the city.

Each was invited to answer three questions and submit a photo. We are publishing every response we received.

1. What are your top two priorities, and how do you hope to make those changes?

2. What leadership experience will you bring to the council chambers? 

3. Do you believe Alberta should remain in Canada? 

(I) means incumbent

The city will elect a mayor and seven councillors:

Mayor:

Kristopher Arcand:  

1. Strengthening the relationship between elected representatives and residents. This means creating more opportunities to listen to community concerns and addressing pressing issues such as transportation, homelessness, and infrastructure in a meaningful way.

Streamlining processes and ensuring community resources are used wisely. I will focus on promoting existing supports and services, being transparent about how tax dollars are spent, and seeking grant opportunities that can benefit the city as a whole.

I also believe it’s important not to make unrealistic promises. For every issue brought forward, I would work to find solutions using the SMART model — ensuring goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

2. As a local business owner employing about 30 residents, I have extensive experience in leadership, decision-making, and building strong teams. I will bring those skills to council by creating a positive, respectful atmosphere and working collaboratively with residents, community organizations, and foundations to deliver solutions that reflect the needs of Grande Prairie.

3. This is a sensitive issue for many. I believe municipal representatives should remain focused on local matters rather than federal or provincial debates. My role as mayor would be to represent the people of Grande Prairie, listen to their concerns, and find practical solutions that strengthen our community. At every level of government, I believe elected officials are meant to serve the people and work toward real, positive outcomes within the jurisdiction they represent.

James Flack:  

1. My first priority is restoring trust and accountability in City Hall. Too many decisions have been made behind closed doors, with residents left wondering where their tax dollars really go. I will push for open books, plain-language budgets, and public forums where citizens can question spending directly. Transparency is the foundation of trust, and Grande Prairie deserves leaders who answer to the people.

My second priority is strengthening our local economy by supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs. Instead of watching millions leave the city through outside contracts, we should invest in our own people. I will propose targeted grants and partnerships that help graduates and tradespeople start businesses here at home. Keeping opportunity local means keeping families rooted in our community.

2. Leadership, to me, is not about titles or perks, it’s about showing up when it’s hardest and speaking plainly when others hesitate. In my twenties, I negotiated collective agreements and represented working people at the table. That experience taught me how to listen, advocate, and find solutions under pressure. I’ve also stood up in community conversations and debates when it wasn’t popular to do so, because I believe honesty matters more than applause.

3. I believe it is important to respect the wishes of Albertans. Too many people in our province feel ignored by Ottawa, and those frustrations are real. Whether it’s energy, agriculture, or fair representation, Alberta has not always been treated as an equal partner.

Ultimately, I trust Albertans to decide their own future. My role as a municipal leader is not to push one position, but to make sure the voices of our people are heard clearly and without distortion. If the people of Alberta choose to remain in Canada, I will fight for fair treatment within confederation. If Albertans choose a different path, I will respect that democratic choice.

What matters most is that we stand together as a community, and that Grande Prairie always has a strong, principled voice no matter what direction the province takes.

Kristopher Kinney: 

1.  Safety for everyone is a top priority. Everyone must feel safe in their homes, on our streets, and in our parks. Maintaining focus on incident trends and frequency is critical in keeping resources allocated to provide assistance and improving public safety.  Community Engagement:  In order to succeed community members need to have a easily approachable council. Town hall style meetings that foster interactive, respectful conversations that encourage residents and business owners to voice concerns and offer solutions.

2.  I have held management and Leadership roles in various industries with a central focus on Health and Safety. I bring a history of collaboration and conflict resolution to achieve success in complex situations.

3.  This is a complex and dynamic political atmosphere. As a candidate for Grande Prairie Mayor, my focus is on the City and working to provide for the city and its community members. I believe my focus needs to be centered on our city during this time.

Charlene Nelson: 

1: Reviewing Taxes: I'd look into forming a small, cross-functional team of local business leaders, homeowners and municipal finance officers to analyze the current structure. I would also encourage a "Tax Town Hall Series" type of engagement sessions where the public could engage and give feedback in person or online.

Transparent Governance: Most council decisions are loaded with bureaucratic jargon. Even though meetings are streamed, people often don't understand what's actually being voted on. I'd like to see a plain language summary of city policy, bylaw or spending published before votes, and followed by "What this means for you" breakdowns.

2. I’ve led teams in turning struggling service and parts departments into strong, successful operations by working closely with staff, building trust, and focusing on solutions. In oil and gas consulting, I’ve managed books and budgets making sure resources were used wisely. On council, I’ll bring that same leadership — collaborative, practical, and financially responsible—to ensure decisions serve both our community and its future.

3. I believe that everyone in Alberta should be able to have their voice heard on this issue. It is not up to one sole person, political party or level of government to control or sway.

Bryan Petryshyn: 

1. My top 2 priorities are Winter snow removal / Spring/Summer/Fall Road repair & common-sense Fiscal spending to lower the tax rate. The people deserve high value for their tax dollars. The road work is easy to change, stop over plowing the tier 1 roads. There are so many times I see the truck just driving around with the blade up. Put the truck to use & do the work. Fiscal spending in an in-depth investigation into the budget. Cutting overpriced capital projects that are a complete tax burden on the people.

2. I’ve been the shop manager for 10 years at my current employer. Throughout life I’ve always made smart financial choices. What I would bring to council is common sense thinking, with straight forward facts & spending accountability.

3. That’s a provincial shitshow question. My decisions are made for the benefit of the taxpayer. The paycheck you earn should stay in your pocket. Not the governments.

No responses received from Jackie Clayton (I), Durque Babunga or Jason Jones.

Councillors

Grant Berg (I): 

1.  Over the past four years I have learned that teamwork is everything, you must find at least 4 friends that are on the same page, so my priorities I would also say are the current council priorities and those of our citizens.  In no order, continue strong advocacy with the provincial government on items such as electricity distribution rates, we pay 3.5 times higher rates than Edmonton and Calgary and double what southern Alberta does, the reason is we have a small population over a vast area however, the other three Western provinces have this resolved, here in Alberta, we do not.  My other one, and it hasn't changed since I moved to GP in January 1991, build on the quality of life.  I moved here in my early 20's and outside of work, there was nothing to do expect hang out in bars, I immediately started volunteering for organizations that enhanced the quality of life after work, GP Stompede, GP Storm, Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, Scouts Canada,  Sexsmith Museum Society and many more.  From my seat in City Hall, I am now able to help dozens of established and growing groups make life better for everybody.

2. I've held leadership roles since I was a teenager. Highlights include the Chair of the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie during its construction.  I launched 104.7 2Day FM as it's General Manager bringing hit music to Canada's youngest city and running that radio station for 2 years before I wanted to launch my own business which I've been running it for 9.5 years.  These roles give me exceptional knowledge in non-profits and how to help them and understand their struggle.  

3. Absolutely!  I was born and raised here, I love Alberta and I love Canada.  The uncertainty is impacting our economy and causing division at a time we need to come to together, we need to build rather than tear down or tear apart. 

Dylan Bressey (I): 

1. My top two priorities are ensuring an Open City Hall and focusing on the Boring Stuff. Connecting the public with City Hall has always been my biggest focus. I make it a priority to engage online, write about Council decisions, attend community events, and meet residents for coffee. I will continue this personal work while advocating for the City to constantly improve its own communication and engagement. It is only by hearing the experiences, priorities and ideas of residents that Council can make good decisions.

My second priority is 'boring' but essential: good governance. To make any positive change, Council needs to be laser-focused on delivering core services effectively, ensuring long-term financial stability, and creating sound policy. This foundational work is what allows our community to thrive and gives us capacity to deliver on more exciting quality of life work.

2. I have been fortunate to hold leadership roles across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. This includes eight years as a City Councillor, my current role as Vice President of Alberta Municipalities, running youth-focused non-profits, operating small businesses, and founding community organizations like the Grande Prairie Disc Golf Club.

From this diverse experience, I bring three key things to the council chambers:

A Collaborative Approach: I have a track record of bringing people together to find common ground and get things done.

A Commitment to Preparation: I do my homework, dig into the details, and come to meetings prepared for thoughtful, fact-based discussion.

A Focus on the Future: My goal is always to make decisions that not only solve today’s problems but also build a stronger, even better Grande Prairie for years to come.

3.  Yes! Emphatically "Yes!"

Wade Pilat (I): 

1. As Grande Prairie is experiencing low vacancy and population growth I think Council should be focusing on capital spending towards expanding some of our road networks. This would also help increase community safety and provide for further economic development potential. Increased revenue from economic development plays a key role in reducing potential tax increases. 

Safety must remain a top priority for the next Council and the transition to Grande Prairie Police Service needs to be a major focus for them to improve community safety. If we can create a transparent, community led and community policed City service it has the biggest impact on the safety of our community moving forward, and I would like to be part of those conversations with feedback from the community.

2.  Since the age of 21 I have been self employed and have learned many valuable lessons that have helped me evolve. Starting a business, budgeting, hiring and letting people go are all difficult decisions that I have experienced and grown from.

Outside of business I have also had the opportunity to serve as a board member on the Grande Prairie Home Builders, Grande Prairie Soccer Association, Grande Prairie Airport Commission, Public Library Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Pursuit of Excellence and Chamber of Commerce. These various roles in different parts of our community have given lots of experience with budgets, policies, operations and engagement.

3. I think being born in Canada is like winning a lottery, so yes I believe Alberta should stay. Do I wish we had a better relationship with the Federal Government and other parts of Canada, Absolutely.

Charles Poole: 

1.  The top two priorities for myself are optimizing snow removal processes and transparency of city spending. Examine how other cities manage snow and ice. Implement time-based targets and carb-to-curb clearing in residential areas. Provide 12-24hr parking ban notifications to residents via radio & sociel media in advence. Comminicate with the public to eliminate uncertainty regarding street cleaning schedules. Deploy enforcement services to ensure parking bans are in-forced, enabling snow crews to work efficently. Leverage GPS technology to track progress on snow clearing digital maps, enhancing awareness and reducing missed streets.

Municipal fiscal transparency and acicuntability in city. Implementing a spending cap on council expenses, reversing salary increases, reducing travel, and conducting audits to identify operational inefficiencies. Even a 1% reduction in waste can result in substantial savings. 

2.  Throughout my careers, I have held many leadership positions, including crew foreman, supervisor, management roles, union representative, and unit chair. Furthermore, I possess extensive experience in customer service, volunteering, and entrepreneurship, having successfully established my own small businesses in our city. My involvement in various events, such as car shows, music events, and rally car races, has provided me with a broad spectrum of experiences to draw upon. With this comprehensive background, I am confident in my ability to tackle new challenges in city council chambers.

3. Yes, Alberta should remain part of Canada. Despite the numerous challenges we face with the east, separation would inevitably introduce new and distinct issues, coupled with unresolved questions regarding our status as a sovereign nation. We must strive to establish common ground and rebuild our relationship with the east to foster a stronger and more prosperous future. With some effort, Canada can reclaim its position as one of the world's greatest countries.

No responses received from Len Auger, Juanito Bibangco, Gladys Blackmore (Incumbent), Josh Cercel, J. Patrick Croken, Jena Flach, Lionel Frey, Glyn Gruner, Lynn Hoddinott, Waqar Khan, Yad Minhas, Mike O’Connor (I), Solomon Okhifoh, Kevin O’Toole, Michael Ouellette, Craig Reid, Garry Singh, Kendra Sledding, Chris Thiessen (Incumbent), Phil Troyer, Rob Wasylciw.