Photo Courtesy Rob Wasylciw

By Tanner Smith

Candidate profile

City of Grande Prairie Council Candidate Profile: Rob Wasylciw

Sep 17, 2025 | 1:39 PM

Rob Wasylciw is one of over 20 residents running for a City Council position.

He was asked to answer the following four questions with a 600-word limit.

1. What has inspired you to run for mayor/council/school trustee in the Oct. 20, 2025, municipal election?

I was inspired to run in this election because it’s time for a change in the city’s leadership. The city has been on a path for so many years that people don’t even think there’s a better way. Our cost of living is out of control, now city council doesn’t have a direct impact on the cost of living for citizens other than when it comes to property taxes. We pay the 2nd highest property taxes in the province and most don’t feel they’re getting a good return on that investment so something needs to be done; either lower property taxes or get the services up and running that people actually want/need. From a business owner’s perspective, they pay even more than residents, by double in many cases. That is not a good way to promote business in Grande Prairie. It would seem our current and past city councils have been centered around city growth, and while I am FOR city growth, it has to be done in a responsible way. Our growth can’t outpace our infrastructure, and yet it seems it has and now every tax payer is left holding the bill for it and that’s not fair to the taxpayers.

2. What skills or experience do you have that you feel would make you a good fit for the role?

Coming from my private sector career for 25 years, I believe I bring a voice to the table that isn’t there and hasn’t been there for quite some time. It’s time to have a councilor that has the same experience as most of the citizens of Grande Prairie; we get up and go to work, every single day, because that’s what Grande Prairie does. We work hard so we can play hard.
I’m also not afraid to have my voice heard. I will fight for the citizens of GP. I won’t knuckle under just because it may make someone uncomfortable.

3. What do you feel are the key or main election issues in your community, and what are the issues of priority for you?

Clearly property taxes and cost of living is at the top of my list of priorities if I’m fortunate enough to get a seat at the table. One of the first things a new council is responsible for is setting the upcoming budget. This will allow council to get their hands on the current budget proposals and see, line by line, how every single tax dollar is being spent within the city (or not within the city). I will not be giving my approval on everything, just because that’s the way it’s always been done, every decision will be made with the taxpayer in mind.

4. Where can people learn more about you?

If anyone would like to reach out for further information, my website it https://robwasylciw.ca and from there you can contact me directly, or hit up any of the social media platforms. I’m on Facebook, Instagram and X. I also often attend the bbq weekend event put on at 9522 97st, between 1pm and 5pm, but I do also have a day job that will sometimes interfere with my attendance there.