Photo Courtesy Jena Flach

By Tanner Smith

Candidate profile

City of Grande Prairie Council Candidate Profile: Jena Flach

Sep 22, 2025 | 12:31 PM

Jena Flach is one of over 20 residents running for a City Council position.

She 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 born and raised here in Grande Prairie, and like many, I’ve seen how our city has grown, struggled, and changed over the years. Grande Prairie has always been my home. It’s where I’ve built my life, started my businesses, and made lifelong friendships. I’d love to join city council to represent the part of the community that may not feel like they have a voice, by closing the gap on decisions that feel distant and increase communication. I’m a big believer in the power of connection, and I’d love to encourage more of that between City Hall and residents.

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

My professional experience includes working as a City Transit Operator right here in Grande Prairie, Purchasing and Supply Management in Waterworks, and Oil & Gas experience in utilities and specialized tools.

Now, I am a local business owner, so I am familiar with managing growth, balancing a budget, and making tough decisions. Beyond that, my biggest skill sets are in problem solving and strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration. Throughout my life, I have built partnerships across different sectors from nonprofit to businesses to community groups. I know how to collaborate, and mediate different perspectives to bring people together around a shared solution.

One of my strongest skills is connecting with people. I think council should be open and accessible to the public, and I pride myself on being approachable, and a good listener. Leadership isn’t necessarily about having all the answers, but about building trust, asking the right questions, and making decisions that reflect the needs of the community.

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

Some of the main election issues affecting our community are Public Safety, Cost of Living and Taxation, Economic Development, Infrastructure & Maintenance costs, and Communication. I support balanced, planned approaches to economic development, and growth in Grande Prairie. I also fully support a council that engages and communicates with residents. We need to encourage open conversations and fact based discussions, to be able to effectively hear the needs of residents and grow our community.

4. Where can people learn more about you?

They can check out jenaflach.ca to read more about me, and on Facebook at Jena Flach GP. I am also always open to emails at flachjena@gmail.ca