Photo Courtesy Mike O'Connor

By Tanner Smith

Candidate profile

City of Grande Prairie Council Candidate Profile: Mike O’Connor

Sep 23, 2025 | 12:08 PM

Mike O’Connor 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?

After four years on council—and nearly a year of learning before that—I can say the steep learning curve was worth it. The first six months felt like drinking from a fire hose, but through study, courses, and hands-on experience, I gained the knowledge needed to truly serve our community.

I’ve completed six of eight courses in the Elected Officials Education Program, covering everything from planning and finance to public engagement and strategic decision-making. This training, combined with real-world experience, has given me the confidence to ask the right questions and ensure our community is always informed.

Most importantly, I’ve learned how to work with my fellow councillors to make tough but necessary decisions—always with the best interests of Grande Prairie at heart. Now I feel that I have the tools to continue to represent all People.

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

My business, board, and volunteer experience have given me the tools to serve effectively. I’ve built and led businesses like Maco Photo, Gooney Grams, Mike O’Connor Construction, TurCon Construction Group, and Rainbow Restoration. I’ve also chaired and served on boards including Camp Tamarack, Grande Prairie Little Theatre, GPRC’s Board of Governors, the Swan City Rotary Club, the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce, and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, where I was Chair in 2000.

Through these roles, I’ve learned how to collaborate, build support, ask the tough questions, and truly listen to get to the heart of an issue.

I bring hard work, passion, and the energy to keep driving Grande Prairie forward. Most of all, I take pride in listening to our citizens and helping where I can.

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

Economic growth is the heartbeat of our city. Attracting businesses creates jobs, jobs support families, and families build a thriving community. Without strong job opportunities for our youth, our city risks decline—and by the time we notice, it’s too late. Growth also helps “average down” taxes, spreading the load across more people.

The new Multiplex dome is a big step forward—providing year-round activities for youth and adults while attracting tournaments, visitors, and new residents. But growth also means ensuring safety and quality of life: a responsive police service, fully integrated 911 system, safe trails, and accessible transit for seniors and youth.

We must be smarter about infrastructure—attacking snow when it’s soft, keeping manholes clear, and fixing potholes earlier with better technology. These steps extend the life of our roads and save taxpayers money.

At the same time, we must keep pressing to reduce high electrical transmission costs, while planning for the future with a strategic vision: lower taxes without cutting services, new recreation facilities, an entertainment district, and long-term investments in amenities that keep families and youth engaged.

Grande Prairie’s future is ours to shape—and the time to act is now.

4. Where can people learn more about you?

Please view my platform below. Reach out to me on line and we can arrange a coffee to discuss my plan

Vote4mikegp.com

We are “Better Together”