City of Grande Prairie Council Candidate Profile: Waqar Khan

Through my volunteer work and community involvement, especially with the Peace Association of Grande Prairie, I’ve had the privilege of helping people facing mental health struggles, food insecurity, and affordability challenges. I’ve also seen the strength and kindness that make this city special neighbours helping neighbours.

I’m running because I believe Grande Prairie needs practical, compassionate leadership, leadership that listens, unites, and delivers. I want to bring my hands-on business and community experience to City Hall to ensure we make decisions that keep Grande Prairie affordable, safe, and full of opportunity for families and small businesses alike. I wanted to bring fresh eyes and fresh prospective to city council.

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

bring over 20 years of business and community leadership experience. I’ve operated multiple local businesses, creating jobs and learning firsthand about the challenges entrepreneurs and workers face. I’ve also served on the boards of Community Futures Grande Prairie and the Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence, where I’ve mentored small business owners and helped support local economic growth.

As President of the Grande Prairie Cricket Association, I’ve built partnerships with the City, local sponsors, and organizations to grow sports and community engagement. I’ve learned how to bring people together, find solutions, and build strong working relationships qualities that are essential in City Council.

Through both business and volunteer work, I’ve developed skills in strategic planning, budgeting, collaboration, and decision-making. Most importantly, I’m a listener. I take time to understand issues from every side before finding a balanced, practical solution.

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

The three issues I hear about most from residents are affordability, safety, and growth.

Affordability, Families and businesses are feeling the impact of higher costs from property taxes to utility distribution charges. My priority is to ensure the City manages spending responsibly and keeps taxes competitive while maintaining essential services. Every dollar must be spent wisely.

Safety, Residents want safer neighbourhoods and a downtown they feel comfortable in. With the policing transition underway, my focus will be on transparency, accountability, and cost control, ensuring we deliver effective public safety that reflects community priorities.

Growth, Grande Prairie’s potential is enormous, but red tape often slows down development. I’ll work to streamline processes, attract new investment, and strengthen collaboration with the County, Province, and Federal partners to support housing, infrastructure, and local business growth.

I also believe strongly in wellness and recreation for all ages. As someone involved in sports leadership, I’ve seen how active living strengthens both physical and mental health. I’ll advocate for accessible recreation and wellness programs — not just for youth, but for seniors too — so everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, connected life.

4. Where can people learn more about you?

Residents can learn more about my platform, background, and priorities by visiting my website www.waqar4gp.ca or by emailing me directly at waqar4gp@gmail.com.

I’m always open to conversation — whether over coffee, at your doorstep, or at a community event. My campaign is about people, not politics, and I welcome every opportunity to listen and learn from you.

On October 20, I humbly ask for your trust, your support, and your vote — so together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate, and connected Grande Prairie.

by Tanner Smith