(Photo Credit: Joel Park)

By Nathaniel Leigh

Candidate Profile

County of Grande Prairie Council Candidate Profile: Joel Park

Oct 7, 2025 | 5:09 PM

Joel Park is one of two Division 3 residents running for a County 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 am running for council because I believe the residents of Division 3 in the County of Grande Prairie deserve strong and thoughtful leadership. That means leadership that listens, understands, and takes meaningful action. It also means working collaboratively with other divisions to build a unified and effective council. Together, we can put community first, share ideas, and deliver results that benefit the entire County.

In recent years, our ratepayers have faced a range of pressing challenges. These include infrastructure issues, particularly those that directly affect people’s homes and quality of life, growing concerns around safety and policing, high taxes, and the need for more responsible budget management. At the same time, we must pursue opportunities to attract business investment, expand our local economy, create jobs, and address affordability.

Residents have also expressed a clear desire to build healthier, more connected communities. That means improving amenities such as walkable trails, community rinks and courts, parks, and sidewalks. These are the spaces that bring people together and enhance quality of life.

It is time for a fresh perspective and a new voice. I am committed to delivering strong representation and creating real opportunities for the people who call Division 3 home.

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

I bring a combination of practical experience, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to servicing our community. As a long-time I.T. specialist and a small business owner in Grande Prairie for over 25 years, I’ve help to build future-ready businesses and contributed to the vitality and resilience of our local economy.

I am deeply committed to volunteerism and believe that the efforts we invest in building stronger communities is what makes those communities thrive. This commitment has been shaped through decades of involvement with Rotary and other local organizations.

With experience serving on numerous boards and committees, there’s a deep appreciation for the importance of listening first and acting with integrity. Transparency, accountability, and strategic thinking are essential to effective leadership, and strong communication remains at its core.

Meeting the needs of today and tomorrow requires thinking beyond the status quo. It means creating new opportunities, exploring innovative solutions, and challenging conventional approaches to build something stronger and more resilient.

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

Key Issues in Our Community:

• Public safety and policing

Residents are increasingly concerned about crime and community safety. Strengthening policing and preventative measures is a priority.

• Taxation and budget management

High taxes and spending decisions must be addressed with greater transparency and fiscal responsibility.

• Infrastructure for All Ratepayers

Core infrastructure across our communities requires renewed attention and smart investment to support safety, livability, and long term growth.

• Economic opportunity and affordability

Supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and creating jobs are essential to improving affordability and financial stability for families.

• Healthy, connected communities

There is strong public interest in enhancing amenities that support active living and community connection, such as walkable trails, parks, sidewalks, and recreational facilities like rinks and courts. Equally important is advocating for accessible, high-quality healthcare services across the County. Supporting local clinics, improving access to care, and working with provincial partners to address gaps in service are vital to ensuring residents can live healthier, more secure lives.

4. Where can people learn more about you?

To learn more about my platform, values, and vision for Division 3 and the County of Grande Prairie, visit joelpark.ca or follow me on Facebook for updates and conversations throughout the campaign. I’m always open to connecting, whether it’s through a phone call, a coffee chat, or a conversation at your doorstep or around town. This campaign is about all of us, and together, we can build something great.

Your voice matters, and your vote is how we shape the future of our community. I encourage everyone to get informed, get involved, and make sure to vote.

The RIGHT CHOICE for What’s Next