(Photo Credit: Brian Peterson)

By Nathaniel Leigh

Candidate Profile

County of Grande Prairie Council Candidate Profile: Brian Peterson

Oct 14, 2025 | 5:07 PM

Brian Peterson is one of two Division 7 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 seeking re-election as your Division 7 representative for the County of Grande Prairie No. 1. Serving this community has been a privilege, and I am committed to continuing effective representation through my growing experience in council dynamics, collaboration with county administration, and advocacy to higher levels of government. My goal is to drive positive change while prioritizing accountability, transparency, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

Governmental Beliefs

I believe government should serve, not rule, its people. I advocate for small, accountable government that ensures transparency and efficient use of resources to help our communities thrive while respecting every resident’s needs and contributions.

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

Relevant Experience and Skills

With four years as Division 7s representative and prior service as Mayor of Hythe, I have honed skills in municipal governance. My background in local, provincial, and international business operations equips me with economic and strategic planning expertise. I actively advocate for Division 7s needs to provincial and federal governments, ensuring our voice is heard. My skills include respectful and persuasive communication, strong negotiation, accounting expertise, and business acumen. As a perceptive listener, I prioritize residents’ concerns, approaching challenges with patience and persistence to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Core Values

My leadership is guided by my value family, community, and honesty. These values drive my commitment to fostering strong, supportive relationships and representing Division 7 with integrity and trustworthiness.

Volunteer Community Service

My dedication to Division 7 extends through extensive volunteer service, reflecting collaborative efforts to strengthen our community:

• Hythe Volunteer Fire Department (25+ years): As a volunteer firefighter, I helped build the fire hall, enhancing community safety through teamwork and fiscal responsibility.

• Hythe Pioneer Home (8 years, Board Chair): I collaborated with a dedicated team to eliminate significant debt while prioritizing resident care, highlighting my financial expertise and commitment to transparent governance.

• Pearson Place Hythe (3 years, Board Chair): I collaborated to achieve a balanced budget, improving resident experiences and demonstrating sustainable, community focused leadership.

• Hythe Christmas Tree (Co-founder): I helped establish this tradition, fostering community spirit and connection.

• Spring Lake Ski Hill Revitalization: I contributed to transforming a deserted facility into a safe, family-friendly recreational hub, highlighting my ability to deliver community-focused solutions.

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

Strategic Focus Areas

My vision for Division 7 and the County emphasizes collaborative, transparent governance to deliver measurable results. I aim to enhance economic vitality, community safety, and quality of life while responsibly managing resources.

County-Wide Priorities

• Fiscal Responsibility: Drive economic development, improve operational efficiency, evaluate services, manage assets, and redevelop declining neighborhoods to leverage infrastructure.

• Rural Crime Prevention: Strengthen inter-agency cooperation, advocate for criminal accountability, promote crime deterrence strategies, and encourage public education and reporting.

• Health Care Advocacy: Engage with governments to secure better health care re sources and support the South Peace Physician Attraction and Retention Committee.

• Support for Non-Profits: Ensure continued support for non-profits to maximize their impact and deliver value for taxpayers.

• Road Standards and Maintenance: Develop a comprehensive plan for a reliable, high-quality transportation network.

• Electrical Infrastructure Costs: Advocate for fair infrastructure costs across the province to ensure northern Albertans benefit from the Alberta Advantage.

• Weed Control: Implement a weed management plan, including no-spray areas, to balance environmental and community needs.

Division 7 Priorities

• Roadside Brush Management: Develop and fund a plan for 2026 to enhance safety and accessibility.

• Community Standards By-Law for Hythe: Collaborate to approve a by-law supporting urban community needs.

• Spray Park Support: Support the Agriculture society’s Spray Park project for operation by 2026.

• Funded Community Advisory Board: Establish a board to amplify resident voices and prioritize Division 7s needs.

4. Where can people learn more about you?

Contact: For questions or to discuss priorities, reach me at 780-228-0034