Vote Wade Pilat for City Council

For nearly forty-five years I have lived in Grande Prairie and watched it grow in population and change in appearance. I would be proud to represent your voice to ensure we build a safe, vibrant community moving forward with great accountability for the taxes you spend.

My intended role on City Council will be Community Driven while being Financially Responsible. Our children and the generations after them should have the opportunity to appreciate the amenities of their city without being financially burdened with endless tax increases. As a long time local business owner, I believe it is possible to have an abundant community while maintaining a realistic budget.

Let’s Work Together to bring balance to Grande Prairie’s budget by treating it as though it is our very own. My businesses have always been founded on the values and inspirations of our employees, while ensuring stability within the business itself. I will treat this position no differently and with no less respect. I will ensure that City Council hears the importance of treating their residents as customers instead of just “tax payers”. As a dedication to my engagement I would like the opportunity to respond to any inquiries through email as a way of ensuring that your opinion is given the time and consideration that it deserves.

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Community Driven

As your councillor, I will work to ensure the people of Grande Prairie have a voice to shape THEIR community. A safe, vibrant place to live, raise a family, find a career, and retire.

I believe with better financial responsibility we could continue to grow and evolve our community amenities while avoiding tax increases. This would create more value for the taxes you pay.

Court Sport Facility:
Over the past seven years serving on council, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact that court-based sports bring to our community—strengthening physical and mental health, fostering youth development, engaging adults and seniors, and contributing to our local economy. Participation numbers in our region remain high, and Grande Prairie has the potential to position itself as a central hub for these activities.

Looking ahead, I will continue to advocate for enhanced court sport facilities as we are seeing growth in many sports. An important conversation I would like to be a part of is repurposing the old Composite High School land as a central, accessible location dedicated to sport and recreation. In addition to this site, there are also other underutilized buildings and spaces in our community that could benefit from similar repurposing, creating a broader network of facilities that serve residents while strengthening Grande Prairie’s appeal as a sporting destination. Not only does sports benefit our residents I would continue to support and advocate for GP to be the sports hub for northern Alberta and BC and attract more Provincial and National Events.

By working with industry experts and community stakeholders, my goal is to bring forward options that maximize both community benefit and financial responsibility—ensuring that Grande Prairie can proudly showcase itself as a destination for sport while keeping an eye on our bottom line.

Transportation Plan:
The ability to move within our community in a safe and efficient way is not only a matter of convenience but also a cornerstone of public safety and economic growth. While long-term engineered plans are valuable, it is just as critical that these plans remain flexible and responsive to the realities of current community development.

I will continue to advocate for regular industry consultation and the use of up-to-date research before any major capital projects proceed, ensuring that decisions are based on today’s needs rather than outdated blueprints.

Looking forward, I will be advocating for additional work to complete areas of twinning on 116 Street and 132 Avenue. These corridors are key routes connecting Grande Prairie with populated schools and growing developments, and as our city grows, we must be prepared to prevent traffic build-up, address access issues, and prioritize safety for all road users. By planning and investing wisely, we can ensure steady, reliable road access on our major routes while supporting continued growth in a way that benefits everyone.

Seniors’ Housing & Affordability:
One of the most pressing challenges we face is the shortage of housing for seniors in Grande Prairie. Reports from senior housing organizations indicate that more than 250 seniors are currently on waiting lists for placemen, and growing—an unacceptable situation for those who have contributed so much to our community. Many of these residents are living on fixed incomes and simply cannot afford to wait for affordable housing solutions.

This must remain a top priority, and although I new project is underway in Grande Prairie. I will continue to remind council of the urgency of this issue until we can be confident that seniors have safe, accessible, and affordable housing options available to them. Our seniors deserve dignity and stability, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are not left behind as the community grows.

Financially Responsible

As both a business owner and a Councillor with two terms of experience, I am confident in navigating complex budgets and financial records until a plan makes sense for our community. My goal is always to bring balance to Grande Prairie’s municipal budget while keeping the needs of residents at the forefront.

Throughout my time on council, I have learned to carefully evaluate both sides of the budget—recognizing what investments bring clear benefit to the community and where spending may be unsustainable. I am comfortable making tough decisions and having difficult conversations when required, always with the goal of ensuring financial responsibility without creating unnecessary conflict.

At every budget deliberation, I bring forward well-researched, thoughtful recommendations that are focused on positive community impact while being economically sustainable. Reducing unnecessary spending and keeping taxes manageable for residents will continue to be priorities I advocate for moving forward.

Reduced Spending & Tax Value:
I have remained committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are respected and used wisely. By challenging inefficiencies and keeping spending in check, I believe it is possible for Grande Prairie to not only hold the line on taxes but also achieve reductions where practical.

My focus is to continue bringing forward well-researched decisions that provide real value to residents. Fiscal responsibility means more than balancing numbers—it means making sure every dollar collected works hard for our community while keeping affordability top of mind.

Accountability:
Accountability is one of the most important qualities in an elected official, and it remains a guiding principle in how I serve Grande Prairie. Every decision I have supported has been researched carefully, debated openly, and made with the best interests of our community in mind.

I take pride in being transparent about my positions, following through on commitments, and ensuring that residents know where I stand. Moving forward, I will continue to hold myself accountable to the people of Grande Prairie—listening, engaging, and making decisions that reflect both responsibility and integrity.

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Testimonial

About Wade

I have been a proud part of the Grande Prairie community since it had a population of 15,000 people. Throughout my life I have been fortunate to have grown up in a family that taught me to work hard, be confident and accept knowledge from others where I may lack. With that lesson in mind, I have surrounded myself with people whom I could learn and grow from. I am grateful to have many mentors and peers, as well as my wife Dalene, and our two daughters, Priya and Saige, of whom are all very passionate about this community and how it is represented. They help to remind me of the variety of perspectives that people in this community may have and that each one deserves due consideration.

I am an entrepreneur by nature having owned small local businesses, from retail, restaurant, selling Real Estate, building homes and small land development projects for over 20 years in Grande Prairie. I mindfully conduct my businesses in a way that reflects the high morals my mentors have instilled in me, and because of their examples I am very passionate about giving time back to the community. I am very proud of the community involvement list below and look forward to having the chance to deliver a consideration of both a business and community perspective at the City Council table.

What we need for our City Council is an experienced person who gets things done. A man that follows through on his words with actions. We support Wade Pilat because he is someone that represents these aspects.
Neil TuazonPresident of Filipino Community
I have had the opportunity to get to know Wade professionally and personally over the past 20 years. He is community driven and has always wanted what is best for Grande Prairie as a whole. From his years of volunteering on several boards within Grande Prairie to his commitment to invest back into our fine city. Wade has always been an integrity based and transparent business member and city resident. His constant search for answers as to what would make Grande Prairie a better place to be only solidifies why he would make a great member of Council. Wade Pilat is an integral part of Grande Prairie's equation for success.
Jeff SmithCommercial Insurance Executive - Foster Park Insurance an NFP Company
Wade Pilat would be an excellent addition to Grande Prairie City Council and I am happy to support him in this new opportunity. I have dealt with Wade for several years in the real estate, land development and home building industry and have always appreciated his dedication to customer service and client satisfaction in his businesses. This commitment to customer service and his ability to put procedures in place to ensure customer satisfaction will be a true asset as a councillor. As previous members of the Urban Developers Institute, I have witnessed Wade’s effort in educating himself on City financial matters and he is not afraid to ask difficult questions or offer constructive business minded suggestions to all City departments. As a Council Member, I know Wade will continue to be focused on the current and future financial situation of the City and will bring a valuable business perspective to the budgeting and fiscal procedures of the City. Lastly, Wade and I have similar aged children and I have always been impressed with the importance he puts on family and the opportunities he seeks out and utilizes within the City for his children. As a council member, I know Wade will advocate for continued opportunities for our young City residents and will promote the use and financial stability of the great facilities we already have.
Kelly McleodRoyal Lepage - The Realty Group
I have had the pleasure of knowing Wade in a variety of roles over many years. I have coached soccer alongside Wade, I have worked alongside Wade and I have seen his devoted participation within community roles. Wade runs all aspects of his life with integrity, loyalty and honesty. He prides himself on being true to his word and ensuring a successful outcome at anything he puts his mind to. He has built a business from the ground up by being a leader that sees the value in team building. Wade is a successful businessman because of his ability to hear what others are saying and give those ideas the consideration they deserve. Wade will be the alderman to hear what the residents of Grande Prairie are saying and truly be a voice to those concerns at the City Council table.
Bill ShawInstructor, Celtic Sports Academy
I support Wade Pilat as a councilor for the city of Grande Prairie. I have had the opportunity to get to know Wade professionally and personally over the past 13 years. He is passionate about the community. Wade is always sincere and honest and has genuine interest in making our community the best it can be. He has always advocated for supporting local businesses and ensures his actions reinforce that belief. I believe this is one of the reasons that Wade is so well recognized within our community. Wade has been in many of Grande Prairie’s volunteer positions over the years and is currently a Rotarian along with holding positions on numerous boards within our community. Wade is dedicated and hard working and that is the kind of person that helps bring about positive changes.
Courtney ZimmermanTeacher, Aspen Grove School
Wade Pilat will be an incredible asset to City Council! His experience base is incredibly broad having been very involved in community volunteerism, running numerous successful businesses, raising a young family who are very active within our community and having been an engaged resident for nearly forty years. I have volunteered alongside Wade for various nonprofit events and in a board capacity and can honestly say that he is a man with great integrity. His company was even awarded the 2016 Corporate Volunteer of the year award because of his passion to encourage engagement within this community. This is truly a man who will push to make a difference.
Cheryl WeaverBoard Chair, Regional EMS Foundation
I support Wade Pilat for Grande Prairie City Council. Wade and I have known each other for greater than 30 years as classmates and friends. As a long time citizen and business person in this growing and thriving community, Wade has always shown understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the Grande Prairie area. He has the knowledge and temperament to make a valuable contribution to the city council. Wade is reasonable, personable, and works well with others. Wade Pilat has demonstrated that he is a candidate for all citizens of our community. One thought used to summarize my role as a nurse is: I am not what I can do, but how I do it. Wade is able to deal with different people and personalities, yet not lose his focus, and still get the job done. He has volunteered for many non-profit organizations over the years and is currently a Rotarian, on the Airport board, the Assessment Review Board also as a parent volunteer for his children’s school. Wade is consistently working to make our community a better place.
Shannon StephensonNurse
I am so happy to hear that Wade Pilat has decided to run for Grande Prairie City Council. Wade is a local boy who grew up in our community and chose to raise his family and build his business in Grande Prairie. Wade brings a wealth of practical business experience to this position which is critically important when major decisions are being made at city council level. Wade is a listener. He is always eager to hear someone’s opinion or concern on a matter related to Grande Prairie and our surrounding area. Wade is a community minded person who believes in giving back to the community. It is great to see that he is willing to commit of his time to become part of the City council. Wade has the passion and conviction to ensure that the City is fiscally responsible for the tax dollars raised in our community. The future of Grande Prairie is being built by young entrepreneurs like Wade. I fully support Wade Pilat for City Council. I hope you do as well.
Kevin SzakacsHi-Tech Business Systems Ltd.
I've known Wade for 15+ years and have always known him to be a community minded business owner that understands the cyclical nature of our industry-based economy. As a home builder, he also has early insight into the economic up & down swings and understands the need for a fiscally conservative policy. I would be happy to hear Wade's voice on City Council and I look forward to the business-minded approach he'd bring to our City Hall.
Ryan Blais

Community Leadership Roles

My experience with board dynamics and working as a team will enable me to apply such skills to the City Council table in a productive manner.

City of Grande Prairie Elected Official
City Councillor – 2023 to 2025
City of Grande Prairie Pursuit of Excellence
Board Director – 2004 to 2011
City of Grande Prairie Public Library
Board Director – 2012 to 2014
Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce
Board Director– 2016 to 2017

Grande Prairie Home Builders Association
Board Director and Past President – 2009 to 2011
Alberta Home Builders Association
Board Director – 2009 to 2014
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Board Director – 2016 to 2019
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Mentor – 2006 to 2010

During time on City Council I have also been able to serve on many other community organizations as part of my role. These various organizations have given me more insight into our community and taught me some of their challenges and successes.

FAQs

Where do I go to vote on Election Day, October 20, 2025?

Election Day:

Monday, October 20, 2025

Voting Times:

10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Election Day

Who Can Vote, What to Bring and Where

Please visit the City of Grande Prairie website for up-to-date voter information including eligibility, acceptable identification and where to vote.

Thank you for making sure that your vote counts!

When and where can I participate in the Advance Voting?

Advance Voting Dates:

October 9-11, 2025
October 16-18, 2025

Advance Voting Times:

11:00 am to 7:00 pm each day

Advance Voting Location:

Teresa Sargent Hall in the Montrose Cultural Centre (9839-103 Avenue - Click Here for Directions)

Who Can Vote and What to Bring

Please visit the City of Grande Prairie website for up-to-date voter information including eligibility and acceptable identification.

Thank you for making sure that your vote counts!

What is the main objective you would like to achieve if you are elected?

I was diligent and effective on my focus of zero tax increases in my first term and will continue will a focus of appropriate spending if elected for a second term. My favorite part of Council in my first term was budget deliberations and would be honored to be a part of it again.

What experience does Wade have when it comes to being a City Councillor?

In Wade's words:

The hardest thing about experience is that you have to have it. And I do.

Having already served two terms on Grande Prairie City Council, I bring a strong foundation of knowledge and firsthand understanding of how our city operates. I took particular interest in the budget process, learning the complexities of municipal finances and ensuring that decisions made the most fiscal sense for residents. Budget deliberations involve planning for hundreds of millions of dollars in both capital and operational expenditures, and I know how to navigate that process effectively on your behalf.

Beyond budgets, my experience has always centered on listening to residents. During my time on council, I engaged directly with people on a wide range of topics—whether it was recreation facilities, infrastructure, or controversial projects. Some of those conversations were tough, but I never shied away from them. I believe strongly that challenging discussions are necessary to reach the best decisions for our community, and I have shown I can have them without creating unnecessary conflict.

I also bring committee and leadership experience, having served on and chaired several committees throughout my time on council. I understand the process, the responsibilities, and the seriousness of the role. After years of serving, listening, and learning, I am ready once again to put that experience to work—ensuring Grande Prairie continues to move forward responsibly and with integrity.