Bill Powalinsky announced his bid to run for Mayor of Prince Albert on Thursday. (Nolan Kowal/paNOW Staff)

By Nolan Kowal

Entering the race

Bill Powalinsky announces mayoral candidacy in P.A.

Jun 6, 2024 | 3:00 PM

Bill Powalinsky believes that it is time for change in Prince Albert – that’s why he’s running for mayor of the ‘Gateway to the North.’

He announced his candidacy on Thursday, five months ahead of the civic election.

“My wish is for the city to move towards that distinction of being in the 10 best places to live in Canada, as it was in 1984,” said Powalinsky, speaking on the steps of City Hall.

“What I’ve heard at the ward meetings are crime and homelessness are at the top of people’s lists,” he continued. “Taxes are always a favourite subject, and balancing social and economic development is another key thing. I think homelessness is a complex issue, and crime is a complex issue.”

Powalinsky moved to the city in 1984. Since that time he’s been involved in many community focused roles, including being the founding member and vice-president of SHARE Inc., a board member of Riverbank Developments, and the vice-president of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

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He’s worked as a project officer with Sask Housing, a manager with Service Canada, and the executive director of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living. He is currently the CEO of the Community Service Centre in Prince Albert.

“I feel that I do bring a balanced approach to the city affairs. I’ve worked in provincial government, federal government, done a short consultation project with the City,” Powalinsky said. “Been a small business owner, I’ve worked for private industry. I feel that my approach is a balance between social and economic development.”

“I believe that you can’t have economic development if you have severe social development issues, because those are issues that are going to interfere with business development.”

Powalinsky also addressed the plans for a new event centre in Prince Albert, a building that would house the Prince Albert Raiders along with hosting other sporting events and concerts.

“I know that if we want to keep our WHL franchise, we have to develop a rink that meets the standards. I really believe that a dual purpose facility is good business,” he said.

“One of the things we need to do is look at our financial position…make sure that we’ve got either revenues or grants coming in that are going to help pay for the city’s approach.

Powalinsky is the only person who has announced his candidacy, aside from current mayor and incumbent Greg Dionne who is seeking re-election.

The municipal election is scheduled for Nov. 13.

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nolan.kowal@pattisonmedia.com