I grew up in the ward, and like many in River Heights-Fort Garry, returned to buy a home here with my wife, Silvia, to raise our family.
With thanks to my father and uncle, I grew up with a lifelong belief in public service. I started as an entrepreneur and small business owner, managing companies in recycling, education and conflict resolution. During that time, I became a school trustee with the Winnipeg School Division and finished my tenure as board chair.
The last four years at City Hall as city councillor and chair of the Property Development, Heritage and Downtown Development Committee have given me the opportunity to advance projects close to our community’s heart.
I have enjoyed being representing River Heights-Fort Garry and am proud of how we have moved our community forward.
I am also a devoted husband and father of two amazing young women who are the main motivators in my life.
Age: 49
Profession: Public servant
Education:
University of Manitoba – Bachelor of Arts,
About You
Have you ever previously run for or held office?
Yes, I ran and was elected as school trustee with the Winnipeg School Division and finished my tenure there as board chair.
Have you ever been a member of a political party?
I presently do not hold party membership in any party.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I have a lifelong belief in public service, something that I value as taught to me by my father and uncle who were both devote advocates in our duty to giving back to our community.
I love the neighbourhood I grew up in and am raising my family in. I understand the needs of those who live in River Heights-Fort Garry and I wanted to ensure their voices were represented at City Hall.
What are the biggest issues facing your community?
I believe in re-investing in River Heights-Fort Garry to keep our historic community a vibrant, safe and active place for all families.
During my time a city councillor, I’ve heard directly from my constituents that in River Heights-Fort Garry we need to focus on fixing our aging infrastructure, making sure developments fit into the character of our neighbourhood, protecting our trees, and expanding our resources to combat crime and ensure community safety.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I competed as an athlete at both summer and winter Canada Games in speed skating and rowing and was a member of the MB road and track cycling team. I also love to binge watch Netflix. (Iron Fist and Homeland)
About your platforms and policies
What is your position on reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians?
I am a strong advocate of hearing feedback from the residents of my ward on how they feel the City should proceed. As this issue is close to the hearts of all Winnipeggers, I support the need to hear directly from the citizens themselves on how we should proceed.
What should Winnipeg’s plan be for the future of public and active transit?
I truly feel that Winnipeg needs a comprehensive and sustainable development plan that provides a clear vision on the development of a long-term expansion of a functional, connected and safe transit system that integrates active transportation options.
What actions should the city take to progress toward reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians?
I am a signature of the Indigenous Accord and I support the steps taken by the City of Winnipeg towards reconciliation. I recognize there is more work that we need to do to ensure that all citizens of Indigenous heritage feel they are full participants in our city. Whether it is providing training to public servants on the history of Indigenous persons in Canada or reviewing all policies and committees to ensure there are no systemic barriers to participation by Indigenous persons; I feel are opportunities for our city to create a more welcoming environment for all citizens to be full contributors.
How can the city tackle growing problems with drug addiction?
I support the call to provide more resources to assist individuals in facing their addictions and receive support they need to develop healthy behaviours. Specifically, I am in favour of the development of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre and supported the recent motion at City Council to put together a meth task force to explore this very question and work towards finding ways to tackle this growing problem.
Tell us about something you’ve seen in another city that Winnipeggers should consider implementing here.
I have explored the civic benefits of Chicago’s snow clearing technology with the hope we could implement similar ideas in Winnipeg. We need to develop a more comprehensive plan to tackle this pervasive issue in our city and I feel that their technology would provide us with a road map to providing Winnipeggers with a more cost-effective solution to this seasonal challenge.
Find out more about John Orlikow:
http://reelect.orlikow.ca/
@johnorlikow
https://www.facebook.com/john.orlikow
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