Candidate Profile -- Sheila Wolanski

PONOKA -- Sheila Wolanski will be seeking a seat on Ponoka Town Council in the upcoming municipal election.

Wolanski is a former resident of Vancouver Island and has previously worked as a restorative justice facilitator. Her campaign platform focuses on strengthening business competitiveness and community inclusion. Speaking to 89.7 The One, she says that if elected on October 20th, one of the areas she would work to address is the issue of accessibility. 

"Particularly for those with wheeled devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, and strollers, especially in the downtown core area," said Wolanski. "Safer and more visible crosswalks including lights, especially in congested areas including parks, school zones, and our new skate park for example -- it doesn't have a very visible crosswalk there."

She would also advocate for enhanced snow and ice removal measures in commercial and public areas. This comes as slips and falls are one of the leading causes of hospital visits for seniors in the wintertime. Wolanski adds that she would work to strengthen businesses as well as public services. 

"I find there's a lot of difficulties and a lot of issues that I'm noticing in the community," said Wolanski. "Particularly around business and social services and support, which I feel my background experience would be beneficial for."

Wolanski is one of ten candidates running for Ponoka Council in the 2025 civic election.