Mayoral Candidate Bill Powalinsky Pledges Transparent Leadership, Community-Driven Growth, and Proven Expertise for Prince Albert
Bill Powalinsky, a committed leader with decades of experience in business, government, and community service, has launched his campaign for Mayor of Prince Albert, promising to bring balanced and community-focused leadership to City Hall. With a platform rooted in transparency, accountability, and a deep respect for Prince Albert’s unique community values, Powalinsky is ready to address pressing issues like crime prevention, homelessness, and trust in city government. Known for his hands-on approach and a legacy of dedication to civic and social causes, Powalinsky aims to foster an environment where every resident feels valued, safe, and included as Prince Albert moves into a promising new chapter.
“My goal is to bring responsible leadership to Prince Albert,” Powalinsky states. “Through balanced decision-making, I can support and foster a prosperous, safe, inclusive, and vibrant future for our community.”
A Legacy of Community Commitment and Leadership
Powalinsky’s dedication to Prince Albert is deeply personal, shaped by experiences of raising his children and grandchildren here. Powalinsky’s values stem from a lifelong commitment to inclusivity and understanding. His passion for community development began early, influenced by growing up with his twin sister, who has a profound intellectual disability. This experience has grounded his approach to service and formed his foundation in advocacy for inclusion on a personal and professional level. It has developed his drive and dedication to compassionate, proactive, and practical community leadership.
Since moving to Prince Albert in 1984, Powalinsky has left a mark through service with numerous local organizations. He was a founding board member of S.H.A.R.E. and held roles such as Vice-President of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s local branch, board member of the PA Association for Community Living, board member of Riverbank Developments, and Chair of the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as President of the Prince Albert and Area Community Foundation and member of the steering committee of the Community Networking Coalition. His involvement in these and many other committees has played a critical role in shaping Prince Albert’s community landscape.
Powalinsky brings extensive governmental experience, including 24 years with the federal government in employment, unemployment insurance, and community development roles. With experience with Saskatchewan Housing as a housing project officer, Keewatin Community College as Public Relations Officer, and the Prince Albert Health Region in Labor Relations, Powalinsky has rounded out his career. In addition, he has a background in small business having managed a family business, managed a private vocational school, and provided service as a private consultant. A career milestone for Powalinsky was leading the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (now known as Inclusion Saskatchewan) and the Saskatchewan Institute for Community Living as Executive Director. Powalinsky also has experience collaborating with Indigenous leaders, including leading the residential school Common Experience Payment application process across northern Saskatchewan with the Prince Albert Grand Council and FSIN. For the past 9 years, Powalinsky has served the community as the CEO of the Prince Albert Community Service Centre.
Recognizing the Need for Fresh Solutions
In response to the concerns of Prince Albert residents, Powalinsky is focusing his campaign on addressing three pressing issues: crime prevention, homelessness, and transparency in municipal governance.
“People want to feel safe, they want transparency, and they want a city that works for everyone,” Powalinsky explains. He recognizes the need for collaboration and strategic alliances among civil services, government partners, and community stakeholders – advocating for a balanced perspective that considers both economic development and social challenges. “We need to support the business community, especially the small business sector, however we need to show progress in social development in order to make the business environment attractive” he states.