“My name is Zak Pashak and I am a fourth generation resident of Ward 8. I have deep roots in this community and I believe that with your help we can make it better.”
Origins
The Pashak family has been in Calgary for four generations- active in local business and politics. His great-grandparents were the first owners of a home (that is still standing) on 24th Avenue where they raised 8 children and owned a grocery store on street where the Bank of Montreal is currently located. Zak owns a home in Sunalta, where he has lived for the past 7 years.
Formative Years
Pashak attended Western Canada High School and went on to study at the University of Alberta. While attending University, he served the campus radio station – CJSR – as News Director and the host of an afternoon program interviewing artists, writers, musicians and community leaders. This experience exposed him to an array of perspectives and issues and revealed his strong interest in community-building. He returned to Calgary in 2002 and became a radio host at CJSW where he continued to promote local music.
Small Business Owner
In 2003 Pashak began work opening Broken City- a live music venue that became an award winning cultural institution despite initial zoning and development issues with city departments. Broken City is known by music lovers across the country.
In 2008 Pashak opened the Biltmore, a music venue in Vancouver, where he once again experienced the trials independent business owners can undergo at the hands of civic departments. Zak understands the challenges and opportunities that small business owners face in Calgary and would like to fight on their behalf as Alderman for Ward 8.
Community-Builder
In 2007, in an effort to encourage Calgary’s arts community and foster a sense of community pride, Zak founded the Sled Island music festival which features hundreds of local and international artists, film makers and musical acts in 25+ venues throughout the city – every summer. Sled Island was recently named one of the top 10 festivals in Canada by the CBC.
Zak is a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion #1 in downtown Calgary. In 2009 the legion awarded Pashak a certificate of appreciation for his work with them over the years.
In 2010 Zak Pashak was honored to be named one of Alberta Venture’s 50 most influential Albertans.
