Zak Pashak – Building Strong Communities

Calgary is a city where a good idea and a strong work ethic can get you anywhere. This entrepreneurial spirit drives Calgary’s inner-most communities. A successful small business owner and proven community builder, Zak is committed to better representing the interests of Ward 8 residents. In 2010 Alberta Venture Magazine named Zak one of “Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People 2010”.

Like many Calgarians before him, Zak has worked hard to build his businesses and now he will bring his work ethic and vision of entrepreneurial vibrant communities to City Hall.

Zak Pashak brings energy and insight to encouraging local business, improving transportation, and rebuilding trust in City Hall. His work as a community leader has already helped Ward 8 flourish and he would like your help to continue this leadership from City Hall.

Zak will bring development back downtown, and with it, the safety that vibrant communities assure.

Zak wants to Build Strong Communities with you.

Enabling Independent Business will Build Strong Communities

As a successful local businessman and leading community builder, Zak knows the benefits of a strong independent business culture – it creates employment, enables the arts, brings people downtown, and facilitates ventures dedicated to giving back to Ward 8 communities.

Zak’s plan to revitalize independent businesses in your community includes:

  • Reducing the regulatory burden on independent business and services in Ward 8.
  • Fighting for equitable taxation levels for independent business, putting more money back into their business and the community.

Improving Transportation through Ward 8 will Build Strong Communities

Calgary’s transit infrastructure makes it quite easy to get downtown; getting around Ward 8 is much more difficult.

No matter how you choose to get around, improving access to transportation networks in and around our communities, increases quality of life.

Zak’s vision includes:

  • Promoting increased frequency and introducing express buses or alternatives, on inner-city-specific routes to address the problem of full buses at peak times
  • Exploring the possibility of extending hours for Calgary Transit, including 24-hour LRT service, promoting safe transportation options at all times of day
  • Increasing and expanding commuter lanes and other cycling infrastructure, including green zones, separated lanes and tiered sidewalks, making commutes safer for bikers, drivers and pedestrians
  • Facilitating appropriate traffic-calming initiatives, while promoting pedestrian-friendly streets

Rebuilding Trust in City Hall will Build Strong Communities


Over the last three years, there has been an erosion of trust in City Hall.  Change is needed to bring accountability back to Council.  Zak will make this change happen.

Zak’s plan involves the following:

  • Fight for an independent Auditor General’s office, committed to keeping City Hall accountable;
  • Require regular audits of City services, led by the Auditor; and
  • Create an atmosphere wherein you will feel welcome to talk with your Alderman to discuss what matters most to you and your community.

Building a 21st Century City Requires Strong Communities

Calgary is a pioneering city. It rewards those who work hard, embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and participate in their communities. We need a City Hall that recognizes these values.

To build on our legacy of prosperity and strong community spirit, we need:

  • A diversified real estate market that provides homes for all and in doing so, fosters safety and security;
  • An improved parks system for communities to share; and
  • A can-do philosophy where City Hall enables and complements existing communities.

Zak’s three-point plan to Build Strong Communities will provide Ward 8 with the framework needed to achieve these goals.