Meet our Town Council

The success of a community is built on the power of place, defined by the synergies of the community, economy, and capacity. This synergy is able to produce results greater than the sum of the individual parts. Leadership requires an open mind, the willingness to collaborate, the ability to build relationships, and having respect for others.

Innisfail offers a wonderful quality of life and exceptional opportunities. We have extensive amenities that include an abundance of recreation offerings, festivals and events, great schools, a comprehensive health care system, and affordable living. Innisfail is proud of our diverse business community from manufacturing to retail. The community is supported by hundreds of volunteers who spend countless hours helping others and donating time to projects that enhance our quality of life.

I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders and partners within our community and beyond to continue to move Innisfail forward. Contact Mayor Barclay

I have been an Innisfail resident for the past 35 years. My wife Sharla, of 25 years, and I have raised our three children, two adults and one finishing High School, in this great community.

During my career with Olds College, I was an active resident volunteer, mentor, and leader while holding an 11 ½ year Town of Innisfail Councillor position along with a Vice President role with Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE). In 2013, I left Innisfail municipal politics to focus on my new full-time role as Executive Secretary Treasurer for AUPE.

Over the years I have gained valuable new skills which will assist me during this new role as Town of Innisfail Councillor for the 2021-2025 term. I look forward to leading and assisting with our local economy, social and cultural needs, and listening to our citizens! Contact Councillor Heistad

I was raised on a farm/ranch near Strathmore, which was designated a family century farm in 2007 by the province of Alberta. I graduated from the University of Calgary in 1972 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering (with distinction).

I worked for Procter and Gamble in Grande Prairie as an engineer and manager for five years.  I moved to Innisfail in 1976 and worked for Johns Manville for 25 years, as Plant Engineer, Plant Manager, Sales Manager, and Regional Manager – in charge of all Canadian Operations.  I received extensive management and operations training and was the president of Johns Manville Canada.

After leaving Johns Manville, I worked briefly with 20-20 Auto Repair as Service Advisor and then with Bilton Welding & Manufacturing in sales and estimating.  I was a 20-year member of the Rotary Club and actively volunteered 25 years with Heart and Stroke.

My wife, Frankie, and I raised our three boys in Innisfail, participating in their education and recreation activities.  My oldest son and his wife make their home in our fine community with three of my seven grandchildren.  I am retired, but find myself enjoying my third term on Innisfail Town Council; while connecting with family in Innisfail, Cochrane and Singapore.  I enjoy golfing at Innisfail’s world-class golf club; and trap and skeet shooting at the Lone Pine clay target club. Contact Councillor Bates

I made Innisfail home in 1992 with my husband and our three children. Our family has grown with the addition of a lovely daughter-in-law and two beautiful grandsons.

My work career has consisted of Education Assistant and then Business Manager at John Wilson Elementary School, Executive Director, Red Deer & District Community Foundation and finishing off as Director, Community Relations at Red Deer College before retiring in June 2020.

My work within the community has generally focused on advancing the scope and quality of philanthropy, assisting families in creating and managing effective giving programs and helping corporations, professional firms and other foundations realize their philanthropic objectives. I was drawn to a career in relationship building and fund development thanks to this town, where I was provided opportunities to become a very involved community member. I was active in leadership roles within local minor sports organizations and Town advisory committees – all experiences that served me well as I became more involved in the world of building community capacity and philanthropy.

I am the proud recipient of the Red Deer & District Women of Excellence in the category of Business and the Professions in 2017, and the Soroptimist International Central Alberta Ruby Award in 2008. Contact Councillor Wing

My family moved to Innisfail, Alberta in 1972. I graduated from the Innisfail High School in 1983. Between 1983 and when I moved back to Innisfail in 2006, I combined my passion for learning and travel through attending school and working abroad. I spent time travelling in Southern and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe, and worked as an English as a Second language teacher in Seoul, Korea for four years.

I have worked in various roles over the last 35 years, focusing primarily on developing employment initiatives for youth, Indigenous, people with disabilities, and refugees and immigrants. Most recently, as the executive director of a non-profit, I have been able to combine my passions at a strategic level, advocating and providing skills training opportunities for people who face barriers to the labour market.

I am the proud mother of two beautiful children who are now making their own adventures after being raised in Innisfail. As a newly elected council member for the Town of Innisfail, I will continue creating positive change by contributing my energy, passion, and experience. Contact Councillor Messaros

I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. I loved spending time on my grandparents’ farms as a child, and my heart has always been in the rural lifestyle. In my late teens and early twenties, I lived in Calgary and Banff, spending many evenings and weekends exploring the mountains, foothills, and anywhere my feet, bike, or skis could take me.

I started my first company in Calgary – a landscaping business that I ran for over eight years. I moved to Victoria, BC, in my late 20’s and spent several years continuing my education, working, and developing my career. I worked for an international software company as a senior designer, was the supervisor of the graphics department at BC Transit, and then was an Art Director for CTV Vancouver Island until I moved back to Alberta in the spring of 2017.    In September of that year, I moved to Innisfail and have not looked back since.

I love this community and have worked to build a better, more positive and inclusive community. I am passionate about volunteering and community building. I enjoy the outdoors, and my partner Shaun and I spend as much time camping as we can throughout the year. Adventure and travel is a part of me and I have been lucky to see many parts of the world. Travelling has broadened my perspective, which has allowed me to see the world through a different lens, and it has made me value the opportunities I have had in my life so far. Contact Councillor Dunham

I am 4^th generation Innisfailian that grew up here and ventured out upon graduation to attend post-secondary schooling, receiving both a degree and a technical diploma in Forestry. This began my 37-year career in various locations and positions within the Alberta Government Forestry and Environment department and forming my own forestry and environmental consulting firm which involved working nationally, internationally, and with First Nation and Metis groups throughout the North.   

These experiences led to seats on many boards and committees and led me to municipal politics, serving as Mayor and two (2) terms as Councillor.  

I look forward to serving this great community and you, the resident, by being your voice at the Council table. Contact Councillor Harrison