Meet Our Town Council
Innisfail Town Council
Innisfail Town Council, currently serving the community during a term running from 2025 – 2029, was sworn in on October 27, 2025. Councillors uphold the standards within the community that its citizens expect through bylaws and policy creation and amendment.
Council Members
Mayor
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. Email: jean.barclay@innisfail.ca
Councillor
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! Email: jason.heistad@innisfail.ca
Councillor
I am a devoted community advocate who is focused on keeping our citizens engaged and invested in the future of lnnisfail. With a deep belief in collaboration and partnerships, I actively support local service groups and non-profit organizations that strengthen our community.
As a father to two children, I’m passionate about creating and expanding affordable programs for youth , ensuring every young person has access to opportunity, mentorship, and a safe place of belonging.
With a track record of dedicated service and compassion for people, I work to bring responsible leadership that puts citizens first.
Let’s build a stronger lnnisfail together. Email: donnie.hill@innisfail.ca
Councillor
My wife Pat and I moved to Innisfail in 1992, where we raised our family and built our home. I am a proud native Calgarian and a graduate of the Advanced Care Paramedic program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), where I graduated with honours.
My career in Emergency Medical Services began in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and over time evolved into several administrative and leadership roles within the EMS system. I later earned a Certificate in Health Care Administration from the University of Saskatchewan, further enhancing my leadership ability within the health care field.
One of my most rewarding achievements was establishing and operating the Mountain View Regional Emergency Services Commission, which provided emergency medical services to multiple municipalities across Mountain View County. This experience gave me a strong foundation in inter-municipal collaboration and regional service delivery.
In 2004, as Emergency Medical Services began transitioning into the provincial health system, I was asked to lead that transition for the David Thompson Regional Health Authority, which later became part of Alberta Health Services (AHS). I went on to serve as the Associate Executive Director for EMS in the Central Zone of AHS, overseeing service delivery and system coordination across a vast area of Alberta until my retirement in 2019.
Innisfail has been our home for over three decades, and it is both an honour and a privilege to serve the people of this community as a member of Town Council. Email: lyle.mckellar@innisfail.ca
Councillor
I have lived in Innisfail and area since 2001. My wife and I raised our two children here and I have contributed to the community in numerous volunteer roles over the years. I recently retired after 33 years in education, I spent 19 years as Associate Superintendent with Chinook’s Edge School Division overseeing Human Resources, Corporate Services, budgets, contracts, capital planning, and school construction. I worked closely with trustees, municipalities, including the Town of Innisfail on projects like the high school gym and joint use agreements.
I am both honoured and thankful to be elected to Town Council. I hope to apply my leadership, decision-making, and collaboration skills to help move our great town forward. I will prioritize community input, responsible budgeting, community growth, and partnerships to ensure decisions benefit all residents. Email: shawn.russell@innisfail.ca
Councillor
I’ve been proud to call Innisfail home for over 25 years. My wife and I raised our family here, and now we have the joy of watching our grandchildren grow up and take part in our community.
You’ll often find me at local sports events, cheering them on and making good use of our town’s facilities. By being there, I see firsthand the strengths we have as a community and where there is room for improvement.
I’m truly honoured to have been elected to serve on Innisfail Town Council. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who supported me along the way.
Councillor
Al and I made Innisfail home in 1992, along with our three children. Our family has grown and we are thrilled to have our two grandsons close by!
In my first term on Council, I served on the Innisfail Chamber of Commerce Board, Innisfail Public Library Board, Parkland Regional Library System Board, Innisfail Municipal Development Plan Committee, Red Deer River Municipal Users Group, Emergency Advisor Committee, Inter-Municipal Development Plan Committee, Innisfail Subdivision & Development Appeal Board and the Innisfail Municipal Planning Commission.
My work career consisted of Educational Assistant and then Business Manager at John Wilson Elementary School, Executive Director, Red Deer & District Community Foundation and Director, Community Relations at Red Deer College. I retired 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. Over the years, 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, and the Soroptimist International Central Alberta Ruby Award. Email: janice.wing@innisfail.ca
Council Meetings
The dates of the Town’s council meetings can be found on our Council Meeting page. Anyone may attend council meetings to watch, with an opportunity to speak during the open-mic session. A copy of the agenda can be viewed and printed on Civic Web.
