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Calgary Herald
11-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Former Edmonton Stingers CEO Reed Clarke launches bid for city council
A familiar name in Edmonton sports and business circles is entering the municipal politics arena for the first time. Article content Article content Reed Clarke, the former CEO and co-owner of the Edmonton Stingers and current CEO of Sport Edmonton, announced his candidacy for city council in Ward Nakota Isga this weekend, bringing what he describes as a 'fresh approach' rooted in collaboration, community and economic vitality. Article content Article content 'I love this city,' Clarke told Postmedia ahead of the launch. 'As somebody who grew up and was raised in the ward, bought my first house there, learned to play the sport I love the most — basketball — and still coaches these kids at the Grovenor Community League in basketball, it's really a full circle moment for me.' Article content Article content Nakota Isga is the west-end ward that has been represented by Coun. Andrew Knack, who is not seeking another term as councillor but is reportedly considering a run for mayor. Article content Clarke's platform is built around three pillars. The first is connected, which is all about building strong relationships among stakeholders, including the province, federal government, police, business leaders, and fellow council members. Clarke believes consensus-building and collaboration are essential to civic government's ability to 'get things done and to move forward with a better Edmonton.' Article content The second pillar is community, emphasizing Clarke's deep roots in the area and commitment to enhancing Edmonton's unique network of community leagues. Article content Article content 'Edmonton is one big community in my mind,' he said. 'I want to embrace and support them, and make everyone welcome in communities, especially in Nakota Isga, and make those safe, inviting places for everybody,' he said. Article content Article content The third pillar is commerce, reflecting Clarke's background and his desire to make Edmonton 'the best place in Canada to do business,' particularly among major cities. He said he will advocate for quicker permit and licence approvals and stronger partnerships with the private sector to drive 'equitable, responsible' development. Article content 'I think working with the business community and having a really good relationship with them is something that's needed in city council,' he added. Article content Clarke's campaign will also lean on his experience in sports leadership. Under his tenure, the Edmonton Stingers became a 'community powerhouse,' selling out 70 per cent of their home games and winning the Canadian Elite Basketball League's Community Service award with over 1,000 volunteer hours logged.
Edmonton Journal
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Former Edmonton Stingers CEO Reed Clarke launches bid for city council
'I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and be there. I think actually being on the ground will allow me to have those real conversations in a community league, in the playground' Reed Clarke, former president, CEO and co-owner of the Edmonton Stingers, is launching his campaign for city council in Ward Nakota Isga with a focus on community engagement and civic pride. Supplied photo A familiar name in Edmonton sports and business circles is entering the municipal politics arena for the first time. Reed Clarke, the former CEO and co-owner of the Edmonton Stingers and current CEO of Sport Edmonton, announced his candidacy for city council in Ward Nakota Isga this weekend, bringing what he describes as a 'fresh approach' rooted in collaboration, community and economic vitality. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors 'I love this city,' Clarke told Postmedia ahead of the launch. 'As somebody who grew up and was raised in the ward, bought my first house there, learned to play the sport I love the most — basketball — and still coaches these kids at the Grovenor Community League in basketball, it's really a full circle moment for me.' Nakota Isga is the west-end ward that has been represented by Coun. Andrew Knack, who is not seeking another term as councillor but is reportedly considering a run for mayor. Clarke's platform is built around three pillars. The first is connected, which is all about building strong relationships among stakeholders, including the province, federal government, police, business leaders, and fellow council members. Clarke believes consensus-building and collaboration are essential to civic government's ability to 'get things done and to move forward with a better Edmonton.' The second pillar is community, emphasizing Clarke's deep roots in the area and commitment to enhancing Edmonton's unique network of community leagues. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Edmonton is one big community in my mind,' he said. 'I want to embrace and support them, and make everyone welcome in communities, especially in Nakota Isga, and make those safe, inviting places for everybody,' he said. The third pillar is commerce, reflecting Clarke's background and his desire to make Edmonton 'the best place in Canada to do business,' particularly among major cities. He said he will advocate for quicker permit and licence approvals and stronger partnerships with the private sector to drive 'equitable, responsible' development. 'I think working with the business community and having a really good relationship with them is something that's needed in city council,' he added. Clarke's campaign will also lean on his experience in sports leadership. Under his tenure, the Edmonton Stingers became a 'community powerhouse,' selling out 70 per cent of their home games and winning the Canadian Elite Basketball League's Community Service award with over 1,000 volunteer hours logged. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He also founded the Fresh Nets foundation, which revitalizes basketball and ball hockey infrastructure in local parks — something he hopes to expand through the campaign. Former Edmonton Stingers CEO and co-owner Reed Clarke announces his candidacy for Edmonton city council in Ward Nakota Isga on Saturday, May 10. 2025. Photo by Steven Sandor 'Fresh approach' to engagement Former mayor Stephen Mandel was among the attendees at Clarke's launch party on Saturday, during which the host gave away door prizes from his sports apparel company City of Champs. He did not indicate whether he plans to join a political party, such as the one being put together by mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell. He did say that an early priority for the next council is to restore Edmonton's nickname as the City of Champions — a move that Cartmell also supports. Though new to politics, Clarke said that's part of what he brings to the table. 'I'm not a politician. I haven't been active in politics, and I want to take a fresh approach to how I can get my message out there to people,' he said. 'I would love to host and then be invited to a lot of these community gatherings. I want to make that a really great opportunity for all the residents in that community to be able to have a real easy conversation, face to face with me, about things that we can address.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. On pressing issues like housing, infrastructure and public safety, Clarke isn't offering fixed prescriptions just yet. Instead, he's prioritizing listening directly to residents and asking questions. As part of that, he also acknowledged the importance of engaging marginalized and under-represented groups. 'You've got to put a lot of miles on. I pride myself on (being) somebody who is involved in the community,' he said. 'I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and be there. I think actually being on the ground will allow me to have those real conversations in a community league, in the playground.' This will be Clarke's first run for elected office, and while he admits to being 'excited and nervous,' he said the timing feels right to 'jump on this ride.' — With files from Steven Sandor cnguyen@ Read More Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here . You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. 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