11-05-2025
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.
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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.
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'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.'
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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.
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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.'
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The second pillar is community, emphasizing Clarke's deep roots in the area and commitment to enhancing Edmonton's unique network of community leagues.
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'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.
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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.
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'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.
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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.
