Brad Parkinson excited to run for council for the first time in Bow Island

Posted on October 16, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Brad Parkinson, who currently sits on the tourism committee, is excited to run for council. In fact, it’s been a year of firsts for him – as he is also a first-time father.

“The baby is due in October,” he says with excitement. “I’m growing a family, and I want to raise my son safely here in Bow Island.”

His additional reasons for running are deeply personal.

“I want to give back to the community. My mom passed away last year, and the whole community was very supportive. I have also helped at The Rolling Pin Bakery & Cafe. This helped me learn even more about the community. I want to represent and give back.”

Parkinson has lived in Bow Island for five years.

“I chose Bow Island because it is quiet and safe, and the fact that in this world, the way it is, Bow Island is still a place where everyone says good morning and everyone speaks to you when you walk down the street. It’s a close-knit community. That is what I like.”

His platform includes strengthening the business community.

“I would definitely love to see more collaboration among the businesses to help make things stronger. I also see the need in housing; that is the most important thing we need in this town right now.”

Parkinson is a proponent of the Municipally Controlled Corporation (MCC).

“I think that is a spectacular idea. I am a huge supporter of Dr. Mohammed Abduljabbar Tawfeeq and everything he has done for this community. I don’t know any other doctor who would take on what he has done. He goes above and beyond. The MCC would give him some relief and would empower the Town to aggressively pursue local doctors. Currently, the province goes after doctors for the big cities, and we get the leftovers.”

 He says of the possible highway bypass, “We need Highway 3 to continue to go through Bow Island. If it drops three miles south of us, not only are we going to lose prime growing land for our local farmers, but the business community will collapse within five years. Taking traffic away will crush our business community. Knowing the owner of IGA, working with the owner of The Baking Pin, speaking with local business owners – I am against bypassing the town.”

He says to the residents, “Get out and vote! If you want change, make it happen. This is your opportunity.”