Solomon Okhifoh
Committed to Our Community's Future
Meet Solomon Okhifoh
Solomon Okhifoh is a dedicated community builder, a proud resident of Grande Prairie, and a passionate advocate for a city that truly serves all its citizens. With a background in Engineering, Project Management, Local Government Administration, and a deep commitment to service, Solomon is ready to bring a fresh perspective and collaborative leadership to City Council.
My Journey, My Grande Prairie
My journey to Grande Prairie began far from Alberta's vast prairies, in the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. After a period spent in the United States, fate led me to meet and marry a wonderful Canadian from Newfoundland, bringing me to this incredible country. It was a job opportunity that first drew my gaze westward to Grande Prairie, but it was the city's undeniable community appeal and the promise of a place where hard work meets opportunity that truly sealed the decision. For the past eleven years, I have been privileged to call Grande Prairie home, settling into the heart of the Peace Region.
​
What I have come to cherish most about Grande Prairie is its unique blend of stunning natural beauty and boundless economic opportunity. But beyond the striking landscapes and dynamic industries, it’s the genuine hospitality, the friendly faces, and the welcoming spirit of the people of the Peace Region that truly captured my heart. This city boasts a vibrant community spirit, excellent schools, and a growing array of recreational and cultural activities that make it a truly special place to live and raise a family.
​
Here, my family and I have found not just a place to live, but a community to belong to. We enjoy being active members of a vibrant faith community, cherishing opportunities to volunteer, exploring the beautiful trails of Muskoseepi Park, and soaking in the lively atmosphere of local festivals that truly showcase our city's spirit. I remember one of our first community events, feeling instantly embraced by the warmth and openness of our neighbours—a feeling that has only grown stronger over the years. It's this profound sense of belonging, and the clear potential of Grande Prairie to continue thriving and evolving, that deeply anchors my commitment and fuels my desire to serve.
Experience & Qualifications
Experience That Matters
With over eight years of robust experience as a Technology Project Manager, I bring a unique blend of strategic foresight and hands-on execution to the realm of public service. This extensive background has honed my ability to oversee complex initiatives, manage diverse teams, and deliver results on time and within budget – skills directly transferable to the efficient governance of Grande Prairie.
​
My qualifications for City Council are built on a solid foundation:
​
-
Fiscal Acumen & Accountability: As a seasoned Project Manager, I possess over eight years of direct experience in financial management, ensuring rigorous fiscal responsibility and accountability in every project. This expertise is crucial for managing the city's budget wisely and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.
-
Municipal Governance Expertise: Beyond private sector discipline, I have proactively invested in advanced courses in municipal administration, providing me with a deep understanding of the inner workings of municipal government. My solid grasp of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) equips me to navigate complex regulations and make informed, legal decisions for our city's future.
-
Collaborative Community Leadership: My passion for community extends to my impactful work as a community organizer. Through this experience, I have learned firsthand the immense power of collaboration and advocacy – essential skills for uniting diverse voices, building consensus, and effectively championing the needs of Grande Prairie residents on Council.
​​
This unique combination of private sector discipline, specialized municipal knowledge, and grassroots community engagement makes me exceptionally prepared to serve Grande Prairie effectively and with purpose on City Council.
​​​​
A Deep Root in Community: My Volunteer Commitment​
​
My dedication to Grande Prairie extends far beyond professional roles; it's woven into the fabric of our community through active volunteerism and leadership. Currently, I am honored to serve on the boards of the Grande Prairie Centre for Lifelong Learning, the John Howard Society, the Grande Prairie Local Immigration Partnership (GPLIP), and the Immigrant Advisory Table. These diverse roles have given me a unique, boots-on-the-ground understanding of our city's social fabric, educational needs, justice system challenges, and the vital role of supporting our diverse newcomer population. My past service on various City boards further provides invaluable insight into municipal governance and the collaborative spirit required to address Grande Prairie's most pressing issues. This deep, practical experience ensures I arrive at City Council not just with ideas, but with a proven track record of community engagement and effective collaboration.
Relevant Skills
​
As a Technology Project Manager, my professional experience has cultivated a robust set of skills directly applicable to effective municipal leadership. I excel in strategic planning and execution, ensuring complex initiatives are managed efficiently from concept to completion – a critical asset for municipal projects and policy implementation. My expertise in fiscal management and resource allocation will safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure responsible budgeting. Furthermore, the core project management principles of risk assessment, problem-solving, and multi-stakeholder collaboration are essential for addressing Grande Prairie's diverse challenges and building consensus across our community, allowing me to deliver tangible results for our city
Eductational Background
My Educational Profile brings a formidable academic foundation to public service, boasting a Master's degree in Public Administration that provides an unparalleled understanding of governance, policy development, and public service delivery. Further sharpening my focus on local leadership is an Advanced Certificate in Local Government Administration, equipping me with deep insights into municipal operations and the intricacies of the Municipal Government Act.Complementing my specialized expertise are a Master's degree in Technology Management and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, providing a strong analytical and problem-solving framework. With additional studies including an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, My extensive and diverse educational background uniquely positions me to approach Grande Prairie's complex challenges with informed insight, strategic vision, and innovative solutions.
My Values / Philosophy
My Guiding Values for a Better Grande Prairie​
-
Transparency & Accountability: Believing in open communication and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
-
Collaboration: Committed to working with all levels of government, community groups, businesses, and citizens.
-
Inclusivity: Ensuring every voice is heard and every resident feels a sense of belonging, regardless of background.
-
Fiscal Responsibility: Making smart financial decisions that protect our future while providing essential services.
-
Community Well-being: Prioritizing the health, safety, and quality of life for all Grande Prairie residents.
-
Innovation & Forward Thinking: Embracing new ideas to solve old problems and build a resilient city.