What a journey. We got close, but not quite close enough.
As this chapter wraps up, I’ve been taking a moment to catch my breath and take it all in: the conversations, the momentum, and everyone who showed up and got involved.
When I look back, it’s not the highs or lows that stand out most, but the steady, everyday effort that makes campaigns, neighbourhoods, and democracy itself work. The early mornings, the cold nights, the long days, and the volunteers who kept showing up.
From doorsteps and driveways to folding tables in strip-mall parking lots, Calgarians shared ideas for what their neighbourhoods could be, alongside stories of challenge, change, and hope for something more.
It was a close race, reflecting how deeply Ward 1 residents care about their communities and about Calgary’s future. And it left me more convinced than ever that this city is full of problem-solvers. People ready to move past the all-or-nothing debates and find ways to get to yes.
To everyone who gave their time, asked questions, chipped in, or opened their door for a chat, thank you. You brought this campaign to life. To my Calgary Party team and my fellow candidates, thanks for being such awesome teammates. And to my family, thank you for your patience and cheerleading through it all.
We came close, finishing a few hundred votes shy. That shows me how much Ward 1 cares about their neighbourhoods, and the future of this City.
So as this chapter closes on the campaign, we open the next. I’ll keep sharing updates here about local issues, ideas, and community initiatives. Got an idea, a question, or something you’re working on in your neighbourhood? I’d love to hear it.
Let’s keep asking questions with curiousity and possibility, sharing ideas, and keep the conversations going about the future of our City.
See you out there, Calgary.
— Joey Nowak
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Biography
I'm a working mom, senior manager in Calgary's tech and innovation ecosystem, and community builder.
I've spent my career helping turn good ideas into solutions that work, from building an incubator for local startups tackling issues like mental health and community safety, leading million-dollar and major projects, starting my own small business, to working alongside neighbours to make our communities stronger and more connected. Throughout this work, my focus has always been the same: solving real problems that make life better.
With a Ph.D. in sociology and years of evaluation experience, I’ve spent over a decade in the public and private sectors figuring out what’s working on the ground, what’s falling short and why, and how we can build solutions that last.
Ward 1 deserves results that stick, not quick fixes. I’m focused on what works, what needs fixing now, and what's next.
Why I'm Running
Calgary’s growing fast, and that brings incredible opportunity. But it’s also putting a strain on the things that matter most: finding an affordable home, getting around, and accessing opportunity.
Growth should feel like possibility, not pressure. But that means getting ahead of problems — not always playing catch-up or waiting till they're impossible to ignore. I’m focused on making life work better, starting in our neighbourhoods.
With 250 people moving here every day, we need leadership that solves problems and delivers real solutions: investing in what’s working, tackling what’s not, and planning for the future. And that's the approach I'll bring to City Council.
Powered by a Team
Today's challenges can't be solved alone. It takes a strong team.
I'm proud to be part of the Calgary Party, standing alongside my fellow candidates who’ve built businesses, strengthened communities, worked in public service, and rolled up their sleeves to make Calgary better. It’s the kind of team this moment calls for — and we’re ready to get to work.
Highlights
Check out the all-candidates debate hosted by the Varsity Community Association in early October, where I shared the positive vision I'll bring to City Council that focuses on finding ways to get to yes, and building solutions that last instead of chasing short-term fixes.
You can also listen to my CJSW radio interview, for more about what I’ve been hearing at doors across Ward 1, and how I’ll focus on building strong, thriving neighbourhoods that make life easier today and better tomorrow. Because when our neighbourhoods thrive, so does Calgary.
