I presently live in the ward with my wife and two daughters. For the past nine years we have lived in a 100 year old house that is two blocks away from where I grew up with my four brothers, two sisters, Mom (Anne) and Dad (Lionel) along with many St. Bernard dogs.

My several fond memories of our neighbourhood is a primary reason for why I wanted to raise my family in this community. To this day, I still have many close friends that I first met in community activities such as youth soccer and outdoor hockey at the Crescentwood Community Centre, speed skating at the River Heights Community Centre, as well as attending Queenston Elementary, River Heights Junior High, and Kelvin High Schools.

Public life and community service have always been a part of the Orlikow family. I was largely introduced to public life by my father, Lionel Orlikow, who was a social activist, Deputy Minister of Education, cross-country coach and a role model for what our social responsibility to each other can be.

My uncle, David Orlikow, was a Member of Parliament for many years for the riding of Winnipeg North, a union organizer and a great believer in the goodness of people.
My father and uncle were two of the people who served as major sources of inspiration for the responsibility of a public service life.

The skills that I have learned and cultivated from my many past jobs, roles and experiences have all contributed to my ability to do my job as your City Councilor.

I have been a member of numerous Community Boards, and I have spent 10 years as a School Trustee with the Winnipeg School Division.

As a school trustee, I worked on many committees, and helped manage a budget of over $250 million, working to ensure quality education for the children and families in our community.

As an entrepreneur and small business owner, I have started and managed companies in recycling and in conflict resolution, where I learned how to effectively manage people and objectives to achieve sustainable results for our community.

Yours truly,

John Orlikow

City Councillor
River Heights/Ft. Garry Ward
City of Winnipeg