About Jan Gillett

Why I’m Qualified

  • Experienced Spruce Grove City Councillor – For four years, I’ve worked to advance the needs of our community on Council, ensuring residents’ priorities remain at the heart of every decision.

  • Loyal Spruce Grove Resident for 30+ Years – I bring the perspective of a long-time municipal taxpayer and neighbour.

  • Proud Wife, Mom of 3, and Grandma to 4 – I understand the values and concerns of local families, and work hard to represent your voice.

  • Co-Owner of RavenWolf Brewing Co. – I bring both entrepreneurial expertise and practical decision-making to City Council.

  • Dedicated Community Advocate – I’ve led or assisted on important projects that strengthen services and supports for our local seniors, families, women, and youth.

  • Community Service Award-Winner – I’ve been recognized with the Jeanette Fuhr Award and King Charles III Coronation Medal.

  • Educated – I’m certified in Business, Economic Development, and Elected Officials Education.

Why I'm Running

I'm standing for re-election to Spruce Grove City Council because I believe all residents deserve a voice in the decisions that shape our community. I know that real leadership means listening first, then taking action on what matters most.

  • To Put Resident Voices First – I will ensure City decisions reflect the voices of the people most affected by them—our community members.
  • Encourage Smart, Sustainable Growth – I will work to keep taxes low while delivering high-quality municipal services.
  • Provide Support for Non-profits – I will strengthen the organizations that provide essential support to vulnerable Spruce Grove residents.
  • Boost ‘Open for Business’ – I will work to streamline City permit processes and position Spruce Grove as a strong partner for local businesses.
  • Champion Arts & Culture – I will promote Horizon Stage, encourage local festivals/events, and create a vibrant cultural scene to enrich our community.

Jan's Experience in Action

Supporting Families in Need

When I saw gaps in support for women and young families in Spruce Grove, I took action:

  • Founded the Parkland Pregnancy Support Centre, offering free resources, guidance, and care for expecting mothers and young families
  • Created the Hope Beverly House Society to provide a safe haven for women fleeing domestic abuse, connecting them with services and advocating for expanded support

These aren't just projects—they're part of my commitment to real, meaningful change. As your City Councillor, I don't just talk about issues; I roll up my sleeves and get to work.

Running a Local Business

As co-owner of RavenWolf Brewing Co., I understand what it takes to balance budgets and make tough decisions:

  • Applied real-world business experience to help grow Spruce Grove's commercial and industrial sectors
  • Co-chaired the Economic Development Advisory Committee to attract new businesses
  • Served on the City Centre Business Association to support our local economy

Advocating for Arts Programs

I believe a vibrant community needs strong cultural foundations:

  • Served as trustee on the Spruce Grove Library Board and Council's representative on the Regional Board
  • Supported Horizon Stage, Allied Arts Council, public murals, and programs like Grove Gatherings
  • Ensured public dollars are used wisely—while keeping community needs front and centre

Protecting the Vulnerable

I stepped up when people needed help the most:

  • Co-chaired the Winter Emergency Response Committee and created the Late Night Café—a life-saving resource providing warmth, safety, and support for people experiencing homelessness in Spruce Grove
  • Supported innovative approaches like The Hub project and the current Outreach Team, providing mobile community support

Through these initiatives, I learned that sometimes emergency solutions become permanent community assets. I’m now keenly aware of the importance of stepping up where it’s needed.

Learning New Approaches

Spruce Grove City Council supported The Hub, a temporary project aimed at testing a new solution for helping people experiencing homelessness. From that experience, the City instead implemented a dedicated homelessness Outreach Team, a mobile service providing support directly in the community.

Improving Accessibility

I worked to remove barriers, so everyone can access what they need:

  • Helped purchase and outfit the Engage Bus, providing free rides to the Food Bank for local residents in need
  • Supported Spruce Grove's transition to an on-demand local transit service in 2021
  • Advocated for expanded Saturday service to Stony Plain, improving access to essential services

 

Expanding Housing Options

I am committed to creating housing solutions that meet the needs of our residents.

  • Championed the new Spruce Grove Lodge, adding 102 supportive living units for seniors and creating 40 local jobs
  • Advanced our Housing Strategy to ensure smart planning with options for young adults, families, and seniors in the Spruce Grove area
  • Partnered with groups like Meridian Housing Foundation to expand affordable housing options

Advocating Outside Our City

I have reached beyond municipal borders to secure resources and help influence decisions that matter:

  • Served as VP of the Provincial Inter-City Forum on Social Policy
  • Worked with government and community leaders across Alberta to tackle big-picture issues affecting Spruce Grove residents
  • Secured funding and ensured local voices were heard in provincial discussions

Jan in The Community

When I’m not at City Hall digging into policies, you’ll probably find me working at our business, volunteering and enjoying activities in our community. I believe in being hands-on because real change doesn’t happen from the sidelines. I’m just like you: juggling work, family, and community, and still trying to remember what’s for dinner. I work hard because I love this city and want it to be the best it can be.