About

John BarlowI have lived in the Highwood constituency for almost 20 years. I lived in High River for 10 years before moving to Okotoks eight years ago.

I am married to Louise and we have three children, Graeden, Kinley and McKenna.

For the last 15 years I have worked at the Okotoks Western Wheel newspaper where I am currently the Associate Publisher. Prior to the Western Wheel, I was Sports Editor of the High River Times for three years.

  • Journalism Advisory Board for SAIT and guest lecturer for the Journalism program
  • Journalism Advisory Board for Mount Royal University and mediator for the Journalism Department's study on community news coverage
  • Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association’s Telus Editorial Award of Excellence, 2008 and 2009
  • Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce Service Excellence Award, 2008 and 2010
  • Canadian Newspaper Association named the Okotoks Western Wheel the top Community Newspaper in Canada, 2010
  • Canadian Newspaper Association’s Community Service Award, 2009
  • Provincial Health Authorities of Alberta Healthy Communities Journalism Award, 2005
  • CN Editorial Award for Business, 2005

My roots are in this constituency and I am a believer that one has to give back to the community in which they live. I have been extremely active in the community:

  • Member of the Servus Credit Union Community Board for 5 years
  • Member of the Okotoks Library Board for more than 2 years
  • Member of the Foothills Country Hospice Charity Golf Tournament Committee
  • Chair of the Foothills Highland Games for two years
  • Member High River Highland Games Association for 6 years
  • High River Minor Hockey Association Board of Directors (two terms)
  • Coached minor hockey in High River and Blackie for 15 years
  • Coached minor football with the Foothills Eagles’ Bantam, PeeWee and Atom programs

Volunteer for numerous community events including Okotoks Show and Shine, Chuckwagon Chili Cook-off, Okotoks Chamber of Commerce Service Excellence Awards, Hospice Charity Gala, Okotoks Ladies Curling Bonspiel, and Family Literacy Day.

Through my work as a journalist in the area I attended the High River, Okotoks and M.D. of Foothills council meetings for the Western Wheel and High River Times for more than 18 years.

As a result, I have an intimate knowledge of the issues facing the communities within the constituency from growth and water to arts and recreation.

My family and I have been an active member of the community for 20 years and I have a vested interest in the future of this constituency.

I have known George Groeneveld for 15 years and I know what he has done for our constituency. The list is impressive: 32nd street bridge, Aldersyde overpass, Tongue Creek road extension and he has always been up front and honest.

I want to keep that momentum going and ensure Highwood remains a prominent player on the provincial landscape.

We have built a strong community where people are willing to get involved, where people come together to get things done and I want to ensure that continues.