Ryan Parker
Hi Scott,
Thank you for the opportunity to submit my responses. Please see them below. I will send my message/video separately.
Candidate Questionnaire:
1. Do you support community-led organizations like the LFGA in their efforts to promote conservation, ethical hunting, and responsible firearms use for sport and education?
Yes — I support groups like Lethbridge Fish and Game Association for their work in conservation, ethical hunting, and responsible firearms use. They’re valuable partners in promoting stewardship, education, and public safety, and their efforts should be recognized and included in community planning.
2. In your view, what role should the City of Lethbridge play in protecting access to outdoor spaces for recreation, conservation, and education? How will municipal policies ensure that legal, permitted outdoor recreational facilities, such as shooting sports ranges, are recognized and protected as part of the broader community landscape, and not unfairly impacted by land use changes such as urban growth or rezoning?
Outdoor spaces are a key part of Lethbridge’s quality of life. The City must plan growth in a way that protects existing legal recreational facilities—like shooting ranges—through clear land use policies, proper buffer zones, and fair rezoning practices. These facilities are part of the community’s fabric, and responsible planning should ensure they aren’t unfairly impacted by urban expansion. It’s about respecting history, ensuring safety, and preserving opportunities for future generations.
3. Should recreational activities such as sport shooting and archery receive equal consideration alongside other sports in municipal planning and recreation policy? Would you support including representatives from these sports as formal stakeholders in long-term discussions around recreation, land use, and community health planning?
Yes — all legal and well-managed recreational activities, including sport shooting and archery, deserve fair consideration in municipal planning. These sports are part of our community and should have a seat at the table as formal stakeholders in recreation, land use, and community health planning to ensure their voices are heard and respected.
4. Do you personally participate in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, archery, or shooting sports? If so, please share how those experiences shape your views on land use and recreation.
I’ve always valued the role that outdoor recreation plays in bringing people together and connecting us to the land. While I may not personally spend a lot of time hunting or participating in shooting sports, I have a deep respect for those who do. I’ve seen firsthand how these activities are about more than just recreation — they involve stewardship, responsibility, and community.
Those perspectives shape how I approach land use and recreation planning. I believe in balanced policies that respect existing users, protect outdoor spaces, and ensure fair access for all recreational activities. Listening to the people who actively participate in these sports is key to making informed, practical decisions for our community.
5. In one or two sentences: Why do you believe you are the best candidate to support organizations like LFGA and the values we represent?
I’ve always believed in protecting community traditions, respecting responsible land use, and supporting groups that give back. Organizations like Lethbridge Fish and Game Association reflect those values, and I’m committed to ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions respected in City planning.
6. Is there anything else you’d like our membership to know about your views on outdoor recreation, conservation, or supporting legal firearm owners.
Outdoor recreation and conservation are part of what makes Lethbridge special. I believe in protecting access to these spaces, respecting responsible users, and ensuring that groups who follow the law—like legal firearm owners—are treated fairly. I value partnerships with community-led organizations that promote safety, stewardship, and education. My focus is on balanced, practical policies that protect both community safety and individual rights.
Kind Regards.
Ryan
