Meet Ali Oonwala

A Proud Calgarian, Parent, and Community Leader

My name is Ali Oonwala, and Ward 1 has been my family’s home for over 20 years. Together with my wife and three children, I’ve built my life here — raising kids, running businesses, and volunteering in the same communities where so many of us live, work, and play.

I know what it’s like to balance family life, small business challenges, and rising household costs — because I live it every day. That’s why I’m running for City Council: to ensure City Hall is accountable to the people it serves, and to deliver safe neighborhoods, affordable living, and thoughtful growth for every family in Ward 1.

Community Experience That Gets Results

For years, I’ve worked hands-on to make our neighborhoods stronger. As a board member of the Rocky Ridge Royal Oak Community Association (RRROCA), I helped launch the PACE Car Program, which reduced speeding and made our residential streets safer. I organized RRROCA’s first 3-on-3 basketball tournament and supported hockey tournaments at our outdoor rink, creating opportunities for youth to play, grow, and connect.

I also rolled up my sleeves to help plan signature community events like the Stampede Breakfast and Winter Festival, which brought hundreds of residents together. And through community cleanup drives, I worked to keep our pathways and parks safe and welcoming.

When neighbors raised concerns about traffic calming, playgrounds, or rezoning, I made sure their voices were heard at City Hall. These experiences taught me that leadership isn’t about talking — it’s about listening, building consensus, and delivering real results.

A Serial Entrepreneur & Healthcare Professional

I’ve spent my career as both a healthcare professional and a small-business owner.

As a pharmacist and partner at NuPharma, I understand the importance of healthcare access and the challenges facing local services.
As the franchise owner of Qamaria Yemeni Coffee, I’ve created jobs and brought a growing, community-based business to Calgary.
With over 15 years of leadership experience in healthcare and retail, I’ve built teams, led mergers and acquisitions, and guided organizations through transformation.

These experiences have given me the skills to balance budgets, navigate red tape, and grow businesses in a way that benefits employees and communities alike. At City Hall, I’ll bring that same practical, business-minded approach to help Calgary grow responsibly.

A Coach, Parent, and Volunteer

For more than a decade, I’ve been a basketball coach with the Calgary NW Basketball Association, mentoring youth both on and off the court. I’ve also volunteered with soccer and hockey programs in NW Calgary, helping young athletes build teamwork, resilience, and confidence.

As a parent of three, I’ve experienced the same struggles and hopes that many Ward 1 families share — from finding affordable childcare to worrying about whether our kids can cross the street safely. These aren’t just policies to me — they’re lived realities that shape how I lead.

Why I'm Running

Families and seniors are being squeezed by rising costs. Small businesses are struggling with red tape. Neighborhoods face safety concerns, rezoning pressures, and aging infrastructure.

I’m running for City Council because Ward 1 deserves a community-first voice who has:

Proven experience getting results at the community level
Real-world business sense as an entrepreneur and employer
A personal stake as a parent, coach, and neighbor

Together, we can build a Ward 1 that is safe, affordable, and sustainable — where families thrive, seniors feel secure, and businesses can grow.