ryback4st.james
Born in Winnipeg and Raised in St. James
- Lived on Vimy Road, Hillary Crescent, and Crestview Park Drive
May 28, 2026
Kelly Ryback announces his intention to seek election for city council for the St. James ward in the upcoming Winnipeg civic election on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Ryback ran a close second in St. James in the election in 2022. The city continues to face incredible challenges. Ryback is entering the race to bring his proven leadership, analytical and results-driven skills to city council. Ryback will be a strong voice in city council for St. James.
Ryback has been a regular presence at city council and committee meetings advocating for improvements and transparency. Ryback brings a heightened level of practicality and accountability.
He spoke in opposition of the published Transit Master Plan in his first delegate appearance on April 16, 2021. His concerns included the lack of public consultation and trials to test transit riders experience of having to walk further and take extra transfers prior to approval and rollout. His concerns were later validated. He pursued every opportunity to inform St. James residents of the pending service changes. Ryback encouraged their engagement and brought these issues forward to committees and city council. As a result, bus service was reinstated on six roads in St. James-Assiniboia prior to rollout last year. Ryback also initiated the online petition with Mr. Fred Morris asking for the return of direct service to Grace Hospital and the bus stop in front of the Assiniboine Clinic. He continues to advocate for these and many other improvements to Winnipeg Transit service.
He spoke in opposition of the published Transit Master Plan in his first delegate appearance on April 16, 2021. His concerns included the lack of public consultation and trials to test transit riders experience of having to walk further and take extra transfers prior to approval and rollout. His concerns were later validated. He pursued every opportunity to inform St. James residents of the pending service changes. Ryback encouraged their engagement and brought these issues forward to committees and city council. As a result, bus service was reinstated on six roads in St. James-Assiniboia prior to rollout last year. Ryback also initiated the online petition with Mr. Fred Morris asking for the return of direct service to Grace Hospital and the bus stop in front of the Assiniboine Clinic. He continues to advocate for these and many other improvements to Winnipeg Transit service.
Ryback delivered other accomplishments at city hall including:
1. Successfully petitioned for the installation of a left turn signal on Ness Avenue at Mount Royal Road. His additional road safety recommendations are pending.
2. Advocated for policy changes to improve sidewalk snow clearing. His efforts also led to the early removal of snowbanks around the St. James Legion No. 4.
3. Spearheaded the drives to recognize Winnipeg legends Ray St. Germain and Bachman-Turner Overdrive with honourary street names.
4. Notified area residents on several rezoning applications. Ryback used his own time and money to ensure area residents were informed and aware ofthe opportunity to be engaged in the proceedings. He appeared before the hearing committees on their behalf. Ryback continues to advocate for responsible infill projects with transparency and for opportunities to deliver affordable housing for families.
5. Successfully recommended to have a new spray pad located at Bord-Aire Community Centre (scheduled for 2027/2028).
Ryback served on the St. James-Assiniboia Pioneer Association, the stewards of Grant’s Old Mill on Sturgeon Creek. He elevated promotion and produced A-list main stage entertainment during the last two Cuthbert Grant Day celebrations. He secured $620K in funding for the proposed restoration of the mill and provided the foundation for future fundraising initiatives.
Ryback’s grassroots community support is extensive. Ryback has helped raise $100K’s and acquired several thousand basic essential items for numerous local charities over the past four years. He accomplishes this by volunteering over 400 hours annually as:
-board member of a service organization that fundraises for grant gifts to local causes and provide voluntary services
-co-founder of the Social for Ukraine, raising $50K over the past four years for humanitarian support in Ukraine
-founder of the annual Introduction to Golf event for middle school students at John Blumberg Golf Course, now in its fourth year.
-championing/volunteering at food banks, supportive housing, other charities, and entertaining at seniors’ homes and centres and leading numerous donation drives.
Ryback helped save John Blumberg Golf Course in 2022 and continues to advocate for its long-term existence. Retaining the course is critical as St. James will soon witness its largest residential development in over fifty years.
Ryback's corporate successes and responsibilities with private enterprises, organizations and major corporations include BellMTS/MTS, Videon/Shaw and the Pan Am Games Society. He raised over $2 million in donated goods and services for the ’99 Pan Am Games and was responsible for the liquidation of the Games’ assets.
2. Advocated for policy changes to improve sidewalk snow clearing. His efforts also led to the early removal of snowbanks around the St. James Legion No. 4.
3. Spearheaded the drives to recognize Winnipeg legends Ray St. Germain and Bachman-Turner Overdrive with honourary street names.
4. Notified area residents on several rezoning applications. Ryback used his own time and money to ensure area residents were informed and aware ofthe opportunity to be engaged in the proceedings. He appeared before the hearing committees on their behalf. Ryback continues to advocate for responsible infill projects with transparency and for opportunities to deliver affordable housing for families.
5. Successfully recommended to have a new spray pad located at Bord-Aire Community Centre (scheduled for 2027/2028).
Ryback served on the St. James-Assiniboia Pioneer Association, the stewards of Grant’s Old Mill on Sturgeon Creek. He elevated promotion and produced A-list main stage entertainment during the last two Cuthbert Grant Day celebrations. He secured $620K in funding for the proposed restoration of the mill and provided the foundation for future fundraising initiatives.
Ryback’s grassroots community support is extensive. Ryback has helped raise $100K’s and acquired several thousand basic essential items for numerous local charities over the past four years. He accomplishes this by volunteering over 400 hours annually as:
-board member of a service organization that fundraises for grant gifts to local causes and provide voluntary services
-co-founder of the Social for Ukraine, raising $50K over the past four years for humanitarian support in Ukraine
-founder of the annual Introduction to Golf event for middle school students at John Blumberg Golf Course, now in its fourth year.
-championing/volunteering at food banks, supportive housing, other charities, and entertaining at seniors’ homes and centres and leading numerous donation drives.
Ryback helped save John Blumberg Golf Course in 2022 and continues to advocate for its long-term existence. Retaining the course is critical as St. James will soon witness its largest residential development in over fifty years.
Ryback's corporate successes and responsibilities with private enterprises, organizations and major corporations include BellMTS/MTS, Videon/Shaw and the Pan Am Games Society. He raised over $2 million in donated goods and services for the ’99 Pan Am Games and was responsible for the liquidation of the Games’ assets.
Ryback is married, with two adult children, and a grandchild. Raised in St. James, Kelly attended Crestview Elementary School, Ness Junior High, and John Taylor Collegiate ('82).
He coached various hockey and lacrosse teams and was on the board of the St. James-Assiniboia Minor Hockey Association where his many development initiatives are still in practice.
Ryback is fondly remembered as the original ‘Buzz’ mascot of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1984 to 2000. Buzz and Boomer became an instant hit and integral part of the entertainment and fan experience. He is an active member of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Alumni.
He coached various hockey and lacrosse teams and was on the board of the St. James-Assiniboia Minor Hockey Association where his many development initiatives are still in practice.
Ryback is fondly remembered as the original ‘Buzz’ mascot of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1984 to 2000. Buzz and Boomer became an instant hit and integral part of the entertainment and fan experience. He is an active member of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Alumni.
Kelly Ryback has devoted his life to service. He will bring his commitment to St. James and Winnipeg city council.
Media Availability – Kelly Ryback will be present at City of Winnipeg Council Chambers, 510 Main Street on Thursday, May 28th at 11:00 am.
Contact information for Kelly Ryback – 204-793-0459 or kryback@mymts.net
With your support, I can deliver solutions for St. James and Winnipeg.
