AJ Cheema will be running with councillor and mayoral candidate Eric Woodward under the 鈥淐ontract with 91原创鈥� banner for Township council in the Oct. 15 municipal election.

He made the announcement on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Cheema鈥檚 election bio describes him as a professional chef and owner of the Otter Trail Winery and Bistro, currently under construction, located on 248th Street on 91原创鈥檚 Historic Otter Trail. He also owns and operates a blueberry farm in Salmon River.

He said he decided to run for council following his application for his winery and bistro, after experiencing the current permitting process for construction for new businesses in the Township of 91原创.

鈥淭he current processes, policies and timelines for small to medium size business people trying to create economic growth in the Township is ineffective. It is time for new ideas on how to improve things to make it easier for people to work and live in the Township while promoting responsible growth,鈥� Cheema said.

READ ALSO: Vancouver Police officer Barb Martens runs for Township council under 鈥楥ontract With 91原创鈥� banner

鈥淚t鈥檚 clear to me that we have to do a lot more for small business owners, our farming community, and our young, aspiring athletes,鈥� Cheema said.

鈥淚 want be part of a great team to make real progress for 91原创. 鈥�

Prior to relocating to British Columbia in 1993, the Cheema family lived in Winnipeg where his father, Dr. Gulzar Cheema, was the first Indian-born Canadian to be elected to a provincial legislature.

Following the move to BC, the elder Cheema was elected once again as an MLA, this time serving as a minister of both mental health services and immigration, and multicultural services.

AJ served as a special assistant to the minister of public service and procurement, where his key portfolio responsibilities were Canada Post, real property, defence procurement and indigenous community relationships.

Woodward said Cheema 鈥渨ill be a great asset on Council, representing all communities with a deep understanding of youth sports, inter-governmental relations, and small business that will be invaluable to getting things done.鈥�

READ ALSO: Misty Van Popta announces bid for Township council

READ ALSO: 91原创 winery owner announces run for Township council seat

READ ALSO: Joel Neufeld and Holly Dickson announce run for 91原创 school board

READ ALSO: Two Township council candidates will be running under new Contract With 91原创 civic party banner

READ ALSO: Woodward announces run for mayor of 91原创 Township

READ ALSO: Whitmarsh announces run for 91原创 Township mayor鈥檚 seat

READ ALSO: Sparrow joins race for 91原创 Township mayor鈥檚 seat

READ ALSO: Former B.C. solicitor-general Rich Coleman is returning to politics