Ian Rabb, a member of Winnipeg’s Jewish community  announced on July 14, 2010 that  he is seeking the Fort Rouge-East Garry Council Seat in this October's municipal election. The ward is currently held by incumbent Jenny Gerbasi.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Rabb attended both the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Waterloo before moving to Chicago, Illinois. In Chicago, he completed his Masters in Visual Science and Doctor of Optometry, and practiced as an Optometrist.

Since returning to Winnipeg, nine years ago, Rabb has become an active member in his family business, becoming General Manager of Winpark Dorchester Properties.  As General Manager he manages over 4500 properties and 80 staff members, and has earned high recognition from his peers – including the Outstanding Community Service Award presented by PPMA.  Winpark Dorchester is committed to the community by reviving housing stock and restoring apartment buildings, creating homes for thousands of people, many in the Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry Ward.

Rabb has devoted countless hours to helping change the lives of individuals facing addiction issues. Recognizing a lack of housing for individuals recovering from substance abuse Rabb founded Two Ten Recovery Inc in September 2007. Since its inception Two Ten, as it is affectionately called, has grown to three homes that help men and women recovering from substance abuse become active and contributing members of the community.

Rabb has served as a Board Member for the Tamarack Rehabilitation Centre (2004 to 2007), the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (2007 to present), Niakwa Books (a publisher for Recovery related books) and as a participant in the Provincial Meth Task Force.

Rabb has participated in/or chaired fundraising endeavours for Children's Hospital Foundation, Health Science Centre Foundation, McDonald Youth Services and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.   Recently, Jewish Child and Family Services appointed him to serve on their Board of Directors.

Rabb told the Winnipeg Jewish Review that he is “dismayed at the increase in crime” in   the “diverse and vibrant” Fort Rouge community for the last several years.

“Fort Rouge is such a vibrant community that it has saddened me to watch it become stagnant over the last few years” he said. “There is so much more that can be done for this community with a committed voice at City Hall.” 

Rabb believes he has a variety of life experiences that will bring a new voice to Council to improve the quality of life for all residents.

The forty five year old Rabb resides in Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry with his two Australian Shepherds Sampson and Ariel.

Rabb has two older siblings Jeff Rabb and Irene Zimmer and his parents Sheila and David both live in the ward.

As Rabb told the Winnipeg Jewish Review, "My mom and dad live just down the road from me, and I am out walking my dogs all the time, so it really matters what happens here.  Seniors and young families need to feel safe, young people need to have opportunities and people are telling me they just don't feel that way today. I can't count the number of times I have heard that people want someone to represent them who can provide a positive voice and say yes to change."