CALGARY, AB — A third person, identified as a would-be Calgary city council candidate, has been charged in connection with an ongoing $66,000 fraud investigation involving a local non-profit organization in northwest Calgary.
Shawna Easthope, 61, has been charged with fraud over $5,000, Calgary police confirmed Monday. According to police, Easthope, the chairperson of Discover Bowness, directly benefited from fraudulent activities tied to the rebranding and operation of a community event hall.
The case stems from an April 2024 complaint by the Bowness Ratepayers Scout and Guide Hall Association, which alleged funds had gone missing under suspicious circumstances. Police say two men approached the organization’s board in 2022 with a plan to revamp the venue into a multi-use community space for events. The board agreed, granting the men operational control—though one reportedly appointed himself general manager without official approval.
Under the new branding of BowCommons, events were held under the Discover Bowness name. However, over time, board members noticed a lack of upkeep and financial irregularities, prompting a deeper review. The investigation uncovered over $66,000 in misappropriated funds between 2022 and 2024.
Police allege the suspects hosted events without paying venue fees, submitted fake receipts, and falsified documents to gain financial access—all while funneling funds into personal bank accounts.
Last week, Nathan Michael Mizera, 41, and Joshua Tyler Bredo, 40, were arrested and each charged with fraud over $5,000.
Authorities say further investigation revealed Easthope knowingly benefited from the operation’s proceeds but failed to report the misconduct.
Easthope had announced her intent to run for Calgary City Council in Ward 1 this fall, according to her website and social media. However, she is not listed as an official candidate on the City of Calgary’s election site.
The case remains under investigation.
