[Geoff Currier], a self-described fiscal conservative with no formal political affiliation, said last week he's been considering a run for public office for years. The death of former Coun. Brenda Leipsic in December provided "an unfortunate opportunity," he said Monday.

Winnipeg School Board chairman John Orlikow and rapid-transit activist Paul Hesse are also expected to compete in the byelection. Tory-affiliated businesswoman Jennifer Zyla, who ran against Leipsic in 2006, may also run.