By Nadine Wilson - MLA Saskatchewan Rivers

Congratulations to Municipal Officials

Aug 1, 2024 | 11:40 AM

Last month, elections were held in several resort municipalities in Saskatchewan Rivers, with some new faces emerging to lead their communities.

Congratulations to Colleen Lavoie, new mayor of Candle Lake and Treena McAlpine, new reeve of the District of Lakeland who both won in contested elections. Congratulations also to Margaret Smith-Winsor who was acclaimed mayor of Elk Ridge, and to all of the new councillors and incumbents in these jurisdictions.

As the level of government closest to the people, municipal governments serve and understand the unique needs of each locale. This year, voter turnout was impressive, and shows that residents are actively interested in the workings of government at all levels.

The message I hear from constituents is, they want their elected officials to provide common-sense leadership that champions initiatives to improve infrastructure and public safety.

With that, they expect transparent, fiscal responsibility. Especially, they want officials that will listen to the perspective of citizens and provide a way to keep the lines of communication open. This partnership is what enables a rural community to thrive with a vision for its future.

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Collaboration with neighbouring municipalities to pursue common goals is also key. When councils work together in areas of mutual interest, it results in regional benefits.

The role of municipal officials is a challenging one, weighing options to find the best solutions. Sometimes it is working to find a balance when community members hold strong, differing opinions.

That is why I have great respect for everyone who steps up to put their name on a ballot. The job requires commitment to the community, and often, sacrifice of time with their own family to fulfill the role.

But most leaders don’t see it as a sacrifice. Rather, they consider the time and skills they offer as an investment in the community.

So on behalf of Saskatchewan Rivers, I say thank you, to everyone who ran, and to those that will sit on councils for this term.