M.L. council candidates on relations with Flying Dust First Nation

Meadow Lake’s municipal elections are just six days away and meadowlakeNOW spoke with the candidates vying for a council seat to speak on the special relationship between the city and Flying Dust First Nation.

Being a direct neighbour, the Flying Dust council and Meadow Lake council have a number of partnerships and agreements in place which benefit both communities. The city provides water, sewer, fire, police, EMS and other services to the First Nation.

The two have partnered on numerous projects over the years including the building of the Pineridge Ford Arena, the new elders lodge, planning and executing of the 2012 Summer Games and more.

“I’d certainly be open to any partnership development,” Tom Harrison said. “Again, we’d have to look into how it would fit into long-term planning but the partnerships are there and they’ve worked in the past and obviously we’d be open to working with them again in developing that area. It’s certainly prime area.” 

Borders are such that a resident can stand on First Ave. W. with one foot in the Flying Dust First Nation and one foot in Meadow Lake. That piece of land, taken from the First Nation to build rail through the city, will return to reserve status. Band officials said they have long-term plans to develop that area.

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Current councillor and candidate Merlin Seymour added, working together goes a long way but any developments would come down to what the band council wants. Open communication needs to be maintained.

Throughout his year on council and experience over the last three decades, candidate Kim Chiverton said it’s in Meadow Lake’s best interest to work together.

“In terms of the citizens from Meadow Lake and Flying Dust, I think we have a good working relationship and a good social relationship for that matter,” he said. “Going on in terms of partnerships and development partnerships, I think it’s something we really have to investigate to maximize both potentials of Flying Dust and Meadow Lake because we’re so closely tied.”

Glen Winkler agreed with Chiverton, however, he added, while partnerships are great, it doesn’t mean the city will neglect its own needs. 

“If I was elected, I would like to go through a budget process. I’ve said earlier, it’s easy to criticize from the outside. Sitting at the table, understanding the challenges and getting to know what the community priorities are and then aligning our resources to meet that is my goal,” Winkler said. 

While Flying Dust is a key partner, Curtis Paylor added the relationship between the Rural Municipality and city can’t be overlooked.

“There’s three partners really, we can’t forget about the R.M. and the great partnerships with everything from service to recreation agreements and its nothing but proactive,” he said.

Conrad Read said, if re-elected he wants to explore offering tax exemption to band members when shopping in Meadow Lake and partner together to develop the land north of First Ave. W.

“I think it’s the good nature of the people in Meadow Lake that have made those relationships foster in terms of the First Nation and R.M. so we’re very fortunate to have such good neighbors and I hope that continues on with the next city council,” he said.

Candidate Richard Levesque did not return comment.

Seeking election for six council chairs are incumbents Conrad Read, Kim Chiverton, Curtis Paylor, Merlin Seymour, and newcomers Tom Harrison, Richard Levesque, and Glen Winkler.

Mayor Gary Vidal was acclaimed following the Sept. 21 nomination deadline. 

Voters cast their ballots on Oct. 26 at the Civic Centre and mail-in ballots are also accepted at city hall.

Colton Swiderski is meadowlakeNOW’s municipal affairs, crime and court, health and education reporter. He can be reached at cswiderski@jpbg.ca or tweet him @coltonswiderski.