YORKTON - Yorkton heads to the polls Wednesday, Nov. 13, to elect the next edition of Council.
While the deadline for nominations is today, Yorkton This Week is starting its election coverage with a brief look at the announced candidates.
Each candidate was asked to reply (via email) to two questions;
1) What made you decide to run in 2024?
2) What do you see as the key issue for municipal voters this time.
The responses in alphabetical order follow.
Candidates for mayor
Mitch Hippsley
Question #1
Taking on this very important full time plus position as mayor requires much commitment, research, understanding, relationship & trust building to be effective in our city. Being elected in 2020, the era of the pandemic created at least a one-year loss of time. Then, the unknown created much uncertainty with council on budgeting not knowing how our residents would land financially.
Thankfully, we moved forward on long overdue and much needed projects that had been put on hold for too long.
There is much to do yet, as I see how good decisions from the past has created great opportunities for our future. The momentum is growing and visible almost everywhere you look. I wish to see this continue thru knowing what projects are in the infancy stages. Yorkton has so much more potential.
It’s been a true privilege serving my city of origin as the mayor and I know we are on the cusp of growth and change.
Question #2
To summarize, council needs to identify and recognize that almost everyone have been faced with many financial challenges. In the last two years, our world has changed …and … drastically. I believe we must “re-tool” and look hard of how we can provide most services with more efficiency. We must financially move forward very cautiously, but continue to have vision while building for the future at the same time.
Three items that stand out requiring immediate attention in no particular order:
*Family/Senior Amenities
*Health services
*Housing shortages
Candidates for council
Dustin Brears
Question #1
I truly enjoyed my first term on Council. Listening to residents and businesses and being able to help them through various scenarios was rewarding. There were some challenges during the term, but it’s all part of the role that I have been asked to perform on behalf of the residents. The city is on the verge of big things and I would like to be part of its continued success.
Question #2
Affordability is a big issue in our inflationary environment. Responsible spending and debt management by the City is one way our level of government can help residents by keeping tax increases to a minimum and getting the absolute best bang for our buck.
Gurjit Dhaliwal
Question #1
I am excited to announce my candidacy for Yorkton City Council in 2024. Since moving to Yorkton with my family, I have fallen in love with the vibrant community and its potential for growth. I believe in building a city where residents are active, healthy, and engaged.
My vision is to foster a stronger community and culture while addressing the challenges we face together. I have been actively involved in local initiatives through the Lion’s Club and various city committees, and I am committed to enhancing communication and transparency in local government.
I am eager to bring fresh ideas and a collaborative spirit to the council, working alongside other officials and residents to ensure that Yorkton continues to thrive. Together, we can create a beautiful, inclusive city where everyone feels valued and invested in our shared future.
Question #2
Youth and Senior Programs: It’s essential to create vibrant programs and activities that engage both our youth and seniors, fostering a sense of community and belonging for all ages, and support for Small and Medium Businesses: Local businesses are the backbone of our economy. We need to focus on developing initiatives that support their growth and sustainability, creating jobs and enhancing our community's vitality.
By addressing these key issues, we can work together to build a brighter future for Yorkton and its residents.
Randy Goulden
Question #1
I’ve always been community-minded, and it’s a privilege to serve the community that has supported me for so many years. The people of Yorkton—as individuals, as business owners, as volunteers—are what make this city such a great place to live, and I’m proud to work with everyone as both a long-time volunteer and an elected official. I hope to have the opportunity to serve on council once again. I will bring my experience on council and as President of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipal Association to advocate and work for the people of Yorkton. I would like people to say, four years from now, that we have not only looked after the commercial and industrial growth of Yorkton, but that we have also looked after the people who live here and who come here to work.
Question #2
There’s so much to balance in a local government: between our long-term goals and our short-term needs; between the many groups and stakeholders that rely on municipal government; between the services we rely on and the taxes it takes to pay for them. And to ensure that the citizens of Yorkton continue to receive full value of service for their tax dollars. In my terms on council, I have always kept that balance in my mind as I weighed the decisions before me. I pledge to continue striving for that balance, to keep Yorkton a vibrant community hub. And to ensure that the City of Yorkton will continue to grow and flourish, while preserving the prairie values and traditions that make Yorkton home.
Quinn Haider
Question #1
I have always been the type of person who focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Over the past eight years, I have done my best to apply that philosophy to what I have done on City Council. While we have accomplished many things, I believe that there is still work to be done, and with Yorkton being on the cusp of significant growth, I want to continue being involved in shaping the future of my city. I believe that the City of Yorkton has a solid team in place and I know that I can be a key component in making that team even stronger. Therefore, it would be an honour to represent the citizens of Yorkton for another term.
Question #2
I believe that we have a number of significant issues and complex projects facing Yorkton right now, and in the near future. We are currently experiencing societal issues that have always existed on a smaller scale, but have become more prominent in recent years. In addition, we have a few major projects that will require funding on levels unlike any we have faced thus far. I am confident that we will be able face these challenges and continue to make our city the place “where good things happen,” but it will require commitment from all three levels of government, as well as our neighbours, our many incredible service groups and volunteers, and our business community. Therefore, I believe that the most important thing that our residents need to consider when going to the polls is collaboration. We need to elect a council that will be willing to work with all of our stakeholders as we face our challenges together.
Ron Irvine
Question #1
Having lived in Yorkton for most of my life—being raised here and raising my family here—I have developed a strong connection for our community. I see this election as a chance to give back in a new and meaningful way. Over the years, I’ve volunteered with organizations such as Scouts Canada, the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce (serving as President is 2012), and the Yorkton Short Film Festival. These experiences have allowed me to build strong connections across various sectors, including business, arts, and social services. If honoured with the opportunity to serve, I hope to leverage this background to contribute positively to our community.
Question #2
I believe the key issue for municipal voters is transparency. This encompasses not only the overall vision for our city, but also how we communicate these important decisions to the public. Engaging with residents for their input is crucial. Additionally, transparency in how the city collaborates with our business community—from land acquisition to permitting processes—is vital, as there is clear frustration on this front. I believe that addressing these transparency issues should be a primary focus for the council.
Todd Kulcsar
Question #1
I felt that Yorkton has so much more opportunity to offer more to its residents. Currently Yorkton offers many amenities to its residents and is a nice sized City to raise your family, but i feel it can still grow and expand in many ways.
Question #2
I don't believe there is just one key issue that the voters are concerned about. Public safety, economic development and growth and unity and teamwork amongst the members of city hall. These are some of the platform topics that I will be working towards once elected.
Yorkton residents just do not feel safe going out and about like they used to at one time. With the economics and budget of our city, I believe our residents feel that their taxes are not being used effectively.
Greg Litvanyi
Question #1
I decided to run in this election to help revitalize our community. We need to attract new business, help our current businesses grow and succeed. With Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency in all levels of City operations we can build our community for the future.
Question #2
A key issue is affordability. That can be achieved with the City running as efficiently as possible.
Lauretta Ritchie-McInnes
Question #1
What made you decide to run in 2024? I decided to run for Yorkton City Council in 2024 because I believe in the importance of public service. With political experience at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels, I have a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Yorkton. Over the past few years, I’ve been actively involved as a member of the City’s Protective Services Committee, the Library Board, and the Yorkton Business Improvement District. These roles have given me valuable insight into the City’s operations, challenges, and opportunities, and have prepared me to make informed decisions that will benefit the community. Being a Councillor is a challenging job, but I have proven leadership skills and am prepared to tackle those challenges. I am ready to work diligently to serve the residents and businesses of Yorkton and I am always seeking to broaden my horizons and learn. Having recently graduated with a Local Government Administration (Advanced) designation from the University of Regina, I am well-equipped with the knowledge needed to serve our community effectively. Public service is both noble and necessary, and I feel it’s important to give back to the place where I live. I volunteer with the Soup Haven Board of Directors and serve on the Pastor’s Council of the Dream Centre. Serving others enriches my life, and I want to make a positive impact on Yorkton. There are greater things to come and to be done in this city. I want the next generation to look back and write about how our generation’s leaders' strategies made Yorkton vibrant. Twenty years from now, I hope the stories told by future leaders and pundits will highlight how innovative and bold today’s community leaders were—embracing opportunities and making decisions that significantly improved the quality of life for future Yorkton residents. Your voice, my commitment – shaping our community’s future.
Question #2
What do you see as the key issue for municipal voters this time? In conversations with residents and business owners, three key issues have emerged as top priorities for voters: infrastructure, public safety, and growth. Infrastructure – Infrastructure is woven throughout a community’s quality of life and economic prosperity. The maintenance of roads, streets, pathways, runways, and utilities in Yorkton is the backbone of our city’s functionality and plays a role in determining our community’s ability to expand and be productive. However, maintenance alone is not enough. As our city continues to grow, it is essential that we invest in expanding and modernizing our infrastructure to meet future demands. An outdated or inadequate infrastructure will hold back Yorkton’s potential for growth, deter new businesses, and limit economic opportunities. To support a thriving community that residents envision, we need to prioritize the expansion of roads, utilities, and transportation networks, ensuring they are capable of accommodating the growth of businesses and industries. The Council must take decisive action to plan for the future, enhancing infrastructure to not only meet today’s needs but also to support long-term growth, making Yorkton an attractive, accessible, and vibrant place to live and work. Public Safety – Cities have always been about buildings, infrastructure, and vibrant centres of opportunity and security. Yorkton is no exception. However, a city is much more—it is a living, breathing community. As stewards of the community, City Council must ensure every resident feels safe and supported. Despite having operative and strong protective services, Yorkton, like many communities across Canada, faces challenges of crime, addiction, mental health issues, and an unhoused population. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and proactive approach involving police, fire, emergency services, social services, healthcare providers, and community organizations. We must work together to strengthen public safety, support those in need, and create a safe, secure, and compassionate environment for all residents. Public safety must remain a top priority, and the Council must ensure Yorkton is a place where families, businesses, and individuals can thrive without fear. Bold leadership is needed to acknowledge these issues and take decisive action to address them. Growth - I firmly believe it is the responsibility of the City Council to create a thriving environment for businesses to grow and succeed in Yorkton. A strong local economy is essential for our city’s future, and it starts with leadership that promotes and supports business development. The Council must be proactive to eliminate barriers, foster innovation, and provide the resources necessary for businesses to flourish. By doing so, we strengthen our tax base and enhance the overall quality of life in Yorkton. I am committed to ensuring the City’s financial resources are used as efficiently as possible, while always being mindful that every action and decision impacts the lives of all residents and businesses. Growth is not just an option—it’s a necessity for a vibrant, sustainable future, and the Council must lead the way in making it happen. Your voice, my commitment – shaping our community’s future.
Darcy Zaharia
Question #1
Running for a city council position is a way to continue making a meaningful impact on my community. I believe I have done a good job of being available to constituents, maintaining open, honest, and transparent communication, and raising awareness of important local issues. I’ve worked hard to inform and educate residents about city matters, while recognizing that there’s always room for growth and improvement. I’ve built strong relationships with community stakeholders and developed a solid foundation of teamwork and collaboration. Running for re-election allows me to build on these efforts, deepen those connections, and drive even more positive change in Yorkton.
Question #2
Rural communities in Saskatchewan, including Yorkton, face significant challenges like limited healthcare access, infrastructure deficits, and economic pressures. I feel key priorities involve attracting healthcare professionals, addressing infrastructure needs like roads and utilities as well as two major upcoming capital projects (the upcoming hospital and wastewater treatment plant projects) and building strong partnerships with all levels of government and community stakeholders. Societal issues are also becoming more prominent. Promoting economic development to bring well-paying jobs to Yorkton remains essential, while residents and businesses continue to focus on minimizing tax increases and maximizing city efficiency. Open communication and transparency are crucial to effectively tackle these issues.
