On Oct. 24, Snow Lake voters communed with others in Manitoba on their quadrennial trek to the municipal polls.
However, while our neighbours in Flin Flon, Thompson and The Pas all elected new mayors, we in Snow Lake acclaimed one. No one other than long-time resident and businessperson Kim Stephen was willing to take on the demanding duties of a community in rebuild mode; she stepped up to the plate and appears ready for the task.
Notwithstanding the acclamation of the mayor, residents did vote for the six councillor positions spanning the 2014 -2018 term.
Of the four incumbents in the race, two were returned to office: Brenda Forsyth-Flamand (315 votes) and Aldon Kowalchuck (257 votes); Angela Enright (140 votes) and Dave Mayer (89 votes) were not.
Rounding out the six-member council are Peter Roberts (268 votes), Richard Jones (261 votes), Robin Turnbull (168 votes) and Jodi Wilson (155 votes).
Gordon Cann (145 votes), Lynden Kucharyshen (122 votes), and Blake Warren (102 votes) were the others defeated in a close fought race. The turnout was weak with only 52 per cent of 779 eligible voters visiting the polls.
Leading up to the election, residents were given the opportunity to hear the 11 aspirants running for council at a Chamber of Commerce-sponsored candidates’ night. Nine of the 11 attended. Mayor-elect Stephen was also on hand.
The incumbents – Dave Mayer, Angela Enright, Aldon Kowalchuk and Brenda Forsyth-Flamand – all expressed that they had work yet to do. As well, Richard Jones spoke about how development of the community should be approached.
Peter Roberts spoke of more open and transparent communication in making informed decisions, as well as supporting administration and staff with their concerns. Jody Wilson spoke of missed business opportunities and suggested wholesale change was needed on council.
Brenda Forsyth-Flamand said council needed to find better ways of serving citizens, specifically mentioning snow removal and garbage pickup.
Additionally, and in respect to a vision for Snow Lake, Ms. Enright pointed to the sustainability plan as a vision for the community.
Aldon Kowalchuk stressed the importance of renewal and growth, new lots, and senior housing. Robin Turnbull spoke of his wish to see more growth in the community, in the school and from a social aspect.
Dave Mayer envisioned slow but continued growth and the need to make the community inviting and supportive of new families. Lynden Kucharyshen expressed the need for physical growth in the community, pointing to an expanded trailer court and new lots.
When Mayor-elect Stephen addressed the gathering, she was at ease and expressive. She thanked all who were running, as well as the former council and outgoing mayor Clarence Fisher.
Stephen then ran down her volunteer pedigree, and it is an impressive one. She also noted how she is up for any challenge.
“The reason I let my name stand for mayor is because I believe in Snow Lake,” she said. “It’s in my heart and I want this community to be one we all enjoy.”
Stephen also focused on the need for others to step up and become volunteers.
“Put down your electronics and get into the game,” she said to chuckles from the crowd. “We can all find excuses to not do our part, but if the younger generation do not stand up, we are going to lose more than we already have. It is time for our elders to take a step back and feel that they don’t have to volunteer, but only to be there when we ask or need their advice.”
Stephen stressed that her new duties will be an uphill battle, but that she’s up for it. She further advised that she will be calling on the provincial government to address the collapse in exploration and drilling in Manitoba.
