The Chamber’s mayoral debate with all six Saskatoon candidates looked nothing like the Presidential debate in the United States a few weeks ago, with no interruptions or yelling. The debate was held Wednesday afternoon with all safety protocols in place for COVID-19. Each of the candidates introduced their priorities and then each was given a chance to answer a few questions.
In order to avoid a tax increase next year Don Atchison suggested postponing the work on a new landfill, because it can wait and postponing any spending on Bus Rapid Transit. Rob Norris promised not to vote for anything higher than a 1 per cent property tax increase. He too, suggested putting a hold on the BRT and added that the hiring freeze at the City should continue. Norris is also not in favour of the 2 year budget cycle.
To deal with the effects of COVID-19 with many businesses struggling, Charlie Clark suggested to get businesses growing again he would promote a marketing campaign for supporting local business. Atchison suggested making sure the City is in lockstep with the province for its future infrastructure projects because there will be funding available, and tapping into the provincial irrigation program to make sure Saskatoon businesses are considered.
On the topic of fostering stronger relations with First Nations and Economic Development Corporations Rob Norris says these partnerships with First Nations and Metis are reflective of the City’s commitment to reconciliation. He mentioned the First Nations Power Authority is hosting a conference regarding small modular nuclear reactors shortly after the civic election. Norris suggests the City needs a seat at that table. Mark Zielke responded that reconciliation is not just about business success and Indigenous partnerships – it’s about respect. He believes more attention needs to be paid to reconciliation, not just from a business point of view.
When it came to safety issues in downtown Saskatoon Cary Tarasoff felt that the police are doing as much as they can. He would like to see the Lighthouse de-centralized, with smaller section of the services possibly still using the current building. He recognizes it’s a provincial responsibility, but says the Mayor and Council need to be a part of the solution. Zubar Sheikh agrees with de-centralizing the Lighthouse, and adds that to solve all of the issues with mental health, addictions, and crime, the Mayor and Council needs to listen to the stakeholders to understand how people can be supported so that people feel safe in the downtown core.
The civic election is November 9th.
