Seven-way debate in Niverville election forum

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This article was published 17/10/2022 (920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Candidates running for council in the Town of Niverville squared off last Wednesday to platform their ideas on their vision for Main Street, the town’s role in sustainability, transparency and handling daycare and education crunches in the community.

Incumbent councillors Nathan Dueck, John Funk, Kevin Stott and Chris Wiebe shared the stage with challengers Jason Alderson, Meghan Beasant and Bill Fast for the two-hour forum hosted by the Niverville Chamber of Commerce. Only four candidates will be elected for the next four-year term.

In a random selection by picking numbers out of a hat, three candidates each answered 20 questions crafted by the chamber and five submitted by audience members. Many candidates’ answers departed from their regular election talking points while some tagged on to others’ answers.

Candidate Bill Fast told the crowd of approximately 75 at the Niverville Community Resource & Recreation Centre his priorities, if elected, include economic expansion, retrofitting sidewalks to cater to people with special needs and adding more street lighting on Fifth Avenue.

Candidates Meghan Beasant and Jason Alderson cited different priorities, with Beasant saying she would focus on bringing more amenities to town and adding more healthcare and emergency services, while Alderson spent his 60-second allotment explaining how he would reduce red tape for businesses, both new and expanding, and would encourage the community to shop local.

Operating sustainably as a town is a responsibility of council, incumbent Coun. Nathan Dueck told the crowd, citing projects the town has completed — like the CRRC operating solely on geothermal technology — while Alderson said there needs to be a return on investment if council were to focus on sustainable practices.

French immersion schools were a topic of discussion Wednesday evening with Coun. Kevin Stott saying the town should explore bringing an immersion school as it would be a good fit while Beasant said the town should focus on expanding existing schools to rid them of temporary huts before building an immersion school.

Coun. Chris Wiebe said the town is lacking RCMP services, which a new satellite office opening by the end of 2023 will address, and a new location for a fire hall would be on his wish list of things the town needs. Coun. John Funk told the crowd government services, like an option to take a driver’s ed test, should become available within town limits.

In 10 years Wiebe foresees Niverville becoming the province’s newest city with a commercial corridor expanding all the way to Highway 59, new intersections and roundabouts as well as new schools and parks. Fast agreed with Wiebe, adding he hopes crime rates will go down with the addition of an RCMP station.

To win the trust of residents Funk said he treats the town like a business he merely helps to manage while Beasant said communication with residents is key. Alderson said trust is earned through actions and transparency on council. Alderson’s key message throughout the evening was one of bringing more transparency to council chambers through livestreamed council meetings and greater access to council decisions.

If the town were to be handed a $1 million grant Stott said he would focus on bringing more daycares to town while Funk said building amenities like a library, arts and culture spaces and an expanded medical building would be his priorities.

Voters will head to the polls to elect their town council on Oct. 26.