YORKTON – The 2024 Municipal Election set for Nov. 13 will see the public cast their votes with two mayoral candidates and 10 councillors to choose from.
Â鶹´«Ã½AV.ca reached out to each candidate with a set of questions to help inform the public on who they're voting for.
Gurjit Dhaliwal, Candidate for City Council
First, a brief history of your time in the city. How long have you been here, work experience, political experience, etc.
Since relocating to Yorkton in April 2023 with my wife, two dogs and a cat, from Surrey, BC, I have actively engaged with the community and participated in various local events. I have been a nurse since 2007, with a career dedicated to healthcare in long-term care, home health care and retirement living. My roles have included floor nurse, Resident Care Manager, Home Support Supervisor, Manager of Wellness, General Manager, and currently, Executive Director at The Bentley.
I take pride in enhancing operations at every building I've worked in, focusing on fiscal responsibility, employee support, and improving resident well-being. My goal is to create a positive environment for both residents and staff.
While my political experience is limited, I am eager to grow my involvement in local governance. I am particularly interested in exploring initiatives that promote community health and well-being, as well as supporting local programs that enhance the quality of life in Yorkton.
Why do you feel you're qualified to represent the public on City Council?
I believe I am well-qualified to represent the public on City Council due to my collaborative approach to decision-making and my experience in managing building operations and budgets. I have consistently achieved high satisfaction scores from both residents and employees, demonstrating my commitment to fostering a positive community environment.
My active participation in city committees and support for community events reflect my dedication to promoting local engagement and development. I prioritize ensuring that all voices are heard, and I advocate for enhanced communication and transparency within our community.
I am approachable and responsive, taking pride in addressing concerns promptly and effectively. My vision for Yorkton is one of sustainable growth that prioritizes quality of life for all residents, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to this vision on City Council.
What issues do you feel are the most pressing for the city?
The most pressing issues for our city, as I've consistently heard from residents, are the need for a safer community and the maintenance and upgrading of our infrastructure. Additionally, supporting our local businesses is crucial to ensure their success and resilience.
These challenges are not unique to Yorkton; they mirror the broader concerns faced by many cities across Canada. It’s essential that we prioritize listening to our residents and addressing their concerns effectively.
By focusing on enhancing safety in our neighborhoods and investing in reliable infrastructure, we can significantly improve the quality of life for everyone in Yorkton. Furthermore, supporting our businesses will foster economic growth and community vitality. Together, these efforts can help us build a stronger, more connected community where all voices are valued and heard.
How would you plan to address these issues?
To address the pressing issues of safety, infrastructure, and business support in our city, I propose a multifaceted approach.
First, enhancing community safety is paramount. We can start by strengthening community policing initiatives that foster trust between law enforcement and residents. By encouraging collaboration, we can create a safer environment where everyone feels empowered to report concerns. Additionally, investing in public safety resources, such as improved lighting in public spaces and surveillance in high-traffic areas, will help deter crime. Promoting community engagement through programs like neighborhood watch and regular forums will allow residents to share their concerns and work together on safety initiatives.
Next, upgrading and maintaining our infrastructure is crucial. This begins with conducting comprehensive assessments of our roads, water and sewage line and public facilities to identify areas that need immediate attention. Developing a long-term infrastructure plan will ensure that we prioritize maintenance and improvements based on safety and community needs, while also making efficient use of our funding.
Supporting local businesses is another vital component. We can create business development programs that offer grants, training, and mentorship to local entrepreneurs, helping them thrive in our community. Encouraging collaboration between local businesses and community organizations can promote events and initiatives that drive traffic and engagement, while developing a marketing strategy to highlight our unique offerings will attract visitors and bolster our local economy.
Finally, prioritizing resident engagement is essential. Establishing feedback mechanisms, such as surveys and town hall meetings, will provide regular opportunities for residents to voice their opinions and concerns about city issues. Ensuring transparency in our processes will help build trust and foster a culture of openness and accountability.
By taking this proactive and collaborative approach, we can create a safer, more vibrant Yorkton that supports all residents and businesses, enhancing the overall quality of life in our community.
In Yorkton we're experiencing concerns with homelessness, drug abuse, mental health, and crime. Though separate issues they're often intertwined and something that falls on the shoulders of the provincial government. What steps would you, as a city councillor, take to ensure a closer working relationship with the provincial government so that a meaningful impact on these issues can be made? What work or education do you have that qualifies your answer?
To address crime and public safety effectively, I would focus on building a strong partnership with the provincial government. As a city councillor, I would take the following steps:
First, I would push for regular meetings with provincial officials to discuss our community’s needs and challenges. This open communication would help ensure that our concerns about crime and safety are heard and addressed.
Next, I would advocate for joint task forces that include city leaders, law enforcement, and community organizations. These groups can work on specific issues, like youth crime or substance abuse, to develop targeted solutions using both local and provincial resources.
I would also engage in advocacy efforts alongside other municipalities to highlight these issues and lobby for changes that can improve funding and support for crime prevention programs.
My background in healthcare and management has given me strong communication skills and experience in collaboration. As a nurse and executive director, I’ve learned the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
By taking these steps, I believe we can create a closer working relationship with the provincial government, leading to a real impact on crime and public safety in our community.
What would you do to improve on transparency to maintain the public's trust in their municipal government?
To improve transparency and maintain the public's trust in our municipal government, I would focus on enhancing communication through various channels.
I would increase outreach by utilizing multiple platforms, including local newspapers, social media, and television, to keep residents informed about council activities and decisions. Regular updates and informative content would ensure that everyone has access to important information.
Additionally, I would promote council meeting dates and times more effectively, encouraging public attendance and participation. Open forums and town hall meetings would be scheduled to provide residents with a space to voice their concerns, ask questions, and engage directly with council members.
By fostering an environment of open dialogue and accessible information, we can build trust with the community and ensure that residents feel informed and involved in local governance.
