Margaret Duncombe is a founding partner of the Northern Spirits Program and president of the PA Concert Choir. (Submitted photo/Margaret Duncombe)

By Alison Sandstrom

Civic Election

Consultation and collaboration top of mind for Ward 4 candidate

Oct 8, 2020 | 10:02 AM

A woman with a career’s worth of experience in sport, culture, tourism, small business and non-profits has her sights set on becoming the city councillor for Ward 4.

Margaret Duncombe has lived and worked all over Saskatchewan, but returned to Prince Albert in 2004 and later retired here.

She told paNOW she was motivated to run for council by a desire to make a positive contribution to the city. She noted her time as a recreation coordinator for the City of Saskatoon impressed on her the power city council has, while showing her the kind of councillor she wants to be.

“I worked with a couple of councillors that listened very carefully to the needs of the community and were very open to learn,” Duncombe explained. “They took the time to work with other agencies and organizations that were dealing with some of the kinds of issues that we have [in P.A.]”

Similarly Duncombe wants to see the city collaborate and “paddle in the same direction” with groups dealing with poverty, homelessness, systemic racism, mental health issues, addictions and crime.

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Her other priorities include investing in infrastructure; downtown revitalization; supporting small business and economic development; accessible and affordable programming and services for families; protecting and preserving parks and open spaces; and building the new aquatic and arena recreation complex and hospital expansion.

Duncombe also has experience in the tourism industry and is the former Chair of the Prince Albert Tourism Committee. She said through hard work and strategic planning, Prince Albert can build on its strengths and heritage to become a destination.

She cited the success the City of Moose Jaw has had developing and marketing attractions like its spa and tunnels as a example.

“There was a time when people just drove by Moose Jaw, waved to the moose and kept on going,” she said. “They’ve made incredible headway, and I believe we can do the same thing.”

Duncombe is running against Mira Lewis and two-term incumbent Don Cody in Ward 4.

The municipal election is Nov. 9.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom