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Christopher Lake candidates discuss future at forum

Oct 7, 2016 | 12:04 PM

Speed limits and money were the topics of conversation at the Christopher Lake legion hall on Thursday night.

Almost 50 local residents turned out for what most considered to be only the second candidates’ forum in Christopher Lake’s history. Local resident and retired public servant, Brenda LePage, served as moderator for the forum, meant to let residents hear each candidates’ vision for the community.

In attendance were the candidates for council and the two of the mayoral hopefuls, Victor Timm and Jerry Grasdahl. Incumbent mayor Dennis Daughton was unable to attend because of a prior commitment.

Both Timm and Grasdahl have a long history as business owners in the community. Timm is an accountant as well as the owner and operator of the Lake Country Cottage Restaurant. Grasdahl owns the CL Gas service station, which he operates with members of his family. Both candidates cited their involvement in the community and a desire to give back as the major reasons behind their decisions to run for office.

“The experience and insight I’ve gained at operating my own business, as well as community involvement, has been invaluable,” Timm said. “Coupled with my commitment to the future of Christopher Lake, this has fueled my drive and desire to run for the position of mayor.”

Economic development, safety along Highway 263 and the tendering of public projects were hotly discussed among the candidates as well as those in attendance.

The creation of an economic action plan, or another type of community and urban development model was discussed. The candidates outlined the benefits would include investment and increase the business tax base in the village. With the increased funds, candidates said it would help the village administration fund future projects, such as a water and sewer system.

A stronger relationship with the Rural Municipality of Lakeland and more cooperation with other partners could help guide Christopher Lake as it grows, candidates said.

“If I should be elected, we would be more than willing to take anybody’s ideas and see what we can do with them,” Grasdahl said.

The speed limit along the roadway, a provincial highway, is currently 50 km/h. Many residents in attendance expressed a desire to have the speed limit along the road reduced to 40, or even 30 km/h. All the candidates agreed, but as a provincial highway, the village would need to petition the department of highways and infrastructure.

Greater transparency at the village office was discussed as a way to make the community eligible for more grants from other levels of government, as well as a need for more cooperation between the village administration and the R.M. of Lakeland.

Both Timm and Grasdahl offered their support for an annual open meeting for the public, in addition to the bi-annual newsletter that is already distributed. While ratepayers in the village are able to look at regular council meeting minutes and agendas to review the business of the village, a more thorough communications strategy was pitched by residents in attendance to keep the community up to speed on local issues.

Christopher Lake, and the rest of the province, heads to the polls on October 26.

 

shane.oneill@paNOW.com

On Twitter: @stroneill