Estevan’s city councillor candidates gathered recently to outline their plans for strengthening the local economy and improving the community’s future. With a range of perspectives, the debate highlighted the importance of collaboration and proactive solutions for the city’s long-term prosperity.
Shelley Veroba emphasized the importance of local support in strengthening Estevan's economy, urging residents to buy locally to positively impact the business community and job growth. She said City Council plays a key role in supporting economic development, rural partnerships, and the Tech Hub. Veroba added that local businesses not only contribute financially to community projects and healthcare but also rely on residents to keep dollars within Estevan. She stressed that collaboration between City Council, the business community, and residents is vital to maintaining a vibrant local economy. "We need to continue to support each other for Estevan to maintain a strong economy," Veroba said.
Kevin Andrews emphasized the need to reduce debt as a priority, which he believes will allow for tax cuts and attract new residents and businesses, boosting the local tax base. He expressed hope for a shift in global energy reliance back to coal and cited concerns over the sustainability of electric vehicles. “The world is turning back to coal because it’s sustainable. Electric vehicles aren’t sustainable. They’re stupid. Hopefully, people will realize that, and things will change. Then we can get on with a brighter future as an energy capital,” Andrews said. He also expressed disapproval of some global initiatives, encouraging the public to become informed and select trustworthy leaders.
Matthew Dubowski outlined his plan for enhancing Estevan's economic development by fostering job market diversity and encouraging graduates to stay or return to Estevan to build fulfilling lives.“We need to encourage and give graduates a reason to stay or to return to Estevan after school to work and be able to build a life that they can be happy and proud of.” He also spoke about investing in the future of energy beyond coal, oil, and gas. Dubowski stressed the importance of proactive action to avoid playing catch-up, and said improving Estevan’s quality of life and aesthetics would create a more attractive environment for both residents and businesses.
Robin Wog noted that he would be committed to avoiding tax increases and said he would explore potential tax cuts to attract new businesses. He acknowledged the importance of keeping the budget in check and anticipated a challenging 2025 budget. Wog said he would advocate for businesses and taxpayers, aiming to reduce the impact of inflation and address the city's ongoing debt from past projects. He pledged to focus on managing these challenges and unifying the council to tackle them. "We’re fighting against this thing called inflation. It’s stealing from our future. So is ongoing debt."
Tom Mauss emphasized a multifaceted approach to economic development in Estevan. He highlighted the need to retain the city’s skilled workforce by offering local trade training through Southeast College, allowing residents and high school graduates to learn locally rather than move to larger cities. Mauss also pointed out that a well-trained workforce could attract new businesses or support locals in starting their own ventures, with resources like the Southeast Tech Hub, Chamber of Commerce, and Southeast Saskatchewan Economic Partnership available to help. He also stressed the importance of improving Estevan’s appearance to make it more welcoming to newcomers and businesses, recalling the empty buildings on Main Street when he first arrived five years ago. “It’s education, it’s training, and it’s keeping the city looking like it should,” Mauss said.
Dave Elliot expressed uncertainty about providing specific solutions due to a lack of information about past council efforts. He highlighted the importance of making the community attractive but noted the challenge of high business taxes and infrastructure issues like poor roads and a lack of sewer systems. Elliot also pointed to the impact of the carbon tax on the budget but admitted he doesn’t have a definitive solution. "With the carbon tax constantly gnawing away at the budget, and our good friend down east keeps raising it, that just takes that much more out," Elliot said.
Kirsten Walliser stated that she believes there is growing momentum in Estevan’s business community and emphasized the importance of embracing this energy, staying vigilant for new opportunities, and connecting with others navigating similar experiences. She highlighted the success already seen through Southeast College and the Southeast Tech Hub, advocating for innovation that meets challenges while creating jobs and opportunities for everyone in the community. Reflecting on her own experience, Walliser spoke about the support her pharmacy received during its first year of business and expressed gratitude for the local business community. "We can say we've been overwhelmed by the support of the business community and that we take great pride in participating alongside them to support other small businesses and community groups here in Estevan."
Stephen Daniel said Estevan already offers excellent infrastructure and quality-of-life amenities, including a leisure center, sports facilities, cultural venues, restaurants, shopping, and proximity to multiple lakes. He emphasized that the community has something for everyone. However, Daniel also acknowledged the issue of high business taxes, which he believes hinder job growth and prosperity. If elected, he would work to reduce business taxes as a way to stimulate growth and create more opportunities.
Ryhan Hagel discussed the need for a more realistic approach to economic development in Estevan. He said the city has long relied on boom-and-bust cycles, leading to a volatile job market. Hagel suggested diversifying revenue sources by better utilizing existing resources, such as turning the fairgrounds into a tourist hub and maximizing the potential of Affinity Place as a concert venue. He also highlighted the issue of young people leaving for education and not returning, saying, “We are wasting our most valuable resource, manpower, by sending them off to foreign cities to get educated. They gain their lives there and won’t come back home. Very few do come back.” Hagel also pointed to the challenges posed by inadequate healthcare facilities, such as the need for more basic services like MRIs and maternity care.
Brian Johnson discussed the positive developments in Estevan, highlighting SaskPower’s plans to build the province’s largest solar facility south of the city. Johnson expressed excitement about Estevan’s growing investment in renewable energy and praised the upgrades to the mall and the opening of new businesses. He also noted the increased potential for shopping and tourism in the city.