Clive Tolley was born and raised in Moose Jaw, went to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and the University of Regina. He has travelled extensively domestically, visited 9 provinces, and internationally, having visited 17 countries and worked in two, (Head Coach of the 4 National Teams of the Turkish Ice Hockey Federation, Ankara, Turkey, and UKBA Vietnam Country Manager, British Embassy, Hanoi, Vietnam). He chose to return to Moose Jaw, where his heart is.
“I [have been] on city council and I've stayed abreast of what's going on. We're underfunded, and I know the problems we face.”
As a Chartered Mediator and Chartered Arbitrator, Tolley has been a listener by trade for years.
“The only way this municipality can make money is through property assessment taxation. I've been on the board 10 years and we deal in quasi-judicial property assessment appeals,” he said.
He's notices many people appealing and contesting their property taxes, and says confusion has been at the heart of things.
“As far as I know, I'm the only candidate with experience on this matter. I've already been fielding calls about this and it's important to have someone in the mayoral role who knows about property assessment and tax dollars,” he said.
He's also worried about entertainment, culture and tourism in the town and is actively seeking the revitalization of River St. West.
“We used to have hotels and a Chinese restaurant right down there. A developer with Moose Jaw roots went to City Hall and wanted to redevelop and make something great. But when it was torn down, something changed and things didn't go ahead. The people bought the vacant land, but there's the thought of having something that builds tourism,” he said.
“It's key real estate right near Mosaic Place, but right now it's just a dirt parking lot. I share the vision of working to get things that benefit tourists and our community there again.”
He is also adamant that instead of patching and repairing streetscapes and other things, they should be redeveloped when necessary.
“When we talk about sidewalks, curbs and gutters, it's an issue. In front of my house, I have three pieces of concrete: One from 1912, one from 1966, and one from the 2000s. I would advocate for an inventory of sidewalks, and the city could identify the worst and replace those blocks. Then we could put them down to be replaced in 30 years,” he said.
“Right now, good contractors are just doing patch work when we could do whole blocks. Swift Current does one block at a time, then a different one the next year. I think that's more effective.”
He is also interested in the Canadian Forces Armoury and the reputation that's been built in the area. “I joined the Saskatchewan Dragoons Militia Regiment in high school and I was honourably discharged as a Corporal. My grandfathers fought in WWI, my father and uncles fought in WWII. I’d like to see more community engagement and use of the Currie Armoury.
I was the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Air Show in 2004 and 2005 and I have an excellent relationship with the Snowbirds and with the RCAF/CAE NATO Flying Training in Canada partnership.
“It's essential Moose Jaw expands and maintains relations there. These things are important to our financial and cultural health.”
While Tolley stops short of saying he'll never raise taxes, citing inflation and cost-of-living increases, he does have a promise to voters.
“We can try to get more bang for our buck. The city held the line on taxes for years, and now we are in a terrible situation due to it,” he said.
“It's not realistic to say we'll never have tax increases. But I do promise to look after this city’s money like I would my own. I will be judicious.”
The professional and Chartered Mediator and Arbitrator has been a listener by trade for years.
“I assist with planning and solving problems. I've adapted a two-word slogan – Practical solutions. I believe that my passion and love for this city will stand out,” he said.
“I just want to make the best place in the world better, preserve our way of life, and find access to as many dollars as I can for Moose Jaw. I think leadership, a strong vision and teamwork will get it done.”
