When incumbent Moose Jaw mayor Fraser Tolmie initially assumed office back in 2016, there were plenty of lofty goals and lots of ideas to try and make the city that much better — and create a situation where, four years later, the community would see the improvements in place.
And while Tolmie feels he was able to accomplish what he set out to do, he’s also the first to admit there’s still a lot of work to be done.
One of his first and main plans was dealing with the city’s economy and developing tourism, an ongoing project he feels has taken many steps forward.
“That was one of our key platform promises, and we’ve attracted over a billion dollars in the last four years, during what some have coined economic headwinds,” Tolmie said. “We’ve raised the city’s profile with regards to tourism, which attracts business to the community. So I think we’ve accomplished that.”
That includes working collaboratively with organizations in the city to help move things in a positive direction, Tolmie explained.
“We’ve worked with the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Moose Jaw, the downtown business group, and that’s been key in getting past some of the struggles we’ve faced. We’re facing the challenges of the future stronger because we’re bringing the community together.”
To that point, the mayor’s office has attempted to listen to the community and increase communication, another of his 2016 plans. While Tolmie feels things have improved in that direction, there’s still more that can be done.
“Absolutely,” he said. “Every day brings a new challenge or situation or circumstance where we have to pay attention to what’s being said and how we respond, how we make that better. So I’d say, yes, it has improved and we can always improve more.
“There are so many levels and different ways to communicate with people, but also one of the key components is hearing what people are saying. We have to be able to be a two-way street; there’s always work to be done in that area.”
As part of bringing the community together, Tolmie says one of the keys was including citizens in the community strategic plan, something he felt was isolated in the past and led to little idea of what city hall was trying to accomplish. Tolmie cited the cast-iron replacement funding model as an example, with that process one of the first areas the new council worked on back in 2016 and leading to the current ongoing work today.
Still, it’s always a work in progress.
“What we did was open the doors and allow different partners to come in and speak and talk about the different values of our community,” Tolmie said, “and when you hear what the values the community shares, then you can move forward and that’s a key component in any strategic plan.
“That also holds us accountable. So if we have a plan and we say ‘this is where we’re going’ and it’s not in the value of the community, then someone else can say ‘hey, we all agreed on this’ and sometimes that means a course correction. We’re happy to do that.” In the end, everyone on council is a community servant, and it’s a matter of serving the will of the people, Tolmie says.
“My job is to listen to what they have to say, because sometimes there’s a different point of view and I’m open to that,” he said.
“Sometimes you’re criticized for that, but I think it’s the better way forward and the better way to lead and I’m someone who will work with the people.”
Building unity going forward and bringing as many people into the fold as possible will always be the goal, Tolmie said, especially after four years in office and that being an original focus.
“What it’s taken is us opening the doors at city hall, to have people involved in round table discussions and work collaboratively to hear different perspectives and come up with a values conversation and to share
“It takes a lot of work to do that, and that’s the beauty of having a council where there isn’t one person, there’s seven people around the table. You might not always agree, but in the end the right decision is made and people are comfortable with that, they’re heard and they move forward.”
Fraser Tolmie's platform in the Civic Election of 2016
dated June 16, 2016; written by Scott Hellings
The civic election is still months away but Fraser Tolmie is wasting little time by entering his name in the mayoral race. Tolmie recently announced his intention to run before a packed room at the Heritage Inn.
“I have spoken with many people in recent months, people who share my vision of a respectful and supportive community,” said Tolmie. “People want to work together to find solutions to the challenges that we face and to create opportunities for prosperity. [They want] a city where we work together to forge and sustain a strong foundation in which our families, business, and organizations can thrive. Together, we can do so much and we can do so much better, together.”
Tolmie previously served as a city councillor from 2009-2012. In the 2012 municipal election he ran for mayor opposite Deb Higgins. In 2014 he sought nomination as the Conservative Party candidate for the Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan riding for the 2015 federal election.
Tolmie says he is persistent and that he is ready to run again.
“The election was decided by a very narrow margin. Since then, frustrations have increased, not abated. Many problems have not been solved and, in some cases, worsened. People are not feeling respected or heard. Good leadership is inclusive and open. Good leadership unites people, bringing them together to work for a common good, [both] present and future. Good leadership builds bridge, forges alliances, and builds a community. Good leadership has a shared vision, a plan, and a way of getting things done and done well,” said Tolmie.
“People are frustrated by the way the Local Improvement Program has been handled. It is causing divisions and rancor. A city divided is what we have seen too often in recent years. That is not the community that Moose Jaw is all about. We do have challenges and some are the same as they were four years ago, but there is a better way to handle our present circumstances and a better way forward. People have the right to voice their opinions and be heard. My decision to run is with the conviction that I can make things better.”
Speaking to the media, Tolmie noted he plans on discussing the LIP program with concerned citizens, although he did not provide any specific platform promises. He did say that he intends to be as approachable as possible during his campaign.
“I have been pondering this decision for a while. I have been watching how things have been handled. I would do some things differently,” said Tolmie. “My decision was not based on one issue; there are a number of issues that need to be dealt with and the way the way they have been handled. I want to focus on positive outcomes for this city.”
Ultimately, Tolmie believes in the power of working together to find solutions.
“When I look at this city I see its limitless potential,” said Tolmie. “The people of Moose Jaw have the potential to make this city better together. If people have a better attitude and a better outlook, that will make things better. When that happens, our community will overcome any problem or crisis that may come its way...You are why this city exists. The roads are there to serve you. Water mains, sewer systems, and the overall infrastructure are all there to provide a service for you. City hall is there to serve you. Elected officials are there to represent and serve you. Let me serve you. Let me work with you and work beside you. Let me work with you. I promise you that, together, we can do better.”
