Shelley Boutin-Gervais' official portrait. (Submitted photo)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Boutin-Gervais

Town Council incumbent insists she still has work to do

Nov 1, 2024 | 3:59 PM

Shelley Boutin-Gervais is seeking a fourth term on Battleford council.

“Things are progressing in a very good manner actually, we have a very good council that works well together,” she said.

“It’s a bit different this year with more people running for election but I’m just hoping that the residents of the town are happy with the folks that are on council now and take a serious look at the ones running as well.”

Throughout her 12 years, Boutin-Gervais said she has seen a lot of change over her tenure including the Battleford lagoon upgrade project, the Seniors’ Fitness Park and the Battleford pump track.

“I just want to build on amenities, advocate for the police service and you know, just moving forward in a progressive manner,” said Boutin-Gervais, adding that means keeping taxes to a minimum.

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“We always talk about economic development, what everybody always talks about, but I think we need to actually sit down and think of creative ways to boost economic development within our community,” she said.

“Transparency and responsibility are just things that are near and dear to my heart as well as ensuring that infrastructure keeps up with…the growth that is happening.”

One of the areas she would like to see movement on is bringing back the RCMP to the town by having a dedicated space.

“We’ve always advocated to have an actual office… in Battleford like we did years ago,” the three-term councillor said.

With regards to infrastructure, Boutin-Gervais said council has a plan in place to prioritize streets over the next number of years.

“That’s kind of the plan that we’re following, ” shr said, adding they’re also ensuring regular maintenance is done as well.

“I think to be successful, we have to have partnerships with the surrounding communities, (rural municipalities), the First Nations and maybe try to work together to make some of the bigger projects happen.”

Looking ahead, Boutin-Gervais said she’s sticking with the priorities she has always had as a councillor including preserving and promoting Battleford.

“We have a lot of rich history here that could bring in lots of tourism, new people to the Battlefords,” the member of the Battleford Community Spirit Group added.

“I like to bring the community together to meet each other.”

julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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