Yesterday morning we conducted an infrastructure tour with Premier Fentie, Minister Hart, Minister Kenyon and Minister Rouble along with our MLA Steve Nordick and staff from the Territorial Government and the city. We stopped by our three community wells where our Public Works Superintendent Norm Carlson expressed the need for a fourth back-up well in case one has to be taken off-line in the winter. On our way to the landfill site we pointed out where the new waste water treatment plant is slated to be built. Although our municipal dump is far from perfect, everyone was impressed with how tidy things were in relation to the sorting system.
Back in town we stopped by the water supply pumping station which is pretty impressive and then the swimming pool where issues surrounding deficiencies in the pool liner were discussed along with other things that in hindsight could have been done differently.
The big ticket item of course is our beleaguered recreation complex. Over the years Dawson certainly has had its share of bad luck in this department. We took the Premier and the group on an extensive tour of the facility.
After lunch we all sat down together in Council Chambers for an informal discussion with the Premier and Town Council. The main topic of course was the rec centre and how to solve the problems associated with it once and for all. Pending drilling studies and other reports it will be decided whether to proceed with modifying the existing facility or to build a new complex across from Minto Park. Then talk turned to the waste water treatment plant with an update as to its status in the environmental study phase. We brought up the fact that Dawson rate-payers pay the highest amount for yearly water and sewer rates, three times the amount of any other municipality in the Yukon. If the new treatment plant is going to add significantly to the operation and maintenance costs then we might have to look at requesting a rate equalization scheme.
Its clear to me that this government is listening to many of our concerns and I have every confidence that we will arrive at a solution to our recreation facility that will satisfy everyone. They are also responding to our water and sewer infrastructure needs.
I know its probably bad luck to give too many kudos to a government in power but it is hard to find fault right now in terms of their responsiveness and recognition of some of Dawson’s issues. Over a year ago they did write off our 3.4 million dollar debt along with an infusion of a million dollars to get us back up on our feet. Minister Hart recently announced an increase of over a million over five years to our Consolidated Municipal Grant. The ongoing costs and energy expended towards our waste water project also needs to be acknowledged.
Regrettably the Volunteer Ambulance issue remains unresolved although we were reassured by Premiere Fentie that work continues towards a remedy and that no one will be excluded from participating in finding the right model.
The TILMA (Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement) question is also out there waiting to rear its head.
In summary I think we can say that Dawson’s relationship with the Territorial Government has improved as demonstrated by the Premier’s willingness to listen and address many of our concerns.
Like
Hearing and listening are two entirely different things as is “addressing” verses the convenient blowing of political smoke. You and I along with every other responsible stake-holder in this great community have to make sure that the appropriate tootsies are held very, very close to the hottest embers of the social fire so that words become actions and results are timely forthcoming. It’s our democratic right and responsibilty to assume this task.
James
Yes, let’s hope its more than just the blowing of smoke. But that’s the way it is with top-down government, underscoring the sad fact that municipal citizens are at the bottom of the heap and have to make nice.
John, I don’t know you personally, but hope to have the opportunity to meet very soon. In the mean-time, consider this. Yes…upper levels of government rule by rote in a top-down fashion. However, what REALLY prevents you and your council from governing in a progressive bottom-up style? Are we all so bludgened by the entrenched ways of old that we have been blinded to even the remoteness of possibilities? Is your council numbed to defeat by the upper-uppies, perhaps toteing the party line for lack of an alternative. Leadership rests on your shoulders John. Make it work, manage the far side and show us all your true stuff!!
Looking forward to meeting you for some, no doubt, interesting discussions.
James
James, thanks for your comments. I don’t really mean to sound defeatist because none of council feels that way. The only thing that prevents us from pushing this thing uphill is the present dynamic of mayor and council, meaning that our job is part time and we don’t have the personal resources for the sacrifice that an all or nothing proposition would demand. We also reflect the wishes of the community, we can’t act alone.
John, any good and future guaranteed relationship starts with pushing buttons, testing the ground-rules and establishing a trust and credibility so that things flow continguously. Sorry, but that’s my age-old business style that rears itself without control. So, now that stuff is out of the way, how can I make a meaningfull contribution as a new member of your (our) community? I’ve got tons to offer and want it to be directed towards the best compass point. We really must get together and meet each other. email me with an appropriate time.
jc_edmonds@hotmail.com