Mayor Cheryl Christian, RM of West St. Paul

Recognzing the importance of trees for biodiversity and the reduction of carbon, West St. Paul Council is encouraging land owners and developers to preserve as many trees as possible and our Financial Plan for 2021, if approved, includes $40,000 for tree planting in municipal parks and green space. Working with developers, Council was able to save over 6 acres of trees by St. Benedict’s and create a public walking path for all residents to enjoy this treed area that previously on private property.

Last night our West St. Paul Council had first reading of our Financial Plan which outlines our municipal budget for the next year. If you missed last night’s presentation, a copy of the presentation and recording of the meeting are available on our municipal website. As part of our Financial Plan, we are proposing a modest 1.95% tax increase which is equal to a $35 a year increase for a home assessed at $435,000. For a home assessed at $436,200, municipal taxes will be $...1,787.02 or $148.92 per month. For the cost of a movie night or fancy dinner for two once a month, our residents receive over 45 services including fire protection, snow clearing, garbage and recycle, recreation etc. As part of our financial plan, we have included over $500,000 for road improvements, over $150,000 for new parks and green space, funding for more community trails with an extension to McPhillips highway, a new sanding truck/snow plow for even better snow clearing service, fire equipment, garbage and recycle bins, and so much more. Our financial plan is created to help improve the well being of our residents in West St. Paul. I'm very proud of our budget and our inclusive budget process. Council spent over 20 hours in meetings to discuss and work with our staff to ensure the best value for your tax dollars. Three council members, myself, Councillor Parag and Councillor Busceti supported the budget and voted in favour. Councillor Link and Councillor Kleiber opposed the budget. If the second and third readings are not supported by council, we won't be able to move forward with our budget. I am concerned but optimistic the budget will be supported.

Ongoing and ignored harassment in the workplace is truly disturbing. This is truly sad for all parties involved. Complaints of misconduct and harassment can not be ignored. Leadership within the Federal Government is now being held accountable and accused of a failure to act on serious allegations of harassment. In the RM of West St. Paul harassment, threats and intimidation of council, staff and residents will not be ignored and will not be tolerated. A recent third par...ty, arms length investigation in our municipality found misconduct and harassment has taken place. That investigation report also outlined steps to be taken for accountability and to ensure the safety of council and staff. We all deserve a safe and respectful workplace. A failure to act on harassment complaints and address misconduct is not an option. https://nationalpost.com//frustrating-and-cruel-experts-la

Thank you Raquel Dancho for addressing this important issue and raising awareness about the loopholes for medical marijuana grow ops. We want to see safe residential neighbourhoods in our communities. Marijuana grow operations can have a significant negative impact in our neighbourhoods.

Out in the community this afternoon with West St. Paul Councillor Giorgio Busceti, Acting Director of Infrastructure Dave Romanow and CAO Brent Olynyk. Wearing masks and safely physical distancing, we were talking about ditch repairs and development conditions. Excited to see some outstanding community projects, including ditch work, are scheduled for completion this spring and summer!