Thank you to the residents who take time to ask questions and share what they want for Lac du Bonnet's future. Your questions help keep the focus on what matters in daily life. Here are my answers to a few recent questions.

What are your top three priorities for the RM over the next four years?

1. Responsible growth and opportunity

Lac du Bonnet has a diverse economy, including science, healthcare, agriculture, forestry, mining, construction and tourism. We can build on those strengths by supporting the housing, childcare, infrastructure and skilled workforce that help families and businesses thrive—while protecting our waterways, trails, forests, farmland and rural character.

I'm proud to have helped advance a renewed Town/RM economic development partnership, including a shared Economic Development Officer. In less than a year, we've secured more than $700,000 in grants for community improvements, and developer interest is growing. This partnership is helping us prepare for responsible investment and new opportunities.

2. Reliable infrastructure and responsible spending

We need to keep improving roads and drainage, plan for growth and make practical, sustainable investments. That means working with provincial and regional partners, tracking results and being clear about how public dollars are used.

The 2025 wildfires also showed the airport's importance as a regional emergency asset. We're working to secure funding to strengthen its capacity and help the region respond to future emergencies.

3. Healthcare, education and aging in place

Working with local physicians and healthcare partners, we've helped recruit two doctors, and recruitment efforts continue. We're also exploring visiting specialists to reduce travel for residents, especially seniors and people with mobility challenges.

The new 95-bed Personal Care Home will add 65 long-term-care beds. Through the Lac du Bonnet Heritage Corporation, we're also exploring assisted and supportive housing.

What would help young families move to or stay in the RM?

Lac du Bonnet has the quality of life families are looking for. We need to build on that by making it easier to find childcare, housing, work and training opportunities.

Expanding local daycare with regional partners is a priority, with the goal of beginning construction next year. Many local employers are already investing in young people through training and mentorship. I'd like to help connect more youth with apprenticeships, work placements and those kinds of opportunities. Advocating for local health care aide training is one successful example: it brings training closer to home and prepares people for work our community needs.

A recent meeting with federal skills development representatives also helped identify programs that may support more local opportunities. Young people should be able to picture a future here and those who leave for school or work should see a path back.

What is your vision for recreation and arts programming?

More ways to connect, all year.

There's good momentum to build on. The joint Town/RM recreation office held more than 30 public events last year. The Lakers initiative could support four-season recreation, and grant funding is helping bring outdoor exercise equipment for seniors to a local park next summer.

I'm also exploring a youth-led, low-cost social space inspired by Winnipeg's Across the Board Café, where young people could play games, enjoy snacks and build business skills. Transportation matters too. Options are being explored to help children from across the RM take part in local activities.

I'd like to connect more of the trails volunteers have created, expand opportunities for local artists and performers, and create more affordable places for young people and families to gather.

How Would You Support Organizations and Volunteers?

Volunteers are the backbone of this community. Council can support them by listening, reducing unnecessary barriers, helping with grants and facilities, and connecting groups with resources and partners.

Where municipal resources allow, practical help, such as staff time or equipment for community projects can make a real difference. We also help organizations share resources, and need to advocate and welcome younger volunteers for leadership succession. Volunteers deserve our appreciation and a municipality that treats them as partners.

What is the best thing about living in the RM, and what could be improved?

The best thing about living in the RM is the people. We're surrounded by beautiful lakes, forests and farmland, but what makes this community special is how people step forward to help one another.

We can build on that strong sense of community by improving the things residents rely on every day: roads and drainage, access to housing and services, and local training and work opportunities. Serving on Council has shown me how much thoughtful planning and cooperation - with residents, staff, neighbouring municipalities, colleagues and other partners truly matter in making that progress.

Not every challenge can be solved in one term. But progress starts with listening, thoughtful planning and open communication, and with people working together toward a stronger community.