McLennan council candidates face rising taxes

Richard Froese
Smoky River Express

f Rising property taxes and attracting new residents and business were the main issues facing Town of McLennan council candidates during an all-candidates forum Oct. 2 at the Elks’ Hall that drew about 60 people. Incumbent mayor Michele Fournier faces challenger Don Regier. Councillors Robert Bisson, Gary Braithwaite, Eckhard Christen, Catherine Dunne, and Dwayne Stout are challenged by newcomers Sharon Carberry, Rene Dubrule, Darrell Fiddick, Lawrence McNeil, and Gerry Roth. “We need to attract more business which would keep shoppers in town and lower our millrate,” says Fournier, who is completing her first three-year term as mayor. “We are doing all we can to lower the millrate.” “We need to assess our needs and consider how we’re going to pay for these needs,” says Regier, who is optimistic about growth in the community. “I hope we can maximize provincial grants and we need to look at what is available.” Mayoral and councillor candidates agreed that more residents and commercial and industrial development are required to help lower taxes. “There should be a cap on taxes and lower the millrate,” says Robert Bisson. “To lower taxes, we need growth in commercial and industrial development,” says Darrell Fiddick. “We should put more onus on the provincial government to pay for property,” says Carberry. Provincial and federal governments are exempt from property taxes, such as the hospital and RCMP, as well as churches and many businesses, noted Catherine Dunne. “We are not the only small town in Alberta struggling with property taxes,” says Dunne. “If we want services in town, we need to maintain taxes.” “We need lots of commercial growth to offset residential taxes,” says Dwayne Stout. “We can’t lower taxes, it’s very hard when property assessments go up,” says Eckhard Christen. Rene Dubrule suggested using H.W. Fish Arena more and year-round to attract more people into town and raise revenue. Gary Braithwaite further suggested that non-McLennan taxpayers and users pay more to help offset costs. Lawrence McNeil and Gerry Roth also agreed to keep taxes intact. More affordable housing, upgrading infrastructure such as sidewalks and roads, child daycare, a safer community, and partnerships in the community and region were also priorities and concerns expressed by candidates. Just three questions from the public were asked under the format.