Mayoral Candidates discuss the Downtown

An email was sent to all the mayoral candidates asking 4 questions regrading the downtown.  Here are their replies in the order they were receive to our office:

Do you think our Downtown is healthy and successful?  If not, what would you do to change that?

Darryl Hickie: I see our downtown becoming healthier and more successful, however I know there’s more work to do.  
 
After speaking with local businesses in the downtown, and as a result of the Seniors Forum I had the pleasure of taking part in as well, I see a more concerted need for an overall Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) study done and implement those strategies.  This will enhance the downtown for additional traffic during the day, but more importantly I believe, will initiate the development of businesses that operate during the evenings and increase traffic to our downtown core as well during that time as well. 

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Josh Morrow: The downtown is not healthy and successful if compared to other jurisdictions. I believe that a serious discussion and effort must be placed on the needs and requirements of the individuals and businesses that are located within this district. As for what I would do specifically, that is a loaded question that can not be answered alone and would require considerable feedback from every business owner before a statement can be made.

​If elected, I would love the opportunity to restart and approach things from a different angle. What I am committed to is looking at this from a fresh perspective and being open and receptive on how we can improve and maintain a healthy business environment.

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Greg Dionne: No response

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Dennis Nowoselsky: No response

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If you received a $1 million grant to use in the downtown any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?

Darryl Hickie: ​If I was to receive a $1 Million dollar grant I wouldn’t be the one directing how it’s utilized.   I would imagine the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District would appreciate the Levy imposed on them being dropped for starters.   I would turn to your organization for a strategic plan to utilize those funds and assist with the implementation of that direction from the City’s perspective. 

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Josh Morrow: I believe that before any financial expenditures can occur the focus must be on creating a clean, attractive and walkable environment. The perception must change and the downtown must be promoted in a unique and receptive way. When the day comes that your children feel safe and secure in the downtown, I believe our objective will be accomplished. It would be a phased approach with tangible results.

​After the safety and security measures were successful, I would collectively hold committee meetings with the downtown businesses to implement a plan that would involve brainstorming and creative thinking on how best to allocate the grant. I am not a business owner in that district and would never pretend to know everyone’s concerns. If a million-dollar fund was available, it’s allocation would be decided by the businesses within the downtown core as they know best what needs to change. I would love to be a part of the discussion with like minded business leaders and play an important role in promoting a healthy and prosperous environment.

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Greg Dionne: No response

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Dennis Nowoselsky: No response

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Describe your business background and/or experience, and how you feel this perspective will help you in your role as a Councillor/Mayor.

Darryl Hickie: I have no direct business experiences, however my time as a member of the Provincial Treasury Board and Minister of Municipal Affairs while in Government afforded me the opportunity to oversee budget development as well as policy and financial direction that directly impacted City and Business Functions. 

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Josh Morrow: I have spent my life building and acquiring businesses. The opportunities and experiences I developed throughout the years has helped refine my skills and knowledge immensely. The challenges of bringing people together for the success of a project is something I get great satisfaction from. Spending the majority of my life in a team based environment, I learned quickly that in order to accomplish anything worth recognizing, you must have your team pulling in the same direction. My desire and motivation is to continually learn, grow and recognize areas that must be improved on to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of projects.

​My post secondary education specialized in Environmental Sciences. I hold professional designations in both Agrology and Biology, I hold a federal designation as an Environmental Professional and also as an Erosion and Sediment Control Specialist. One of the most important acquisitions I obtained was the Project Management Professional certification which is globally recognized. Our city desperately needs clear direction, a structured and respected council and someone who understands and maintains the principals of project management within the city’s framework. I strongly believe if elected, the residents of this city and especially the business community will recognize and appreciate my unique and balanced approach to growth and success.

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Greg Dionne: No response

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Dennis Nowoselsky: No response

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What do you most appreciate about the Prince Albert community?

Darryl Hickie: What I appreciate most about our community is the overwhelming desire to see it thrive and not simply survive.  I assure your members that’s a goal of mine given my extensive platform development and plan.  

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Josh Morrow: If I were to choose one thing about the community that I appreciate most, is the untapped potential and possibilities that we could capitalize on if we came together more as a community and put a common goal and objective front and center. I appreciate the challenge of doing that, and the work that needs to be put in place to achieve that.

​We can all agree that if the right perspective and proper leadership was in place, this city would blossom and I strongly believe it would be contagious. We have the people, groups and businesses in our community to make this a reality. I want to see that come together and prove that we truly do have an amazing population of people here that can achieve much more than what we are today.

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Greg Dionne: No response

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Dennis Nowoselsky: No response

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Thank you for learning more about the Mayoral candidates.  Please make the time to go and vote.  Advanced polls are now open - all voting information can be found here: ​https://www.citypa.ca/en/city-hall/pavotes.aspx

To learn about the Ward Two Candidates please CLICK HERE.