Since I was a kid, I have always been fascinated with cities and transportation. My childhood interest which began building cities with Nintendo and Lego, eventually matured into studying Politics at the University of Winnipeg. I follow urban design and engineering sites and read on the subject to stay up to date. It’s this passion and experience that excites me as part of my work as a Councillor.
Neighbourhoods are for people, and people move around! The built environments of neighbourhoods should be designed to support a human scale of transportation. I believe in the concept of the 15 minute neighbourhood. This urban design concept is simple; people should be able to reach most of their needs within a 15 minute walk or bike ride of their home. There are many reasons to invest in building a more walkable town; wealth, health, equity, climate action, and community connection.
In my time in Council I have advocated, and will continue to advocate, for investment into our sidewalks, biking facilities (such as stands and racks), paths, and trails. Improving walkability costs money, however there is clear evidence that this is an investment that pays off. Walkability improves property values; more walkable neighbourhoods sell for a premium compared to the least walkable neighbourhoods. Walkability attracts talent as educated millennials value this and are moving to more walkable places. According to a study “Attracting College Educated Young Adults to Cities”, 64% of them choose first where they want to live, before looking for work. In the post covid work-from-home landscape, this is sage advice. In order to grow our town and attract young talent and families, we should invest in providing the walkable lifestyle that they desire, and Pinawa is the perfect place to do it.
There are great health reasons to invest in active transportation as well. At a time in North America where society faces many problems related to obesity and lack of exercise, and there is a direct correlation to walkability scores and likelihood of residents to be overweight. Imagine how many calories are burned on the Ironwood Trail each year! I believe that trails and paths like the Ironwood must be considered part of our town infrastructure, and be accorded the resources necessary to maintain them for the people to use, year round. I will advocate for our snow clearing policy to include provisions for clearing sidewalks and packing and grading of the Ironwood. Last Summer Pinawa was named the Most Active Community in Manitoba by Participation. By encouraging a built urban environment that supports walking and active transportation, we can improve community health for the people of Pinawa, and retain the crown of the most Active Community in Manitoba year after year!
During my first term on Council, I was approached by a citizen named Gary who had been lobbying the town and provincial government for golf carts to be allowed on town streets. I was immediately supportive. I thought of the possibilities, particularly the idea of using a 10 or 12 person cart as a shuttle to move people between busy attraction areas as a way to help manage visitor traffic and parking issues. On February 8th, 2022 The Honourable Wayne Ewasko met with Council where I used the opportunity to lobby for the project. In Summer 2022 we saw the Province pass Bill 21 – The Highway Traffic Amendment and Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act which opens the door for these type of vehicles. I support Pinawa being the pilot project community in Manitoba, as I believe that the direct and spin off benefits for safety, job creation, accessibility, and climate impact from tiny vehicles will be tremendous for our community. Not to mention the undeniable coolness factor!
I believe in an age-friendly community; the 15 minute Pinawa will help elderly Pinawanians maintain their independence for longer. When my grandmother became too old to safely drive her car anymore, she suffered an immense loss to her independence. When seniors are able to satisfy most of their daily needs on foot, or using a mobility device like a scooter or cart, they will be able to remain self sufficient for many years after they no longer use an automobile. On November 22, 2022 members of Council met with Minister Ewasko and the Honourable Scott Johnston, Minister for Seniors and Long Term Care to talk about a Personal Care Home. We agree that it is best for seniors to be able to age in place, however, I explained to the Ministers that people do not wish to age stuck inside of a house. People age in their community, and they must be able get around safely to interact with their neighbourhood!
As a parent, I can attest that safe streets and schools is top of mind when choosing a place to live. Safe streets also give children independence. Most parents would like their children to be able to get around before they are 16, a safe walkable community can give children years of increased self-sufficiency. I advocate for the LGD to recognize the “monkey trails” as urban paths that can be used as safe and pleasant ways for people to get around town. For too long, the government has overlooked the potential of these unique Pinawa assets. We could improve them with crosswalks at intersections with roads and improving the proposed Wayfinding Signage Project to include navigation aids to help kids get to places like the school, playground, and library.
Around Pinawa you will often see me walking and biking around to get from here to there. It keeps me fit and helps to decompress just being outside. One of the best things about the most walkable places is the sense of community that it brings. You meet people and see things that you would otherwise miss when driving. Combining walkable, active, human scale transportation planning in combination addressing the missing middle housing issues we will be able to build a community that is healthier, sustainable, and more prosperous.
Hello, friends! Here are my responses for the questions from Positively Pinawa for the 2022 Election. Thanks to all of the citizens who posed questions and to Paul G. for organizing it.
What are we doing about a Recreation Director? We need someone to get recreational activities organized and delivered.
Holly Stanley Parcey
Thank you, Holly, for the question. Recreation is so important to the people of Pinawa. According to Participation, Pinawa is the Most Active Community in Manitoba (Thanks, Families for Community Growth), and that is something to be celebrated. As an individual, I am an active member of many clubs that offer recreation opportunities, including volunteering as a youth coach for the Whiteshell Ski Club and helping the new Tennis and Pickleball Courts with marketing. I was able to help the Library with a grant for the Storywalk (which everyone should go check out!). I helped with getting the kid’s soccer program going again this year (Big thanks to my fellow Lion’s for supporting that program). I believe that all Pinawanians should have affordable and safe access to healthy, educational, and fun recreational programming.
Tennis and Pickleball
The previous Council had left the Winnipeg River Recreation District. During my time in Council I have been working to develop a policy committee that would develop a plan for Parks, Recreation, and Culture. I felt it was important to have voices from the community at the table and so I proposed to the council the inclusion of Community Advisors, representing Arts, Parks, Sport, and Youth. There was an unusual amount of staff turnover this past year and so the hiring of a Recreation Director was deferred until the administration was settled in and could evaluate their own capacity to handle the portfolio in-house. The committee is up and running now and has put forth a recommendation to hire a Recreation Director in January 2023.
I believe that cooperation between our various clubs, local businesses, and non-profit organizations is key and that leadership is needed to facilitate that. My vision of Pinawa is one where a modern, sustainable, and robust Parks, Recreation, and Culture ecosystem supports the mind, bodies, and spirits of the people.
My beautiful Emma at Storywalk
AECL is apparently in charge of road repairs at PSS and arena! I want to know why council has not done anything to have this done. It’s dangerous and totally a bad impression for anyone visiting our community hoping to move here with their family!
Lisa Thomas
I agree with you Lisa the parking lot is horrible. This is an example of why maintaining relations with AECL is so important and that ALL of council needs to participate in that relationship building. If elected, I will support constructive and positive dialogue with AECL to ensure that Pinawa gets a fair deal for its citizens on this issue and others.
If you are elected or re-elected to council the last commercial build in Pinawa was the Motor Inn in the 60s, Do you plan to search out investors to invest in new builds and employment opportunities
Mike Berry
Hi Mike, thanks for the question. Of course I want to see new investment in Pinawa. Many businesses here have complained about the LGD being difficult to work with, and this is a concern that must be addressed. We need to create a business friendly eco-system to make Pinawa investment ready, and that means engaging with our local businesses. We also need a strong Chamber of Commerce, and an independent Community Development Corporation (PCDC). I support reducing or eliminating the home based business tax, and support incentivizing the construction of commercial space, the lack of which is a huge barrier for prospective entrepreneurs. I will advocate for the creation of dedicated space to support a local town market, including pop up shops, so that our people can engage in commerce.
Pinawa has many seniors who have made important contributions to the to town. However, life can be difficult here for them. How would you improve life for them here?
Margaretha Zach
Seniors are a valuable part of our population and it is the duty of the government to support a safe and healthy environment for them, and all other people.
Seniors deserve safe streets. Some vehicles in town are driving too fast! One of my first acts in council was to advocate for the crosswalk at Vanier and Cameron and the three way stop at Massey and McDiarmid as traffic calming and safety measures. In the 2022 budget public consultation, I supported the allocation of $10000 to finally do some much needed improvements and additions to sidewalks in Pinawa. Unfortunately, due several other cost overruns and spending on projects such as the electrical upgrade for food trucks at the beach, which was never in our financial or strategic plan nor discussed in Council prior to its construction, the sidewalk budget was regrettably reduced to $0. I will continue to advocate for more spending for sidewalks including winter maintenance because we don’t want people getting hurt from slips, trips, and falls. People should be able to comfortably and safely walk to the store.
It is also important that our hospital and ambulance service is available for the people. Seniors want to know that these services will be there if and when they need them. Although, this is the jurisdiction of the province, the local government can and should lobby the Manitoba Government for these services, and as Councillor I would support this. In terms of Recreation it is important that we have appropriate and accessible and fun recreation for people of all ages, including seniors.
Another issue for seniors is housing. As people age, their needs and lifestyles change. I believe that people should be able to age in place, that is, not have to move away from town to find a suitable place to live. In Pinawa nearly all of our residential development has been single family detached homes. We need a variety of housing options for people such as apartments, condos, and townhouses for seniors who may wish to downsize. I support expansion of our existing Senior’s housing places such as the Ironwood. My parents and some of my other relatives want to retire in Pinawa, and I want to work towards building a great and healthy community for them, and all the people of Pinawa.
Thank you for your question.
How does childcare fit into future development plans for the community? How prepared is council to help improve access to childcare to support community development?
Sheldon Papetti
As a parent of young children myself, I understand the importance of access to childcare for families. Remember back to when during the pandemic the daycare was forced to close, the difficulty it would create for working moms and dads? The government has said that it is a priority to attract young families to Pinawa, yet, has failed to address that our one daycare, which is run by a group of amazing, dedicated, (and underpaid) people, cannot meet the existing demand, let alone what we will need in the future. This is a serious barrier to economic growth. Working parents need access to daycare! Supporting the expansion of quality daycare must be a priority for our local government, and I would like to see that expansion happen within this next term of office.
In addition, I believe that we need to challenge the provincial government to look at the way it funds daycares, as Early Childhood Educators are underpaid for the essential work that they do. Without adequate provincial funding, it is nearly impossible for daycares to pay their staff well, maintain infrastructure, and be affordable to parents.
Thank you for your question and for being a champion of early childhood education!
Fun days working at the school
Pinawa seems to have difficulty retaining the public works yard foreman position. What do you think the problem is? And how do you plan to do to attract and retain the next position.
Steven Tresidder
Yes, this is a problem. I wasn’t around for all of the previous public works managers so I can’t speak to those. I do, however, have insight into the most recent one, and my observations trouble me.
I believe that it is imperative that Council demonstrate respect for the professional capacities of municipal employees without undue influence from any individual member or faction of council. Council must not involve themselves in matters of Administration, which fall within the jurisdiction of the Resident Administrator. Council can only act only through resolution or by-law.
As a Service Manager for VIA Rail Canada, and the Employee Chair of On-Train Health and Safety, and as a Councillor, I believe in fostering a safe and respectful workplace. I believe in listening to and empowering workers and employees. We should invest in professional development so that our staff is always learning and growing, as this creates engagement and motivation. I also believe that our organization will function much better if we more closely follow our codes, policies, and procedures. Council members involved in Human Resources should have training and development in this subject. Should I be elected, I will advocate for all of these things in order to create a healthy and productive work environment that will provide the best service possible for the people of Pinawa.
That is how we will retain talent in our organization.
Thanks for raising this important question.
Service Manager Michael and Engineer Blaine in Thompson, MB, Treaty 5 Territory
Many residents currently leave town, to purchase more affordable groceries & houseware items. Is there a plan to bring in a more affordable outlet, to keep residents spending money here, rather than having to leave & spend elsewhere. Pinawa is no longer considered a remote location. How will you address the need for more current amenities, that will align with today’s date & growing population.
Teresa Jane
Thanks for the question, Teresa. As a man whose family owns a small store in Dugald, and who worked as a kid at an even smaller corner store in my hometown of Cooks Creek, I can tell you how important it is to support your local stores and businesses. I don’t always tube float, but when I do, I rent from the local outfitters. I do almost all of my shopping at the Solo Mart, partially to support my local store which is contributor to our community, but partially because I hate going to the city! Gas is expensive and it’s a 2.5 hour round trip. That’s 2.5 hours I could spend sailing, rowing, biking, visiting friends, being with family, playing tennis, going to the art gallery, gardening, swimming, fishing, walking the ironwood, skiing, or any of the myriad of wonderful things that are available in our town! The price tag at the checkout might be a bit higher when you’re in a more remote location, but when you factor in the hidden costs of fuel, time, economic leakage from your community, the CO2 emissions, and the hideousness of fighting in city traffic, I truly believe it is well worth it to stay in Pinawa and spend your dollars here as much as possible. This also creates demand, which will be more enticing to future entrepreneurs. I certainly would love to see another restaurant and bar in town, and I would be a customer!
I would encourage everyone reading this to consider the way that we consume goods and services, and to commit to choosing local businesses more often.
A project that I was most proud of spearheading this year was gaining participation into the Canadian Circular Cities and Regions Initiative. Circular economies are sometimes otherwise known as regenerative economies. Because of this project, our administration and economic development office is now networking with cities such as Squamish BC, Kelowna BC, Peel ON, and more. As this exciting project advances, we will gain new knowledge of how to facilitate more resilient economies that keeps more money in Pinawa, generating prosperity. The Canadian Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) has been recognized as a national leader in sustainability excellence, receiving a Canada’s 2023 Clean50 award.
One way that I want to stimulate local enterprise which is quick and feasible, is to create the infrastructure for a nice town market. Pop up shops are a great way for small entrepreneurs to offer their products and services and requires only a small investment. This will support opportunities for local people to generate wealth from Tourism. My vision for Pinawa is one where citizens have access to a thriving local economy that they can participate in.
2026 Note: This response was written during the 2022 election. While I continue to believe supporting local businesses is important, affordability has become an increasingly significant concern for many residents. Grocery prices in particular have risen substantially in recent years, and ensuring residents have access to affordable food options is an issue I believe deserves attention.
My hometownBaby Cameron excited about local foodThe Kings are community basedMy first real boss here told me that it was my job to get to know and care about customers. The store was a hub of the community.
For personal reasons and loving members of our community is there a plan for a PCH in Pinawa?
Lisa Thomas
I believe Pinawa is the ideal location for an affordable and quality Personal Care Home. Ideally, we want people to be able to live independantly as long as possible, and the government has a role in creating an enviroment supports that. I believe that we need to take steps to increase our stock of apartments, townhouses, and condos, to provide more living options for seniors. I also support allowing granny suites as another option for people. Every person’s life is different, but I believe that a healthy community will have a variety of housing and care options available for those people to choose the best situation for themselves and their family.
Thank you for the question, Lisa.
My African Violet 10 years old.
Are you going to issue a bar license to the motel or not? So that potential buyers can think about putting an offer!
Navigator Sahi
Sorry Friend, Liquor licenses come from the Liquor Commission, not the town. It would be sweet to have another bar in town, though!
Thank you everyone for your questions. Please vote for me on October 26th. Be well.
Some people have been asking questions about my profession and how it impacts my life as being a councillor. I’d like to share with you about my excellent career and how working for Via Rail Canada makes me an even better member of council.
Nature, Steel, and Sky
The railway is in my lineage. My Grandpa worked for the railway as did his father before him. My relationship with the train really began when I moved to Québec in 2009. I chose to take the train, partially for the experience, partially for the cheap economy fares for students! It was great to meet the variety of people from across Canada.
In 2011 I was hired by Via Rail Canada as a Service Attendant where I quickly advanced. Today, I am a Transcontinental Service Manager (fancy title, analagous to the historic train conductor), as well as the Employee Co-chair of Health and Safety representing over 300 employees between Toronto, Vancouver, and Churchill. This career has helped me acheive great personal and professional growth in policy knowledge, safety, communication, conflict resolution, and leadership.
Churchill, MB
On the train, I am always promoting Pinawa and sharing my pride and passion for our community. When I was the organizer of the Railers co-ed hockey team for 3 years before the pandemic, the whole group would travel from Winnipeg to Pinawa for a game against the Old-Timers and a party at the Pinawa Club afterwards. Recently on the train, I met the Mayor of Churchill, and we had a very good conversation about small town remote economies. As I am constantly extolling the virtues of Pinawa life on the train, so many of my colleagues have come to visit our community. One, so far, has moved and started a successful business here!
I enjoy speaking with international and Canadian travellers, and the people of the remote Communities whom we serve. Talking with people from all different regions and backgrounds is important for building wisdom and perspective. I am always searching to be inspired by people, places, and ideas. Travelling across the country for a living gives me the opportunity to see first hand the different projects that are being tried in other towns and cities. This is very helpful to me as a councillor because I am able to learn and emulate the best of other communities, and find ways to adapt and incorporate those to our situation.
Cameron Connection
Talk about being right on the money!
Kestrel rescued in Ilford, MB, brought by train to Churchill Conservation.
I am a proud Union worker, and have been an employee Health and Safety member since 2016. I advocate for my fellow railway workers. My values that I bring the Local Government District of Pinawa is that we should strive to be a safe and sustainable workplace, from Public Works, to the Administration, to our Summer Parks team. Everyone deserves a healthy and respectful workplace. I believe that fostering an environment to support an engaged workforce is key for the long term success of the organization, whether it be a railway or a community organization.
Cameron, Emma, and Erin joining me for dinner on The Canadian en route to Toronto.
My number one job, of course is taking care of my young family. The reason I am able to live in Pinawa and contribute as much as I do to this community is because I work at Via Rail. My on board work is part time job-sharing so I can spend as much time at home as possible. My health and safety work is conducted remotely from Pinawa. Sometimes, I have to miss birthdays, and holiday dinners, but that’s the reality of being a working Dad. I love my career because it allows me to spend the vast majority of my time living my best life in our beautiful town with the people I love most.
Some people may have the misconception that because I work on the train I cannot be an effective councillor, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Members of council are not expected to be, or supposed to be, involved in the day-to-day business of the administration. We are not meant to be managers. My focus is, and always has been, on governance. My schedule on the Train is completely compatible with the duties and time committments of Council.
Like any other candidate I will work with the rest of council to schedule our business in such a way as to promote the participation of everyone, and not to exclude. This is in the Code of Conduct. I share my schedule with the office and, most of the time, we are able to manage with little to no issue. I have a fine attendance record, I have even attended meetings virtually from Thompson and Churchill when necessary. I devote some of my free time in Churchill every trip, to Pinawa, making calls and answering emails from the people back home.
Churchill, MB
Living in Pinawa and working for on the train is an amazing lifestyle and I am grateful for it. As we work to attract more young families to Pinawa, and economies shift to allow for more remote work opportunities, we will see more people with other unconventional jobs integrating into our town. It is my intention to create an environment where more young people can join our community, and to be a voice that represents those that have already come.
The midnight sun reflecting off the rails in the subartic.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and looking at the pictures. Make sure to subscribe to my blog, to hear more about my vision for Pinawa. Thank you!
“To reach a port we must set sail – Sail, not tie at anchor Sail, not drift.”
― Franklin D. Roosevelt
Hello Friends!
Last May you elected me in the by-election to join the Council, and I am grateful for the opportunity. The past year and a half serving the people has been both challenging and rewarding. I am proud to announce my intention to stand for Councillor of the Local Government District of Pinawa once again in 2022.
This campaign is about moving forward. This campaign is about energy. This campaign is about a New Voice for Pinawa.
“As a community leader, I feel a responsibility to foster a healthy environment for children to grow and thrive in today, and also to take steps to address the challenges that the next generations will face in the future.”
Michael King is positive ambassador for the community.
Michael King is always learning and upgrading his skills.
“I am a proud supporter of the Labour Movement, and desire for the LGD of Pinawa to be a champion of safety, sustainability, and worker engagement.”
Michael King enjoys life.
Michael King knows how to work together.
“I believe that nature is part of our town’s identity and that we must ensure its protection and conservation.”
Join with me, and let’s set sail for an exciting future for Pinawa.
Yours Truly,
Michael G. King
Thank you for being here. This is a people powered campaign so make sure to subscribe to my blog, and please like and share this message with your friends and on social media. I appreciate all of your support.
Since you elected me last Spring, I have been committed to championing sustainable policy in Council. In 2021 I discovered the Canadian Circular Cities and Region Initiative (CCRI). This national project is designed to help cities reduce waste and generate wealth through the intelligent stewardship of resources (Please watch the classic youtube video, The Story of Stuff, at the end of this article, for more information on linear and circular economies).
I believe that as a society we should not squander resources and trash the environment for future people. We must strive to live in a way that allows future generations to live sustainable, prospersous, and healthy lives.
In 2021/22 I worked at our local elementary school. This was one of the most remarkable and rewarding experiences of my life. As I formed relationships with these young people, it made me think more personally about our vision for the future. In Canada, we have committed as a country to climate and waste goals including acheiving net-zero emissions by 2050. The students I worked with will be around my age by then. When I think about sustainability policy, I think about these kids growing up, and what type of world they will be inheriting from us.
Think globally, act locally.
The CCRI cities in 2021 included cities like Montréal, Calgary, and Vancouver. We learned from speakers from the Netherlands, Scotland, and the Americas. As I followed the project, I became fascinated with the question: how can these concepts of sustainable circular cities be applied to a small rural community?
In December of 2021, the Local Government District (LGD) of Pinawa passed by resolution the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP). I participated in the Circular Cities & Region Initiative webinar series throughout 2021 which led to the inclusion of the concept of circularity into the LGD’s procurement practices as part of the SNAP. This Summer, I put a motion in Council for Pinawa to apply to participate in the 2022 slate of circular cities, and wrote a letter of intent for the application. I am proud to say that Pinawa has been selected and will be one of the ten participating communities in this national project!
With respect to intergenerational justice, that is the idea that present generations have certain duties towards future generations, such as how available natural resources can be used without threatening the sustainable functioning of the planet’s ecosystems.
The LGD of Pinawa is making improvements to its recycling program and landfill site, however, much more can still be done. As we secure funding to make more capital improvements to these areas, the principles of circularity will stretch those dollars so that we are not spending good money scrapping materials that could actually be used for economic productivity. Our public works department would see great benefits learning from experts in the field of circularity as well as collaborating with other interested municipalities across the country to help find best practices that can be applied in a small town setting.
The Pinawa Community Development Corporation and Economic Development Office also adopted the SNAP, and it is currently being incorporated into a new tourism strategy for the town based on the triple-bottom line approach. I am pleased to share that this strategy features concepts of active transportation, permaculture, and environmentalism (more on this in future post). Circularity concepts would not only be supportive of this sector economically and environmentally, but, through education, could be shared with interested visitors who appreciate Pinawa’s commitment to sustainable living practice.
Incorporate the principles of circularity into procurement and disposal practices.
Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan
North Forge East, business incubator headquartered in Pinawa, was instrumental in recently attracting a start up company called Carbonlock to develop their prototype technology here. The project saw the thermal conversion of yard waste materials into biochar, a form of stable carbon which could be used for other purposes. We desire to better identify opportunities for other types of circular start-ups. Entrepreneurs seeking support for circular enterprises in our locale would have access to this excellent resource to capitalize on these economic opportunities. This year we have seen how global supply chain issues can wreak havok on economies. Circularity and locality is key to building economies that are more equitable and resilient.
Pinawa has a tradition of small independent home based businesses. Although often overlooked, these markets do stimulate the local economy, reduce the demand for new disposable consumer goods, and support the social development of the community. The LGD of Pinawa would do well to learn about best practices for ordinances and by-laws that facilitate positive growth of this sector through circularity. We hope to encourage more citizens to participate in this local economy; reducing waste and the economic leakage of online shopping or long trips to distant big-box stores, while supporting our neighbours with productive trade. I believe that community markets are vital for fostering independant local economic activity.
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
The LGD of Pinawa has taken the initial steps toward circularity, through the development and adoption of high level policy that serves as a foundation for circular strategies. My vision is for Pinawa to be a leader in modelling sustainability and circularity practices, demonstrating that such projects are not limited to large urban centres in cosmopolitan cities, but are completely feasible in rural areas. Indeed, in Canada, a significant portion of the population still reside in rural communities and cannot be overlooked when planning for future green economies. With the support of Circular Cities and Regions Initiative, and citizens like you, Pinawa will be a visible leader in sustainable circular practice on a regional, provincial, and national level.
Be well,
Michael
If you would like more information on cirucular and linear economies, check out this classic video, The Story of Stuff!
Why is saving something for the next generations important to you?
Monday morning I will be on CTV Morning Live on the Living Well segment around 8:00 to talk about Pinawa being named by Participaction as Manitoba’s Most Active Community. Great job by everyone who participated. Big thanks and kudos to Families for Community Growth for their hard work promoting the contest and organizing events like the Move-a-thon to get people going and using the app.
A society that is physically active will be healthier. Regular exercise is a key part of maintaining physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Active living is a critical public goal and is crucial for a healthy, happy, and prosperous community. Participation has many tools available to help you acheive your personal goals. You can get started by clicking here!
As Hal and Joanne used to say: Keep fit and have fun!
Tonight is the Pinawa CDC AGM! 18:30 (6:30pm) at the W.B. Lewis Business Centre, 24 Aberdeen.
I will be speaking about Tourism, and the preliminary findings of our UofM researchers.
Renew your CDC membership ($10) and you will be able to vote nominees to the Board of Directors!
See you soon,
Michael
Pinawa CDC is a non-profit corporation devoted to enhancing community economic development in Pinawa.
OUR VISION For Pinawa to become a growing, prosperous, vibrant, and sustainable community.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT To promote the LGD of Pinawa, and lead the growth of business, community development, and enhancement of quality of life. We work through cooperative efforts with other groups.
OUR GOALS The Pinawa CDC is working to achieve four major goals:
To have a comprehensive marketing plan to support the mission of Pinawa CDC.
For Pinawa CDC to have a high profile in the community.
To realize the achievement of a minimum of one major economic development project over the next five years.
To be a sustainable and continuously improving organization.
I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about a special policy that I am particularily proud of, that is; the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan. This post is the first of a series that will give some context to this document, feature interesting excerpts, and my thoughts on what it means.
It was nine months ago that I was pounding the Pinawa pavement, asking the people to support me in my vision to build a more prosperous, sustainable, and healthy community. I believe that humans are not seperate from nature, and that connectedness with the environment is key to one’s wellness. Historically, the builders of Pinawa must have recognized this, as our beloved Ironwood Trail is a testament to the relationship between land, water, and society. My heart is in nature, when I walk, when I ski, when I row, when I sail, when I simply allow myself to be with the Earth. It is the recognition of this intrinsic relationship, that guides me in my life and in my work.
I am not alone. There are more and more people discovering the secret of Pinawa and choosing to lay their own roots here. Like me, they are attracted to the natural beauty that surrounds us all. They want to raise their family in a place that respects the environment and the right of the people to access it. They want to retire and live their golden years with fresh air and peaceful recreation. The citizens of Pinawa expect that their government will protect these interests.
We are all related to and respect everything in life. In our planning, we will consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.
The Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP) is a new policy that sets out a number of strategies to guide the government’s actions. This plan will serve as a compass for defining future goals, measurements, and objectives. What the SNAP also does is act as a filter when government is considering new policy actions, that we consider the sustainability implications in whatever we do.
All strategies shall be based on the triple bottom line approach, considering environmental, social, and economic impacts.
As more people discover the secret of Pinawa, the demand for homes has grown. This, combined with rising housing prices in the Canadian market is driving the cost of moving to Pinawa out of range of many people. While we want to maintain our property value, we need to be worried about the gentrification of our community, where the price of housing becomes so high, regular middle class folks can’t afford to live here anymore.
Most of us recognize that we want to attract young people and entrepreneurs to Pinawa, but they need somewhere to live! Buying or building a single family detached home is not affordable for a single person or a young family anymore. Around Christmas the RCMP even contacted Council because they had a young officer with family assigned to our local station but couldn’t find anywhere to live! A senior citizen who needs to downsize their home shouldn’t be forced to move away from their community. We need affordable housing.
Establish a strategy to ensure a mixture of residential housing types including single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, apartments, 50+ housing, and supportive housing.
This is why I supported the Zoning By-Law ammendment to restrict short term rentals in Pinawa. In other hot tourist markets like Jasper, wealthy land owners would buy up residential property and use it for commercial enterprise. Not only would this cause disturbance for the local residents, but it would also reduce the stock of available housing, driving prices up further. This damages communities and throttles the actual commercial zone development that we want to see! We are now seeing a significant increase in investment interest for accomodation development in our commercial areas. I want to see new housing options in Pinawa, so that we can have healthy sustainable growth for all people.
Establish a strategy to encourage continued residential growth that includes measures specific to attraction of young families and attraction and retention of seniors.
I believe that people have the right to affordable housing. The old ways of urban sprawl will not serve cities in the future. We need to build dynamic, walkable, vibrant communties on a human scale. I want to live in a place where my neighbours come from all walks of life. Where we can meet up in the park or on the trails. Where we can safely ride a bike to the store. We ought to be a leader in sustainable urban development. This is how we foster reslience.
Be well,
Michael
This post is part one of a multi part project on Sustainable Neighbourhoods. I will continue to advocate for progressive and creative solutions to the issues that affect our community. Thank you for being here!
I would like to share with you an article that features a very cool program we have here in Pinawa, which is our Junior Kindergarten Forest School. This program was spearheaded by Mrs. Michelle Long, who is an amazing educator in our community. My daughter, Emma, was in Forest School last year at F.W. Gilbert and she had a great experience. What an amazing introduction into school! This year there are 19 kids enrolled!!
CBC Gem produced a documentary on Forest Schools in Manitoba and features Pinawa and F.W. Gilbert School (Pinawa comes in around the 17:00 mark). This type of programming is very attractive to many young families. It demonstrates how Education as one of our economic development pillars, and recognizing the Environment as the foundation, provides a unique opportunity for our community; One that we should continue to promote as a society, and as individuals. Pinawa is lucky to have many people, like Michelle, who contribute to making this community such a special place! You are awesome!
Speaking of Education and Environment, don’t forget that Carbon Lock is having an open house today from 15:00 to 16:30 at the LGD Maintenance Yard where you can learn about their new technology! Hope to see some of you there today!
Over the past few months I have had the chance to speak with and pet many of you. Dogs fulfill a special role in our community. They say that a dog is a man’s best friend, and I know that to be true, because I was lucky enough to have an amazing dog named Cookie in my life growing up. No matter how bad my day at school was, and there were some bad days, Cookie was always there to greet me when I got off the bus, wagging her tail, and happy to see me. She always would try to cheer me up. I’m certain that’s what you do for your humans. That’s just what dogs do.
Cookie
Like all towns, Pinawa has a animal control by-law that requires dogs to be on a leash when outside of their home or a fenced property. This is for the protection of both you and the humans. We don’t want you to get hit by a car, scare a little kid, provoke a wild animal, or get in an altercation with another dog. You might think that this will never happen to you, because you’re a good dog. But these things can, and do happen, even here in Pinawa. These incidents are serious, and that’s why your humans leash you while on walks, because they care about your safety and others.
I know that most of you are friendly, law-abiding dogs, and while going for walks in the park is great, sometimes you just want to have a place of your own where you can go for a run and fetch a ball or stick. Unfortunately, the humans dropped the ball. We started a Facebook Group back in the Spring promising a Dog Park and have yet to deliver meaningful action. Not a single post or comment since then. I’ll admit it, that’s not good enough. The Dogs of Pinawa deserve better! It’s up to us, the humans, to make this happen.
I don’t want you to have to be on a leash all of the time. I’m willing to step up to the plate to help make a safe place for you to run ad fetch, but I can’t do it alone. So I ask of you, my Canine Friends, when you see your human next, and you go for a pet or to give them a kiss, let them know that you would like a dog park. Tell them to go to the Pinawa Dog Park Facebook Group and comment they are willing to help with fundraising, organizing, or contributing in any way that your human is good at.
Let’s make a special place for dogs in town, as dogs occupy a special place in our hearts.
Michael King 