Housing, health care, gov't transparency top issues in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., mayoral race
Voters in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., will choose between two mayoral candidates this month who both have deep ties to the community but differing visions for the future.
Incumbent Sean Whelly is seeking a fifth term and is being challenged by Les Wright, who's been a councillor for the last three years.
The race comes at a pivotal time for Fort Simpson, which is dealing with housing shortages, health-care needs, and future development projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway extension.
Whelly has lived in the village for more than 40 years, and has served four non-consecutive terms as mayor. He points to the town's infrastructure improvements and stable tax rates as key achievements during his tenure.
"I'm especially proud of the fact that, along with the council, we did not institute any new property taxes at all," Whelly said.
He's also proud of having maintained stable water and garbage rates.
Whelly says he has ambitious plans for Fort Simpson's future, focusing on health care and housing. He's proud of his efforts to secure a place for a new regional health centre and 48 long-term care units for elders, a project he believes will significantly benefit the community.
"The population of elders is increasing, and we've got to think about how we care for them," he said. "It's more about the health and wellness of the people going forward here. I think that's a big key."
Another major project on Whelly's agenda is securing funding for a bridge across the Liard River. He sees it as essential for Fort Simpson's long-term growth, especially with the planned extension of the Mackenzie Valley Highway.
"Eventually, with climate change and things like that, I think the bridge is an inevitability if we want to see the valley developed properly," Whelly said.
Fort Simpson in May, with the Mackenzie River visible in the background. (Travis Burke/CBC)
Whelly also highlights his experience as mayor, and his availability to community members. He's never had a physical office, preferring to be "a mayor on the street" who residents can easily approach to talk about their concerns.
"People know I'm available. I'm easy to talk to," he said.
He also argues that things have improved in Fort Simpson under his leadership in recent years.
"Facilities have gotten much better. We're a healthier and more vibrant community."
Transparency is top priority, Wright says
Wright says he's campaigning for increased transparency and community involvement in decision-making.
He said he wants to improve communication between the village council and the people of Fort Simpson, a task he says hasn't been adequately addressed in recent years. He wants to ensure the community's voice is heard.
"Transparency from the village is going to be number one. We're going to have more community meetings, community consultations, and transparency with the council because we just don't seem to have that right now," he said.
Wright says housing, drug usage, and homelessness have also become urgent issues in Fort Simpson.
He said that the village has seen an increase in homelessness since the 2021 flood and the opening of the homeless shelter. He wants action taken to provide better housing solutions.
"That's become a big problem in the last three years," he said. "We're gonna have to look at something to provide them housing. Like maybe a tiny home project."
For Wright, the community is central to his platform. He's lived in Fort Simpson for over 50 years and feels people deserve to be more involved in decisions that affect their lives.
"I want the community to be involved. I'm not going to be pushing my ideas on anybody," he said. "I'm going to have them make more of the decisions, and I'll just be the figurehead."
People in Fort Simpson will only vote for a mayor on Oct. 21. The eight council candidates have all been acclaimed.
