For the first time in 15 years, a new councillor will be elected in Winnipeg’s St. Vital ward. The seat is up for grabs after Brian Mayes announced he is running for school trustee instead. But on his way out the door, Mayes endorsed one of the three candidates vying to replace him, Chris Sigurdson. “It’s important because Brian Mayes is very well liked and regarded in this community,” said Sigurdson. Sigurdson, a criminal defence lawyer and school trustee, says infrastructure, traffic, taxes, and crime are some of the big issues in the ward. If elected, he says he’ll push for a new southeast police station. “I think my experience as a criminal defence lawyer means that I understand the system, I understand how things work, and I understand policing,” said Sigurdson. “I have a lot of good friends in the policing community.” Doug Reimer says voters are telling him they want police stations back in the ward. He says as a councillor he’d fight against new infill housing rules, which have been a controversial issue in the Glenwood neighbourhood, which has seen its share of lot splits. “I’m hearing that the people are pretty upset about it,” said Reimer. “Residents absolutely don’t want it. They think it’s killing the neighbourhoods and the charm of the neighbourhoods. I absolutely agree.” Reimer, a director at a gas company, is running on a pledge not to tow any political lines. His signs say he is an independent candidate. “My political beliefs are one thing, but for this position, I feel it’s more about the people and listening to what the people have to say, truly.” Business owner Season Kirkwood teaches Red River Metis history and culture. “I believe that we need to do better for our climate, our community, and our connections with each other,” said Kirkwood. “I made a commitment four years ago that I was going to enter this race.” Kirkwood says St. Vital needs better sidewalks as the population ages. Kirkwood also says transit’s on-demand service needs to be extended between Abinojii Mikonah and Fermor to improve the new bus network. “This is an underserved population of people that aren’t drivers, and we also need to reinstate the 55.”
