Kevin Russell. (Submitted Photo/Kevin Russell)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Kevin R Profile

Kevin Russell seeks third term as Battleford councillor

Nov 5, 2024 | 1:06 PM

So far, the campaign for a third term on council is going well for Kevin Russell.

“I’ve got some signs put out, I’ve got some social media – little bit of social media stuff – out there so, I’m…going to knock on some doors here this week and this weekend,” said the Town of Battleford candidate.

First elected in 2016, Russell said he saw a lot over his eight years, including the town’s growth.

“Whether it be individual home growth or business growth,” he said.

“I’ve seen some growth that way and I’d like to continue to help build that.”

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Russel’s time on council has also made him see the needs of the community are on the forefront of his priories.

“There’s a provincial announcement for our Battlefords and District Care Centre…I believe there’s a need for more recreation,” he said referring to a hockey arena either in North Battleford or the town featuring a regional partnership.

“To help build that facility or maybe two ice surfaces because of the growth of hockey and figure skating and everything else,” said Russell.

Another issue on the top of his mind is community safety and when asked about whether the town would look at potentially adding more community safety officers, Russell said the program would need to be revamped and is focusing on other ideas.

“I’m more along [the line] of working with the RCMP to have more of an RCMP presence in our community just because we fall under the rural RCMP supervision,” he said.

Coming into election, the third-term candidate is hoping people will look at those who check off their boxes.

“The biggest things that are out there, that’s what I’m trying to do, is to keep our town safe, fun and affordable to be a part of,” he added.

Addressing affordability, the candidate said by keeping taxes at a “tolerable level,” he’d hope to attract businesses to the area.

Housing is always at the top of everybody’s list,” he said.

“My biggest thing is I want to build the community so we can attract families to come live there,” Russell said.

“There’s got to be stuff for their children to do and take part of.”

Among the projects he’s most proud of include the Battleford lagoon project, a pump house and the rehabilitation of the old bridges.

“It’s kind of a signature icon thing for our community,” he said of the bridges.

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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