Tom Harrison, recently elected in a Meadow Lake byelection, is returning for his third term on city council. (submitted/ Tom Harrison)

By Kenneth Cheung

2025 BYELECTION

Tom Harrison looks forward to work after byelection win

May 20, 2025 | 3:37 PM

A familiar face is returning to Meadow Lake city council following a recent byelection.

Tom Harrison, who previously served two terms on council, has reclaimed a seat at the table and says he’s eager to get back to work.

“There’s a good council, we have a good working relationship,” he said. “I got a little bit of work to get up to speed with what’s happened in the last six months and I’m looking forward to it.”

Harrison has lived in Meadow Lake since 1987 and spent 37 years with Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment, where he worked as a conservation officer before moving into senior management. After retiring, he continued mentoring young professionals in the mining sector.

“I know the community, I know the people, I know the issues,” he said. “You have to work with your colleagues to move things forward and I think we had in the past eight years and I hope to continue that.”

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Harrison said he’s especially looking forward to focusing on infrastructure and long-term growth.

“We have to work with our partners, whether it’s the RMs, the province… on moving the city forward and making it a place people want to open a business [and] raise their family,” he said.

He pointed to the city’s new arena as a highlight. He was involved in the project from the beginning, after the old arena was destroyed by fire nearly four years ago.

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“To see it come to fruition… in partnership with the donors, the RMs and all of the community comes together to see it built, it’s an amazing facility,” he said. “Can’t wait to see it in operation. I think people are going to be amazed at the opportunities there.”

Harrison is also known locally as the father of Jeremy Harrison, Meadow Lake’s MLA and a cabinet minister in the Saskatchewan government.

“I think Jeremy was eight years old when we moved here,” he shared. “The work he’s done and the commitment and sacrifices he has to make to be the MLA here and a senior cabinet minister…I’m very proud of him.”

He said his son’s role has brought clear advantages for the community.

“He has worked closely with all the mayors and councils in Meadow Lake since he was elected. The communication is good. He understands the issues and he’s accessible, so certainly it’s a benefit.”

Although turnout was low in the byelection — just 197 ballots cast — he thanked those who made the effort to vote.

“I appreciate them,” he said. “And obviously, if they have issues, [they’re] welcome to contact me like always.”

With his return to council, he is ready to hit the ground running.

“I certainly have the time, being retired to put a lot of effort into to my service and hopefully, that’s part of the reason that we can move the city forward.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com