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Yukon municipal elections 2024: Watson Lake

Hear from the candidates for Watson Lake mayor and council who fielded questions from the News
sign-post-forest-watson-lake-240520
Tens of thousands of signs line the Watson Lake Signpost Forest on May 20, 2024.

The Yukon News reached out to those running for mayor and council in Watson Lake to hear from them ahead of the Oct. 17 election. 

It is a two-candidate race for mayor in the southern-Yukon community with Lauren Hanchar, currently a councillor, and Robert Ellis both seeking the seat. 

A field of six are seeking council seats: Incumbent councillors Dale Burdes, Denina Paquette and Thomas Slager; current mayor Christopher Irvine, Norma Puckett and William Whimp.

The News circulated questions to all candidates we could obtain contact information for asking a little about them, what they see as the main issues facing their community, what their priorities will be if elected and what they bring to the table as a local government representative. Published below are the answers we received with edits for length and clarity in some cases. 

Robert Ellis

Ellis moved to Watson Lake 32 years ago as a teenager and says he has been self-employed all his life learning teaching him to be a problem solver. "Watson is home for me and my daughter. I look forward to seeing Watson become the town it was when I moved here,” he wrote in reply to the News' questions. 

 “We the people are concerned about the following: Lack of unity in town council. Property tax rate hikes. Tipping fees at the landfill. Hotel room tax and basically everything that needs to be reviewed and made transparent,” he wrote regarding the biggest issues facing the town. 

Listening to the people and working to address their concerns were Ellis' main priorities.

"As Mayor I will bring back the common sense to office that has been missing for far too long,” he wrote

 Asked what he brings to the table Ellis replied:

“I bring with me years of experience from owning businesses. I am a problem solver and have a great team spirit. I do not believe in giving up. If we are united anything is possible. Together we will make Watson Lake great again.” 

Lauren Hanchar

Lauren Hanchar is a lifelong Watson Laker, who told the News she's proudly served as a councillor and deputy mayor for the past two terms. She also serves as the President of the Association of Yukon Communities.
 
Asked about the issues the town faces she replied:

 “Definitely the financial sustainability of the municipality and our need for investment by governments in water and sewer infrastructure, but also housing, mental health and addictions and the cost of living.”

Hanchar said her priorities as mayor would be to listen and engage with residents and bring forward their concerns to the town's strategic planning. She added that she would "keep advocating for investment in essential municipal infrastructure and increase to CMG.”

“I bring the experience of two terms on council and knowledge of ongoing town initiatives, along with a strong desire to engage and serve my hometown,” Hanchar wrote, describing what she brings to the table. 

Dale Burdes

“My name is Dale Burdes and I have been proud to call Watson Lake my home for many years, Most people know me for my role managing Watson Lake Tags that has allowed me to connect with most community members," council candidate Dale Burdes wrote.

"Through my work, I've been able to provide support for numerous nonprofit events in town, offering donations and sponsorships that help foster a sense of community and support local causes.”

Burdes identified a long-term care solution, proper emergency medical services coverage, fire management, community safety planning and housing as key issues and said the local government needs to improve the working relationship with other stakeholders in the community. 

His priorities highlighted for the News in his response match the main issues he noted. 

Burdes told the News he brings experience, learning and “deep commitment to our community” to the table.

“Having been elected last term, I have spent the last three years honing my skills and understanding the processes involved in being an effective councillor,” he wrote.

Burdes also wrote in about the importance of communication and collaboration in the decision-making process. 

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Jim Elliot

About the Author: Jim Elliot

I’m a B.C. transplant here in Whitehorse at The News telling stories about the Yukon's people, environment, and culture.
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