Judy Harwood is seeking her third term as Reeve of the RM of Corman Park in the upcoming municipal election.
“I’d like to be able to see to completion several files I’ve been part of for a number of years,” said Harwood. “In particular, the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G). It’s important to have a strong voice for Corman Park at the table, because our municipality has a lot invested in the success of this partnership.”
Prior to her election as Reeve in 2012, Harwood served on the RM of Corman Park council from 1994 to 2000. She also served for 12 years on the Corman Park and Saskatoon District Planning Commission.
She is currently an elected Director on the Board of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, representing District 5.
Harwood said she takes the position of Reeve very seriously, and works hard to represent the RM in a very professional manner.
“I strive to get back to every ratepayer who reaches out to me with either an answer to their issue or a time line when I will have the answer,” said Harwood.
With a distinguished career in hotel management under her belt, Harwood believes it’s important to ensure the RM has a solid and professional administration.
“I feel there is more employee stability and favourable morale in our office and outside workforce since being elected,” said Harwood. “I believe in and support success. I encourage the idea of our RM working with ratepayers and developers for the betterment of Corman Park.”
Harwood said she takes pride in several council achievements over the past four years, including the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has not significantly impacted the ability of the RM to deliver essential services.
The RM has added a new public works shop and completed a substantial expansion and renovation to its administrative office and police headquarters in Saskatoon.
She noted the municipality has consistently worked to be more efficient.
“The cost of administration for the RM is lower in 2020 than it was in 2012,” she said, adding the tax rates in Corman Park have consistently been lower than most surrounding urban municipalities and RMs.
“In 2020, the RM was able to have a 0% tax increase,” said Harwood. “We felt it was important to not increase taxes in recognition of the economic conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The RM has completed a number of capital paving projects recently, including 1.5 miles of the Neuhorst Road; the section of Township Road 384 between Martensville and Warman; Township Road 374 east; Township Road 382; Valley Road; Baker Road; and roadbed preparation for Township Road 374 west.
She said the RM has added three new grader zones since 2012 to make turnaround time shorter, and has also increased mowing and gravelling operations across the RM.
Harwood said the RM has brought over 200 country residential lots on stream, and enacted five per quarter regulations for landowners.
The RM has now capped fire billing at $30,000 to help ratepayers in the event of serious fires on their property.
The erection of a memorial heritage cairn in Corman Park to mark the birthplace of hockey legend Gordie Howe was another achievement that stands out for her.