Twelve candidates are seeking six Warman City Council seats in the November 9 civic election. The following profiles are based on interviews with the candidates and their platforms posted on the City of Warman website.
Ivan Gabrysh
Ivan Gabrysh and his wife Bev have lived in Warman for 15 years.
He began his career in municipal government in 1988 and graduated with a Local Government Administration Certificate from the University of Regina in 1990. After working as the Town Administrator in Hague until 2005, he accepted the Town Manager position in Warman. He became Warman’s first City Manager in 2012. He retired in 2013.
“During my time as Manager, Warman became the fastest-growing municipality in Canada, and we had a lot to deal with,” said Gabrysh. “I still have an interest in municipal politics and I feel I have the knowledge and experience to represent the residents quite well.”
Gabrysh said his priorities include:
* Maintaining a high level of municipal services and amenities through fiscal responsibility and transparency;
* Encourage economic diversity to attract new businesses;
* Widen Centennial Boulevard from Central Street to Ron Gidluck Park to improve traffic flow and public safety;
* Expand the municipal lagoon system and improve the sewage discharge system;
* Construct a second arena at the Legends Centre and explore construction of an indoor swimming pool.
Tracy Johnson
Tracy Johnson is a wife and mother of four. She and her family moved to Warman in 2012. She is a teacher with a Master of Education in educational administration and is a volunteer basketball coach.
At the age of 20, while enrolled at the University of Brandon, she lost her left leg after suffering a serious injury. Despite the amputation, she was back playing elite-level university basketball after only three months. She was inducted into Brandon University’s Sports Wall of Fame and had a national CIAU female inspiration award named after her in recognition of her resilience and determination.
“Mental health services were a critical aspect in my recovery,” said Johnson. “I want to ensure that our community members continue to have access to top notch medical facilities and recreational opportunities.”
Johnson said as an educator and coach, she wants to see young people have access to sports, arts, recreation and other resources to ensure they can become productive citizens.
“I believe women have a role to play in politics and I’d like to be a role model for young and women and girls,” said Johnson. “I’m a good listener, and I will work hard to make our community better than it already is.”
Glenn Gareau
Glenn Gareau and his wife have lived in Warman for the past 17 years. Their four children all grew up in Warman, with their youngest now starting high school.
“I have seen this community grow into becoming a city that we call home,” said Gareau. “I was raised on a farm in rural Saskatchewan, which is still a big part of who I am.”
Gareau’s educational and career background started as a draftsperson, Red Seal Journeyperson Agricultural Machinery Technician, and finally Industrial Electronics Technologist.
“I have found with my diverse background and enjoyment of continuous learning to be a definite benefit in my career and goals,” said Gareau. “As a professional and with my experience I believe I would be a benefit in serving the community as a member of council. Therefore, I would appreciate the opportunity to represent the community and work collaboratively for continuous growth.”
Tracy Buechler
Tracy Buechler has been a resident of Warman for 15 years. Born in Saskatoon, she left Saskatchewan to pursue post-secondary degrees in design and visual communication, and returned to Warman to raise her two children. She is an artist, designer, creativity instructor and advocate for arts and culture in the community.
She is the founder and president of Route 11 Creative Arts Centre and Cooperative, a non-profit organization.
“In my career I have worked designing seniors housing, special needs living spaces and retail stores for large chains,” she said.
She has served as chair for both the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation and the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital Foundation Festival of Trees, as well as serving on the Warman School Community Council.
Marshall Seed
Marshall Seed, his wife Crystal and their three sons have lived in Warman since 2012.
Marshall is currently Sales Manager for Shercom Industries and is also responsible for the firm’s tire collection services and vehicle fleet. He previously worked for 22 years with Snap-On Tools as both a service technician and operations manager.
He was a co-founder and long-time volunteer with Warman Neighbourhood Watch. He has devoted many hours as a volunteer in a wide range of organizations in Warman, including the Warman Emergency Response Team and Traditions Elementary School Community Council.
He was named the City of Warman Volunteer of the year in 2017 and has received both the Pathfinder and Chief Scout awards from the Governor-General of Canada.
“I will bring a strong work ethic, ‘can-do’ attitude, and the untiring desire to improve the community,” said Seed. “I will listen to your concerns and lead by actions, not just words.”
Glenn Murray
Glenn Murray is a pharmacist in Warman. He was born in Regina and has lived in many provinces across Canada.
He has been a resident of Warman since 2008. He has a grown son and daughter from his late wife; two step-daughters and a four-year-old daughter with his new partner.
“We have a very eclectic family,” said Murray.
He was a pipe welder for nine years before deciding to enroll at the University of Saskatchewan to become a pharmacist.
“I wanted to take on something new, exciting and challenging,” he said.
He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2005 with a Bachelors Degree in Pharmacy.
“I’ve always liked Warman, even as a student at the U of S,” he said. “I always thought there would be a great opportunity for a pharmacy if the stars were aligned. It worked out perfectly and here I still am today, calling Warman home.”
Jarrett Toffan
Jarrett Toffan, his wife and four children have called Warman home since 2015.
He is a certified Supply Chain Management Professional and has 30 years of experience in negotiations, supplier relationships and business ethics.
He served for 12 years as a volunteer firefighter and for three years with Warman Minor Hockey.
His priorities as a city councillor include:
* A drive for major industry to set up in Warman, keeping tax dollars local while maintaining a balance with the small business owners. Industry spin-offs will bring much-needed entertainment, restaurant, arts and sports events amenities.
* Continued support for protective services personnel, with physical and mental health as a focal point. The potential for full-time firefighters should be explored.
* More affordable housing for seniors with activities and attractive amenities for retirees.
* An early-pay property tax discount.
Doug Ramage
Doug Ramage is a professional engineer, management consultant and volunteer in the community.
Over the past six years, he has served on the local Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Warman Nieghbourhood Watch, Toastmasters and Warman Emergency Response Team.
His priorities on council include:
* Providing the highest quality of public services to residents for the best value;
* Continue planning for an indoor swimming pool, high quality parks and other recreational amenities;
* working with council and the RCMP detachment to continue to strengthen community safety initiatives;
* Investigating solutions to reduce speed on residential streets and improve traffic flow to minimize congestion;
* Attract more businsseses and strengthen the local economy;
* Diversify local employment and promote business investment through innovative ideas like business incubators and co-working spaces.
Michel Malo
Michel Malo has been a resident and homeowner in Warman since 2002. He has been married for 18 years and has two teenage boys. He works in the networking and office equipment industry.
“I have witnessed a huge amount of growth in our city over the last 18 years,” he said. “I want to capitalize on that momentum by growing our commercial district.”
Malo said he wants to encourage small businesses to build in Warman, along with supporting bigger stores to turn Warman into a shopping hub for the area.
“This will additionally provide more local employment for our youth,” said Malo. “I would like to attract more dine-in restaurants to complement our takeout chains.”
He said Warman has excellent sports facilities and outdoor parks and green spaces, but he would like to see other amenities for curling and archery.
Richard Beck
Richard Beck has been a resident of Warman since 2002.
He has served on Warman council for several terms, and been responsible for a number of council portfolios including Recreation, Planning and Economic Development, Administration and Finance, Public Health, Transportation Services and Utilities and Environment.
He currently serves as the Northwest Director for the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and has completed the Local Government Authority Course at the University of Regina and the Municipal Leadership Program.
He volunteers with the Warman Community Association and the Warman Sports and Cultural Village Association.
“I welcome every conversation with residents and business owners,” said Beck. “I will listen and investigate concerns on municipal and regional issues. I work diligently to provide the best service for all resident and stakeholders of our community.”
Kevin Tooley
Kevin Tooley, his wife Danielle and their daughters have lived in Warman since 2004. He was first elected to Warman City Council in 2012 and has served two terms as a councillor. During this time he has demonstrated a common sense approach while growing as a leader, committed to the continued growth and prosperity of the city.
“I want to see continued growth for Warman in both residential and commercial sectors” said Tooley. “Among the goals I have are the completion of the lagoon expansion project and the second ice surface at the Legends Centre.”
Tooley has degrees in Kinesiology and Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, and has also completed a post-graduate certificate program in real property valuation. He works with the City of Saskatoon as an assessment manager.
Trevor Peterson
Trevor Peterson has served eight years on Warman City Council, and during those two terms has been responsible for a variety of committees including the Library Board and the Recreational Advisory Committee.
He is a business owner with his wife Nicole and has two young children.
Peterson believes it’s important to keep focused on what cities do best.
“That includes infrastructure like streets, utilities such as water and wastewater, recreation, and fire and police protective services,” he said. “I have constantly supported policies that keep our level of services in these areas at the highest level possible.
“At the same time, I believe it is important for council to be very fiscally prudent and to keep property tax increases at or below inflation so we aren’t creating a burden for our residents and business owners.”