MOOSE JAW — Incumbent councillor Crystal Froese has announced that she is running in the Nov. 13 municipal election to be mayor. Presented below are Froese's answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. Some answers have been edited for length.
Why are you running for mayor/what prompted you to run?
I’m an entrepreneur with over 15 years in communications and marketing, helping businesses grow. My education is in Public Relations and Local Government Administration from the University of Regina, focusing on municipal finance and legislation. I have served as your city councillor for 8 years, school board trustee for 4 and as your Chair of the Moose Jaw Police Service Board.
I believe my education and experience have prepared me to take Moose Jaw forward as your next Mayor. I believe we have missed opportunities for growth. As your Mayor, I will drive economic development by supporting our local business and seek out new opportunities, like value-added agriculture, that align with Moose Jaw’s strengths.
I’ll create an economic advisory group to make sure City Hall is business-ready to support the growth we need for our community.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I aim to drive economic growth by leveraging Moose Jaw’s unique position in Saskatchewan’s agricultural landscape. Having supported the Baildon agreement to provide irrigation to family farms south of us, I’m committed to building on that success by attracting value-added agricultural businesses.
With Sask. Polytech’s Agriculture Diploma Program here in town, I’ll push for a Food Centre annex where entrepreneurs can create Saskatchewan-made food products. This will create new business opportunities and connect Moose Jaw’s economy to our region’s farm-to-table potential, boosting tourism and local commerce.
What would be your top area(s) of focus?
As your Mayor, my job will be to chase opportunities that actively drive economic development and bring jobs into our community. To work with our Provincial and RM Partners on a landfill location, funding for our Crescent View Sewer Station.
The Mayors roll is to promote our city. I have plan that includes collaboration with our business community, local MLA’s to attract industry to our city. I will work in partnership with our new council to tackle our budget and ensure we live within our means. I have the experience to lead us through this next challenging budget process.
What issues do you think need to be addressed in Moose Jaw?
Public safety has been my priority. I’ve advocated for more officers, funding for Police and Crisis Team, Internet Child Exploitation Units, and more patrols in our city, we’ve implemented a Trespassing Program, connected businesses with the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, and created a community resource web page.
The Province has agreed to fund 8 additional officers and we need to ensure they are working in the priority areas. We will also be looking to hire for a new Police Chief, we need people at the table with experience to ensure we choose the next chief that fits our community.
Also if we receive funding from Sask Govt we will be working on the Community Safety Strategy which includes collaboration throughout our city to address issues to make Moose Jaw safer for everyone.
How would you make life more affordable for residents?
Property taxes are a pressing concern Moose Jaw faces a real challenge in balancing affordability with continuing to provide services.
We have limited revenue options so I believe as Mayor my plan for economic development to broaden our tax base will benefit our community by providing more jobs now and in the long term. To grow our city, we have a natural advantage, my plan includes attracting value-added agriculture businesses which will expand our tax base and stabilize or reduce property taxes.
There is great opportunity with the new expansion at 15 Wing and possibilities that our Municipal Airport could take part in that growth. We already provide airspace for the Snowbirds to practice. As the 15 Wing expands, I want to ensure our local trades get the information they need so they can participate in the building the infrastructure that will be going on out there over the next few years.
As Mayor I would ensure that our MLS’s are up to date on our infrastructure shovel ready projects so we can be first in line for grant funding. All of these initiatives will help support our residents and businesses as we ensure that when we address our 2025 budget that we are living within our means and I have a track record of being fiscally responsible.
I would work with our Provincial Govt to advocate for the removal of PST on construction costs for Municipalities, we pay millions of dollars in PST. I would advocate for an increase in Municipal Revenue Sharing Grant and additional funding for our infrastructure all of these would help alleviate the tax burden to our Moose Jaw residents and businesses.
How would you rein in excessive and/or unnecessary spending? Would you consider cutting taxes or reducing projects?
Prioritizing needs over wants and collaborating ensures fiscal responsibility. I support a careful review of projects and budgets, seeking efficiencies that don’t compromise core services.
Cutting taxes can be challenging with the costs of everything increasing, but my goal is to avoid unnecessary increases and provide the level of services our residents and businesses deserve. We are facing a difficult budget, need to hire a new police chief, find funding for the Crescent View Sewer Station, and urgently find a new landfill location.
I’ll work with our MLAs to communicate the urgency of these needs and partner with the RM to find an agreeable location for the land fill. As your Mayor it will be a priority to build partnerships that are key to our success.
Would you approve of using taxpayers’ money to support the Hilton Hotel project and/or a related parkade?
Everyone wants to see the west end of River Street rejuvenated and the heritage of it celebrated in a new development. Moose Jaw is growing, over the last 10 years we have seen 3 brand new major hotels successfully built in our city, the most recent being the Holiday Inn.
We have large capital funding projects like the Crescent View Sewer lift station which is essential to our city which is estimated cost of over $60 million dollars. Taxpayer funds should be used responsibly, and any project needs a clear, significant benefit to our community.
I would carefully evaluate the Hilton Hotel and the parking study that is coming back to council this winter to ensure they align with the best interests of Moose Jaw residents.
How would you address the issues facing the community’s impoverished and homeless residents?
Addressing homelessness and supporting our less fortunate citizens is a deeply complex issue, one that has impacted our downtown and raised concerns from both businesses and residents.
Our city doesn’t receive Provincial or Federal funding to support social issues, so it is important that as a Mayor and council we continue to advocate on behalf of front line organizations for support from our Provincial partners and with our local MLAs.
Only by working together can we turn controversial issues into collaborative efforts, moving toward solutions that balance the needs of all Moose Jaw residents. We all want the same things for our city this can be accomplished by working together.
How would you enhance security or safety in the community?
Public safety has been my priority. I’ve advocated for more officers, funding for Police and Crisis Team, Internet Child Exploitation Units, and more patrols in our city, we’ve implemented a Trespassing Program, connected businesses with the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, and created a community resource web page.
Addressing these issues must be done in partnership with our business community and our residents. If we receive funding from Saskatchewan Government we will be collaborating with our residents, front line organizations and business on the Community Safety Strategy which is a plan with action to get results to make Moose Jaw safer for everyone.
We have received funding for eight additional officers from the province, we will be increasing police presence in areas of concern around our city. We also must advocate to the province to provide wrap around services for those who are unhoused and struggling with mental health and additions.
Enhancing safety in our community takes a collaborative strategy so we can have positive impact on these important issues.
What steps would you take to increase economic growth or encourage businesses to move here?
I have a plan that works with the economic strengths we have by targeting specific industries that match our city. Moose Jaw is surrounded by farmland. I supported the Baildon agreement, our city provides irrigation to family farms south of us, and I want to build on that momentum by attracting value-added agricultural business to boost our local economy.
With SASK Polytech’s Agriculture Diploma Program at the campus in Moose Jaw, I’d also push for a Food Centre annex where local entrepreneurs can create Sask-Made food products from crops grown in our area. This initiative elevates tourism by connecting them with Moose Jaw’s farm-to-table potential.
Working with our existing industry partners and Rural Municipal leadership will set Moose Jaw apart from other communities and make us a competitor when attracting new businesses here.
But I also want to make Moose Jaw truly business-ready, we need to stop waiting for businesses to come to us. I’ll establish an economic development advisory group to set clear goals, to get results. We need their input to help improve policy and procedures when starting a new business, development or growing an existing business here in our city. With my experience in agriculture, tourism, and business, I have the plan and drive to make it happen to get results.
How would you address the situation with SAMA and the business community?
I have been advocating for fairness in property assessments and actively address concerns with SAMA to ensure businesses and residents feel their concerns are heard and acted upon. I would like to further explore having our own City Assessor similar to what the city of Prince Albert has and move away from a contract with SAMA.
Would you halt spending money on the agri-food industrial park until an anchor tenant is found?
It is the Mayor’s primary roll to pursue economic development and I believe we have missed opportunities for growth. If I become your next Mayor, I will drive economic development by supporting our local business and seeking out new opportunities, like value-added agriculture, that align with Moose Jaw’s strengths.
I have seen agriculture business industry go to other cities in both Manitoba and Alberta. As Mayor I will be strategically and actively seeking to bring industry to our city.
This also means working with our Provincial partners on opportunities they are aware of an ensuring we pursue partnerships to maximize this asset’s value, the industrial park is an investment in our city’s future but we need to carefully managing its costs to benefit our community and strategically working to attract industry to our city.
What is your long-term vision for the community 10 to 20 years down the road? How would you bring that to fruition?
Moose Jaw is my hometown. Moose Jaw Values are my Values! My long-term vision is a thriving Moose Jaw with robust infrastructure, a diversified economy, and a strong sense of safety and community.
I would like a complete road renewal. New outdoor pool and adding new recreational facilities. I would like a vibrant downtown with River Street completed. By focusing on sustainable growth, infrastructure investment, and collaborative leadership, we can continue to make Moose Jaw a vibrant place to live for generations. Buidling strong collaboration with our School Boards, Provincial Government and local RM so that we are all working together.
I think we all want the same quality of life here in a city we love.
Why are you the best person for this role?
With 8 years on council, 4 years as school board trustee and serving on 10 boards and committees, I’ve taken on roles that keep me connected to our families and citizens of our city.
From the Police Commission to the Youth Advisory Committee, I’ve stayed engaged with the community to bring your concerns directly to the council table. People know that when they come to me with issues about roads, safety, or services, or any concern I listen, I act and I follow up.
I have a plan to do the work of the Mayor to promote our city and work on economic development that fits Moose Jaw. I won’t waste anytime; I will hit the ground running from day one to work for the citizens of Moose Jaw.
What are your top skills/qualities?
My strengths include collaborative leadership, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a genuine commitment to public service. I bring a proactive, results-oriented approach to problem-solving, with a deep understanding of our community’s needs.
I’ve had the honour of serving as your City Councillor for the past eight years, as a Prairie South School Division Trustee for four years, and Chair of the Police Commission
I’m an entrepreneur with over 15 years in communications and marketing, helping businesses grow. My education is in Public Relations and Local Government Administration from the University of Regina, focusing on municipal finance and legislation.
Why should people vote for you?
Moose Jaw is at a tipping point. I’ve listened to the concerns of our citizens and I’m here to take action. Our Mayor should be out from behind their desk actively doing the work of promoting our city and engaging in the concerns of our city.
I have stayed connected to the needs of Moose Jaw through my experience, education and dedication. I have an action plan , and the experience to lead. I believe we need a Mayor who will roll up her sleeves and start working from day one. Moose Jaw’s Values are My Values! I ask for your vote so we can work together for a better Moose Jaw for Everyone
