MOOSE JAW — Current councillor Kim Robinson has announced that he is running in the Nov. 13 municipal election to be mayor. Presented below are Robinson’s answers to questions from the Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. Some answers have been edited for length.
Why are you running for mayor/why run for mayor after one term as councillor?
I'm running for mayor because Moose Jaw deserves a leader who listens closely and takes meaningful action. Throughout my term as councillor, I’ve tuned in to the concerns of our citizens and brought forward several initiatives and bylaw changes that have been successful elsewhere. Unfortunately, I never had any support from a largely “stand pat” mayor and council.
I understand infrastructure challenges and obstacles in creating a safer, revitalized downtown, I understand the issues that matter most to our community. I see the mayor's role as the key leader in delivering an exceptional customer service experience to citizens.
My plan is to be open and available, supporting our city administration team and ensuring that the pathways of information between elected officials and administration are clear, direct, and easily understood. This way, the needs of our community are effectively communicated and met.
What prompted me to run is my commitment to serve our city that promotes transparency, responsible growth, and open communication. I believe in Moose Jaw’s potential and am prepared to lead with integrity and a vision that puts citizens first. With my experience and dedication, I’m ready to be the voice and advocate Moose Jaw deserves."
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Once elected, my goal is to improve how our city functions by ensuring accurate and efficient communication between elected officials and city staff. Being at city hall full-time will allow me to have a closer “finger on the pulse” of day-to-day operations, clearing up many customer service issues I’m hearing from citizens.
I believe in being accessible, and I plan to increase customer service hours and explore options to meet the needs of our residents better. Moose Jaw deserves a city hall that’s there when needed.
I have also spoken with a major developer interested in creating a community-based haven for residents who need additional support. This development would benefit everyone —enhancing support systems for those who need them, helping our downtown businesses, and boosting tourism. It’s a project that would support our residential areas, bring economic growth, and make Moose Jaw safer for all.
As a councillor, I’ve had the opportunity to work with people invested in Moose Jaw’s economic development, and I’m eager to see these initiatives come to fruition with the added time and focus that the mayor’s role would allow. I am committed to ensuring Moose Jaw’s growth is managed thoughtfully, with open communication and strong, accessible leadership at the helm.
What would be your top area(s) of focus?
We have a great community of wonderful citizens, all who have their own concerns and priorities. My immediate “top of mind” would be to engage them. I have researched several cities doing just that. I would create an engagement strategy to improve civic participation and foster stronger community connections; we really need to get back to the trust we once held in our city hall.
Immediate concerns beyond this are a true need for transparency with our money and policy. Our road conditions, the cast iron schedule and ongoing infrastructure repairs and maintenance are always a concern.
What issues do you think need to be addressed in Moose Jaw?
Continuing a bit from the previous question here, improving the customer service experience at city hall is crucial. Many residents have voiced frustrations about accessing city services, and I believe this stems from communication gaps between elected officials and city administration.
I would look at a quasi-ward system, dividing our city into six jurisdictions and assigning one to each councillor. Residents would know who to bring their concerns to and in turn, that councillor would make sure your concern is heard. In working full-time at city hall, I’ll ensure clear and consistent information flow between teams and to the public.
Fair assessment of property taxes is another priority. We need to carefully examine our tax structure to ensure it’s fair and supports residential and commercial property owners, allowing Moose Jaw to grow sustainably without placing undue burdens on our citizens and businesses.
Supporting our police by empowering bylaws is essential to improving community safety. I’m committed to working with our police to identify bylaw changes that allow them to do their jobs more effectively. That may include additional bylaw officers.
Of course, infrastructure improvements need prioritized attention — better roads, maintenance, and enhanced public spaces are key to a thriving Moose Jaw. I’m also collaborating with a developer interested in creating a community haven, a project that would offer vital support for residents while positively impacting our downtown businesses, tourism, and residential neighbourhoods.
There are many, many problems to try to solve, but I am eager to jump in.
How would you make life more affordable for residents?
In today’s economy, where rising costs impact everyone, making life more affordable for residents requires a proactive and transparent approach to budgeting. I’m committed to reducing unnecessary taxes by ensuring our budget is spent exactly as approved and by identifying where deviations have occurred.
As mayor, I’ll work full-time at city hall to ensure that decisions follow council's directives. I’ve experienced first-hand the consequences of procedural delays; as mayor, I will work hand-in-hand with the city manager to ensure timely action and information reaches council without delay. Council’s decisions should drive our city forward, not administrative bottlenecks.
I would say that over the past four years, I’ve earned a “degree” in policy and procedure from the school of hard knocks, and I’m proud of that experience. I’ll bring that knowledge, along with new proposals, to create a better financial future for Moose Jaw. As your mayor, I’ll work tirelessly to see that the past four years don’t repeat, making affordability a top priority for all residents.
How would you reign in excessive and/or unnecessary spending? Would you consider cutting taxes or reducing projects?
As an accountant with a good understanding of finance, I am committed to reining in excessive and unnecessary spending through increased oversight, accountability, and a thorough review of our budget practices. My background equips me to help our city make fiscally responsible decisions that maximize the value of every taxpayer dollar.
I would like to review the expenditures spent on further developing the agri-food industrial park lots until we have some solid interest there. I believe we need to look at all our options surrounding the landfill, perhaps there is a partnership opportunity to allow for increased revenues while meeting all our own obligations to our residents.
My experience, talent in finance, and strong working relationships with developers make me the only choice for mayor who can genuinely rein in spending while growing our city responsibly at the same time.
I assure you I will work tirelessly to ensure every dollar serves the people of Moose Jaw, and I’ll be right there with a hands-on approach — whether that means driving my truck to meet developers on-site or putting policies in place to eliminate waste and prioritize essential services. This election is about restoring integrity and fiscal responsibility to our city, and I’m ready to lead that change.
Would you approve of using taxpayers’ money to support the Hilton Hotel project and/or a related parkade?
I would need much more information, but based on other cities I have visited, I would not rule out a parkade if it solved event parking issues and offered revenue-generating opportunities. We do have a sizeable parking reserve that was started when the event centre was built.
I believe the Hilton project has covered their parking requirements; to clarify the question, I would not support public funds for this private project. However, through demand assessment, design considerations and financial projections and location, I could support a parkade. I think of one in Kelowna that has leasable commercial space on the ground floor; it is a revenue-generating asset to their city while solving some of their parking issues. Win-Win.
How would you address the issues facing the community’s impoverished and homeless residents?
I’ve seen the needs of our community’s most vulnerable residents up close and personal. My family and I have participated weekly in making meals and serving food to the hungry for some time now. Working directly with those who are less fortunate is nothing new to me, and it’s why I’m passionate about creating real, sustainable solutions for Moose Jaw’s impoverished, unhoused, and those in need of additional services.
I’ve been talking with a group of investors who are just as committed to change, and together, we’re exploring a site near the hospital and Sarcan for a comprehensive support centre.
This project is inspired by successful models in Phoenix, Arizona; Lethbridge, Alberta; and Saskatoon — designed to support all residents needing assistance, including those struggling with addiction, newcomers, individuals with mental health challenges, those who prefer life outdoors, anyone requiring greater social supports really. We’re looking at a real path forward.
Quite frankly, Moose Jaw’s budget can’t shoulder the responsibility of this issue alone. We need help from community partners, investors, donors and provincial and federal supports. I have been part of groups like our hospice groups that have taken plans from concept to reality. Thankfully, there are people who trust me to lead this project because they know I’m committed to a long-term solution, not just another band-aid fix.
The problem is larger than any single person or city department, and true collaboration is essential.
I also know our police need stronger tools and supports to ensure community safety, and I’ve looked closely at draft bylaws that empower them to do their jobs more effectively. Unfortunately, past attempts have met with a technicality, but I can get it done, I am certainly not afraid to stand up for Moose Jaw’s best interests.
How would you enhance security or safety in the community?
My commitment to public safety in Moose Jaw is strong, and whether I’m elected as mayor or not, I’ll continue working to make our community safer. I believe in creating bylaws that empower our police, based on direct input from MJPS members who know what’s needed in the field.
I will look at additional bylaw officers to assist with enforcement and to help maintain order in our neighbourhoods, supporting the police in creating a safer, more secure Moose Jaw.
I’m also committed to the Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP), a volunteer-led program I’ve been working on alongside Doug Fehr, the provincial lead, for this initiative. We’re already setting up logistics, established non-profit status, finding dedicated volunteers, and coordinating training in collaboration with the Moose Jaw Police Service and an MOU with MJPS and local RCMP.
The program is designed for volunteers to observe and report any suspicious activities without engaging or getting close to any potential issues. This “observe and report” model allows citizens to play an active role in community safety while keeping volunteer safety paramount. Our city deserves proactive, collaborative solutions, and I’m ready to make that a reality.
What steps would you take to increase economic growth or encourage businesses to move here?
Encouraging economic growth and attracting new businesses to Moose Jaw should be a top priority. I want to make our city a welcoming, business-friendly place where investors feel confident in bringing their projects, without pre-qualification and piles of red tape.
An investor — unfortunately turned down by our city — is prepared to revisit this opportunity if there is some refreshing change to our council. Especially since this investor shares my passion for hockey and the Warriors.
And, as previously mentioned, I’m working with a group of investors on a comprehensive support centre.
I believe that by streamlining processes, reducing red tape, and fostering strong partnerships with like-minded investors, we can create sustainable economic growth for Moose Jaw. I’m confident that with clear communication, effective leadership, and an unwavering focus on community-first initiatives, Moose Jaw can become an even more attractive place for families, businesses, and investors alike."
Would you halt spending money on the agri-food industrial park until an anchor tenant is found?
Yes, I believe that was the original in the agri-food industrial park, hold spending until a tenant had committed to the space. My goal is to serve the people of Moose Jaw, and I’ll ensure every dollar spent aligns with that mission. Spending on the agri-food park should absolutely be halted until we have an anchor tenant, guaranteeing the area is developed responsibly and with the city’s best interests at heart.
What is your long-term vision for the community 10 to 20 years down the road? How would you bring that to fruition?
My long-term vision for Moose Jaw is a thriving, proud community where, in 10 to 20 years, we have a vibrant downtown bustling with tourists, local businesses thriving, and a safe atmosphere that attracts visitors and residents, young and old, alike.
I see Moose Jaw as a place where people talk about fair property taxes, well-maintained roads, outstanding customer service, and a strong, supportive police presence that keeps our streets safe day and night.
I envision a fully funded venue near the hospital dedicated to supporting those who need additional social services, surrounded by a beautiful park and community garden that enhances the hospital view while providing therapy and purpose for residents of a “safe haven community centre.”
In terms of infrastructure, I’d love to say that in 10 to 20 years, we’ve put the final touches on cast iron replacement. We’ve also filled the agri-food lots with new businesses that bring jobs and vitality to our local economy. And for those coming to the hospital, I envision a donation-based parking lot where people can pay what they’re able, making it easier and more affordable to access care.
We should also continue supporting our Moose Jaw Warriors hockey team, keeping them as a core part of our city’s identity. And our Events Centre should be run by local talent, giving us the chance to benefit from its success and foster local job opportunities directly. Let’s spend the necessary dollars for the steel rigging so we can host world class events.
Imagine reading about Moose Jaw in 10 to 20 years, with people speaking highly of our fair taxes, smooth roads, vibrant local events, and a caring, efficient city hall
Why are you the best person for this role?
I’m the best person for this role because I’ve earned my “degree” in Moose Jaw politics from the school of hard knocks over the past four years. I’ve learned how our city operates, gained a thorough understanding of The Cities Act, and know first-hand the strength and leadership required from the mayor to ensure the best decisions are made for the people of Moose Jaw — not just in the best interests of those sitting on council.
Too often, politics attracts those seeking personal gain, and that’s not why I’m here. I have no personal agenda or area of gain to achieve in this role.
My only goal is to work for the community — to bring economic growth, clean up budgets and oversee spending, keep a closer, more direct eye on administration to ensure accountability and good customer service for the people of Moose Jaw.
I’m dedicated to Moose Jaw’s future by advancing economic proposals to my network of investors, supporting tourism, volunteering my time in social support programs, and progressing to the launch of Citizens on Patrol Program to support public safety.
I’m committed to being a hands-on, active mayor, always working to make Moose Jaw a better place for everyone."
What are your top skills/qualities/attributes?
I am a listener, a communicator, a critical thinker and I have financial literacy. I am ethical and I have an ability to stand firm, even if it means going against the status quo to make the best decisions for Moose Jaw.
My experience on council has taught me the importance of resilience and accountability, and I’ve built strong connections with investors who trust me as someone running for mayor purely out of a desire to make a positive difference for our city and its citizens.
Why should people vote for you?
People should vote for me because I’m committed to Moose Jaw, through and through. I have always looked for ways to support our community. My love of aviation grew from working with the air force base for years, deepening my admiration for the Snowbirds and their contribution to our city.
My hockey days sparked a lifelong passion for the sport and our Moose Jaw Warriors, adding to the pride I feel for Moose Jaw.
This city is, and always will be, my home. I’m here to make a difference wherever I’m needed. I love Moose Jaw, and if my skills, experience, and tenacity can serve this community, then I’m here to be a servant leader. If elected, I’ll dedicate myself to transparency, responsible spending, and bringing long-term growth that benefits us all.
My goal is to build a brighter Moose Jaw for everyone, and I’m ready and willing to put in the work and make it happen.
