With the United Nations estimating that four million Ukrainians could be displaced because of fighting in their country, Moose Jaw’s mayor says this community would gladly take in some of those refugees.
“Absolutely, absolutely. We would encourage any immigration from Ukraine or refugees from Ukraine,” Mayor Clive Tolley said after the recent city council meeting. “We are trying to build a community here. Those are good people that would contribute to the fabric of our community, and we’d be pleased to help and provide a home for them.”
Dozens of Ukrainian families — such as the Konihowskis, Stanowskis, Seminuks, and Hunchaks — immigrated to Moose Jaw more than a century ago to help build the railway and the community, the mayor pointed out. Many of them chose to live on South Hill, which gave that area the nickname “garlic hill” because that was the food those people ate regularly.
Tolley — who was a city councillor three decades ago — remembered a Coun. Hunchak who served on council for six terms. The mayor noted that Hunchak liked to joke about how he was the mayor of South Hill and would give people passes to cross the Fourth Avenue bridge if they “fit the criteria.”
“So, we’ve had a lot of fun over the years with our Ukrainian people, and they’ve certainly added to the cultural mosaic in this community,” he said. “We all feel for them. I’m sure many of them still have relatives in Ukraine.”
Within the coming weeks, Tolley plans to speak with his friends and other residents of Ukrainian heritage to see what else Moose Jaw can do to support that beleaguered country and its people.
“The City of Moose Jaw joins with other cities, countries and organizations in condemning the invasion of the sovereign state of Ukraine by Russia. We wish to show our solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine and those of Ukrainian descent living in Moose Jaw and across our country,” he added. “We know it’s an extremely difficult for you. The City of Moose Jaw stands with Ukraine and we pray for a swift end to this war.”
