Peter Campbell

What are the three most important outcomes you want West St. Paul to achieve during the next four years? What measurable result would tell residents you succeeded?

Whether it's recreation, sewer and water projects, drainage concerns, or infrastructure improvements, I believe residents deserve a Council that listens and responds. Success isn't measured by promises. It's measured by results. I want residents to see improvements in their neighbourhoods, more projects completed each year, and a municipality that responds to their concerns. Keeping taxes affordable is also a top priority. We have gone four years without a municipal tax increase, and I will continue to support responsible financial management while standing up against unnecessary increases in school taxes. I also believe West St. Paul should be a community for everyone, from young families looking for childcare options to seniors who want to remain active, connected, and supported.

How should West St. Paul balance keeping municipal taxes competitive with maintaining and expanding services? Identify one area of municipal spending you would protect and one you would examine most closely for savings or efficiencies.

Residents work hard for their money, and Council has a responsibility to respect that. The growth we've experienced has allowed us to maintain affordable taxes while continuing to provide the services residents expect. I believe we must continue to focus on value for taxpayers and carefully examine every dollar we spend. It's difficult to single out one service because so many are important. However, our snow-clearing program is among the best anywhere in the region, and I am committed to maintaining the high standards residents expect for snow clearing, garbage collection, and recycling services.

When the RM has an operating surplus or significant reserve funds, how should Council balance saving for future infrastructure, paying down debt, funding current projects and limiting future tax increases?

I believe in common-sense financial management. The municipality needs adequate reserves to operate responsibly and prepare for unexpected expenses. But building large reserves simply for the sake of having money in the bank doesn't benefit residents. I've always believed in paying down debt whenever it makes financial sense. At the same time, every financial decision should be evaluated carefully. If investments are earning more than borrowing costs, we need to look at the full picture and make smart financial choices. One of the biggest reasons people choose West St. Paul is because of our low taxes. Protecting that advantage will always be one of my priorities.

West St. Paul continues to experience rapid residential development. What costs should new development be expected to carry, and what costs should reasonably be shared by the municipality as a whole?

This is something I feel strongly about. Existing residents should not be paying the bill for new development. Developers who benefit from growth should be responsible for the infrastructure and services their projects require. Roads, drainage, utilities, and other development-related costs should be borne by the developments that create the demand. Growth must pay for growth.

What types of businesses and commercial development should West St. Paul actively encourage? How should Council balance expanding the commercial tax base with traffic, infrastructure, nearby neighbourhoods and community character?

Residents have been telling me for years that they want more local amenities, and I agree. We need family-friendly restaurants, more places for residents to gather, and better access to healthcare services, including a medical clinic and laboratory services. However, commercial development needs to be done properly. It must be located in areas designed for commercial activity and supported by transportation infrastructure that can handle increased traffic. The goal is not simply more development. The goal is smart development that improves residents' quality of life.

What are your highest infrastructure priorities for the next term? How should West St. Paul respond to increasing traffic and demands on roads, drainage, wastewater and other infrastructure as the municipality grows?

Traffic is one of the biggest concerns I hear from residents. With Costco expected to open next year, traffic volumes will increase significantly. We need to be proactive and ensure our road network can handle that growth safely and efficiently. One of my top priorities is continuing to advocate for an interchange at Pipeline Road and the Perimeter Highway. This intersection is a major safety concern and has been for years. In Ward 1, drainage remains another major issue. Many of our older neighbourhoods require a comprehensive drainage strategy, and I will continue pushing for long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.

As West St. Paul grows, which municipal services need the most attention or investment — such as fire protection, community safety, public works, snow clearing, parks, recreation or bylaw enforcement — and why?

Nothing is more important than the safety of our residents. As our community grows and our proximity to Winnipeg continues to influence local challenges, we need to stay ahead of emerging public safety concerns. Residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, neighbourhoods, parks, and public spaces. I also believe bylaw enforcement needs greater attention. I've heard residents describe West St. Paul as the "Wild West" when it comes to enforcement, and that's not acceptable. Rules only work when they are applied fairly and consistently.

What do you believe is the single biggest issue facing Ward 1, and what specific result should residents expect from you by the end of the next term?

The biggest challenge facing Ward 1 and West St. Paul over the next several years will be transportation infrastructure. Growth is coming whether we like it or not. Our responsibility is to make sure we are prepared for it. That means working closely with Manitoba Infrastructure, advocating aggressively for our community, and ensuring critical projects receive the attention they deserve. I have spent years building relationships, understanding the issues facing our municipality, and working to get things done. I am ready to continue that work. West St. Paul has been my home for two decades. I care deeply about this community, and I will continue to work every day to protect what makes it special while planning responsibly for our future.