2 running in upcoming mayoral byelection in Haines Junction, Yukon

Residents in Haines Junction, Yukon, are going back to the polls this week to elect a new mayor, just months after the last municipal vote.

Advance polls for the mayoral byelection took place on Thursday, a week before election day on Jan. 30. 

Former mayor Michael Riseborough resigned in November just one month after taking office. In a statement to council, Riseborough cited his health as the reason for his resignation, brought on by workplace stress.

There are two candidates now vying to take his place: acting deputy mayor Diane Strand, and Brian Melanson. 

Melanson also ran for mayor in the October election, and has decided to throw his hat in the ring one more time. 

"It was a community decision," he said. "I've had about 30 people coming to my house to let me know that Mike resigned and they wanted me to run again." 

Melanson says his greatest strength is his ability to stay neutral and navigate through conflict and differing opinions with respect. 

He says he's approached this race differently – taking more time to canvass, knock on doors and really understand what the community wants. 

Diane Strand is a familiar face in the village council chambers. She's already served one term as a councillor and is also the former chief of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.

"I've been asked several times over the last couple of elections to put my name forward and I've always declined because I'm quite a busy person," she said. "But on this last go-around, I really started thinking about how much I enjoy being on council, how much I enjoy doing this kind of work and giving back to the community."

She says besides her leadership experience, she feels that having a member of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations in office would be important for the community. 

"We've been missing that Indigenous voice within municipal governments," she said. "I think being that voice could help bridge misunderstandings and be beneficial to Haines Junction.

"I think it's good to have someone that has sat on both sides of the table." 

Focus on finances

When asked to predict Haines Junction's biggest challenge over the next four years, both candidates were quick to point to the economy. 

"Financials," said Melanson. "Canada's broke. We're definitely going to have a problem in the near future with fiscal responsibility and tightening our belts. We're not going to have the money in two years that we do today." 

Melanson noted that both the federal Liberal and Conservative parties have mentioned the need for future cuts. 

The federal and territorial government employ a number of people in Haines Junction, and Melanson says the community should be prepared for layoffs. 

"It's going to require bringing the community together," he said. "There are quite a few things in our [Official Community Plan] that allow for small projects to help people learn new skills.

Meanwhile, Strand says she's nervous about what will happen to the Canadian economy if the U.S. imposes punishing tariffs. 

"Who knows what's going to happen tomorrow, with President Trump." 

Strand also wants the community to be better prepared for wildfires and have a solid fire management plan. 

Tipping fees

Landfill fees are also a hot-button issue in the community. New fees are scheduled to come into effect next month, costing $10 for 10 45-litre bag tags and $20 for 10 90-litre bag tags. The bylaw, which was passed in September, aims to recover the high annual operating costs of waste management.

"This is part of growing and this is part of development," Melanson said. "It's going to be hard."

Melanson says he's heard a number of wants from the community: a new pool, curling rink, paved trails, an improved downtown core and a new playground.

"The money is going to have to come from somewhere, and it won't be coming from Ottawa." 

Strand, too, supports the new landfill fees. 

"We have to pay, unfortunately," she said. "All across Canada there are tipping fees."

Strand says she's passionate about getting a proper swimming pool into Haines Junction, but says the community must be sure it has the resources to build and sustain it. 

"We do need to do some really serious asset management for all of our buildings. We also have to be realistic that our water management costs money. And yes, there is a lifespan for the dump. We need to be smart in how we manage it," she said. 

Byelection polls will be open Jan. 30 from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. at the St. Elias Convention Centre.