Jared Melnyk Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Churchbridge
Jared Melnyk, a long-time resident and former council member of Churchbridge, is officially running for mayor in the upcoming municipal election. The election, which will take place on Wednesday, November 13th, will allow voters to choose new leadership for mayor and councillor positions across urban municipalities in the region. For residents looking to vote early, advanced voting will take place on November 7th.
Melnyk brings a wealth of local experience, community involvement, and a practical vision for the future of Churchbridge. His platform emphasizes accountability, preventive maintenance, and open communication between town leadership and residents.
Infrastructure: Balancing Upkeep and Long-term Planning
One of the main priorities for Melnyk is the town’s infrastructure. Although he feels that Churchbridge is generally in good shape, he recognizes that certain areas need more attention.
“As it sits right now, the town’s in pretty decent shape,” Melnyk said. “Our water and sewer systems are doing well, but about 50% of our streets are in need of improvement. Some of these issues could have been prevented with proper maintenance.”
Melnyk stresses the importance of preventive maintenance to avoid more expensive repairs down the line. “We’ve let some things go too long, and now we’re facing premature replacements that could have been avoided. The work isn’t just about waiting for things to break—it’s about being proactive.” He believes that utilizing the town’s resources more efficiently could improve areas like streets and facilities, such as the rink.
Melnyk understands that the mayor’s role involves collaboration with the council and town staff. “As the mayor, I can’t do much on my own, but I believe in working with our teams and ensuring we’re focused on the right priorities. We’ve got the staff—we just need to deploy them in the right places.”
Healthcare: Seeking Better Access for Residents
Healthcare services are another area of concern for Melnyk. He acknowledges the challenges that rural communities like Churchbridge face in maintaining consistent healthcare providers but believes there are potential solutions.
“It would be great if we could have a doctor visit just once a week,” he suggested. Melnyk also hopes to see the reopening of the local pharmacy, which would not only provide access to prescriptions but also improve the overall healthcare ecosystem. “If we had a pharmacist and maybe even a nurse practitioner available once a week, it would be a real benefit to the community.”
Melnyk is committed to exploring partnerships with regional healthcare providers and working with neighboring municipalities to enhance services. He emphasizes that small steps, like securing weekly visits from medical professionals, could make a significant difference for residents.
A Candidate Who Knows the Community Inside and Out
Melnyk’s strong connection to the town is deeply rooted in his lifestyle and involvement with local sports. “I’m a sports guy through and through,” he said. “I’m into hockey, golf, and baseball. If I’m not golfing, I’m out helping at the golf course, cutting grass, or lending a hand wherever I can.”
In addition to his passion for sports, Melnyk stays busy with his day job at the local mine and contracting projects on the side. Having served on the town council for 11 years, he believes his experience gives him a solid understanding of how municipal operations run.
“I have a strong personality, and I don’t shy away from making decisions,” he said. “We need problem-solvers in leadership—people who are willing to tackle challenges head-on and follow through.”
Policing and Public Safety: More Visibility Needed
Melnyk sees room for improvement in policing services, particularly in increasing the visibility of the RCMP in town. “We’re paying good money for police services, but we rarely see routine patrols. They drive through town once in a while and that’s it,” he said.
While recognizing the challenges the RCMP faces with staffing shortages, Melnyk believes in pushing for more engagement. “We need to work with the RCMP to ensure they’re more present in our community. In the past, the sergeant would come to council meetings and give updates—we need to bring that kind of interaction back.”
Taxation and Transparency: Finding the Right Balance
A key part of Melnyk’s campaign focuses on taxation and ensuring residents see a return on their investments. “I pay $5,000 a year in property taxes, and I don’t feel like I get any more services than anyone else,” he said, reflecting the sentiment of many locals.
Melnyk aims to manage the town’s budget more efficiently to provide essential services while keeping taxes in check. “We need to look at taxes, water rates, and every dollar we spend to make sure it’s going towards things that matter to the community,” he explained.
He also stressed the need for greater transparency in town governance. “Over the last few years, taxes have gone up, but residents aren’t seeing the improvements they expected. We need to communicate better and make sure everyone knows where their money is going.”
Melnyk believes that openness and accountability are crucial to building trust with residents. “There’s too much happening behind closed doors right now. We need to bring back procedures that were once in place and ensure everyone understands how the town operates.”
Collaboration with Regional Partners
Melnyk recognizes the importance of working with surrounding government bodies such as the R.M. of Churchbridge to make the most of shared resources. “Look at our pool, rink, and ball diamonds—they’re not just for residents in town; they serve the whole area,” he said.
He believes stronger partnerships could enhance local amenities and make them more sustainable. “If we can collaborate more effectively, it would benefit everyone,” Melnyk added.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Progress and Community Engagement
As Melnyk campaigns for the role of mayor, he is focused on building a stronger, more connected community. He aims to combine practical solutions with a long-term vision, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and open communication.
“We need to focus on maintaining what we have and making smart investments for the future. It’s not just about big projects—it’s about getting the basics right and making sure residents feel heard.”
With his background in council work and deep ties to the community, Melnyk believes he is well-equipped to take on the challenges facing Churchbridge. His campaign message includes proactive leadership, transparency, and accountability as the keys to a better future for the town.
Election Day Information
Residents of Churchbridge will have the opportunity to cast their votes for mayor and councillor positions on Wednesday, November 13. For those unable to vote on Election Day, advanced voting will be available on November 7.
As the campaign moves forward, Melnyk remains committed to engaging with residents, listening to their concerns, and ensuring that Churchbridge continues to thrive. His candidacy offers a blend of practical experience, community involvement, and a vision for progress—a platform he hopes will resonate with voters come Election Day.