SCHREIBER – Schreiber Mayor Kevin Mullins, who has held the position for the past two years, is hoping to be given the opportunity to serve the community he's passionate about for the next four year.
Mullins said the community has shown perseverance through the challenges of a global pandemic, pointing to the opening of a railway museum as one example of continued progress.
He said community projects like the installation of ten murals to promote the area and local artists had also helped boost the town.
“That was an important project. We started hanging these murals up from the downtown area and stretched out from there. We want to carry on with the program when it fits the town's budget,” stated Mullins.
When asked to speak about key projects and developments, Mullins pointed to plans to revitalize core areas.
“We have the splash pad that we started as part of the revitalizing of the downtown and the park. This will open in spring of 2023,” he said.. “This is just the start of revitalizing downtown.”
He also referenced projects including the community Recreation Complex, a new dog park, and key motel and restaurants.
“We have made our gym at the rec complex bigger and added all new equipment to it. In addition, we opened a small dog park, something that everyone is very happy about. Two restaurants were able to re-open during my tenure,” he said.
Mullins described the development of the Voyageur Complex known as the “Voy” as important.
“Just recently the motel opened first, then the gift shop and the laundromat,” he said. “With that restaurant now open, we also have the re-opening of the Filane restaurant.”
He also touted a $101,000 investment through an outside grant in the Casque Isles Hiking Trail, which he said freed up municipal dollars for improvements to the water pollution control plant and community lookout.
Looking forward, Mullins called action on housing key to secure Schreiber’s future.
“I think housing of all kinds is a big issue for the community. All towns in the region are facing this issue. The mill and CP rail, education and the health care sector is a priority related to the housing issue, because we can’t get workers to work and live here because of lack of housing."
He said seniors housing in particular is a priority, while he also thinks the town needs to better enforce property standards.
Mullins also touted relationships with regional leaders.
“I want to keep working strongly with Terrace Bay, Pays Plat and the whole region for cost sharing ideas and promoting the region. I have already sat down with both mayoral candidates for Terrace Bay. My relationship with the Chief of Pays Plat First Nations, Chief David Mushquash, is strong. I also communicate well with provincial and federal governments,” he said.
The mayor is also focused on ensuring Schreiber is readyfor the opening of the Metallum Zinc Mines site, saying it could be a boon for youth employment.
“I believe in Schreiber and have a passion like no other," he concluded. "I've been a resident for 66 years and am now retired and I definitely have the time to commit to such an important position. I have 39 years working in the municipal sector for Schreiber in public works and I know the infrastructure. The last four years I spent on council with the last two years as mayor. I've gained valuable experience in this time that I would love to continue on for the next four years."
