Voting has started in the largest city of northern Manitoba, where the current mayor is up against two opponents in the mayoral race. Advance polls are available for the election of mayor, city council, and school board positions in the School District of Mystery Lake, which oversees most public schools in Thompson. The election day is set for October 28.
In total, there are thirteen candidates vying for eight city council seats, with four incumbents seeking reelection. The school board race features nine contenders competing for seven trustee positions. The mayoral race consists of three competitors, including the incumbent mayor, Colleen Smook, and two sitting city councillors, Oswald Sawh and Duncan Wong, who are challenging her.
Thompson, a city in northern Manitoba, is currently facing significant changes as the local nickel mine, which was established in the 1960s, has been acquired by Exiro Nickel Company. The new ownership aims to expand the mine, boost employment, and increase production, signaling a new chapter for the city.
Public safety emerges as the top concern among urban residents in northern Manitoba, including Thompson, according to findings from an online survey conducted by Abacus Data and commissioned by CBC News. The city has struggled with low voter turnout in previous elections, with only 27% of eligible voters participating in the 2022 election.
Voting on the official election day will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bill Comaskey Wellness Centre within the Thompson Regional Community Centre. Additionally, advance polls are open this week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the multipurpose room at the Thompson Regional Community Centre.
Oswald Sawh, a certified public accountant and active community volunteer, is one of the mayoral candidates. Originally from Winnipeg, Sawh has been a prominent figure in Thompson since 1993, contributing to various local initiatives. His priorities include addressing safety and crime issues, improving infrastructure, enhancing communication, and promoting transparency in governance.
Colleen Smook, the incumbent mayor seeking a third term, became Thompson’s first female mayor in 2018. She highlights ongoing projects like the city’s pool complex construction and the mine transfer and expansion as reasons for seeking reelection. Smook emphasizes the city’s progress in public safety, business development, and infrastructure under her leadership, aiming to maintain a balance between progress and fiscal responsibility.
Duncan Wong, a three-term city councillor and local business owner, is also running for mayor. With extensive experience in municipal affairs, Wong emphasizes community safety, infrastructure enhancement, transparent taxation, and support for youth and businesses as his key priorities. Wong advocates for stronger law enforcement measures and community engagement to address existing challenges effectively.
Wong’s campaign strategy includes a strong social media presence to engage voters and encourage higher voter turnout, with a focus on accessibility and communication. Public election forums will be conducted at the Letkemann Theatre at R.D Parker Collegiate, organized by the Thompson Chamber of Commerce, offering residents an opportunity to engage with council and mayoral candidates ahead of the election day.