With nomination officially open, more people are putting their names forward for city council including a long-time Lloydminster resident.
Cheryl Ross has lived in the Border City for over 25 years and raised four children in the community. She has been involved with and advocated for several non-profits including the Richard Larsen Barr Colony Foundation, Lloydminster Immigration Partnership Program and started the Above and Beyond the Ugly Sweater which aimed to help vulnerable people in the community.
Ross has also attended many city council and Governance and Priorities Committee meetings over the years which she says has helped her get ahead on municipal government procedures.
“I have been very committed to attending several council and GPC meetings from the sidelines and I’ve gained knowledge and understanding through conversations with administration and council, past and present. My hope is to continue to build relationships with residents and business owners and meet the achievable goals that they desire.”
Ross adds an area of focus for her will be the Lloydminster Cultural and Science Centre. She says losing it and the historical pieces within would be a detriment to the community.
“The build it now for the Lloydminster Cultural and Science Centre is something that will absolutely be my focus. I’m on the Richard Larsen Barr Colony Foundation Executives and we are working collaboratively with build it now at this point. I gained a better understanding as to how projects unfold and come to fruition and I’m hoping, if elected, to be able to work towards what that plan might look like.”
Another priority will be acting on recommendations in the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan and helping the local business community.
“Downtown Lloydminster resonates as the heart of our community. Local businesses, entrepreneurs and people have invested a lot of time and resources in delivering services. It is my hope that I can be a part of the solution and enhance what we already have so that is more conducive to traffic and attracting new businesses as well as looking after what has been there historically.”
Ross will be connecting with residents through social media and scheduled meet and greets. She says she probably won’t be door knocking due to COVID-19.
Nominations for city council, mayor and both Lloydminster school boards opened on September 22nd. The deadline for nominations is October 7th and voters will head to the polls on November 9th.