Six questions with Tracy King, candidate for Lloydminster City Council

MyLloydminsterNow has reached out to the 14 candidates running for the six positions on Lloydminster City Council in the November 13 city-wide elections. Here are the views of Tracy King. 

Question 1: Tell me who you are. 

King: I am a proud married mother of four, deeply rooted in our community for the past 36 years. I have worn many hats: mother, grandmother, banking representative, and small business owner, along with numerous volunteer positions. I love Lloydminster. My family and I have built our lives here in Lloydminster, there is no better place to live, work, and raise a family. We have a small-town feel with big-city amenities. I strive to make my impact for the better. In all situations, I strive to ensure my contributions are positive, helpful, and enduring. 

Question 2: Why do you want to be a city councillor? 

King: I believe that a person’s impact should be positive and throughout my life, this has manifested in various ways. Now, at this stage of my journey, I am stepping forward to run for city councillor. This city has given so much to my family and me, and I look forward to channelling my core values into meaningful contributions to our community. I am determined to uphold the welcoming and kind traditions I encountered 36 years ago, and I am committed to meeting the needs of our community today. I also want to help shape the future of Lloydminster, our community continues to grow and diversify, we have to meet these opportunities sustainably. I do not support the Proposed Land Use By-Law 07-2024 in its current form. I believe a new land use by-law is needed but the sweeping changes included in the new proposed by law require more input from our community. I have concerns about blanket re-zoning, changes to variances requirements, and the approval process of discretionary uses. 

Question 3: Colleen Young, candidate for the Saskatchewan Party has said, “Our hospital was built for 15,000 people back in 1986 and has not seen significant expansion. Previous ministers of health have recognized the need to expand the hospital in order to serve patients better. That is another aspect that I would like to see done.” 

What are your thoughts on a new or expanded hospital in Lloydminster? 

King: I absolutely support a new or expanded hospital for Lloydminster and area. The staff at the hospital continue to do an amazing job with the challenges they face. We all know or have experiences with accessing services at the hospital, and the current facility has not kept pace with the growth in the Lloydminster region. 

Question 4: What is your plan to deal with homelessness and the unhoused? 

King: This continues to be a complex issue. The responsibility to address it covers all levels of government. The current shelter is not working for residents who live in the vicinity. I acknowledge that a shelter is necessary, but location is important. There needs to be support for those who need and want it, and strategies for the ones that don’t. 

Question 5: What are your thoughts on dealing with crime and insecurity? 

King: This is a complex challenge that requires community engagement, strong law enforcement and addressing root causes to develop solutions to help all residents feel safe in our community. 

Question 6: Final thoughts. 

King: My final thoughts include my goals. These are: 

• To listen first and make informed decisions. 

• To support local initiatives and small business. 

• Work towards finding practical solutions rooted in sustainability. 

• Celebrate and champion community engagement.