Fort Simpson’s new and outgoing mayors look ahead

Les Wright formally took the helm as Fort Simpson’s mayor this week, succeeding outgoing mayor Sean Whelly.

Wright – recently elected mayor with 239 votes to Whelly’s 142 – and an acclaimed council were sworn in on Monday.

The council consists of Troy Bellefontaine, Eliza Jane Chalifoux, Richenda Cli, Amy Fraser, Muaz Hassan, Renalyn Pascua-Matte, James Tsetso and Kathy Tsetso.

Whelly said the new council is “going to be good for Fort Simpson.”

Wright served as a councillor over the previous term when Whelly was mayor.

Now, he says he wants to put that experience – and 30 years in the construction industry – to use as mayor.

“People are excited,” Wright told Cabin Radio. “I think they expect lots to change in the next few years.”

In his new role, Wright says he wants to bring a voice to residents who did not feel represented by local government in the past.

Wright has set his sights on the community plan and land use zoning bylaw as his first priority, stating that he wants residents’ input before finalizing those documents.

“I want to make it easier for people to build their own houses, because we do have a housing shortage,” Wright said, referring to amendments he plans to make.

“I’d like to see more building … as opposed to either bringing in trailers or bringing in contractors from out of town.”

Wright says he is setting realistic expectations for long-term goals such as a long-awaited health centre, beginning with reaching consensus on where that centre should go. He plans to consult with residents, the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation and Fort Simpson Métis.

“I ain’t gonna try to pull the wool over your eyes or fight for something that we’re never going to receive,” Wright said regarding the health centre. “I do see progress.”

With his approach, Wright says he hopes residents will feel they have a say in things. He says he plans to ask questions and take feedback from the community on Facebook.

“It’s a good way to keep the mayor and council accountable,” Wright said.

‘I know we’re doing good for people’

Whelly says he looks back on 12 years as a mayor and councillor with fondness.

“Hopefully what I did is lay a bit of a foundation. I made some improvements, helped to guide the council to changes that the village needed to make,” Whelly said, referring to the likes of improvements at the recreation facility and roads that were paved.

“What I’ll miss is sort-of a camaraderie around the group, the council, and being part of making those improvements to the village.”

Whelly doesn’t plan to run for council again, adding he will continue to be an active community member and is happy to help out if council needs.

As a board member for the Dehcho Society for Wellness and Sustainable Development, Whelly says he can still contribute to Fort Simpson.

“We’re looking at getting into new areas where we can assist the homeless people in Fort Simpson,” Whelly said. “I find that to be very rewarding work. I know we’re doing good for people.”

Looking back on his years in leadership, Whelly says he enjoyed serving his community.

“When it comes to an end, you miss it. But at the same time, you realize you’ve got other things to do and you’ve got to thank everybody for the time that they gave you and the support you received during the 12 years,” Whelly said.

“I’ve got no regrets. I wish everyone well going forward.”

“I’m hoping with this council that we can work together and do some good,” Wright said.

“I just expect it to go smooth for the next three years or six years.”