Council approves Luhning as rep on new downtown business association
Coun. Dawn Luhning will represent city council as a voting member on the newly formed Downtown Moose Jaw Association board of directors. Luhning was approved as council’s representative through a vote during the Aug. 12 regular meeting. She had let her name stand prior to the meeting, but Coun. Crystal Froese also submitted her name during the discussion, which forced council to take an electronic vote.
How council voted is unknown since the e-ballots were destroyed afterward.
Crystal Milburn, secretary/treasurer with the Downtown Moose Jaw Association, spoke briefly to council about the group’s goals and objectives, such as increasing traffic, encouraging more business growth, and seeing more businesses move to the area. She also explained how the group wants to beautify the area, promote it as a suitable shopping and work environment with a provincial economic development association. “We really feel (it’s) important for our board to have a voting member from council to help us liaise with the city and to guide some of our efforts,” Milburn added. Luhning and Froese then spoke about their desire to be council’s representative.
“I would let my name stand to be on that board,” said Luhning, “(while I) appreciate (how) the new downtown association recognizes the fact that letting a city rep have a vote is worth it for you to be able to be a good conduit back to the city to express what the needs of your association wants.”
Froese thought she would make a good representative since she has experience with local area plans, including that of South Hill. She had some history with another downtown association group that attempted to form in 2014 and that brought some issues to city council about cleanliness and beautification. “I’ve also been involved with the Farmer’s Market, which is a bit of an economic incubator,” Froese added. “I’d love to bring some of my skillset and support to the committee as well.”
In response, Luhning pointed out she is the only member on city council who runs a downtown business. She thought she would be a good fit to help this new association with some of its needs.
One of council’s goals has been to not only attract businesses to the downtown but increase business in the downtown area, said Mayor Fraser Tolmie. He was thrilled that the association came to council since he thought it was important for council to have a representative on the board as a way to be a conduit with the business community.
“Council has worked very hard to bring (this) forward,” he remarked, adding city administration has given much effort to this as well. This will create an important experience for residents and visitors alike. Besides city council, a representative from the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Moose Jaw will also be appointed as an ex-officio voting member.