Winnipeg Election 2022

Brian Mayes - St. Vital

What got you into politics?

Though I grew up in St Vital and followed federal and provincial politics, my interest in City politics came about during my years in Toronto.  A nearby college advertised that they were selling green space to build condos.  I thought “I should go to the meeting on this, that seems like a very tall building and a loss of green space”.  This issue took over my life for the next 2 years, and changed my view of city politics from “barking dog complaints” to an appreciation that this is the level of government that affects the public on an immediate, daily basis.  After serving a term as a Brandon School Trustee, my family moved back to St Vital and I entered the by-election for City Councillor in 2011.  The position of Councillor offers an opportunity to work with the community on projects that have an immediate impact, ranging from roads to play structures to pools to libraries. I have been door-knocking in the ward every year since 2011, and plan to continue that tradition if re-elected  (and I also know that part of the job is dealing with those “barking dog complaints” where that becomes an issue!) .

What experience will you bring to compliment your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee)?

I have been honoured to serve for 11 years as St. Vital City Councillor, and prior to that (2006-10) enjoyed a term as a school trustee in Brandon.  I certainly have experience dealing with the public, with the civil service (a much bigger challenge than I expected) and working with the mayor and other city councillors.  I have learned the importance of working with other levels of government, including the local school divisions.  .

Prior to entering politics I worked as a lawyer, operating my own storefront firm (Brian Mayes Law Office) in Brandon. This gave me an appreciation for the challenges of running your own small business.  I have also worked in negotiations for a trade union, and served three years as a civil servant in Ontario.

I have served on the board of Assiniboine Park Conservancy, the WAG, Old St Vital Biz, the Deposit Guarantee Corporation and many others.

My experience growing up in St Vital and raising my sons here with my wife give me a knowledge of, and appreciation for, the service a councillor can provide. And my experience as a marathon runner has given me the endurance and patience needed for this job!

What are some issues that you would like to stand for in your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee), and why are these issues important to you?

I am proud of my record delivering results to the people of St Vital, ranging from road and bridge renewal, saving and upgrading the St. vital library, gaining millions of dollars for St Vital Park and St Vital outdoor pool.  I will work to continue these sorts of investments (with more road funding directed to pothole repair).  I will also continue to work in partnership with the Louis Riel School Division; we have completed dozens of joint projects, notably Dakota Collegiate field/court/track, Glenlawn basketball and volleyball courts, College Jeanne Sauve community theatre and others.

This coming term Council and Mayor will need to work with the province on solutions for the city’s population living with homelessness.  Additionally, we will need as a council to continue the work on reconciliation with indigenous peoples.

I will fight for construction of a new community centre on Warde Avenue on city land to service Sage Creek , Bonavista and Royalwood.  These newer communities deserve access to a new centre for recreation and meeting space.

I will also support a city-wide composting program, and exploring light rail transit for St Mary’s/Main Street corridor.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

It has been an honour to serve as Councillor for this area over the past 11 years (or in the case of Sage Creek, Royalwood and Bonavista the past 4 years due to ward boundary changes).  There are certainly challenges, such as the gravel lane complaints that come to my office in huge numbers (I am proud that residents have voted to pave 19 of these lanes in partnership with the city through a fund introduced in 2014, and the new $300,000 per year pulvimixer program which I fought for is now in place).  But there are also many good days as we dedicate new facilities like Sage Creek tennis courts, or celebrate saving and upgrading heritage buildings like the old St Vital Fire Hall.

I feel that I have the knowledge and experience to do the job, and I still have the passion and the energy to overcome the obstacles which others raise (my four year odyssey to complete the St Vital Park toboggan complex taught me a great deal!).  I have knocked on thousands of doors since I launched my campaign on July 15, and I hope to continue the dialogue with the people of St. Vital.