Kitimat mayoral candidate Terry Marleau is campaigning on his experience in local government, fiscal responsibility and plans to improve infrastructure and services in the community.
Marleau was born in Kitimat and raised in Terrace before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Zoology at the University of British Columbia. He later completed post-degree certification in secondary education and a master’s degree in education.
He returned to the region 30 years ago with his wife Lorna and their two children, eventually teaching in Kitamaat Village with the Haisla Nation before working at Nechako Elementary and Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary School.
Marleau has served as a Kitimat councillor for eight years and has also been involved with a number of local boards, committees and sports organizations. He is currently on leave from Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary School while serving as president of the Kitimat District Teachers’ Association.
He said his experience on council and in the community motivated him to seek the mayor’s position.
“Having been on council for eight years, I’ve used my leadership skills and experience to make a positive impact on our community. Fiscal responsibility is a priority for me, and I’ve spoken often about budget and improvements in the approval process for capital projects,” Marleau said.
Among his priorities are improving the approval process for capital projects, upgrading roads, sidewalks and other infrastructure, and addressing the condition of Kitimat’s swimming pool.
Marleau said approving capital projects earlier could allow local businesses to begin work sooner and help reduce cost overruns associated with projects being carried over.
He also wants to see more support for seniors, including accessible housing, while continuing to advocate for improvements or a rebuild of Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary School.
Marleau said attracting and retaining people in Kitimat will require improvements to infrastructure, housing and local services.
“I want to work with our industries, an essential part of Kitimat’s economy and identity, to attract other types of businesses and diversify our economy. Protecting our beautiful environment and natural rainforest that surrounds our community must remain a priority,” he said.
If elected, Marleau said he wants to see Kitimat’s population begin to grow as more families establish permanent homes in the community.
His vision includes improved roads and walkways, progress toward rebuilding or significantly improving Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary School, a full renovation of the swimming pool, and more health-care professionals working in the community.
He also wants to see new businesses open and existing businesses grow, while strengthening the relationship between the District of Kitimat and the Haisla Nation.
Marleau said his goal is to bring together residents, community groups and industry to build on Kitimat’s existing strengths.
“I want our relationship with the Haisla Nation to be at an all-time high and one where we see partnerships in this jewel on the North Coast,” he said.
Marleau is one of the candidates seeking to lead the District of Kitimat in the Oct. 17 municipal election.
