Honourable Councillors,
I stand before you today to share a significant development within the community of Dugald, Manitoba, and to present a petition that reflects the sentiments of over 200 community members. My journey began with attending open houses and engaging with developers who proposed a unique property development on the West side of Dugald. I spent a considerable number of evenings this summer and fall talking directly to residents in Dugald. I discussed the potential impact it would have on the future for the town and the opportunities that we believe are a long time coming
I am proud to say I have knocked on every door in Dugald, and my signatures represent the true feelings of the people of Dugald. I was met with many familiar faces, people I grew up with, and those who initially felt hesitant became relaxed and hopeful once I described the vision of the next decade for Dugald in relation to this ambitious project.
In my discussions with the engineers at WPS and the team at RDI, I found myself enthused about the prospect of expanded housing options, particularly those within a reasonable commute to Winnipeg. As someone who, due to career choices, had to relocate to the city, the potential to move back to Dugald became a compelling prospect. My roots lie a few miles East of Dugald, where I grew up surrounded by nature, where I played baseball as a child. The desire to live near where I grew up, in proximity to my parents, has always been a heartfelt aspiration.
The rising costs of housing and fuel have compelled many, especially the younger generations in our Rural Municipality, to relocate for work opportunities and to establish themselves in the housing market. This shift has created a feedback loop, affecting an entire demographic that faces challenges entering the housing market, exacerbated by volatile interest rates. I’ve witnessed this struggle through my younger siblings and understand the urgency to address it.
If you look up demographic statistics on the RM of Springfield website, it is evident that young adults, especially those below 30 in the RM, are being evicted from our community. There are not enough jobs or houses within reach for this group, and we are faced with a choice: to stay at home with Mom and Dad and miss out on the chance to build home equity, secure meaningful employment, or leave the place we call home and dream about one day coming back. This is my dream – to come back to Springfield. Years will pass, and many will develop roots in communities that prioritise the development of quality, cost-effective housing. Many will never come back to be near their parents. Those that stay have lost out on years of home equity that will reduce their chances of having a comfortable retirement.
A retirement in the RM is also becoming a challenge. My in-laws, both lifelong cattle farmers from Anola, have been forced to consider a retirement in Winnipeg. I asked them what their ideal retirement looked like, and they shared that Dugald was where they wanted to be. They were dismayed when I shared that current facilities in the community have extensive wait lists. This development provides the opportunity for people to downsize from the family farm in a reasonable way, as they do not desire to spend on a luxury home and care more for the convenience of a side-by-side, condo, or apartment near shopping and amenities. Notably, the development offers a diverse range of housing options, including apartments and side-by-side condos, catering to this specific need. Many kind residents in similar situations allowed me into their homes, and I was heartened to learn that the elders in our community care deeply about the plight of their grandchildren, who are faced with the same economic reality and dealing with pensions that have failed to keep up with the price inflation of housing, goods, and services.
One such resident that I had the privilege to speak to was Mr. Charlie Gillespie, the son of the late Dugald Gillespie, who the town owes its name to. I was invited into his house, where we had a vigorous conversation about the future and the history of the town. We sat in his sunroom, he shared with me his most recent artwork as he is an avid wildlife painter, and I was provided once again a strong affirmation that the community needs investment as it is long overdue. I felt honoured to receive his signature along with many other notable names in the community.
When I received a layoff at work this spring, I dedicated my time to support the approval of this development for several reasons. Firstly, I envision returning to Dugald when interest rates stabilise, aspiring to provide a home and a similar upbringing for my future children as I experienced. I care about the fact that my future children will face a harder life than I. I recall my teenage years, struggling to find entry-level employment within the RM. The lack of opportunities often leads to relocation, putting younger individuals at a disadvantage. Creating local job opportunities will not only benefit the community but also foster a sense of belonging for its residents. Not to mention reduce the burden of driving to the big city to collect essentials. The amount we pay for gas is a tax on everyone in the RM. We can make decisions to reduce this burden by advocating for these amenities.
I took the initiative to gather signatures, knocking on every door in Dugald, and successfully garnered support from over 200 community members. The warm welcome and overwhelmingly positive response underscore the community’s desire for a property development that prioritises families over luxury buyers.
The echoed sentiments from Dugald residents include a call for investment in our town, not just in neighbouring Oakbank. They yearn for a development that encourages families to reside close enough for grandparents to visit their grandchildren regularly. Additionally, there is a collective desire for greater convenience within Dugald, reducing the need to travel to Winnipeg for basic necessities.
In conclusion, I present these signatures for your review and consideration. I am grateful for the opportunity to share the feedback I received and sincerely thank the councillors for their time. I trust that the information provided will contribute to your decision-making process.
Thank you.
Jordan