Get to know the people running to be Whitehorse's next mayor

Five candidates are running to be the next mayor of Whitehorse. In the territory's rapidly growing capital, candidates say community safety, fiscal responsibility and infrastructure are top priorities.

Here's a look at who's running.

Kirk Cameron

While infrastructure has been a focus in Whitehorse city budgets for years, long-overdue upgrades to the city's water treatment system and Robert Service Way may put an unprecedented amount of pressure on city spending over the next term. 

"We have in front of us possibly over a half a billion dollars in infrastructure needs over the next four or five years," said sitting councillor Kirk Cameron. "And to my way of thinking, it's that basic need that's going to drive the agenda for this next council." 

While the federal government has pledged $45 million dollars for a major Robert Service Way upgrade, the total cost of the project is expected to cost at least $61 million, leaving a $16 million dollar shortfall.

A new water treatment system approved by council in June is expected to cost $55 million. 

Cameron said he's also worked with every First Nation in the Yukon and brings over 20 years of public service working with the city, territorial, provincial and federal governments.

"This last term of three years, I think we've got a lot accomplished," he said. "It's been a very active council. [City administration has] had to take a huge amount of workload from us that drives the agenda and I believe that's going to move on to the next council as well." 

If elected, Cameron said he would continue that agenda, which was "all about the basics, infrastructure, getting agreements with territorial and federal government." 

"We are in a growth stretch here that doesn't seem to stop," he said. "And that means this city council is going to have to spend a lot of time talking to not just the old timers like myself around here, but also the newcomers to get a real sense of where they want this community to go."

Dan Bushnell

Dan Bushnell is co-owner of Molotov and Bricks Tattoo and a member of the "Together Whitehorse" slate. He said he would seek to make up the financial gap for projects like Robert Service Way by conducting operational efficiency reviews to identify areas where the city could cut costs, as well as exploring public-private partnerships.

"We're looking at fiscally responsible decision-making," he said. 

As a downtown business owner himself, he said he's passionate about addressing safety concerns and property damage in the city's core. 

"The main priority, right away, is going to be safety," he said. "People are afraid. It's creating these terrible divisions. And the amount of pressure that's been put on the business community in terms of break-ins and the lack of response we're getting in support is really something we need to look at."

While Bushnell is new to politics, he sees that as a strength — he said his years of community advocacy and fundraising for local charities show his willingness to step up and serve his community. 

"Do we want to continue with the status quo that has brought us here? I think right now what we need is somebody that is willing to stand up and advocate for people so that we can actually make real change."

Dino Rudniski

Why does Dino Rudniski want to run for mayor? 

"When I was growing up, I used to help my mom navigate, just sitting in the passenger seat and helping her know which streets to turn and go down so we wouldn't get lost," said Rudniski. 

It has always felt right to guide and to serve in leadership roles, he said. 

Rudniski currently works as a janitor, and also runs a popular social media page called the Yukon Events Network, where he shares information about local community events and causes. 

In a platform shared online, he describes priorities like streamlining zoning to support affordable housing, revitalizing public transit and supporting local businesses. 

"I think I could bring to the table efficiency that would [improve] not just the efficiency of a meeting, but also to exclude things that aren't necessarily the business of city council," he said.

"Because I've heard there were some meetings that went for like three and a half hours that didn't even actually pertain to things that council should have been talking about."

Stephen Kwok

When daughter Mellisa Murray stepped down from the mayoral race due to personal issues, she encouraged her father, Stephen Kwok, to run.

He said the timing felt right. 

"I'm a landed immigrant and I've been living in this city for almost 50 years," he said. "I've married, had a family, enjoyed this city and its opportunities. Now, it's time for me to pay it forward." 

A business owner and entrepreneur, Kwok previously owned the video rental store 38 Famous and the Mad Trapper bowling alley. He's now a co-owner of the Northern Lights bowling alley. 

He said he was motivated to run for mayor rather than council because, "if I'm going to serve this city, I want to put my whole heart into it, I don't just want to go once a week."

If elected, Kwok says he would focus on emergency preparedness, supporting local businesses with crime prevention, affordable housing development, improving transportation and accessibility. 

"Come out and vote, doesn't matter who you are, everybody deserves a chance," he said. "Vote with your heart." 

Jack Bogaard

After years spent living on the streets of East Hastings in Vancouver and downtown Whitehorse, Jack Bogaard overcame repeated personal tragedies and addiction to become an advocate on behalf of the homeless. 

He now speaks in local high schools and does advocacy work with Blood Ties and the Yukon Poverty Coalition. He's also the founder of Voices Influencing Change, a program that empowers people with lived experience of homelessness, poverty and social exclusion through leadership development. 

In August, he was awarded with a Yukon 125 anniversary medal in recognition of his work for the territory. 

Bogaard says he would bring lived experience and perspective to the leadership position. 

"We need to be able to listen to voters, hear their opinions with an open heart, an open mind, and not hold judgment," he said. 

Bogaard intends to prioritize accessibility issues like snow removal and address the city's infrastructure challenges by working with the federal and territorial governments.  

"We are in a crisis right now in our community," he said. "Everything is going up. You know what hasn't gone up? Welfare. The costs of [living with a] disability. Raising taxes isn't going to help."

While Bogaard said he wouldn't be able to attend the mayoral debate in Whitehorse due to a death in his family, he's hoping to connect with the community over the next two weeks before election day.