Homelessness, needle distribution, municipal funding to keep their infrastructure up to date, and crime rates.
Those are all issues facing Lance Jacobson and the Town of Swan River. Mayor Jacobson recently returned from the Municipality of Ontario Convention in Ottawa. He added that rebounding from last month's devastating flood is on the front burner.
Residents are still waiting for further news on Disaster Financial Assistance from the government. There are people in the community who have resources to do their basement renovations because they can do it themselves with help from family and friends. Some also have sufficient cash flow to undergo rebuilding what was lost.
That isn't the case for everyone, however.
"Those are the frustrated people. They want to start getting their lives back together again," said Jacobson. "I know that the majority of people are back living in their homes. There are still some that aren't; some homes were damaged significantly, so some can't return home. Those people have no insurance; they have nothing. They rely on their own resources to get through that, but if they don't have that, they're waiting for Disaster Financial Assistance. Those are the frustrated ones."
Jacobson understands and sympathizes with those going through a tough time. It's been a tough summer for those in Swan River and the Parkland region.
He knows there will be long days ahead, but he's proud of the resilience that community members have shown. One step at a time, residents will bounce back, and Lance will be there every step of the way.
"You really don't know what you can handle when something comes to you full force and gives you that kick or punch," continued Jacobson. "The community has really bounced back and is working towards that rebuilding. It's really great to see."
On the crime front, Lance has noticed the calls for service to the RCMP have gone down a little bit. With that said, for a community the size of Swan River, calls are still too high. There is still work to do when it comes to drug distribution and dealing with other crime issues.
Jacobson is pleased with what the RCMP in the community is doing to combat crime. It's impossible to fully stop crime. He is, however, confident that officers are doing their best to limit it.
"We do have a good working relationship with the RCMP. We meet regularly. We get the crime stats," ended Jacobson. "I think we have a pretty good staff looking out for what they can do under the circumstances in the community."
Lance and the community is now preparing for next Saturday. The Swan Valley Agriculture Society presents Rally for the Valley. After the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition was cancelled earlier this year, organizers decided a special event for the entire community was needed this summer.
There will be a parade, children's activities, a petting zoo, beer gardens, and music. The night will cap off with fireworks. There will also be a pancake breakfast hosted by the Minitonas Lions Club.
There is no admission for any of the events. The bulk of the action takes place at the Swan River Valley Ag Grounds.
"I think it'll be a good reception for people to take a deep breath and talk to each other," added Jacobson. "What they've experienced. Most people are really excited to see this mini event."
Residents are staying strong and are preparing to come together for a community celebration.
