With the end of voting in the provincial elections, the focus can now turn to the upcoming civic elections.

Municipalities in the province go to the polls on November 13 to elect their councils and mayors.

In Regina, nine of the 11 mayoral candidates — Chad Bachynski, Lori Bresciani, Melina Bushenlonga, Bevann Fox, Kevin Kardash, Sandra Masters, Bill Pratt, Shawn Sparvier and Rod Williams — participated in a televised debate Wednesday.

Nathaniel Hewton and Bob Pearce did not attend.

The candidates had the opportunity to share their visions for the city.

Several addressed public safety throughout the evening, including Lori Bresciani, who served as the councilwoman for Ward 4 in Regina.

“Proactive solutions such as alternate response officers, the program to increase the presence of public safety officers downtown will be a game changer, and Regina Police will work closely with community associations in all neighborhoods to be more proactive. on reducing crime,” Bresciani said.

Bill Pratt, former CEO of Eden Care Homes, spoke about his approach to public safety.

“It’s going to take multiple approaches within a broader strategy, and it’s more than just law enforcement,” Pratt said.

“We need to examine the spectrum of public safety, from root causes to addressing addiction and mental health issues.”

Candidate Chad Bachynski, a manager at SaskEnergy, spoke about the need for more affordable housing in the inner city.

“It’s a math problem for me. It gives more people using fewer road lengths, fewer pipeline lengths and shorter transit commutes,” Bachynski said. “So overall there is an overall benefit and it actually reduces the tax burden on those people who are living. in suburban areas”.

Incumbent Mayor Sandra Masters launched her platform Wednesday morning with the slogan “Move the Queen Forward.”

Unlike Master’s first mayoral campaign — which featured a pledge to build a new indoor aquatics center — this platform didn’t feature a major commitment to a single project.

“We have to finish the job we started,” Masters said.

Masters has confirmed that if re-elected, it will be her last term as mayor.

Advance polls

Masters’ comments come as advance polls for the municipal elections are set to open in Regina and Saskatoon on Friday and run through Monday.

In Saskatoonthe poll will run from noon to 8pm CST. In Reginapolls will be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM CST.

Arrest warrant issued for the mayoral candidate

A Regina mayoral candidate is now the subject of an arrest warrant from the RCMP.

Southey RCMP say on October 16, officers received a report of an assault at a residence in Saskatchewan Beach.

An investigation determined an adult male assaulted a female who then reported non-life threatening injuries, police said. They have now charged Nathaniel Hewton of Regina with one count of assault.

RCMP are not releasing further details about the incident to respect the victim’s privacy.

RCMP are actively trying to locate Hewton. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

CBC tried to contact Hewton. He didn’t answer.