Hanover councillor running for third term, says he’s committed

Ward 1 Coun. Travis Doerksen is running for his third term on council and he said it was a fairly easy decision for him to make.

“I had support from my family and a lot of the ratepayers. So yeah, it was an easy decision for me. I’m running because I think there’s still a lot left to do in Hanover,” said Doerksen.

Some of the projects that this council has worked on that have been beneficial for Ward 1 have been the new rec centre in New Bothwell, a new outdoor rink and cover, and the establishment of the New Bothwell LUD, which is in its first term. Doerksen also noted there have been a lot of sidewalks and trees planted in New Bothwell as well that have benefited the community.

Projects that are currently in the works in the RM include the Grunthal Arena and the Red Seine Rat Wastewater Treatment plant just north of Niverville. What is really exciting for Doerksen in regards to Ward 1, and the RM as a whole, is drainage. He said the RM is currently working on a drainage master plan.

“We are primarily agriculture based. So, I think as we grow and grow our communities, which is very important, we have to keep in mind the agriculture and the farms in the area. That’s what our municipality was built on. So, it’s just responsible growth. So, drainage is a huge concern and I love working with it.”

Recreation is also important for Doerksen. He said the municipality is working on renovating the Mitchell Arena and planning the soccer dome project that will be built west of Mitchell across from Dick Penner Way.

“And (it’s) not just planning and working for today, but working for one, five, 10, 20 years out, is important. And I love to be part of those conversations. And I grew up here and I’d love to leave it a better place than when I started. So, that’s the goal,” he said.

One of the causes Doerksen brought to council for discussion was creating an LUD in New Bothwell.

“We already had three existing LUDs. So, it was only Kleefeld and New Bothwell who didn’t (have an LUD). And one advantage of the LUD is that they create their own tax rate, which basically means that the tax dollars collected in the community stay in the community. So, we make our own mill rate according to the things that we would like to see in New Bothwell,” he said.

“Obviously, we’re a small community, so that budget is not very big. But anytime that you can collect tax dollars from your community that stay in your community, that’s always beneficial.”

One of the highlights Doerksen mentioned regarding Ward 1 was the growth experienced in New Bothwell. Recent growth in the LUD has not been seen like that for years, according to Doerksen.

“One thing that I’m focused on is responsible growth. Trying to make sure that we have the proper things in place such as sidewalks and green space and parks and our drainage in our community and outside our community. You know, every time you grow there will be growing pains of some sort.

“So, we try to alleviate those as best as possible and nothing is perfect. There will always be something, but we work hard and try to do the best we can to make sure that our ratepayers and residents are happy and satisfied and we’re doing the things that they want to see.”

Doerksen grew up both in New Bothwell and in the rural area of the ward. He is married and has two children. He owned and operated a landscaping company. He said he works, lives, and plays in Hanover.

Doerksen said people should vote for him because he’s committed.

“I’m committed to working hard. I’m committed to communicating with the ratepayers. I’m committed to making our municipality a better place,” he said.

“I strive to work hard to make sure that I’m an ear and a sounding board and make sure that you listen to your ratepayers because in the end you’re working for them.”