GRAVELBOURG - Matt Forest is new to the role of mayor. The longtime Gravelbourg resident was elected in November of 2024 and tells the Assiniboia Times he hopes to bring an air of change to the community.
It’s a new role for Forest but he has experience on various boards such as the College Mathieu Foundation, the Association Communautaire Fransaskoise de Gravelbourg and the Gravelbourg Fire Department executive board.
Forest tells the Assiniboia Times that some of his goals are, “To continue with upgrades and repairs to our aging infrastructure so present and future residents can have a dependable and reliable water and sanitation system for generations to come. We are also actively looking at solutions to repurpose one of our historical and national attraction sites, the Convent of Jesus and Marie.”
Gravelbourg’s new mayor said some of the highlights of their community include new businesses investing in Gravelbourg. A recent addition of a Red Apple store has been welcomed.
Forest says other highlights include the St-Joseph’s Hospital/Foyer d’Youville Foundation gala and Small Town, Big Hearts which is set for March 22.
Recently, MP Jeremy Patzer was in Gravelbourg to present the Gravelbourg Care Shuttle team a certificate of appreciation for their contribution to the community and region.
The Gravelbourg mayor acknowledges that like many rural communities, challenges are numerous.
“Notably, urbanization or centralization is a constant battle. It’s hard to compete with the big box stores and the age of Amazon Prime. Aging infrastructure is another constant challenge. Without the help from the province or federal government through various grants, we wouldn’t be able to repair or replace much of the old, dilapidated infrastructures.”
“I hope to bring an air of change to our community,” Forest emphasizes.
“Positivity and a healthy work environment can go a long way. We may not have all the solutions to our problems immediately, but we have a great administrative team and a well-balanced and motivated council, that I’m optimistic about the future of our beautiful, historical little town that is Gravelbourg.”
