Minnedosa · 2026

Protect what we have.
Plan for what’s next.

Minnedosa deserves leadership that gets the fundamentals right, prepares for the future, and puts the whole community first.

See the priorities Why I’m running

Tom Mathews outdoors in winter with his son

Water shouldn’t be something Minnedosa has to worry about—whether it’s coming out of our taps or over our riverbanks.

The work in front of us

Start with the fundamentals.

No gimmicks. No fifty-point wish list. Just clear priorities, careful planning, and decisions Minnedosa residents can understand.

Top priority

Protect Minnedosa from flooding

Flood preparation cannot begin when the water is already rising. Minnedosa needs a practical, long-term plan grounded in evidence, coordinated with other levels of government, and pursued with urgency.

Understand the work already completed and the risks that remain
Set clear, realistic infrastructure priorities
Pursue provincial and federal partnerships wherever possible
Keep residents informed about progress and trade-offs

A severe storm approaching the Minnedosa highway sign — A warning on the horizon · Minnedosa, June 2020

Floodwater covering Main Street in downtown Minnedosa as vehicles drive through — Floodwater on Main Street · Minnedosa, June 2020

Water people want to drink

Treat the current water-system review seriously and establish a responsible path toward consistently good drinking water, guided by the evidence.

More ways to participate

Build a richer, year-round community life—across ages, interests, arts, culture, outdoor activities, and recreation beyond organized sport.

Spend for community benefit

Ask what each major investment accomplishes, how many residents benefit, and whether council can clearly explain the decision.

The water bill you don’t see

Hard water costs don’t stop at the tap.

If the current review finds that reverse osmosis—or another responsible treatment approach—can materially reduce mineral scaling, the benefits may reach well beyond better-tasting water.

Less scale in hot-water tanks and heating elements
Lower energy and maintenance costs
Longer life for taps, valves, fixtures, and appliances
Less spending on household softening, filters, cleaners, and detergents

The commitment: Include those household costs in the business case. Use Minnedosa’s actual water data and local costs to estimate what the average homeowner could save—then publish the assumptions clearly.

A practical approach

Competence over complacency.

Municipal government does not need more slogans. It needs new energy, thoughtful questions, and the discipline to plan beyond the next meeting.

I’m not promising that every dollar will be spent perfectly. I’m promising that council should be able to explain why it is spending it—and what residents receive in return.

Plan ahead Explain decisions Invite participation Put residents first

No lawn signs: a lawn sign crossed out by a red prohibited symbol

A campaign choice

Less plastic.
More conversation.

I couldn’t see the value in covering Minnedosa with short-lived plastic lawn signs that become garbage once the election is over.

This campaign is choosing direct conversations, useful information, and simple materials that people can actually take with them.

No lawn-sign forest. Just a campaign worth talking about.

Tom Mathews with his wife and two children outdoors in Minnedosa during winter

Why I’m running

Minnedosa is worth showing up for.

I’m a husband, father, educator, and proud citizen of Minnedosa. I’m running because our town needs leadership focused on the things that shape everyday life: safety, reliable services, a strong community, and confidence that public money is being directed where it can do the most good.

This campaign is about bringing new perspectives and new energy to municipal government—while respecting the people, organizations, and volunteers who already make Minnedosa work.

— Tom

This campaign belongs to the community

What should Minnedosa tackle next?

I want to hear what is working, what is not, and what you want council to prioritize.

Rather use email?

tom@tomformayor.ca

Want a call back? Include your phone number and the best time to reach you.

Every message will receive a response within 48 hours.