As Leonard Boniface looks to the future of Whitehorse, he envisions the city as a leading destination for tourists.

He imagines a place that is affordable for residents and is easy to get around whether you walk, bicycle, drive or ride the buses.

Boniface recently announced his plans to run for one of six positions of city councillor in the Oct. 18 municipal election.

“I just decided it was the right time,” the eight-year resident of the city told the Star this morning.

As Boniface stated in his announcement, there are a number of issues facing the city, all of which can impact the various matters.

“It will be a great honour to serve on city council and address the concerns of this city while promoting a sustainable development agenda,” he noted.

Among the efforts he would pursue as a councillor, Boniface pointed to:

• working with the business community to increase affordable housing, specifically for those with low incomes;

• using a Housing First approach to develop a long-term strategy to end homelessness;

• making sure the Canada Games Centre is fully staffed and offers sustainable programming for kids throughout the year;

• ensuring parents in the city have access to affordable child care every day of the week;

• creating more after-school programs and improving bus schedules to help meet the needs of families;

• expanding the number of buses and extending transit hours to help address traffic problems;

• increasing parking with the creation of more parking lots and long-term parking area;

• advocating for a pension plan for all city workers to help improve morale and recognize service;

• dealing with bears in a way that protects residents and bears alike and would see the relocation of bruins;

• working with local First Nations to promote their culture;

• improving security on city streets with the use of CCTV cameras;

• strengthening the city’s accountability on finances by setting “resident-friendly budget priorities”; and

• promoting tourism year-round in the city by making it a leading destination in the country.

“There’s so many issues,” Boniface said, later noting that while Whitehorse is already a “terrific city,” working on the issues he has cited could make it even better.

He highlighted his experience working in the public sector, currently for the territorial Department of Health and Social Services as well as a number of volunteer roles over the years both locally and internationally in various roles.

They have ranged from the chair of the Yukon African Caribbean Association to president of the Teenage Life and Young Adults International Society.

Nominations for the election, which will give the winners three-year terms on city council, closed at noon today.

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