HBCA - RM of Alexander Ward 1 Councillor Candidate Questionnaire
Purpose: This questionnaire is intended to give Hillside Beach residents an opportunity to learn about the candidates seeking election on October 28, 2026 as RM of Alexander Ward 1 Councillor. Each candidate is being given the same questions and an opportunity to respond in their own words.
Responses will be shared with HBCA members to help residents become more informed about the candidates, their priorities, and their approach to local government.
Kelli Paskaruk responses are below.
Gordon Kaye replied with his flyer only and said, “It addresses the questions which you have put forth.” It is available at the bottom of this page.
1. Please introduce yourself to the residents of the RM Alexander, specifically Hillside Beach.
Please include your background, experience, community involvement, and anything else you feel residents should know about you.
Kelli Paskaruk - Hello, Hillside Beach! I’ve been part of the East Beaches area for over 50 years and have seen it change and grow. My husband and I purchased our property in Hillside Beach in 1986, and we raised our two daughters here. I also work in the area, so this community has long been part of my everyday life.
I enjoy being involved as a volunteer with: Beaches of 59, the Hillside Beach Community Association, the Hillside zebra mussel crew since conception, Clan Mothers Healing Village, the Amazing Beaches of 59 Race, and the Osprey Biijigigwane Manitoba High School Adventure Race Championship. I’m also a member of the Beaches Community Club, East Beaches Social Scene, and the Lake Winnipeg Foundation.
When I have some free time, I love golfing at Victoria Beach Golf Club and Grand Pines, and exercising at the Beaches Fitness Centre. In the colder months, I enjoy curling at the Beaches Community Centre, and cross-country skiing on our beautiful trails in Victoria Beach, Pine Falls, and Grand Beach.
Hillside Beach means a great deal to me. I’m grateful for the people I’ve met here and for the many opportunities I’ve had to contribute to our community.
2. Why have you decided to run for Ward 1 Councillor?
What motivated you to put your name forward at this time?
Kelli Paskaruk - Hillside Beach is home to me. Raising our daughters here, working locally, and volunteering with community groups, has given me a deep appreciation for the people who make this area special. They’ve shown me how much can be accomplished when we listen to one another and work together. I decided to put my name forward as a candidate for Councillor for Ward 1 because I’m ready to contribute in a new way. I want to bring an honest, approachable voice to council, listen to residents’ concerns, and help make thoughtful decisions for Hillside Beach, Ward 1, and the wider RM of Alexander.
3. What do you believe are the most important responsibilities of a municipal councillor?
Kelli Paskaruk - I think a councillor’s most important responsibility is to represent residents and make decisions in the best interests of the whole municipality. That starts with listening, being accessible, asking questions, and explaining decisions openly. Councillors also need to look after public funds responsibly, and ensure services and infrastructure receive the attention they need. Everyone will not always agree on the direction taken, however, residents should feel heard and know that their concerns were taken seriously.
4. What are your top three priorities for Ward 1 if elected?
Please identify three specific areas you would like council to focus on during the next term.
Kelli Paskaruk - 1. Fire prevention and preparedness -Keeping residents and properties safe is a high priority. I want to support practical prevention efforts and help ensure our communities have clear information about how to prepare for emergencies.
2. Accessible, dependable boat launches – I believe in both short and long-term planning for all four Ward 1 boat launches and that includes the health of the Hillside Beach lagoon. I feel that we need to be making proper repairs that can survive the worst Lake Winnipeg storms and changing lake levels. Our boat launches play an important role as access points for emergency personnel responding to incidents on the lake.
3. Protecting our lake and Beaches. Lake Winnipeg is central to life in Ward 1. I want to support practical efforts to care for the lake and our beaches so they can be enjoyed for years to come.
5. What do you believe are the biggest challenges currently facing Ward 1 or the Hillside Beach area?
Please identify the issues you believe require the most attention.
Kelli Paskaruk - I believe one of the biggest challenges in our area is fire protection and emergency preparedness. Highway 59 is the main route between Victoria Beach and Winnipeg, and it could become very congested during an evacuation. Hillside Beach, Belair Properties, Lester Beach, and the properties along Lakeshore Road have limited routes to reach the highway. As our area grows, I think we need to look seriously at whether creating another way out is possible. We also need to create and communicate clear evacuation plans, so residents know what to do, if a fire threatens our communities.
6. What would success look like at the end of your term?
What specific improvements or outcomes would you hope residents could point to?
Kelli Paskaruk - At the end of my term, success would mean:
Residents were able to reach their councillor in a timely manor, felt heard, and understood how their concerns were considered.
A strong fire prevention and emergency plan was implemented.
A long-term plan for all four Ward 1 boat launches was created, and lasting repairs were made to solve current boat launch issues.
We have researched the health of Hillside Beach lagoon and created plans to deal with invasive weeds and dredging.
Practical progress was made to protect Lake Winnipeg and our beaches.
Speed limits on Highway 59 were lowered during Summer months between Highway 11 and Saffie Road. Our population has grown, summer traffic has increased, and this section of the highway is popular for biking, dump trips, getting mail and visiting businesses. A lower speed limit during the busy summer months would help make this stretch safer for all.
Most of all, I would hope residents could point to decisions that were made openly, with care for public funds, and the future of our community.
7. How should council balance the need to maintain municipal services with residents' concerns about property taxes?
No need to comment on the Provincial Education Tax, keep this to Property Tax only.
Kelli Paskaruk - We need to keep municipal services running, while being mindful of what residents can afford. I’d listen to what people rely on most, look closely at Municipal spending, and make sure we’re taking care of what we already have. It is important to be planning ahead for bigger repairs and looking for grants which can help. If taxes need to go up, residents deserve a clear explanation of why, where the money is going, and what other options were considered.
8. How should the RM Alexander handle capital projects when there are more projects requested than available funds?
Kelli Paskaruk - We can’t do every project at once, so I’d put safety and urgent repairs first. Then I’d look at the cost and consider it in terms of how many people the project would help. Residents should know what the plan is and why some projects have to wait.
9. What factors should RM Alexander council consider when reviewing new residential, commercial, or multi-family development in Hillside Beach or Ward 1?
Kelli Paskaruk - I’d want to know if our roads and services can handle more development, especially when it comes to fire safety and getting people out in an emergency. We need to preserve the nature and wildlife which has attracted us to this region. Responsible growth should include analysis of drainage, sewage, the lake, and how it will affect the people who already live nearby. Plans should be clearly shared with residents, and they should have a chance to ask questions and voice their concerns. In addition, it should be clearly communicated who will pay for any upgrades that are needed.
10. What would be your plans for the following in Hillside Beach and Ward 1:
· Old boat launch at the end of Hillside Point Road?
Kelli Paskaruk -I’d like to see no more temporary repairs, instead what will it take to make it safe and usable again for the long run. Boat access matters to residents and to emergency services on the lake.
· Lagoon weed management and dredging?
Kelli Paskaruk -Dredging doesn’t seem to be working as well as it used to. I’m concerned that zebra mussels may be changing the water in ways that encourage weed growth. Zebra mussels eat the good algae, and spit out the blue green algae. Therefore, the water is clearer allowing the sun ro penetrate deeper and promoting weed growth. I’d like us to understand what’s happening in the lagoon before spending more money on a short-term fix. We need a plan that will last.
· Road safety?
Kelli Paskaruk -I’d listen to residents about problem areas and push for practical improvements. I’d also like to see the speed limit on Highway 59 lowered to 70 km/h between Highway 11 and Saffie Road in Summer months.
· Fire safety and emergency planning?
Kelli Paskaruk -This is a high priority for me. We need clear evacuation plans, good communication with residents, and a serious look at whether our growing communities need another way out.
· Waste and recycling services?
Kelli Paskaruk -I’d hear from residents about what’s working and what isn’t, then look at how we can make these services better while watching costs.
· Community club facility?
Kelli Paskaruk -I was part of a panel in 2025 that looked at development at the corner of Highways 59 and 11. We discussed a multipurpose building that could be used for recreation and as an evacuation site if needed. It might also be able to house large snow clearing equipment, so it wouldn’t have to travel to Ward 1 from Pine Falls. I’d like to see those ideas explored further with an open forum discussion with the community.
· Affordable housing or senior housing?
Kelli Paskaruk - I think there’s a real need for affordable housing in our community, especially for seniors who want to stay close to friends, family, and the community they know. I’d like to see options explored, with careful planning for roads, services, emergency access, and the people living nearby.
11. What does accountability in municipal government mean to you?
Kelli Paskaruk - To me, accountability means being honest, following through, and owning up when you get something wrong. It means listening to concerns and keeping people updated, even when things take longer than expected. People should know where their tax dollars are going and why decisions are being made. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find out, and get back to you!
12. If elected, how will residents be able to contact you and communicate their concerns?
Kelli Paskaruk -If elected, residents can reach me by phone, email, or through Facebook and Instagram. I’m also happy to talk in person. I want people to feel comfortable bringing me their questions and concerns, and I’ll make a point of responding and following up.
Candidate Information:
Candidate Name: Kelli Paskaruk
Ward/District: Ward 1 RM of Alexander
Contact Information:
Cell: 204.795.3291
Email: kpaskaruk1@gmail.com
Facebook: Kelli Paskaruk for Councillor
Instagram: @lovethebeach1965
Gordon Kaye replied with his flyer only and said, “It addresses the questions which you have put forth.”
