MEET JIM
✓ A business leader and proud local employer
President of Davis Machine Co., a local manufacturing and machine shop around for over 100 years.
✓ A community volunteer
Past chair of Saskatoon Regional Health Authority and 3sHealth, and board member of eHealth Saskatchewan.
20-year member and past president of Canadian Progress Club Saskatoon Downtown.
✓ A family man
I am proud to call Saskatoon home. Together with my partner, Bonnie, we have raised seven children here in this great city.
A VISION FOR SASKATOON
I have a clear vision for Saskatoon: safe communities with planned growth and job creation.
Let’s connect.
Jim-Rhode.ca
Facebook: @JimRhodeWard7
Twitter: @RhodeJim
Instagram: Jim.Rhode



PRIORITIES FOR WARD 7 AND SASKATOON
✓ Standing up for small business
✓ Better decisions and better questions
✓ Support for frontlines
✓ Reduce waste and support core services
✓ Supporting mental health and addiction services
Collaborate with the health authority, the pr o vincial government and school boar ds , to focus on prevention and promotion Incorporat e individual health and wellness in the city strategy Implement a Mental health and addiction advisory committee Work with the education system on mental health workers in schools Support system navigators who can help people access the right services at the right time Invest in the Police and Crisis Team as they work to help those with mental health and addictions
✓ In it for you
Is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) right for Saskatoon?
I believe that public transit is a core and critical service to any city. It is also important that the service be responsive to the needs of its citizens. I have heard concerns from Ward 7 residents about the need for a responsive and timely bus system; which I support.
I think it is important that we do a ‘gut’ check before pushing ahead with this project. We need to ask ourselves if this approach is viable and affordable given ridership trends as well as our changing environment due to COVID-19. In addition, the total cost is still unknown but what we do know is that meg-projects typically cost significantly more than estimated.
I am also surprised that in discussing the BRT no one seems to be talking about the newly introduced “on-demand” system that is being trialed in parts of Saskatoon. A system that has been shown to work in other Canadian cities. Could this be a more practical solution that allows for timely and responsive bus service without putting significant burden on taxpayers?
About the new Saskatoon Library
I believe there are more important priorities for Saskatoon than an expensive and elaborate library. I will vote to rescind the decision.
In my experience with large projects, including the Children’s Hospital during my time as Heath Authority Board Chair, I know there are always ways to revisit and revise plans that are this significant to our city.
I think we need to ask better questions; if the goal is to support literacy and reconciliation, and provide computer access to residents, how can we do that with creativity and inclusiveness, instead of a $134 – million dollar building?
Zero Tax Increases
I am puzzled by how our taxes continue to increase while our core services and infrastructure continue to deteriorate. Given that and the current economic struggles, due to the pandemic, I do not support any tax increases in the near future. When elected I will challenge administration to dig deeper and be more creative. And before we see any increases I will question why and where your dollars are going and look for your input to ensure your voice is heard.

