Voices are needed to have a say on the Shilo Community Council. Voting participants are needed for residential Wards One, Two and Three. (Image: supplied)

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag News

There is a call out for community advocates and those wanting to be heard to give voice to neighbourhoods and issues of daily living at CFB Shilo, Captain Eugene Sauve, president of the Shilo Community Council (SCC), said on Nov. 28.

There are currently eight available positions on the SCC, which runs much like any other city council or district board of aldermen. As the president, Sauve holds the position of “mayor” and needs council members to support the community mission and projects alongside him. The positions are open to any military member, spouses and those active on Base.

Five of the eight positions are voting positions, with four being ex-officio and more of a consulting nature. Unlike regular municipal bodies, there is no need for public campaigning or elections to hold a responsibility on the council.

With neighbourhoods, an ice rink, gyms, a swimming pool, a dog park, recreational areas, walking trails and schools, CFB Shilo is an urban commonality just like any other, Sauve said.

The community is made whole by its residents, neighbourhoods and all the issues that affect daily life. With that comes the need for understanding, growth and leadership, he said.

“The Shilo Community Council acts as a conduit between community members and military members.”

Shilo Community Council participants can take pride in forward momentum and improving their living surroundings for a few weekly volunteer hours.

“Being a part of the council allows for the implementation of change and to increase living experiences for those on Base.”

The SCC operates as a representative body to work for the betterment of the quality of life at CFB Shilo, with its official purpose stated as:
“It shall serve to bring together all segments of community interest and to provide a medium for cooperative study, planning and action to enhance life in the community …”

“The council is a place to exchange ideas, propose initiatives and just discuss general ways to make living on CFB Shiloh better for everyone.”

Positions on the council include president and vice-president, which the Base Commander appoints.

There are currently open positions for one councillor in Ward One, two councillors in Ward Two, two councillors in Ward Three, a representative for the dog park and a representative from the Rural Municipality of Cornwallis, as well as a chairperson of the Special Projects Committee.

Meetings are held monthly, and council participants normally serve for two years unless they move or are posted away from the community.

To become a council member or participant, contact Capt Eugene Sauve at (204) 765 3000, x 3072  or eugene.sauve@forces.gc.ca