Response (After facility tour, see responses before facility tour below):

Good morning Scott!

I got to spend some time with Rick and would like to submit some updated responses to my questions! And thank you folks for everything you do. It’s an amazing organization!

Hello! Thank you so much for the questionnaire and providing tours and education about LFGA. Rick and I spent a large amount of time discussing opportunities for my son which isn’t really “campaign work” but this provided great insight into the issues LFGA faces as well as the opportunities, community benefits, and the  amazing work LFGA does. While I am eager to join and the LFGA is something that has quickly taken a hold on my heart my advocacy when elected is also strongly driven by the benefits to our youth, community, conservation, tourism, police support. I am very grateful for the work every member puts in to creating such an amazing space and all of the efforts for conservation, ethical hunting, and events. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have an questions, concerns, or ideas votejenn.ca

Do you support the continued operation of the Lethbridge Fish & Game Shooting Sports Facility in its current location in Pennaquim Park?  

For the duration of the lease I support LFGA staying in it’s location and staying open. Upon the expiratation of the lease I’m happy to support relocation to Pavan Park or any other location if LFGA is interested. I believe such a move should be financially supported by the city. I’d also like to explore including an indoor range.

Do you believe the City of Lethbridge has an obligation to residents by assisting the Lethbridge Fish and Game Association provide a safe, controlled environment to use firearms?

Absolutely. Gun safety and education is a benefit to everyone in the community. The LFGA provides a location for citizens and police officers to learn safety, skills, ethical hunting and provides unique programming for children which is also a benefit. Finally the events that are hosted highlight and promote Lethbridge and this is an invaluable service we must support.

Do you agree that the LFGA Shooting Sports Facility represents an important community sport and recreation resource? 

Yes. For recreation, safety & education, tourism and events, and stewardship of our land. We are a diverse community with diverse interests and the opportunities provided by LFGA add to our richness.

 Do you believe that the LFGA Shooting Sports Facility should be treated differently than other sporting venues by the City of Lethbridge? If so, how?

The LFGA should receive the same financial, promotional, educational, and outreach supports that other sports and community organizations receive. Given the benefits to LFGA grants to our city and the amazing work done by it’s members to be self sufficient future development should be supported and subsidized by the city.

 What is your position on ethical hunting and our need to support modern methods of wildlife management.

I’m from a family of fly fishermen and less well versed with hunting. I’m very appreciative that Rick took some time to explain the morals and ethics of hunting. I’m incredibly impressed by the commitment to ethical hunting and the conscientious behaviours and guidlines LFGA abide by.

 How would you support the extensive conservation, environment protection and revitalization, and wildlife management programs we provide?

The work LFGA does is immeasurable and we are extremely lucky to have a group committed to conservation. I’m thoroughly impressed at not only the work but the speed that projects occur in response to legislative changes. The habitats being built along the canals it beautiful- and clearly great care and respect is present at the range it’s self. I was amazed to discover it too is self funded! This is an area that I would seek matching funding from the city. But I think maybe more important is promoting your work on conservation and promoting events to get more folks involved and knowledgeable about all that LFGA has to offer. 

Have you ever worked with the LFGA in the past and what was your experience?

I received my Canadian citizenship last year (I’m from Portland, Oregon) and my son is ten. We are both very excited to become members. He’s eager to join the kid’s group and I’m excited to do my PAL course and eventually receive my restricted & unrestricted licensing. I’ve had friends over the years that did engage with LFGA and always spoke very highly of your community. I’m very excited to join you!

Response (before facility tour)

Good afternoon!

Thank you for the questions! 

Do you support the continued operation of the Lethbridge Fish & Game Shooting Sports Facility in its current location in Pennaquim Park?  

Yes. While I understand there have been concerns in the community they seem unwarranted. I’ve lived in Lethbridge for 12 years and have complete faith in the safety, security, and operational logistics currently in place.

 Do you believe the City of Lethbridge has an obligation to residents by assisting the Lethbridge Fish and Game Association provide a safe, controlled environment to use firearms?

Yes. Not only as a space to use firearms but as a resource for safety and use education, for events, and as a training ground for police officers from the region.

Do you agree that the LFGA Shooting Sports Facility represents an important community sport and recreation resource? 

Absolutely. We’re a diverse city with diverse passions and interests and LFGA is an excellent resource and venue for those of us that enjoy firearms. It is also hugely beneficial to have an organization for those curious and looking to learn.

 

Do you believe that the LFGA Shooting Sports Facility should be treated differently than other sporting venues by the City of Lethbridge? If so, how?

LFGA deserves the same financial, promotional, and logistical support that other sports organizations receive from the city.

What is your position on ethical hunting and our need to support modern methods of wildlife management.

I’m from a family of fly fishers so I don’t have much of an education or opinion on hunting. I have long relied on the advice and opinions of those in the industry and trusted their expertise. I do support ethical fishing and methods of management and have always extended those feelings to hunting.

 How would you support the extensive conservation, environment protection and revitalization, and wildlife management programs we provide?

Supporting funding, promotion, and education initiatives. But more importantly coming together with the LFGA to figure out what is needed and how I can best support it.

 Have you ever worked with the LFGA in the past and what was your experience?

Not personally. I have had friends over the years that have made use of the range and events and friends that are active outdoors men- everyone has spoken very highly of the LFGA. And having finally become a Canadian citizen I am very excited to!

Thank you-

Jennifer Takahashi