Minnedosa mayor under fire

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Published on Friday, July 15, 2016

Photos courtesy of Vern May. Minnedosa’s mayor Ray Orr took part in a Shoot the Mayor fundraiser, which raised money for community projects. 

By Vern May

Submitted

Serving in municipal politics, Minnedosa mayor Ray Orr is accustomed to finding himself on the hot seat with the local ratepayers, but this past weekend, he was on the firing line in a whole new arena.

Efforts of a local group of mothers, aligned as “The Minnedosa Beach Enhancement Committee” had made a bid to town council earlier this year, hopeful for some financial support for a proposed renewal of the play structure at Minnedosa's beach area.  While Council was unable to find wiggle room in the budget to support the project in 2016-17, that was not due to a lack of support for the initiative.

The local service clubs have broken down the silos and are partnering with the Minnedosa Beach Enhancement group on a colour run next month, which will serve as a joint community fundraiser for all partner groups and from which partial proceeds will advance the playground project.  To promote the run, the group proposed to demonstrate what's in store for patrons at the event as part of the Minnedosa Fun Fest weekend.

The idea of a paint firing range was proposed, with event patrons offered the opportunity to lay down some money for their opportunity to fire the paint cannons.  There was no hesitation from Mayor Orr when contacted to participate and support the community fundraising project.

On Saturday, July 9, it took participants little more than 20 minutes to unload more than five gallons of paint on the community official.  The activity drew a large crowd of engaged patrons and saw participants as young as three years old step up to the firing line.  Even the first lady, Mrs. Orr, took part in the good natured festivities.

Proceeds from the “Shoot the Mayor” event will be added to the Colour Run event proceeds for later use on community projects and initiatives.