FAQ
What motivated me to run for Comox Council?
Recently, it feels like there’s tensions in the town around the types and locations of development. I believe that we need to bring community members, urban planners, developers, and others together to work through some of these views. We need development, but it needs to be done in a way that respects the communities character and ecosystem, and doesn’t strain Town infrastructure unnecessarily.
There will also be a lot of other big decisions for the next council that community members need to be involved in: Town infrastructure upgrades, tight finances in a time of increasing costs, and environmental change like droughts. To make the right decisions with the community, I want to make sure that Comox Council improves its communication strategy, including but not limited to accessible/plain language summaries of council agendas and decisions, and early and often communication about public engagement opportunities on these issues.
What are some of my top priorities?
1. With financial demands from the RCMP, road repair and upgrades (over 50% of our roads are over 30 years old), and other infrastructure upgrades, the upcoming council will need to make closing the revenue gap a priority. The Town’s revenue from property taxes is heavily reliant on residential properties. To avoid excessive property tax increases on residents, the Town will need to be bold in advocating our needs to the provincial and federal governments. The Town needs to think strategically about how to access new funds. We should also look into strategies that incentivize small and medium-sized business development here.
2. Improve Council’s engagement strategy with community members on key issues. See examples in response to previous question.
3. I’m concerned that the Province’s Bill-44 took away a considerable amount of local governments’ powers to ensure the development projects are locally suitable and to hear from affected community members. If elected, I’ll advocate for Comox Council to collaborate with like-minded municipalities in calling for these powers to be brought back to the local level.
What are some steps that I’d take to address affordable housing?
I believe that the next Comox Council needs to pass renter protections from redevelopment proposals that could displace affordable rentals.
Comox lacks an affordable housing target. The next Council needs to catch up with other BC municipalities who require 10-20% affordable housing quotas in a multi-family development.
Comox Council should also participate in regional collaborations on housing affordability.
How does my professional background prepare me for Comox Council?
I’ve built a career focused on engaging with people, businesses, governments, and non-profit groups. As a regional manager in the federal public service, I have a depth of experience working in government on complex operational, policy, and regulatory issues, as well as running funding programs. I am committed to engagement strategies that ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate and all voices are treated fairly. I have collaborated across federal departments and with local, provincial, and First Nation governments.
In my career, I have been recognized for strategic thinking, team leadership, and policy excellence. I’m committed to demonstrating integrity and respect in my work with others.
I am a critical thinker with a PhD in Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University and a Master’s in Environmental Policy and Regulation from the London School of Economics. My career and educational experience provide me with a specialized skill set in policy, governance, and community engagement, in support of building a resilient community.
