As candidates, we get emailed many questionnaires from special interest groups, the media, and concerned citizens. While my responses are public in each of the representative groups, I have combined all of my responses here, for interested people to learn about my positions on key local election issues.

From the 2022 Vernon City Council General Election

Sustainable Environment Network Society (SENS)
1) Using a scale of 1 - 10, with #1 being ’Climate change is not an important issue in the world’ and #10 being ‘Climate change represents the greatest challenge facing earth today,’ what number would you choose?

10 - We have already been told that climate change is happening much more rapidly than predicted, and that we could lose the ability to grow food within the next 5-30 years. We all thought climate catastrophe would mean an increase of extraordinary events such as forest fires and floods, yet the event that may wipe us all out may be lack of food and water. Through the worldwide ban of CFCs in the late 1980s, we healed the depleting ozone layer - we humans showed that if we united for a cause deemed as a threat to our lives, legislation and laws could be written to support our survival. As a species, it is imperative that we unite together to mitigate the effects of climate change, and as a city councillor, I will be one of 7 people to be held accountable by the public, to ensure that our civic government works toward this mission.

2) If you have taken any actions to battle climate action, please list them below. If not, please explain why you have not felt it necessary to date.

I was involved with a local climate advocacy group who co-wrote a paper to the provincial government’s finance committee to demand that the 2022/25 provincial budget reflect changes to provincial forestry practices. We met with 5 different MLAs, and asked them to push their caucus or oppose the current government’s forestry management guidelines to not simply place a moratorium on old-growth logging, but to halt other harmful forestry practices immediately: such as ending forest clear cutting, banning glyphosate, and end logging for the exclusive production of wood pellets. This advocacy project is ongoing - I have stepped away from it to run in this election.


During the Vernon 2021 by-election, I sat in a forum of candidates and remarked that the simplest thing the City of Vernon could do to slow down climate change would be to implement city-wide compost pickup. Certainly, it was not my effort that accomplished this (I did not win the by-election), but I have never been shy to put pressure on those who can take action. As of May 2022, this service began and is helping to support Vernonites to reduce their overall household waste.


At the federal level, last year, I was involved in the RBC Day of Action protest. Calling attention to the public that RBC is the fifth largest financier in the world of petroleum pipeline projects. While protests may not be considered the most effective at affecting legislation, protests can bring ideas out to the public they may not be aware of. While myself and many other peers of mine may have the fortitude to put their money into environmentally responsible investing portfolios, many people are surprised to learn that their retirement savings may have grown over the years due to their investments in an industry that is causing irreparable damage to our planet. Knowing where your money goes is voting for the world you want with your dollar.

3) If elected, what will you ‘take on’ to champion local climate action?

Vernon created a robust Climate Action Plan in 2021, and city council approved hiring a staff person to implement the actions as recommended by the plan, at the beginning of this year. The position was filled in August 2022. I will work with this person to implement the short-term “organization actions”. I would also like to see the “individual actions” created as a separate document organized by section, so that people don’t have to read through a 216 page document to learn what short-term, medium-term, and long-term actions they can take to mitigate the effects of climate change. I’m happy to spearhead this document, and address any barriers people may have to completing those actions where relevant (e.g. “increase your home’s energy efficiency” can be done by transitioning away from natural gas heating to installing a heat pump, for which there are extensive provincial and federal rebates available). 

Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) - Central Okanagan
1) Do you believe that there's a housing shortage in your community, and that we could benefit from more housing options?

Yes, there is a huge housing shortage in our community. Our vacancy rate is less than 1%.

2) What kind of housing options do you believe your community needs?

More low and middle-income rental and purchase options.

3) What do you define as an affordable home for local residents?

Maximum 30% of their take-home income.

4) What is your plan for increasing housing supply to meet the demand experienced in your community?
  • In 2008, Council eliminated Development Cost Charges for housing developments that are owned and developed by a non-profit society or government for rental units.

    • Further, DCCs for multi-family development are calculated on the basis of the square footage of the unit and on a development district basis, instead of a city-wide basis, with the lower fees in the City Centre and Neighbourhood District and the higher fees in the Hillside Residential and Agriculture District.

      • I would like to review this to determine whether DCCs can be changed to reflect the type of zoning rather than base it on square footage - can we eliminate DCCs on all multi-dwelling for-profit or personal projects (R5, RM1, RM2, RH1, RH2, RH3) and increase DCCs on single-family detached homes (R1, R2, R3, R4, R6), so that developers are incentivized to build duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses

  • The City of Burnaby also passed a by-law stating that all new developments must contain 20% of their units to be reserved for low-income persons

    • This had a great effect where the low-income suites were cheaper and faster to build therefore, developers would split their buildings into two and build the lower-income housing faster than the market-rate dwellings

5) How would you build community support for density, housing options, and transit-oriented communities?
  • Create tighter regulations on what qualifies for Greenfield development, as the current OCP states the following as its “Guiding Principles” - yet none of these are measurable and therefore, are subject to being abused/ignored completely:

    • Foster prosperity for people, business and government

    • Protect and preserve green spaces and sensitive areas

    • Protect agricultural land

    • Housing meets the needs of the whole community

    • Create a culture of sustainability

    • Create strong, compact and complete neighbourhoods

    • Provide alternative transportation

    • Revitalize the Downtown

    • Create a youth friendly city

  • Complete a Brownfield survey in conjunction with the RDNO to determine which lands are vacant and could be revitalized and re-developed to support the growth of the community (adding more Greenfield spaces, more land for housing without adding to urban sprawl)

  • Create more walkable neighbourhoods which means: increasing the amount of bike lanes so that cyclist do not ride on sidewalks, create more sidewalks so that pedestrians do not occupy bike lanes and to provide safety for wheelchair-users and people pushing strollers to move freely, increase the amount of crosswalks/crossing light visibility including audio prompts “walk sign is on” outside of the downtown area

  • Provide a variety of transportation choices: by incorporating the changes above, this supports alternative transportation options. We also need to look at installing more bicycle racks, making residents aware of the bike locker downtown, review bike routes to ensure they are connected, review public transportation routes to ensure those are accessible to those with mobility or other challenges (how far away are bus stops? Where is the closest bathroom?)

6) How do you feel development-related charges are being used to support community building and homebuilders?
  • In 2008, Council eliminated Development Cost Charges for housing developments that are owned and developed by a non-profit society or government for rental units.

    • Further, DCCs for multi-family development are calculated on the basis of the square footage of the unit and on a development district basis, instead of a city-wide basis, with the lower fees in the City Centre and Neighbourhood District and the higher fees in the Hillside Residential and Agriculture District.

      • I would like to review this to determine whether DCCs can be changed to reflect the type of zoning rather than base it on square footage - can we eliminate DCCs on all multi-dwelling for-profit or personal projects (R5, RM1, RM2, RH1, RH2, RH3) and increase DCCs on single-family detached homes (R1, R2, R3, R4, R6), so that developers are incentivized to build duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses

7) Where do you stand on the concept of 'urban sprawl' in your municipality? Do you support expanding the growth boundary if it means more homes can be built for local residents?

Absolutely not. Expanding the growth boundary encourages single detached homes. We need to build more density, and optimize land use through well-defined Greenfield development rules, and determine Brownfield availability.

8) What policies would you implement or support at the municipal level to get more housing built for the community?

Reviewing existing by-laws, reviewing development cost charges, reach out to non-profits to build more co-op housing (some federal loans can be converted into grants depending on whether the project meets specific criteria).

I would also review in concert with BC Assessment and other municipalities to consider transitioning property taxes into land value taxes, so that empty land is not held, and that people are free to add as many dwellings to their land as they choose.

9) How would you approach implementing low carbon standards for housing in your municipality?

Develop a building retrofit program to support residents to be more resilient to climate change, reduce energy investments over time, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving building efficiency and installing low carbon energy systems.

Help people access financial rebates to install heat pumps, rebates to replace windows (all available tools are on Clean BC - https://betterhomesbc.ca/)
10) If elected, how would you help industry and consumers prepare for decarbonizing housing, while addressing housing affordability?

Help people access financial rebates to install heat pumps, rebates to replace windows (all available tools are on Clean BC - https://betterhomesbc.ca/)

11) Do you support housing approved at the staff level in order to speed up construction of new housing?

Absolutely not, staff are hired based on subject-matter qualifications and expertise however, council is there to represent the voices of the city’s residents. Without council, the direction of the city would not be decided democratically and is subject to being abused or ignored.

12) What is your stance on AirBnB and short term rentals? What steps, if any, would you take to regulate these in the community?

People often use AirBnB rentals to offset the costs of their own mortgage. In this case, I see no concern with it.

However, when people deliberately purchase investment properties to operate as AirBnB rentals, they circumvent opening a proper business as a hotel/temporary accommodation. This is the group that needs to be further regulated, but this also requires an overhaul of the entire housing industry, as we are still viewing housing as a commodity rather than a human right.

13) What changes, if any, would you advocate for to make development-fees more competitive for your municipality?
  • In 2008, Council eliminated Development Cost Charges for housing developments that are owned and developed by a non-profit society or government for rental units.

    • Further, DCCs for multi-family development are calculated on the basis of the square footage of the unit and on a development district basis, instead of a city-wide basis, with the lower fees in the City Centre and Neighbourhood District and the higher fees in the Hillside Residential and Agriculture District.

      • I would like to review this to determine whether DCCs can be changed to reflect the type of zoning rather than base it on square footage - can we eliminate DCCs on all multi-dwelling for-profit or personal projects (R5, RM1, RM2, RH1, RH2, RH3) and increase DCCs on single-family detached homes (R1, R2, R3, R4, R6), so that developers are incentivized to build duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses

14) How helpful do you think setting timelines on reviews and decisions for housing would be?

Timelines are necessary to set urgency, as people don’t review things unless they are due. However, if timelines are set too soon, then reviewing gets rushed and mistakes are made which can be fatal. Timelines should be set with appropriate contingency extensions in place.

15) What is your plan for attracting the talent needed to run our local economy (trades, service and tourism, health care) while the cost of housing is so high?

The cost of housing here is not the major barrier in Vernon, we simply do not have enough vacancies to attract talent. If we can build enough to support the growth of our city, then people will have freedom of mobility.

Vital Vernon
Environmental
1) When development is guided by an Official Community Plan that features smart growth principles, it results in lower taxes for residents, less gridlock, cleaner air and lower GHG emissions, more green space, more housing options and preserved farmlands. Following smart growth principles results in new, high-density housing being built in the downtown and specified neighbourhood cores, enabling more sustainable and cost-effective transportation options. How will you advocate for smart growth principles in the upcoming OCP planning process?
  • Create more walkable neighbourhoods which means: increasing the amount of bike lanes so that cyclist do not ride on sidewalks, create more sidewalks so that pedestrians do not occupy bike lanes and to provide safety for wheelchair-users and people pushing strollers to move freely, increase the amount of crosswalks/crossing light visibility including audio prompts “walk sign is on” outside of the downtown area

  • Provide a variety of transportation choices: by incorporating the changes above, this supports alternative transportation options. We also need to look at installing more bicycle racks, making residents aware of the bike locker downtown, review bike routes to ensure they are connected, review public transportation routes to ensure those are accessible to those with mobility or other challenges (how far away are bus stops? Where is the closest bathroom?)

  • Create tighter regulations on what qualifies for Greenfield development, as the current OCP states the following as its “Guiding Principles” - yet none of these are measurable and therefore, are subject to being abused/ignored completely:

    • Foster prosperity for people, business and government

    • Protect and preserve green spaces and sensitive areas

    • Protect agricultural land

    • Housing meets the needs of the whole community

    • Create a culture of sustainability

    • Create strong, compact and complete neighbourhoods

    • Provide alternative transportation

    • Revitalize the Downtown

    • Create a youth friendly city

  • Complete a Brownfield survey in conjunction with the RDNO to determine which lands are vacant and could be revitalized and re-developed to support the growth of the community (adding more Greenfield spaces, more land for housing without adding to urban sprawl)

  • In 2008, Council eliminated Development Cost Charges for housing developments that are owned and developed by a non-profit society or government for rental units.

    • Further, DCCs for multi-family development are calculated on the basis of the square footage of the unit and on a development district basis, instead of a city-wide basis, with the lower fees in the City Centre and Neighbourhood District and the higher fees in the Hillside Residential and Agriculture District.

      • I would like to review this to determine whether DCCs can be eliminated on all multi-dwelling for-profit or personal projects (R5, RM1, RM2, RH1, RH2, RH3) and increase DCCs on single-family detached homes (R1, R2, R3, R4, R6), so that developers are incentivized to build duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses

2) Vernon has created an ambitious new Climate Action Plan addressing both the reduction of GHG emissions and preparing the community for climate impacts, but unless Council backs it up with immediate, effective action, the goals of the plan won't be achieved. If elected, what aspects of this plan do you feel are most important and urgent, and how can you help to ensure that they are implemented as soon as possible?
  • Identify populations vulnerable to climate change and develop strategies to build their adaptive capacity

    • Organization action: Provide input on and identify resources for the inclusion of vulnerable populations in emergency planning

  • Update and implement the Community Wildfire Protection Plan in the context of expected future climate conditions.

    • Help people access the recommended individual actions (e.g.  how to find Firesmart recommendations, how to implement home energy efficiency) 

  • Embed considerations from the Climate Action Plan into all existing and new policy and bylaws

  • Enable and support the enhancement and expansion of the transit network and alternative mobility options.

  • Protect and expand the urban forest by developing policies and increasing incentives to protect existing trees and plant new trees.

  • Develop a building retrofit program to support residents to be more resilient to climate change, reduce energy investments over time, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving building efficiency and installing low carbon energy systems.

    • Help people access financial rebates to install heat pumps, rebates to replace windows (all available tools are on Clean BC - https://betterhomesbc.ca/

3) What do you believe are the main risks to Vernon - its citizens, its infrastructure, its economy - from climate change impacts? What specific actions do you think the municipality should take to adapt to these risks and build a resilient community?

Infrastructure is our biggest risk to Vernon from climate change impacts. Due to the city's layout, many roads terminate without any connection or alternate routes. Some examples of this are Silver Star Rd (RDNO) and Okanagan Landing Rd (City of Vernon), many people could be stranded during a fire or flooding as there is only one road to evacuate. 

In 2019, a consultant was to be hired by the City to review evacuation routes along Okanagan Landing Rd, Tronson Rd, and Predator Ridge as high-risk areas. I couldn't find the outcome of this review or whether it took place. If there aren't any connecting roads, perhaps the City should review whether building gravel access roads is feasible.

The Vernon flood map completed earlier this year is an excellent resource to help prepare those in affected areas to prepare their homes better. Other types of studies worth considering might be creating a landslide map. 

4) The largest proportion of Okanagan municipal greenhouse gas emissions comes from transportation (in particular, driving fossil-fuel powered vehicles), and the 2nd largest proportion comes from buildings. What do you see as the most effective ways of reducing the emissions in these two sectors?

Retrofitting the existing buildings to be more energy efficient (following Clean BC and BC Energy step code guidelines) should be a priority for the City. 

Ensuring that alternative forms of transportation are welcome and supported by infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, etc) will help to reduce the amount of fossil fuel vehicles on the road. Cycling (better connecting streets, more bicycle parking), more one-way travel options (Neuron scooters and bicycles) but also consider vehicles (like Car2Go, which folded in North America in 2020), better public transportation service levels, and/or support for cab expansion or consider Lyft/Uber type services. 

Social
1) The RDNO has recently developed a North Okanagan Regional Housing Strategy. Which actions of this strategy would you prioritise, and how would you implement them?

Housing Advocacy Resource: Consider the establishment of a North Okanagan Regional Housing Advocate Resource to support the implementation of the Regional Housing Strategy. This resource could:

  • Manage a regional rent bank.

  • Manage government relations (Federal, Province and First Nations)

  • Convene round tables with stakeholders for information sharing, sharing successful case studies

  • Produce a report card on inputs and outputs re housing issues

  • Create and manage an inventory of municipal / regional / public / non-profit lands available for

  • housing.

  • Identify and support regulations and incentive programs that preserve and protect existing rental housing.

  • Ensure that the current provincial Rent Supplement Programs including SAFER and RAP, are well publicized in all RDNO communities.

Land Inventory: The ability to identify land that may be made available for affordable housing projects is important information in order to create a more affordable housing supply. A regional inventory of municipal, regional, and non- profit land could be used as the basis to explore the opportunity to develop a long- term funding strategy with BC. Housing through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Infill Housing: Implement zoning amendments to permit infill housing, laneway houses, coach houses or garden suites. These housing forms provide a means of creating additional rental housing units in existing neighborhoods or increased density in new subdivisions.


Secondary Suites: Implement zoning amendments to permit secondary suites in all single-family zones. This policy is intended to ensure gentle densification in single-family neighborhoods and to provide more rental options for low-and moderate-income households.

2) What do you believe is the municipality's role in enabling and assisting ministries and non-profits as they address mental and physical health treatment issues and access, in populations affected by houselessness and the toxic drug supply? How might the municipality address the stigma that prevents people facing these challenges from seeking health services?

How might the municipality address the stigma that prevents people facing these challenges from seeking health services?”

→ Run an ad campaign that shows senior citizens without homes, people with disabilities without homes, and people of all income levels at risk of dying of overdose. 

enabling and assisting ministries and non-profits”
The city already allows these groups to apply for property tax exemptions. We should review additional ways that we can reduce their operating costs.


The last homeless person count in 2021 was 224. We should continue to build supportive housing to home all of them.

3) In August of 2020 Council unanimously passed the following motion: “THAT the City of Vernon, including Council and Administration, firmly rejects racist acts of all types, and supports each individual who chooses to make Vernon home, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, creed or socioeconomic condition." The motion did not indicate what this support might look like, especially for minority groups. How would you rectify this? Specifically, would you follow the lead of other communities in the Okanagan and vote to adopt the anti racism policy already drafted by City lawyers? More broadly what types of programs, initiatives, and actions would you endorse or be a part of to ensure that Vernon is a welcoming place for all “regardless of race, gender, sexuality, creed or socioeconomic condition”?

Yes, we should vote to adopt the anti racism policy. This was presented to the by-election candidates in November 2021 and I’m disappointed it was not adopted.
We should also review which policies already drafted (by other municipalities) which could be adopted relating to gender and sexuality.

Cultural
1) What opportunities do you believe the municipality has to grow our art, culture and heritage sector?

Despite being a hobby DJ and karaoke vocalist at the nearest bars, I know very little about what is needed to support arts and culture in Vernon.
That being said, the biggest barrier I experienced when part of event production crews in Vancouver was lack of viable venues. Many venues would have noise restrictions, or wouldn’t let the organizers run their own bar. I don’t know if these are issues in Vernon.
I don’t know what the solution to this could look like, but I would support solutions brought forward by the experts within the local arts industry. For example, if there is a way we can streamline events’ permits, tell me how I can help.
Our city can only be welcoming if we support creative expression. I love the downtown murals and want to see more of them, I love live music and comedy events, and I loved the recent Vernon Pride week events!

2) What do you think of the 2016 Greater Vernon Cultural Plan? What aspects would you prioritise and how would you implement them?

Encourage infrastructure to support special events

  • Work with local government partners and event organizers to provide additional, visible and effective locations to post signage and other publications that promote special events.

  • Consider strategic public space improvements at appropriate sub-regional parks, including Kin and Kal Beach, that would improve the usability of the spaces by outdoor festivals and events.

  • Work with local governments to, wherever possible, design and equip public outdoor spaces, such as parks, sidewalks, boulevard areas, public gathering spaces, etc., with required infrastructure to host festivals and special events.


Improve access to and participation rates of cultural programming

  • Working with cultural service providers, develop strategies for increasing low-cost or free opportunities for engagement in cultural activities, focusing on demographics that are currently underserved in cultural program participation.

  • Partner with organizations on projects or initiatives with shared objectives of improving accessibility, inclusivity and participation in cultural activities


Increase communication and collaboration with Okanagan First Nations 

  • Share the Greater Vernon Cultural Plan with the Okanagan First Nations 

  • Establish a First Nations contact and/or representative for the Cultural Plan/IAT

  • Identify and, wherever possible, proceed with projects that support shared goals and cultural development goals.

3) How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Greater Vernon?

I’m a frequent attendee and supporter of the Polson Night Market and their artisans, I have attended drag shows at Furhouse and at Status Nightclub, I have gone to comedy nights at Roster’s Pub, I have attended special movie events at the Vernon Towne Cinema, I have done the art walk through the Village Green Mall, and I keep apprised of events through the Caravan Farm Theatre.
I would love to learn if there were any French or Spanish conversation nights for beginners though, because then I can learn more about those cultures!
Culture is also often woven and expressed through cuisine - I was sad that Vernon doesn’t have a food truck festival in the summer, and I would love to invite this to happen here.

Economic
1) Please provide examples of the ways you would support business retention and expansion in the City of Vernon.

The cost of doing business in any small town is going to be high, because we often don’t have enough people to make a venture profitable. 

There needs to be a bigger effort to get residents to spend time downtown. The closed off block on 30th Ave was far more lively this summer, but outside of retailers, we need to build our brand as a city, better. Our slogan as a city “Activate Life” should be prominent, so that it’s clear if people choose to establish their business here, they get to live where others vacation.That being said, I have heard from a lot of people that they don’t want the city to attract more people, to detract from its small-town charm. 

We should also be working with the Vernon Climate Action plan to retrofit commercial buildings, so that the cost of utilities is decreased.

Retaining our existing businesses can involve free advertising in a local publication, less organizational barriers to acquiring signage or business permits, improve the walkability of commercial streets (constructing sidewalks, adding accessible pedestrian crosswalk signals, free bicycle parking), and consider whether city-wide buy ins for health insurance to reduce operational costs would be feasible. We should also be working with other municipalities in the North Okanagan, Okanagan, and the province, to learn what is working well in other communities as a community roundtable. 

We could also look to existing organizations like the UBCM and see which of the resolutions we could enact, or, lean into support from.
https://www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/who-we-are/mous-agreements-protocols/memorandum-understanding-local-government-financial

2) Over 40% of businesses in every sector are experiencing labour shortages. How should the City support businesses in meeting their workforce needs?

We are experiencing labour shortages because we don’t have enough housing vacancies. Wages have not kept up with inflation. We need to create more housing for rent and purchase for all income levels, to attract the skilled workers that we need here.

We also need to help businesses automate wherever possible.

3) How should the City support emerging and growing information technology, and manufacturing sectors including agriculture products processing?

Supporting emerging and growing information technology can only be done with the buildings and facilities to foster this growth. Skilled workers can only relocate here if there is housing available for them. 

I would prefer to “de-grow” manufacturing sectors as much as possible. We need to do more to support Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) businesses, and decrease operating costs of local farmers and small food producers. 

Here is one example:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241103408_%27Sustainable_de-growth%27_in_agriculture_and_food_An_agro-ecological_perspective_on_Spain%27s_agri-food_system_year_2000

4) How should the City assist businesses in the medium term (3-5 years) to become more resilient?

We need to look at different models of revenue for the city. Most of our revenue comes from property taxes, business and construction permits, and other fees (parking meters, special events, etc). The more revenue that our city has, the more grants and funding the city can offer to support businesses in their vulnerable medium term. Most businesses that survive >5 years will remain in business, but many businesses fold before the 3 year mark. Groups like Community Futures North Okanagan can provide wage subsidies to new businesses however, there needs to be a central resource for Vernon businesses to learn about what types of funding from the city may be available.

Health
1) What would you do to protect the health of members of our community who have been made vulnerable to the effects of climate change?

Help seniors with emergency preparedness planning, make people aware of the free cooling centres (there was a shuttle which transported people for free to the library this summer!), work with supportive housing groups to determine what support they need to help with climate emergencies, and help people access Clean BC strategies to retrofit their homes.

Access to food and medication is also a big growing concern for which I don’t have any solutions. I would rely on experts to guide me in the right direction. In a climate emergency, I would be one of the first to die without access to medication.

2) What do you believe is the municipality's role in enabling and assisting ministries and non-profits working with populations affected by houselessness and the toxic drug supply to address mental and physical health treatment issues and access?

What do you believe is the municipality's role in enabling and assisting ministries and non-profits working with populations affected by houselessness and the toxic drug supply to address mental and physical health treatment issues and access?

A municipal partnership with nonprofits helps leverage other government funds (such as federal, provincial, or regional district). For example, if the municipality makes a small investment, such as selling, donating or leasing the land, the provincial or federal government often help with the capital cost of the building and some or all of the ongoing operational costs.

The City of Vernon waived Development Cost Charges for nonprofit housing societies back in 2008, could we consider waiving DCCs for not only the housing projects, but also for the physical office spaces/facilities?
Often, the issue is not the lack of space but the lack of staffing. I’m pleased that we have supervised consumption and harm reduction sites, but we need to connect with our MLA to request more funding, so that their operating hours can be more accessible (currently each centre is only open a few hours per day on weekday afternoons).

The municipality needs to work closely with the provincial government, the federal government, the OKIB government, and the RDNO to come up with a regional solution. One example of this working well was in Cowichan Valley, where a Leadership group was formed to request construction of a new care facility. The group included:

  • William Seymour, Chief, Cowichan Tribes

  • Michelle Staples, Mayor, City of Duncan

  • Al Siebring, Mayor, Municipality of North Cowichan

  • Rod Peters, Mayor, Lake Cowichan

  • Aaron Stone, Chair, Cowichan Valley Regional District

  • Sonia Fursteneau, MLA

  • Alistair MacGregor, MP

  • Candace Spilsbury, Chair, School District 79 School Board

  • Dr. Shannon Waters, Medical Health Officer, Island Health

  • Inspector Chris Bear, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP

The effort was successful after writing to the Minister of Health and Addictions in 2019 and the centre was constructed in 2020: https://www.islandhealth.ca/about-us/accountability/strategic-direction/community-engagement/cowichan-wellness-recovery-centre

3) How will you ensure that our Parks & Recreation facilities and programs meet the diverse needs of our population?

Supporting the Active LIving Centre is a huge move in the right direction.
The city having constructed the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground is also a huge move in the right direction.

When we are looking at facilities and programs, we need to ask ourselves:

  • Are the programs and facilities planned for kids/adults/seniors with mobility challenges? Sensory challenges? Access to washrooms? Access to technology or adaptive devices (e.g. many programs ban cell phone use but for some people they rely on their phones as life-saving treatment devices)? 

  • Are there programs for ESL speakers, or welcoming to those with basic English skills?

  • Are all programs welcoming to 2SLGBTQIA+ people?

Castanet
Active Living Centre/Kin Racetrack Park

I'm a kinesiologist, clinical exercise physiologist, and rehab consultant by trade, so I am always interested in supporting recreational infrastructure and facility upgrades in the city. The more space created for people to exercise increases everyone's quality of life, and increases a sense of community, a physical activity hub, for everyone to participate in, together.

I'm also big on ensuring that all facilities are planned with an accessibility lens: does the layout support mobility challenges? Does the layout support people with sensory challenges? Would the materials create too much echo? Are the washrooms and change rooms trans-inclusive? Can people of all income levels connect here?

The local economy/recovery from the pandemic

Everything related to improving the local economy relates to improving housing. When there is enough housing supply for low and middle-income earners to rent and buy, less people stay in abusive relationships, we have space to attract more skilled workers, we have housing for people seeking to live, work, and play in the same city.

We also need to make it easier for people to do business in Vernon. We should also be following  the Vernon Climate Action plan to retrofit commercial buildings, so that the cost of utilities is decreased.

Retaining our existing businesses can involve free advertising in a local publication, less organizational barriers to acquiring signage or business permits, improve the walkability of commercial streets (constructing sidewalks, adding accessible pedestrian crosswalk signals, free bicycle parking), and consider whether city-wide buy ins for health insurance to reduce operational costs would be feasible. We should also be working with other municipalities in the North Okanagan, Okanagan, and the province, to learn what is working well in other communities as a community roundtable.

Taxation

I would like to transition away from property taxes toward land value taxation, instead. People should not be penalized from adding dwellings to their land.
However, in order for this to take place, we need to get buy-in from other municipalities in the region and approach BC Assessment with a different method of appraising the properties in the city, and trial it for a period of time.

Housing/affordability

The RDNO has recently developed a North Okanagan Regional Housing Strategy. I would prioritize the following actions of this strategy:

Housing Advocacy Resource: Consider the establishment of a North Okanagan Regional Housing Advocate Resource to support the implementation of the Regional Housing Strategy. This resource could:

  • Manage a regional rent bank.

  • Manage government relations (Federal, Province and First Nations)

  • Convene round tables with stakeholders for information sharing, sharing successful case studies

  • Produce a report card on inputs and outputs re housing issues

  • Create and manage an inventory of municipal / regional / public / non-profit lands available for

  • housing.

  • Identify and support regulations and incentive programs that preserve and protect existing rental housing.

  • Ensure that the current provincial Rent Supplement Programs including SAFER and RAP, are well publicized in all RDNO communities.

Land Inventory: The ability to identify land that may be made available for affordable housing projects is important information in order to create a more affordable housing supply. A regional inventory of municipal, regional, and non- profit land could be used as the basis to explore the opportunity to develop a long- term funding strategy with BC. Housing through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Infill Housing: Implement zoning amendments to permit infill housing, laneway houses, coach houses or garden suites. These housing forms provide a means of creating additional rental housing units in existing neighborhoods or increased density in new subdivisions.


Secondary Suites: Implement zoning amendments to permit secondary suites in all single-family zones. This policy is intended to ensure gentle densification in single-family neighborhoods and to provide more rental options for low-and moderate-income households.

Crime

Crime is a response to a lack of personal needs being met, whether that’s inaccessible housing, inaccessible mental health support, and lack of social support.
I would like to find a way for us to subsidize/review the Downtown Ambassadors program, as a city staff person told me recently that they had very few applicants this year. I would also like to take a poll to learn if a SafeWalk program would be desired.
I would like to partner with our MLA to review how we can increase funding for Interior Health positions so that our Cammy Lafleur clinic and supervised consumption site can be open more than 2-3 hours in the afternoon on weekdays.

North Okanagan Cycling Society
1) What is your vision of mountain biking in our community?

I love mountain biking, I love mountain biking here, and I want to continue to grow the sport and keep building the North Okanagan as the destination for all things related to shredding the trails!

2) What action do you plan to take in the next four years to support mountain biking?

Your report states that you have had a Rec Sites and Trails proposal for about 7 years now and that you want someone to partner with elected officials to make this happen. I would be honoured to do this! Not only does it pertain to one of my own interests, but I would reach out to my former association, the North Shore Mountain Biking Association (NSMBA), for help in this regard. I know they had similar troubles getting permits to build trails which crossed BC Parks land, CMHC land, and District of North Vancouver land. Please contact me after the election because I want to help with this, no matter the election outcome.

3) Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?

I took the trail building days level 1 course through the NSMBA yet I have only done two trail building days. Are there any trail building days that are open to women/non-binary folx, queer people, and people of colour? Mountain biking and adventure sports in general have historically not been known for their inclusivity, and I would like to help create that space. I would also like to work with you on creating accessible trails for those riding adaptive mountain bikes. It would also be great if we can get someone to run a workshop to help build adaptive mountain bikes, as they are quite expensive. Perhaps we could partner with Ventures or CRIS.

4) If elected, what support would you provide to both NOCS and the trails in the area (please be specific)?

Consider me your ally in helping the trails in Ellison and Kal Park to become sanctioned.

5) Would you support the creation of a mountain bike skills park? If so, how would you do this?

100%! A mountain bike skills park is perfect for building mountain biking literacy and provides great fun for kids, teens, adults, and families alike. I was disappointed that it was not included in the Kin Race Track park redevelopment, as I did support it in the public survey distributed earlier this year. 


I would consult with you to determine which locations have already been researched and seek your expert input on what’s needed in optimal site selection, and then help with the work in approaching different governmental groups. Could we build it at the Ellison Campground (south of Okanagan Landing Road, not from the current lot at the Blister’s Sister trailhead)? Has the OKIB been asked if they would like to build it? There have been very successful trail projects built by various BC indigenous groups. This helps more riders build more respect with the land, and deepen their bond with nature, beyond the camaraderie and adrenaline rush.

Here are some examples of Indigenous mountain biking projects:

https://www.travel-british-columbia.com/blog/syexw-choleqw-adventure-park-bc-biking-and-beyond/


https://www.mountainlifemedia.ca/2021/08/first-journey-trails-in-indigenous-communities-the-benefits-of-biking-go-beyond-economic/?fbclid=IwAR1ZWtwXHXA7vnw92zWEoKu-71IQUtoEfYeqK0-uBQwX6EwcntIdK5vtYFc

Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce
1) Many residents say they don’t feel safe being downtown while businesses throughout Vernon are experiencing safety and security issues. What are you going to do to address that situation?

It’s a common concern with many aspects.
Polling residents to query whether they would want a Safewalk program to be created, would be worthwhile. Our downtown ambassadors program operates only in the summer months, and speaking with city staff, informed me that there were very few applicants this year.

Many businesses close early downtown, which means that there aren’t many people walking around at night. The more abandoned a neighbourhood feels, the more people will express safety concerns. Working with the Downtown Vernon Association to learn what solutions they have done research on, and then ensuring those get put into place could also help.

Advocating the provincial government to get an increase in funding to have our supervised consumption site and harm reduction sites open for a longer duration could help, as they are staffed by Interior Health.
Ensuring that everyone in Vernon has a place to live could also help.

2) If elected to Vernon council, what will you do differently to provide businesses the best chance of success?
  • I would like to see the business directory include designations if they are Queer-friendly, and friendly for people with mobility and/or sensory challenges, as well as which ones allow public bathroom use

  • There needs to be a bigger effort to get residents to spend time downtown. The closed off block on 30th Ave was far more lively this summer, but outside of retailers, we need to build our brand as a city, better. Our slogan as a city “Activate Life” should be prominent, so that it’s clear if people choose to establish their business here, they get to live where others vacation.That being said, I have heard from a lot of people that they don’t want the city to attract more people, to detract from its small-town charm. 

  • We should also be working with the Vernon Climate Action plan to retrofit commercial buildings, so that the cost of utilities is decreased.

  • Retaining our existing businesses can involve free advertising in a local publication, less organizational barriers to acquiring signage or business permits, improve the walkability of commercial streets (constructing sidewalks, adding accessible pedestrian crosswalk signals, free bicycle parking), and consider whether city-wide buy ins for health insurance to reduce operational costs would be feasible. We should also be working with other municipalities in the North Okanagan, Okanagan, and the province, to learn what is working well in other communities as a community roundtable. 

  • We could also look to existing organizations like the UBCM and see which of the resolutions we could enact, or, lean into support from.
    https://www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/who-we-are/mous-agreements-protocols/memorandum-understanding-local-government-financial

  • To assist businesses in the medium term, the city needs to look at different models of revenue for the city. Most of our revenue comes from property taxes, business and construction permits, and other fees (parking meters, special events, etc). The more revenue that our city has, the more grants and funding the city can offer to support businesses in their vulnerable medium term. Most businesses that survive >5 years will remain in business, but many businesses fold before the 3 year mark. Groups like Community Futures North Okanagan can provide wage subsidies to new businesses however, there needs to be a central resource for Vernon businesses to learn about what types of funding from the city may be available.

From the 2021 Vernon City Council By-Election

Sustainable Environment Network Society (SENS) All-Candidates Forum
Question 1: "What have you already done to help all of us and make a difference to our community? What will you NOW do to make a difference and help protect our environment and human health?"
  • I co-wrote a submission to the British Columbia provincial government, to the Finance Committee, to request forestry reform be included in the 2022-23 budget considerations. The main takeaways from the request were to phase out old-growth logging and forest clear cutting, as these practices make forest fires spread more rapidly. I wrote an article about it here: https://stephaniehendy.ca/commentary/ (see “BC Finance Committee – Submission on Forestry Reform”).

  • I was involved in organizing the RBC Day of Action event in Vernon on Friday October 29th. This was a coordinated peaceful protest across Canada to draw attention to RBC being the largest financial backer of the oil & gas industry in Canada, and 5th largest in the world.

  • I am the chair of the Vernon-Monashee BC Greens riding association. I work with a talented group of volunteers to help build the BC Greens energy in the region, so that we can work toward electing more representatives from our region who will work toward building a Just Transition for our province in the legislative assembly.

  • I will push for high density housing that builds community and doesn’t interrupt the skyline, by way of advocating for the construction of temporary modular housing, cooperative rental housing, and a cohousing community. We need to build more livable communities.

  • I will support infrastructure that encourages people to commute by foot, by bicycle, scooter, wheelchair, and public transportation. I will also push to create a cooperative car sharing network.

Question 2: "How do you plan to ensure the rapid implementation of Vernon's Climate Action Plan?"
  • I will push for high density housing that builds community and doesn’t interrupt the skyline, by way of advocating for the construction of temporary modular housing, cooperative rental housing, and a cohousing community. We need to build more livable communities.

  • I will support infrastructure that encourages people to commute by foot, by bicycle, scooter, wheelchair, and public transportation. I will also push to create a cooperative car sharing network.

  • I will inform the residents of the City of Vernon and the Regional District of the North Okanagan about available financial incentives to use the BC Energy Step Code for new home construction and renovations — tying into reducing emissions from heating our buildings (from page 11 of the Climate Action Plan).

  • Support electric vehicle infrastructure such as the installation of Level 2 charging stations in rental and owner apartment complexes, shopping centres, and commercial areas within the city (e.g. Downtown Vernon parking lots, movie theatres, sport facilities).

  • Price out a residential compost pick up plan through existing services so that people don’t have to drive their compost to the bins around the city.

  • Work toward all of the short-term and medium-term actions contained within the Climate Action Plan which were listed as organizational goals (identify and support vulnerable populations, electrify fleets, conserve water, help people reduce flood risk, help people plan for emergencies, and more).

Question 3: "The Official Community Plan 2013 calls for the protection and preservation of green spaces and sensitive areas, a comprehensive parks system that provides green spaces for people and protects natural areas and habitats, the protection of agricultural land, and the revitalization of the Vernon's City Centre as the key redevelopment area in the city. How do you see the balance between that and opening up greenfield areas (land that had never been used before for building) for development?"
  • The Official Community Plan (OCP) also calls for more “strong, compact, and complete neighbourhoods” so that people don’t have to spend so much time commuting.
    Rather than adding new development to greenfield areas, new developments should be denser than older buildings that they replace. More than half of Vernon’s housing is comprised of single-family homes. Compared to more population-dense areas like Port Moody (32% of their dwellings are single family homes) and North Vancouver (15% of their dwellings are single family homes), Vernon could be benefit from replacing the single-family homes with denser housing developments.

  • Vernon’s City Centre also contains a lot of unused space which can be used for housing. These spaces would be ideal for temporary modular housing, rental housing co-operatives, and seniors’ housing developments, so that those who are least likely to be able to afford vehicular transportation can have a walkable neighbourhood. This also reduces the environmental impact of people driving throughout the city.

  • I would support this policy: “5.8 Discourage the development of new low density greenfield residential subdivisions. When additional lands are needed in the future to meet population growth, ensure that new development is designed to meet the Guiding Principles, as well as the Regional Growth Strategy's goal of developing compact, complete communities.”

  • All greenfield land should be maintained at its original purpose: agricultural, forest, and recreational uses. Where possible, these spaces can be revitalized to provide more wildlife and fire protection, as well as recreational space for people with diverse needs (e.g. wheelchair accessible, simple navigation options/wayfinding, etc).
    Wayfinding could also provide a means for more art installations throughout the city to strengthen the bond between the arts community and our environment (see here for a good definition of “wayfinding”: https://segd.org/what-wayfinding).

  • The City of Vernon should also be involving members of the Okanagan Indian Band to guide us in the way to best steward the land. The City exists on their stolen land and since they are required to do the majority of their commerce and employment within the City, OKIB should be invited and included in future greenfield planning to support the cause of Indigenous reconciliation.

Question 4: "Keeping in mind the recent local climate impact of wildfires and floods, the city now has professional advice (eg, new Flood Mapping Study, recent Community Wildfire Protection Plan) on restricting development in areas identified as vulnerable to these threats. How would you balance these restrictions with the push by developers to add housing in some of these areas?"
  • No development on lands susceptible to fire and flood damage. No development on lands which increase urban sprawl. No single dwellings unless they are part of a co-op rental housing or cohousing development. If we do not have land to buffer fires, feed our residents, and provide clean drinking water, then we will all be displaced to somewhere that does. All development must occur in infill areas and be comprised of cluster/compact development.

Question 5: "The City's adopted Master Transportation Plan emphasizes more trips to be made by walking, cycling, transit and carpooling (collectively known as active transportation) instead of in a single occupant vehicle (SOV). Do you have any suggestions or concerns about this plan?"
  • I support the Master Transportation Plan sub plans and strategies however, I think that the targets could be more aggressive. Projected targets for 2040 should be SOV 40%,Transit 10%, Walking 15%, Cycling 20%, Carpooling 15%.

Question 6: "What do you see as the pros and cons of developing bylaws that require builders to meet the requirements of the BC Energy Step Code (a single provincial standard for achieving more energy-efficient buildings)?"
  • Pros: moving toward net-zero buildings and slowing down environmental damage caused by buildings, less costly to heat and operate buildings which incorporate the code, move toward making the whole City of Vernon achieve net-zero

  • Cons: new buildings are constructed more slowly as developers face delays in construction when applying for financial incentive programs provided through the provincial government

Question 7: "Many developers build large, expensive homes, distant from the town's core, to make money – they're twice the size they were in the '60's, require much more 'stuff' to fill them, and don't support the need to densify for smarter growth and to reduce car dependency as specified by our OCP. Families and those who grew up here cannot afford to stay and work here.  Businesses now can't get staff and must adjust hours of operation or close.  What will you do to support affordable housing?"
  • I will push for high density housing that builds community and doesn’t interrupt the skyline, by way of advocating for the construction of temporary modular housing, cooperative rental housing, and a cohousing community.

Castanet
Taxes

The only taxes which are collected at the municipal level are property taxes. Organizations which add to the community such as cultural or recreational centres are permitted to request a permissive tax exemption. It would be worth researching whether replacing property taxes with a land value tax would provide more utility to the community and encourage better land use planning.

Highway bypass for Vernon - yes/no, where?

No, we do not need a highway bypass for Vernon. A highway bypass would increase vehicle traffic through the city. The construction required would be disruptive to the existing city traffic and infrastructure, it would destroy the environment by encouraging more vehicle use, and it would decrease access to surrounding businesses.

Homelessness

Build high density temporary modular housing to adopt a Housing First strategy. People need to be supported with a safe place to live before they can lift themselves out of extreme poverty, and receive the lifestyle supports they need. Many homeless people also have disabilities and their income assistance is not enough to cover housing, food, medications, and support.

Crime

Adopting a Housing First strategy and working on creating a safe supply will reduce crime significantly. The BC Government recently applied to the Government of Canada to decriminalize illicit drugs. This application was supported by the City of Kamloops, the First Nations Health Authority, the RCMP “E” Division (British Columbia), and the Union of BC Municipalities. Should this proceed, the City of Vernon would also see a reduction in crime.

Pandemic response/restrictions

I support the provincial’s governments’ response to the pandemic overall however, I believe it has been too reactionary and not pro-active. We should not have removed the indoor mask mandate over Summer 2021. The restrictions which are now in place are what we need to proceed into a safer community.

Where do you stand on mandatory vaccinations? Should the city/council mandate the same?

Anyone that works in the company of other people should be vaccinated. Yes, the city and council should mandate the same. We all live in the same community, and we owe it to each other to look after everyone who lives in Vernon.

Active living centre/cultural centre - proceed with big projects?

Yes, we should proceed with the construction of the Active Living Centre and Greater Vernon Cultural Centre. Both of these projects benefit the health of the community.

Vernon Matters
I would like to know more about you (where are you from, how long have you lived in Vernon)

I’m from Vancouver, born and raised, and I have lived in Vernon for 4 months. I moved here to support my outdoor active lifestyle.

What you do professionally

I work as a kinesiologist and clinical exercise physiologist at a clinic in downtown Vernon.

Your past political experience

I ran in the provincial election last year in my riding at that time, Vancouver-Langara.

I also have extensive experience in governmental advocacy for people with type 1 diabetes: I was instrumental in having the age-restriction removed for government-funded insulin pumps, and I advised advocates in their approach to have continuous glucose monitors covered in British Columbia. Both of these were successful.

and what you believe you could bring to the Council Chamber.

I would support council in making decisions that most positively affect the health of our city.

I am interested to know your stance on City Services

Vernon has some great City Services and the Official Community Plan combined with the Climate Action Plan are fantastic targets.

To aid in supporting the above plans, I would like to price out a city-wide compost pick up service, and create a co-op car sharing program. I will support BC Transit upgrades that were recommended following the community engagement which occurred over the summer. I would support extending the hours of the Downtown Primary Care Centre to include evenings and weekends. I would support denoting our business catalogues to identify businesses which are Queer-friendly, BIPOC-owned, and accessible for people with disabilities (whether movement, sensory, or cognitive-related).

climate action

I love the Climate Action Plan that was drafted in 2019. I would seek to enact it through housing and infrastructure upgrades. This would include revitalizing greenfield land to provide more wildlife and fire protection, as well as recreational space for people with diverse needs (e.g. wheelchair accessible, simple navigation options/wayfinding, etc), prioritizing new developments to be denser and utilize infill land for such projects, adding more Level 2 charging stations for electric vehicles in high-density housing complexes, and supporting buildings in using BC’s Energy Step Code.

combatting COVID-19

I support the province’s governments’ response to the pandemic overall however, I believe it has been too reactionary and not pro-active. We should not have removed the indoor mask mandate over Summer 2021. The restrictions which are now in place are what we need to proceed into a safer community. I support the current system of requiring masks and vaccinations for all indoor spaces which are deemed “optional” (restaurants, gyms, social events, etc).

housing (both affordability and stock)

I will push for high density housing that builds community and doesn’t interrupt the skyline, by way of advocating for the construction of temporary modular housing, cooperative rental housing, and a cohousing community. We need to build more livable communities.

homelessness

Build high density temporary modular housing to adopt a Housing First strategy. People need to be supported with a safe place to live before they can lift themselves out of extreme poverty, and receive the lifestyle supports they need. Many homeless people also have disabilities and their income assistance is not enough to cover housing, food, medications, and support.

policing and crime

Adopting a Housing First strategy and working on creating a safe supply will reduce crime significantly. The BC Government recently applied to the Government of Canada to decriminalize illicit drugs. This application was supported by the City of Kamloops, the First Nations Health Authority, the RCMP “E” Division (British Columbia), and the Union of BC Municipalities. Should this proceed, the City of Vernon would also see a reduction in crime.

As far as policing, I support defunding the police. I believe that the funds would be better utilized to hire more community support nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and community mental health workers. I am not in favour of supporting a system that was created to subjugate Indigenous Peoples.

I would also like to know how, if elected, you would vote on the afore mentioned matters and how you believe that would serve Vernonites

I see a lot of people whose needs are not being met, either through inability to access safe housing or transition their type of housing, employment that does not pay high wages, food insecurity, and climate devastation. All of my choices will be guided through a health lens, aimed at increasing the health and vitality of Vernonites. Our community health must be the top priority for all decision-makers in the city, and in the region.

A Concerned Citizen asks about an Anti-Racism Policy
The question I received to my email was: "Would you support a motion to implement an anti-racism policy for the City of Vernon – yes or no?"

My response was the following: "Yes, I would support such a motion.

It would take very little time to adopt the Lidstone Anti-Racism Policy framework for the City of Vernon, and I do believe that the Bullying and Harassment policy does not speak enough to Anti-Racism measures. We should also be joining the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities against Racism & Discrimination.

Much like Councillor Fehr, I also cannot believe that this was up for debate and defeated back in July 2020.

While you did not ask for my stance on other frameworks, I would also support any motions to add more detail into anti-discrimination policies and actions to support people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (hereby referred to as "Queer") and/or those who identify as a person with a disability (hereby referred to as "PWDs"). We need to create safe communities, governments, and businesses for Queer, PWDs, and BIPOC people who live in Vernon. It is not inclusion to be tolerated, we must invite everyone in to be heard."